SINGAPORE – March 18, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – AdsDrama, a digital platform focused on short drama content and online advertising, has introduced an ecosystem designed to integrate content distribution, advertising services, and user participation. The launch comes as short-form video continues to expand globally, shaping how content is consumed and monetized across digital channels. What Is AdsDrama? AdsDrama (https://www.adsdrama.com) is a platform centered on short drama marketing and digital advertising monetization. It connects content creators, advertisers, and users through a structured system intended to support content distribution and advertising delivery. Unlike traditional content platforms where users primarily consume media, AdsDrama incorporates a participation-based model. Users can engage with certain platform functions related to content promotion and advertising processes. The platform operates through a structured framework designed to simplify user access and participation. User Onboarding New users can register and access an introductory interface that presents the platform’s core features, including its advertising workflows and operational structure. This step is intended to provide a general understanding of how the platform functions. Participation Through Structured Levels After onboarding, users may choose to access different participation levels. Each level provides access to specific platform features, which may include: Defined activity parameters Access to advertising-related tasks System-based allocation of activities The platform indicates that certain processes are managed through internal systems that handle distribution and performance tracking. Automated Advertising System AdsDrama utilizes a data-driven system to distribute short drama content across various digital channels, including: Social media platforms Short video networks Other online content distribution channels The platform states that it applies audience targeting and traffic allocation tools to support content visibility. Revenue Model According to AdsDrama, the platform incorporates multiple revenue streams as part of its business model: Online advertising revenue derived from ad placements and traffic distribution Content monetization, including paid access to selected short drama content Brand collaborations, such as sponsored content and integrations IP commercialization through licensing and content expansion Technology services related to advertising delivery and data optimization The company states that this diversified structure is intended to support ongoing platform development. Key Features of AdsDrama Data-Driven Optimization AdsDrama reports that it uses analytics and performance tracking tools to monitor advertising campaigns and refine delivery strategies. Structured Financial System The platform describes a multi-layer account system designed to manage user balances, which may include: Available balances Processing stages Pending allocations This structure is intended to support internal accounting processes and system organization. Standardized Withdrawal Mechanism AdsDrama indicates that it applies standardized procedures for withdrawals within its operational framework, aiming to streamline processing and reduce administrative complexity. Why AdsDrama Is Growing Industry trends may help explain the emergence of platforms such as AdsDrama: Growth of short-form content, as short video and serialized formats continue to attract broad audiences Expansion of digital advertising, with businesses increasing spending on online channels Gradual shift toward participation-based models, where users engage beyond passive content consumption Is AdsDrama Worth Exploring? AdsDrama may be relevant to individuals and organizations interested in: Digital advertising platforms Content distribution models Emerging forms of online engagement As with any platform, users are encouraged to review publicly available information and consider potential risks before engaging. AdsDrama represents an approach that combines short-form content with digital advertising infrastructure and user-facing features. As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, platforms of this kind reflect ongoing experimentation in content distribution and monetization models. Media contact Brand: AdsDrama LTD Contact: Media team Website: https://www.adsdrama.com
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by: eqs
Xunce Technology 3317.HK: Why is Vertical Data the Token ‘Efficiency Booster’ in the AI Inference Era?
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 18/03/2026 / 10:53 UTC+8 Recently, while NVIDIA's GTC 2026 conference mapped out the "Trillion Token Factory" blueprint, a deeper question is fermenting: When the whole world is busy producing Tokens, who guarantees these Tokens burn worthily? Jensen Huang released a key signal: in the deep-water area where AI moves from training to inference, the golden mineral of data centers is shifting from traditional databases processing structured data to AI engines processing unstructured data. Pure computing power stacking is giving way to "data refining" to become effective Tokens. Xunce Technology, this company deeply cultivating real-time data infrastructure construction and analysis for many years, is redefining the input-output ratio of Token investment in the AI era through vertical industry data as "Token efficiency boosters." From "Training" to "Inference": The Game Rules Have Changed The evolution of AI has entered a new stage. In the previous two years, everyone competed on training—whoever had more GPUs could refine larger models. But today, the protagonist has become inference. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang repeatedly emphasized in his GTC speech that future AI must be able to "infer"—able to reflect, able to think, able to plan. This means AI is no longer just generating content based on prompts, but must, like humans, deconstruct problems, deduce paths, and make decisions. But the problem follows: in the inference stage, AI's consumption of Tokens rises exponentially, but the requirement for result quality no longer depends on Tokens themselves, but on effective Tokens. The "Brute Force Dilemma" of General AI: Trading Computing Power for Precision Current general-purpose AI, when improving inference precision, universally adopts the strategy of trading computing power for precision—popularly speaking, using brute force to "gamble" on results. Typical inference large models, in order to select the optimal solution from multiple possibilities, often pre-generate several candidate options, then score them one by one, finally picking the one with the highest score as the answer. This mechanism sounds rigorous, but the cost is: every step of inference must take several more "detours." The bigger problem is that inference itself carries the risk of failure. Once the inference chain breaks midway, or the finally selected answer is judged unqualified, the massive amount of Tokens invested earlier will be voided—no reusable value, or "residual value" that can be recovered. This is a common challenge of general AI frameworks: When facing complex tasks, Token consumption rises linearly, while effects often hover in a downward channel. The Solution of Vertical AI: Installing an "External Brain" for Large Models with Data The answer Xunce gives is to do "subtraction." The core of vertical AI solutions is using industry data to provide an "external brain" for large models. The function of this external brain is to use business models to optimize inference paths, helping large models in advance judge which paths are passable and which are dead ends. This mechanism is called "workflow model guided inference." Its operating logic is: before Tokens begin large-scale consumption, first have vertical industry business models do a round of "feasibility pre-judgment" based on many years of accumulated high-quality, high-net-worth, scenario-based vertical industry data. Xunce is equivalent to drawing an "avoid-pit map" for large models. The value of this map lies in: It makes AI take fewer detours, or even no detours. When general AI still relies on "trial and error" to approach correct answers, Xunce's users have already directly stood on the cornerstone of high-purity data, using less Token consumption to exchange for higher-precision business results. The Business Logic of "Efficiency Booster": Token Unit Price Determined by Market, Token "Effectiveness" Determined by Data Token unit price is determined by chip computing power costs and market supply-demand relationships—this point no company can control. But Token "effectiveness"—that is, the business value each unit of Token can produce—can be determined by data quality. This is precisely the core logic of the "Token efficiency booster": It is not a "producer" of Tokens, but an "amplifier" of Token value. Under the same computing power costs, high-quality data can make every Token burn more worthily; under the same Token budget, high-purity data can let users obtain higher output certainty. This means a tangible financial model change: computing power costs are becoming increasingly transparent, buying computing power is like buying electricity—prices converge, no differentiation to compete on. But data is different—data has memory, has scenarios, has compound interest effects. Data used today can still be used tomorrow; business logic precipitated today can make models smarter tomorrow. From "Measurement" to "Efficiency Boosting": The Compound Interest of Vertical Data is Being Released Xunce has long insisted on deep cultivation in professional Vertical Data modeling and development fields, with its R&D results embodied in technical platforms at different stages. And the popularization of generative AI technology is accelerating the release of these accumulated values. AI computing power optimization by Token flow metering is one of the important application scenarios for professional Vertical Data services. As the ecosystem evolves, Tokens will also achieve cross-application, cross-scenario universality—consumable for both computing power scheduling and optimizing vertical models and high-frequency data calls. The better users' effects in training vertical models, the less Tokens consumed, the more precise business results produced, the deeper their dependence on Xunce, and the higher the switching costs. This is not only an upgrade of the business model, but also a competitive barrier based on data compound interest. Conclusion NVIDIA used "Token Factory" to define the future of AI computing power, while Xunce Technology is using "Token efficiency booster" to redefine the value of AI data. When computing power converges and models open-source, what truly determines AI business returns will no longer be the "output volume" of computing power stacking, but the "output volume" of data refining. In the tide of the Token economy, there are many companies that can help users "save money," but the company that can make users "get more value for every penny spent" is the ultimate winner. And this, perhaps, is exactly what the capital market expects from Xunce Technology's "growth certainty." 18/03/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: jenn
57 Years Later, the ‘Dune 3’ Trailer Alters the Books in Two Major Ways
Legendary/Warner BrosThe preview posters and new trailer refer to Dune: Part Three identically: “The Epic Conclusion.” For long-time fans of Frank Herbert’s original six Dune novels, this line—if taken literally—comes as a shock. After devoting two full films to adapting the first 1965 Dune novel, could the third entry somehow squeeze books two through six (encompassing roughly 5,000 years of future history) into a single movie? The quick answer is no. Based on the newly unveiled character posters and the recently dropped teaser trailer, Dune: Part Three is an adaptation of the second Dune novel, 1969’s Dune Messiah.But since the film is marketed as “the conclusion,” it already seems to alter the original books in two significant ways. Given the 1976 release of Children of Dune, labeling any adaptation of Dune Messiah as the “conclusion” is a bit like claiming The Empire Strikes Back wraps up the Star Wars saga. In truth, billing this movie as the end of “the Dune Trilogy” might signal a major departure from the source material. Or could it not? Let’s dig briefly into the sand to untangle this.Dissecting the Dune: Part Three Trailer The Dune 3 trailer diverges from what a direct adaptation of Messiah would look like in multiple ways. For one, a large chunk of the trailer centers on the details of Paul’s galaxy-spanning holy war—a plot point that plays out mostly off-page between Dune and Dune Messiah. Put simply, Dune 3 is explicitly depicting events that aren’t shown in real-time in the books.Additionally, Dune 3’s timeline is disjointed. The trailer features Alia (Anya Taylor-Joy) as a fully grown adult—something that doesn’t occur until Children of Dune. This adds to a continuity puzzle already introduced by Dune: Part Two: Alia hadn’t even been born in that film, yet in Dune: Part Three, she’s an adult. How much time will elapse in this movie? In the Dune Messiah novel, Alia is a teenager.That being said, the trailer does hint at several key events that are essential for adapting Messiah’s main plot points. Paul and Chani talk about naming their children, Ghanima and Leto II. At the same time, Duncan Idaho makes a return as Hayt, a ghola clone of the original deceased Duncan who holds onto memories from the first Dune.Even so, if Dune: Part Three doesn’t incorporate elements from Children of Dune and only adapts Dune Messiah, it would stray from the books in two key respects: The timeline is now vastly different, and it’s framing the first two books as the entirety of the “Dune Trilogy.”All of this feels like a spicy breach of lore—unless, of course, Denis Villeneuve has a surprise in store.Is Dune 3 Secretly Adapting Children of Dune?Duncan Idaho returns as Hayt in Dune 3. | Legendary/Warner Bros.The only way Dune: Part Three could legitimately claim to be the conclusion of the “Dune Trilogy” is if it weaves in elements from Children of Dune and blends them with Dune Messiah’s story. Interestingly, there’s a strong precedent for this: The 2003 SyFy Channel miniseries Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune did exactly that—its first episode covered a condensed Messiah, while the rest of the series adapted Children of Dune in full.Beyond Alia’s age, Paul’s story doesn’t actually conclude in Dune Messiah—and that second book is the shortest of Herbert’s original Dune novels. At the trailer’s end, Paul says he isn’t ready to die yet. Spoiler: He doesn’t truly pass away until the third book, Children of Dune—a fact that will make die-hard spice fans think, maybe, just maybe, Dune 3 is adapting two books into one film. If Dune 3 does cover both Messiah and Children of Dune, it will align with the first book trilogy—which many still consider the true “Dune Trilogy.” Dune: Part III hits theaters on December 18, 2026.The Spice Must FlowAmazon -
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by: emer
Chuangxin Industries Announces 2025 Annual Results
Financial Highlights:For the full year of 2025, the Company recorded revenue of approximately RMB 18.681 billion, representing a YoY increase of approximately 23.2%.Net profit attributable to the parent company was approximately RMB 2.731 billion, representing a YoY increase of approximately 32.8%.Earnings per share reached approximately RMB 1.75, representing a 27.7% YoY growth.The Board has proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.77 per share, totaling approximately HKD 1.598 billion.HONG KONG, Mar 18, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - 17 March 2026, Chuangxin Industries Holdings Limited (“Chuangxin Industries” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 02788.HK) is pleased to announce its audited annual results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2025 (the “Reporting Period”). During the Reporting Period, the Company achieved revenue of approximately RMB 18.681 billion, representing a YoY increase of about 23.2%. Net profit attributable to the parent company was approximately RMB 2.731 billion, up 32.8% YoY, and earnings per share were approximately RMB 1.75, representing a 27.7% YoY growth. The Board has proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.77 per share, totaling approximately HKD 1.598 billion.Meanwhile, on 13 February 2026, Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited announced the results of its quarterly review of the Hang Seng Family of Indexes for the period ended 31 December 2025. Chuangxin Industries has been selected as a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Composite Index (HSCI), with the adjustment officially taking effect on 9 March 2026. As a key benchmark in the Hong Kong capital market, the HSCI maintains rigorous selection criteria, requiring constituents to meet multiple standards including market capitalisation and liquidity. The index covers the top 95% of companies by total market capitalisation listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and is widely followed by investors. This inclusion signifies the capital market’s full recognition of the Company’s market capitalisation scale and liquidity level, which will help further expand its investor base, attract more participation from Mainland Chinese capital, and enhance stock liquidity and market visibility.Advantages of Industrial Chain Integration Emerge, Profitability Leads Industry StandardsAgainst the backdrop of global primary aluminium prices reaching a three-year high and widespread cost pressures across the industry in 2025, the Company’s integrated industrial chain layout for electrolytic aluminium demonstrated exceptional risk resistance and profit resilience. Leveraging its “energy, alumina refining and aluminium smelting” integrated ecosystem, the Company’s current alumina and electricity self-sufficiency capacity covered 100% of its production and operations, effectively stabilizing production costs within a range minimally affected by market fluctuations. The Company currently operates a comprehensive aluminium smelter and an alumina refinery in Inner Mongolia and Shandong, with annual production capacities of 788,100 tons and 1.2 million tons respectively. It also possesses 2.98 million tons of aluminium hydroxide capacity, targeting an annual alumina capacity of 3 million tons. Relying on stable power provided by its captive power plants and the geographical advantage of proximity to bauxite import ports, the Company has mitigated the impact of external market price fluctuations on its operations.As of the end of 2025, the Company’s annual electrolytic aluminium labour productivity per capita reached as high as 670 tons, far exceeding the industry average of 300 to 400 tons per capita. This deep integration and scale effect across the entire industrial chain have positioned the Company at the forefront of Chinese aluminium smelting enterprises in terms of total cost management per ton of aluminium, building a highly competitive “economic moat” for profitability.Green Energy and Technological Upgrades Drive Further Improvements in ProfitabilityThe Company identifies “green and low-carbon” and “technological upgrades” as the core drivers for high-quality development. As of the end of 2025, the Company completed the construction of wind power plants with an installed capacity of 640 MW and solar power plants with an installed capacity of 110 MW. Green energy accounted for approximately 43% of total installed capacity and is expected to exceed 50% in 2026, far surpassing national industrial policy requirements. This not only significantly reduces the carbon footprint of production but also effectively lowers long-term energy costs.Meanwhile, the Company has comprehensively promoted the refined management of production technology, achieving intelligent control of the production process through the upgrade and transformation of cell control systems and automatic production line for aluminium ingot, as well as the installation of automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods. During the Reporting Period, the Company completed several core technology upgrades, including the recovery of waste heat from electrolytic flue gas and fully graphitized cathode retrofitting. This dual empowerment of technology and green initiatives has made the Company’s aluminium products a preferred choice in the international market, precisely meeting the low-carbon transition needs of industries such as lightweight automotive and 3C electronics, further expanding the high-end application market.Active Layout of Global Development Strategy to Enhance International CompetitivenessAs China’s electrolytic aluminium smelting capacity approaches the policy limit and overseas demand for downstream aluminium products continues to rise, the Company is actively responding to the Belt and Road Initiative. The Company is focusing on a global layout by orderly promoting overseas integrated projects with resource and energy advantages. As of the end of 2025, the Saudi project has made key progress both in regulatory approvals and site construction, with work commencing successively. Currently in the early construction stage, these overseas strategic layouts will drive global business growth and help achieve the vision of becoming a green aluminium industry group in the global market.Greening the Globe, Leading the Future: Building a New Modern Green Electrolytic Aluminium EcosystemLooking ahead, the Company will anchor its vision of “building a green aluminium industry group in the global market,” deepening its low-carbon transition and global layout. The Company will continue to increase the share of wind, solar and other green electricity in its energy mix, and achieve a breakthrough in energy efficiency by accelerating technological upgrades and digital-intelligent transformation, driving production toward ultra-low energy consumption. Concurrently, the Company will accelerate the implementation of overseas projects and extend the industrial chain upstream to build an autonomous and controllable global resource guarantee system. In deepening its ESG practices, the Company will balance economic benefits with social responsibility, utilizing technological innovation and talent pipelines as core drivers to forge a modern aluminium industry system with international competitiveness and guide the industry toward a higher level of sustainable development.About Chuangxin Industries Holdings LimitedChuangxin Industries Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 02788.HK), established in 2012 and listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in November 2025, is an integrated production enterprise focusing on the upstream of the aluminium industrial chain-alumina refining and electrolytic aluminium smelting. The Company has strategically established production bases in Huolinguole, Inner Mongolia, and Binzhou, Shandong, creating an integrated ecosystem covering “energy, alumina refining and aluminium smelting.” The Company’s ability to manage the total costs of aluminium per ton ranked among the top of all aluminium smelting companies in China and was competitive on a global scale. The Company is committed to sustainable development and the continuous advancement of its integrated electrolytic aluminium ecosystem. By leveraging its cost advantages and bolstering R&D investment, the Company aims to enhance its competitiveness and market standing. Furthermore, it strives to mitigate carbon emissions across the value chain, with the ultimate long-term goal of achieving a comprehensive green business transformation.Chuangxin Industries’ Official Website: https://en.innovationigi.com/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
How to Watch the ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Trailer — Seconds at a Time
Marvel StudiosNearly a year ago, on March 27, 2025, Marvel revealed 27 cast members for Avengers: Doomsday via a tedious five-hour livestream that featured nothing but a set of chairs. Every 15 minutes or so, the camera would shift right, unveiling a new name. Action-packed? Probably not, but Marvel fans still couldn’t talk about anything else all day.Now, a similar approach is being used for the trailer of Spider-Man: Brand New Day—the fourth Spider-Man film in the MCU and the first directed by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton. Here’s everything you need to know about its unique rollout, including when to expect the full trailer.In a social media video, Spider-Man star Tom Holland announced that the Brand New Day trailer will be released shot by shot through various fan accounts. As of writing, only four clips have been shared: one of Spider-Man rescuing a civilian (echoing his debut comic’s cover), one of Peter looking distraught and collapsing, one of him running and jumping off a building, and another of him propelled by his webs. “I’m passing this over to the fans,” Holland said. “This is all about community. This is all about being together. Let’s go.”If you have better things to do than stitch the trailer together bit by bit throughout the day, rest easy— a full trailer is coming. However, it won’t drop until March 18.Spider-Man: Brand New Day will reportedly have a different tone than the previous three movies. | Marvel StudiosThe slow, drip-fed reveal hasn’t stopped fans from speculating. Why does Peter collapse in the second clip? Is he infected with something? Does the debut comic reference mean the film will stick closer to comic book canon? The last time we saw Peter, he used magic to make his secret identity truly hidden again—so Brand New Day is a blank slate for him. Because of that, there’s no way to know how the movie will portray him.At least, not until later today, as fans slowly piece the clips together. If you can’t wait for the full trailer, plenty of fan accounts across all platforms are collecting the shots in one place. The clip timing is inconsistent: the first two were posted 20 minutes apart, but the third took over an hour to arrive. Still, if an unexpected character like the Hulk or the Punisher shows up later today, the wait will have been worth it.Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters on July 31, 2026.
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by: nicole
Market and hospital bombings fuel fears of a resurgence of Boko Haram in Nigeria
Suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Nigeria, left at least 23 people dead and over 100 others injured, officials stated on Tuesday—while a Christian nonprofit leader cautioned that the violence underscores persistent religious persecution.According to the Associated Press, one of the most lethal attacks on Maiduguri in recent memory occurred Monday night, with blasts hitting crowded spots: a key market in Borno State’s capital and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.Nahum Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for Borno State police, noted in a statement that those injured "suffered injuries of different severities" and attributed the attacks to suspected suicide bombers.President Bola Tinubu—who left Nigeria Tuesday for a two-day state trip to the United Kingdom—extended condolences to the victims and directed security leaders to "take control of the situation" in Maiduguri."The Monday attacks were desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups," Tinubu said. "Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down."Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the AP reported that suspicion is focused on the Boko Haram jihadist group— which started an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria in 2009 to impose its extreme interpretation of Sharia law.Since beginning its insurgency, Boko Haram has become more powerful, boasting thousands of fighters and several factions—some linked to the Islamic State organization.The Monday night blasts started around 7:30 PM at the teaching hospital’s entrance. Minutes later, two more explosions occurred: one at Monday Market and another at a nearby post office center, both roughly 2.5 miles away from the hospital.Caleb Jonah, a survivor of the hospital entrance blast, told the AP he sustained injuries to his legs and hands."I was coming to the hospital to check (in on) a patient when I saw two men struggling with the security men at the gate," Jonah said. "Before I could process what was going on I heard the deafening blast and I passed out."Brad Brandon, CEO and founder of Across Nigeria, stated the attack felt personal. Per the group’s website, Across Nigeria aims to transform Nigeria and neighboring regions by sharing God’s love through Jesus Christ."As the CEO and founder of Across Nigeria, these recent attacks in Maiduguri are personal and a stark reminder that the devastating violence continues in northern Nigeria," he said in a statement. "This is the result of radical Islamic groups that are allowed to operate unchecked. The only question is, how many more must be killed, before the world wakes up to the genocide that slaughters thousands of Christians every year.""We condemn these violent acts and the perpetrators who commit them," he added. "We also call on the U.S. Government to intervene and the media to embrace their role in bringing light to the hidden things of darkness."Although Maiduguri has long been a focal point of deadly violence in Nigeria, it has seen relative calm in recent years—even as extremists attack rural areas.Monday’s attack happened less than 24 hours after the Nigerian military fended off militant attacks near Maiduguri.By Tuesday morning, heavy security forces had been sent to the impacted sites and along main roads.
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by: nicole
Rubiourges new leadership for Cuba amid blackouts and unrest
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that American sanctions against Cuba are linked to political reforms on the island, which is currently experiencing extensive power outages, civil unrest, and a deteriorating economic situation.Speaking to reporters at the White House, Rubio asserted, "The embargo is connected to political transformation on the island, to put it simply." He added, "The legislation is codified. Ultimately, their economy is failing. It's an unworkable economy. What they have has persisted due to subsidies from the Soviet Union and more recently from Venezuela. With those subsidies gone, they are in significant difficulty. Those currently in power lack the solutions, necessitating a change in leadership."Rubio's remarks coincide with Cuba grappling with an escalating energy crisis, which has ignited protests and instability.Both U.S. Embassy statements and Cuban officials confirmed that a countrywide power grid failure plunged approximately 10 million individuals into darkness.President Donald Trump suggested his administration is actively involved.Trump informed reporters, "Cuba is currently in a dire state. They are communicating with Marco. We will be taking action regarding Cuba very soon... We are addressing the situation with Cuba."On Monday, Trump intensified his rhetoric against Cuba, stating he anticipated having the "honor" of "acquiring Cuba in some manner" and that he possessed the authority to "do anything I want" with the neighboring nation.A high-ranking State Department official dismissed assertions that American sanctions are causing the humanitarian crisis, remarking, "Extensive power outages have regrettably been a regular occurrence in Cuba for many years — indicative of the failing regime's ineptitude and its failure to supply even essential goods and services to its populace."The official further commented, "This is the unfortunate consequence of more than six decades of Communist governance. An island once considered the Caribbean's gem has descended into profound poverty and obscurity."The official informed Digital that, "As President Trump has stated, the remnants of the regime ought to negotiate a settlement and ultimately allow the Cuban people to achieve freedom and prosperity, with assistance from the United States."Cuban human rights advocate Rosa María Payá contended that the ongoing crisis signifies a systemic breakdown within the regime itself, rather than being a result of external pressures.Payá told Digital, "The power outage visibly demonstrates the regime's collapse: 65 years of totalitarianism ultimately devouring itself. The protests represent Cubans' refusal to vanish into that gloom."She refuted allegations that American sanctions are exacerbating the humanitarian conditions.She stated, "Cubans' suffering is not due to American policy. Their suffering is a consequence of a dictatorship. Applying pressure on the regime is effective. What harms the Cuban people is validating it."Payá concluded, "The sole method to resolve the humanitarian disaster is to dismantle the regime. That is the Cuban people's demand."Recent power outages and scarcities have been attributed to malfunctions in critical infrastructure, such as the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, alongside fuel deficits resulting from U.S. measures to restrict oil deliveries from Venezuela, a major energy provider for Cuba.Concurrently, Pentagon officials informed legislators that, despite viewing Cuba as a persistent security concern, there are no intentions to invade the island.Joseph Humire, acting as assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and Americas security affairs, stated during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday that he was "unaware of any plans concerning Cuba" when questioned.He characterized Cuba as "one of the most formidable intelligence adversaries the United States has faced," noting that Cuban officials have operated throughout the region and had been "defending Nicolás Maduro... in Caracas" during previous operations.The Cuban government has attributed the exacerbation of the crisis to U.S. sanctions, whereas American officials contend it originates from decades of economic mismanagement and dependence on international aid.
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by: jenn
Two Decades On, a Landmark Dystopian Thriller Is Sadly Still Relevant
David Appleby/Warner Bros/Dc Comics/Kobal/ShutterstockA lethal virus devastates and degrades society. A fascist regime holds power, with state agents abducting citizens from the streets. Late-night television hosts are silenced for criticizing the government. While this describes the narrative of V for Vendetta, a brief glance at current headlines reveals why this dystopian graphic novel adaptation feels particularly pertinent two decades after its release. However, it would be inaccurate to claim V for Vendetta foresaw the future, nor is it a flawless film for our current era. Instead, the last twenty years have highlighted a sentiment that was always present in the 2006 film but perhaps obscured by its stylized action, iconic mask, and themes of righteous rebellion. V for Vendetta is profoundly melancholic.Legendary comic writer Alan Moore did not intend for V for Vendetta to mirror the America of the 2020s when he penned the graphic novel in the late 1980s. It was not meant to reflect the America of the 2000s or serve as a response to the Bush administration and the Iraq War, even though that was clearly the context for the Wachowskis' screenplay. Moore, who has disavowed the film as he has most adaptations of his work, was reacting to Margaret Thatcher’s Britain, envisioning a dystopian English future where a masked anarchist terrorist battles a fascist state. Moore—a famously cantankerous figure, often with good reason—would likely be unimpressed to learn that an American finds the film version of his four-decade-old story so relevant today. (He is also likely annoyed, though not surprised, by the television adaptation currently in development at HBO.)Featuring Hugo Weaving as the articulate and lethal masked vigilante V and Natalie Portman as a young woman drawn into his crusade against Britain’s fascist high chancellor (John Hurt), V for Vendetta emerged as a comic book film just before the superhero genre dominated the box office. The launch of the MCU in 2008 coincided with the end of the Bush era, meaning V for Vendetta simultaneously attempted to deliver blockbuster comic-inspired action while navigating the political climate of the Global War on Terror. Viewing it today, these two impulses conflict, somewhat muddying the themes. As V wields knives and dispatches henchmen, he functions as a quintessential action hero—a virtuous figure fighting evil and inspiring the masses toward a noble goal. The antagonists, despite being British, are coded as an American cautionary tale. The dialogue frequently references how "America's war" led to the collapse of the states, allowing an ultra-conservative Britain to rise in its place. The violent, righteous hero serves as a proxy for liberalism, while the villains represent an exaggerated "what-if" scenario of neoconservatism.In 2006, it was easier to view V for Vendetta as a story about a dystopian future and the masked savior who rescues the day. That perspective was remarkably naive. Maintaining such naivety in 2026 is difficult, partly because elements of V for Vendetta that seemed fantastical twenty years ago have now manifested in various forms. The film’s St. Mary's Virus feels significantly more terrifying now that audiences have endured the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show or the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! last autumn following objections from the Trump administration are not as extreme as the film's depiction, where a talk show host played by Stephen Fry is beaten, kidnapped, and executed for a satirical sketch mocking the high chancellor. Nevertheless, the parallels are striking: masked security forces on the streets, banners of the leader’s face adorning government buildings, and pundits warning of "others" who threaten national unity. The cumulative effect is overwhelming.Of course, being struck by the resonance of V for Vendetta only now reveals a certain level of privilege. Injustice existed in this country and globally twenty years ago. For every fortunate viewer who watched V for Vendetta in 2026 and found entertainment in its fanciful dystopia, there were others already living lives that closely mirrored the grim society on screen. The film understood its subject matter well at the time; it is simply much harder to ignore how blatant those similarities have become in 2026. The corrupt, fascist England that V opposes feels less like a metaphor for our future and more like a distorted reflection of our present.V for Vendetta was prescient, but it’s hardly the perfect movie for our times. | David Appleby/Warner Bros/Dc Comics/Kobal/ShutterstockIronically, there is one way in which V for Vendetta feels less relevant today than it did two decades ago: the Guy Fawkes mask worn by V. The hacker collective Anonymous adopted the mask following the film's release, launching cyberattacks throughout the 2000s and 2010s against targets like the Church of Scientology and the Russian government. While opinions on the morality or efficacy of this hacktivism vary, their use of the Guy Fawkes mask offered a sense of comfort: V for Vendetta’s dystopia was a fictional future, yet in reality, a version of the hero was already fighting back. Anonymous still exists in some capacity, but they are far less prominent, and the Guy Fawkes mask rarely appears in the news anymore—instead, we see the very things V fought against when he wore it.Indeed, many heroes continue to fight injustice today without the need for a Guy Fawkes mask. The most inspiring and optimistic aspect of V for Vendetta arrives at the conclusion, when ordinary people rise up. It is a hopeful and necessary note to end on, especially given how much more somber the film feels today. The epic sequences now feel hollow, while the distressing moments feel increasingly authentic. Perhaps this is how it should have been perceived all along: the somber portrayal of life under a fascist state is central to the film's power. The movie has not changed; we are simply better equipped to recognize it.V for Vendetta is streaming on HBO Max.
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FinHarbor Introduces Neobank Platform Designed to Go Live in Under 30 Days
Cyprus, EU, Mar 16, 2026 - March 16, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - FinHarbor recently announced a major update to its modular fintech infrastructure platform, expanding its crypto-fiat functionality and introducing a deeper orchestration layer across all modules. The updated platform bundles IBAN accounts, card issuing, payments and crypto-fiat exchange into a single stack, reducing typical launch timelines from more than a year to roughly one month. The company positions the platform as a ready-to-deploy foundation for fintech startups, embedded finance teams and licensed institutions that want to bring a financial product to market without building the entire stack internally. The problem it addresses Launching a neobank from scratch is still a long and expensive process. Most teams need 15–20 engineers, more than a year of development, and roughly €1.5–2 million before the first customer can even open an account. FinHarbor's approach is to remove much of that upfront work. The platform comes with core components already integrated: pre-built connectors to banking partners for IBAN and account infrastructure, card processing, payment rails, and crypto wallets. In practice, this means companies can start with a working financial product instead of assembling and connecting multiple vendors themselves. What changed in the new release The main change in the latest version is the introduction of a unified orchestration layer. Earlier versions of the platform offered modular components that could be connected together. The updated release adds a shared data model, a single audit log and compliance logic that operates across all modules. Clients now integrate through one API and operate under a single contract, while still keeping the option to replace individual components if needed. On the crypto side the platform has added extended custody capabilities for clients with specific blockchain integration requirements, broadening the range of supported networks and asset types. The compliance and AML tooling has also been updated, making it easier to configure the system to match each client's internal policies and risk frameworks across different jurisdictions. A recent deployment in four weeks One EU-licensed fintech company recently used the updated platform to launch a full neobank in 28 days, including IBAN accounts, card issuance and crypto-fiat exchange. The first week focused on core infrastructure: setting up the environment, integrating identity verification through SumSub, and connecting to the banking partner's IBAN account infrastructure. During the second week the team activated card issuing and configured the platform's connections to SEPA, SWIFT, and international payment rails provided by the licensed banking partner. The third week introduced the crypto layer – custodial wallets, exchange logic and fiat ramps. The final week was dedicated to integration testing, white-label interface customisation and the production launch. According to the company, the only noticeable delays were related to compliance approvals with the partner bank – a regulatory step rather than a technical limitation. Industry perspective "The new release is based on a simple idea: orchestration matters more than integration,” – said Ilya Podoynitsyn, CEO of FinHarbor. "Connecting APIs from several vendors isn’t the difficult part. The real challenge is making those components behave like a single product – with unified compliance rules, a shared audit trail and enough flexibility to avoid vendor lock-in. That’s the engineering problem we focused on solving.” Compliance and target users The platform includes built-in AML transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and configurable verification tiers. Suspicious activity reports can be generated in formats accepted by regulators, and every system action is recorded in a unified audit log accessible through the admin panel or API. Companies can operate under their own EMI, PI or VASP licence, or work through a licensed banking partner. The platform is designed to support both models and is aligned with regulatory frameworks such as MiCA and DORA. FinHarbor says the platform is primarily aimed at three types of clients: fintech startups launching an MVP, companies adding embedded financial services to an existing product, and regulated institutions – including banks or government organisations – that need on-premise infrastructure. It is best suited for companies looking to launch and iterate quickly on a proven infrastructure, rather than building every component from scratch. About FinHarbor FinHarbor is a technical platform provider for launching compliant, modular financial products – from wallets and neobanks to crypto ramps and OTC desks. Built on years of real-world fintech experience, the platform covers onboarding, compliance, wallets, transactions, cards, and reporting, delivered with a microservice-based architecture (ISO/PCI DSS-certified), a robust API layer, and on-premise or cloud-ready deployment. FinHarbor supports fiat-only, crypto-native, and hybrid business models across markets in Europe, MENA, and beyond. Learn more: www.finharbor.com Social Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finharbor/ Blog: https://www.finharbor.com/blog Media contact Brand: FinHarbor Contact: Media team Website: https://www.finharbor.com/
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FinHarbor Introduces Neobank Platform Designed to Go Live in Under 30 Days
Cyprus, EU, Mar 16, 2026 - March 16, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - FinHarbor recently announced a major update to its modular fintech infrastructure platform, expanding its crypto-fiat functionality and introducing a deeper orchestration layer across all modules. The updated platform bundles IBAN accounts, card issuing, payments and crypto-fiat exchange into a single stack, reducing typical launch timelines from more than a year to roughly one month. The company positions the platform as a ready-to-deploy foundation for fintech startups, embedded finance teams and licensed institutions that want to bring a financial product to market without building the entire stack internally. The problem it addresses Launching a neobank from scratch is still a long and expensive process. Most teams need 15–20 engineers, more than a year of development, and roughly €1.5–2 million before the first customer can even open an account. FinHarbor's approach is to remove much of that upfront work. The platform comes with core components already integrated: pre-built connectors to banking partners for IBAN and account infrastructure, card processing, payment rails, and crypto wallets. In practice, this means companies can start with a working financial product instead of assembling and connecting multiple vendors themselves. What changed in the new release The main change in the latest version is the introduction of a unified orchestration layer. Earlier versions of the platform offered modular components that could be connected together. The updated release adds a shared data model, a single audit log and compliance logic that operates across all modules. Clients now integrate through one API and operate under a single contract, while still keeping the option to replace individual components if needed. On the crypto side the platform has added extended custody capabilities for clients with specific blockchain integration requirements, broadening the range of supported networks and asset types. The compliance and AML tooling has also been updated, making it easier to configure the system to match each client's internal policies and risk frameworks across different jurisdictions. A recent deployment in four weeks One EU-licensed fintech company recently used the updated platform to launch a full neobank in 28 days, including IBAN accounts, card issuance and crypto-fiat exchange. The first week focused on core infrastructure: setting up the environment, integrating identity verification through SumSub, and connecting to the banking partner's IBAN account infrastructure. During the second week the team activated card issuing and configured the platform's connections to SEPA, SWIFT, and international payment rails provided by the licensed banking partner. The third week introduced the crypto layer – custodial wallets, exchange logic and fiat ramps. The final week was dedicated to integration testing, white-label interface customisation and the production launch. According to the company, the only noticeable delays were related to compliance approvals with the partner bank – a regulatory step rather than a technical limitation. Industry perspective "The new release is based on a simple idea: orchestration matters more than integration,” – said Ilya Podoynitsyn, CEO of FinHarbor. "Connecting APIs from several vendors isn’t the difficult part. The real challenge is making those components behave like a single product – with unified compliance rules, a shared audit trail and enough flexibility to avoid vendor lock-in. That’s the engineering problem we focused on solving.” Compliance and target users The platform includes built-in AML transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and configurable verification tiers. Suspicious activity reports can be generated in formats accepted by regulators, and every system action is recorded in a unified audit log accessible through the admin panel or API. Companies can operate under their own EMI, PI or VASP licence, or work through a licensed banking partner. The platform is designed to support both models and is aligned with regulatory frameworks such as MiCA and DORA. FinHarbor says the platform is primarily aimed at three types of clients: fintech startups launching an MVP, companies adding embedded financial services to an existing product, and regulated institutions – including banks or government organisations – that need on-premise infrastructure. It is best suited for companies looking to launch and iterate quickly on a proven infrastructure, rather than building every component from scratch. About FinHarbor FinHarbor is a technical platform provider for launching compliant, modular financial products – from wallets and neobanks to crypto ramps and OTC desks. Built on years of real-world fintech experience, the platform covers onboarding, compliance, wallets, transactions, cards, and reporting, delivered with a microservice-based architecture (ISO/PCI DSS-certified), a robust API layer, and on-premise or cloud-ready deployment. FinHarbor supports fiat-only, crypto-native, and hybrid business models across markets in Europe, MENA, and beyond. Learn more: www.finharbor.com Social Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finharbor/ Blog: https://www.finharbor.com/blog Media contact Brand: FinHarbor Contact: Media team Website: https://www.finharbor.com/
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EU seeks diplomatic solution to Iran conflict to avoid escalation
On Tuesday, the European Union’s foreign policy chief stated that the bloc is consulting Gulf countries to potentially "bring forward proposals for Iran, Israel and the U.S." to exit their ongoing conflict in a scenario where "everybody saves face." Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, shared these remarks with Reuters, adding that "it would be in the interest of every side if this war comes to an end." Kallas was quoted as saying, "We have been consulting with regional countries including the Gulf countries, Jordan, Egypt, about whether we can bring forward proposals for Iran, Israel and the U.S. to exit this situation, so that everybody saves face." She also reportedly noted, "The trouble with wars is that they are easier to start than to stop, and they always end up spiraling out of control," adding that the EU is willing to help "diplomatically to bring all parties together to truly end this war." Kallas also pushed back against comments former U.S. President Donald Trump made over the weekend, where Trump claimed that "Many countries, especially those impacted by Iran’s attempted closure of the Strait of Hormuz, will send warships to work alongside the United States to keep the strait open and safe." "No country is ready to put their people in harm's way in the Strait of Hormuz," Kallas told Reuters on Tuesday. "We have to find diplomatic paths to keep this waterway open, so we do not end up with a new food crisis, fertilizer crisis and energy crisis as well." Trump stated on Truth Social this past Saturday that, "We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability, but even though Iran is badly defeated, it is still easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or fire a short-range missile somewhere along or inside this waterway." "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and other countries impacted by this artificial restriction will send ships to the area, so the Strait of Hormuz will no longer be threatened by a nation that has been totally decapitated," Trump wrote. "In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!"
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Several allies reject US appeals for Strait of Hormuz assistance amid rising Middle East tensions
An increasing number of American allies are opting out of military initiatives to protect the Strait of Hormuz, despite growing calls for support from Washington.Governments across Europe and the Indo-Pacific are expressing hesitation about engaging in direct military operations, choosing instead to prioritize diplomatic efforts, legal limitations, or minor defensive roles.France has dismissed any military involvement in the strait, emphasizing a focus on diplomacy. Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin recently stated that Paris is not a participant in the conflict and has no plans to deploy naval vessels to the area. She also raised concerns about whether the United States and Israel share identical objectives regarding Iran.In contrast, President Donald Trump remarked that he anticipates support from French President Emmanuel Macron. While noting he isn't pressuring allies because the U.S. possesses the world's most powerful military, Trump admitted he is curious to see how different nations respond.Germany has also ruled out military participation, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating that the Middle East conflict is outside of NATO's jurisdiction. He confirmed on social media that Germany would not use military means to ensure freedom of navigation in the region.Australia has declined to send naval ships to the strait. Infrastructure Minister Catherine King explained that while the waterway is critical, Australia has not been asked to provide—and is not contributing—vessels, maintaining its current defensive support and aircraft presence in the United Arab Emirates instead.Ireland will not participate in any EU-led naval missions in the strategic waterway. Taoiseach Micheál Martin noted that Ireland lacks the offensive military capacity for such a mission and expressed a national preference for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing hostilities.Spain has similarly rejected involvement, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles calling for an end to the war, which she labeled as illegal. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares also advocated for halting the cycle of violence and the escalation of the conflict.The United Kingdom has stopped short of committing to direct military action. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the U.K. will not be pulled into a wider war, instead calling for international partners to create a collective strategy to restore safe navigation in the region.Japan is currently refraining from deploying naval escorts, citing significant legal hurdles. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi informed parliament that no decision has been made, as the government evaluates what actions are possible under current laws while continuing to engage in de-escalation efforts with Iran.
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Maxon Marks Its Official Entry Into the AEC Market With Its Real-Time Archviz Solution
BAD HOMBURG, GERMANY, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Maxon, maker of powerful, approachable software solutions for creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects, gaming, and more, today announced the commercial availability of Redshift for Vectorworks. Additionally, the company announced the beta launch of Redshift for Autodesk Revit®. This marks the next major milestone in Maxon's expansion into the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) market, with additional integrations planned.Engineered for architects and interior designers, Maxon's AEC solution brings the company's industry-proven cinematic rendering technology, Redshift, and the creative depth of Cinema 4D directly into professional archviz workflows. Designed as a native plugin for leading CAD/BIM platforms, Maxon makes its official entry into the market with Redshift for Vectorworks, which launches alongside the release of Vectorworks 2026 Update 4. The solution enables users to seamlessly move from real-time design previews to high-end, photorealistic renders within a unified ecosystem. Redshift for Revit, now in beta, will launch later this year, with even more integrations planned for 2026 and 2027."Maxon's tools have a rich history in media and entertainment, used by the creative teams behind so many popular Hollywood movies to create Oscar-winning visual effects," said Nicolas Burtnyk, Maxon's Executive VP of Rendering. "Now, we're bringing this same magic to architects and interior designers, helping them translate their vision into cinematic visual experiences worthy of big screens."A New Standard for End-to-End Architectural WorkflowsBuilt on Maxon's robust 3D ecosystem, the new AEC solution provides:Archviz in real-time. Architects can visualize designs instantly in real time, then elevate scenes using the same Redshift technology used in feature films - without leaving their CAD environment. Projects can be sent to Cinema 4D with a single click for advanced modeling, animation, simulation, fly-throughs, and rendering.Exceptional ease of adoption. Early user testing highlights a key priority: effortless setup, intuitive controls, and fast results, especially for iterative workflows where architects need to explore lighting, materials, and composition quickly.Intelligent, production-ready asset libraries. Maxon's platform includes a vast library of assets known as "Capsules" - materials, plants, furniture, and environmental elements - updated monthly and supported by procedural tools and AI-assisted search for rapid scene building and creative iteration. As the Archviz solution evolves, so will its library.Full Mac and Windows parity. Whether teams work on Mac, Windows, or a mix of both, Maxon's AEC solution delivers consistent performance and functionality across platforms. Architects can collaborate fluidly, share files with confidence, and maintain unified workflows throughout their design-to-visualization process.Better value for architects and studios. Compared with market alternatives, Maxon's first-wave AEC offering launches at a significantly more affordable price, while offering compatibility with broader DCC pipelines, including Maya and Houdini.See Redshift for Archviz at Upcoming AEC EventsMaxon will be showcasing the capabilities of Redshift for architectural visualization and interior design applications in live demonstrations at the following events in 2026:DigitalBAU, March 24-26, Cologne, GermanyAIA26 Conference on Architecture & Design, June 10-13, San Diego, CARedshift for Vectorworks AvailabilityRedshift for Vectorworks is now available for purchase through either Maxon or Vectorworks (initial language support for English, with additional international versions rolling out through summer 2026). When bundled with Vectorworks, users can benefit from significant discounts on Redshift, making it the most affordable renderer in its category.Sign Up for Redshift BetaRedshift for Revit is now open for beta; Redshift for Graphisoft Archicad beta will be released later in 2026. To sign up, visit Maxon Archviz.Schedule a Press Briefing and DemoTo schedule a press briefing and demo of Redshift for Archviz, contact megan@grithaus.agency.Download the Redshift for Archviz press kit here.About MaxonMaxon makes powerful, yet approachable software solutions for content creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects and visualization. Product lines include the award-winning Cinema 4D suite of 3D modeling, simulation and animation technology; the diverse Red Giant lineup of revolutionary editing, motion design and filmmaking tools; the leading-edge, blazingly fast Redshift renderer; and ZBrush, the industry-standard digital sculpting and painting solution available on desktop and on the iPad.Press ContactKristin CandersGrithaus Agency(e)kristin@grithaus.agencySOURCE: Maxon Computers Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Geo Energy’s Integrated Infrastructure Project Achieves 80% Completion; Secures Two Binding Term Sheets with Third Parties for 9 Million Tonnes Annual Haulage; Coal Prices Surge Amid Global Tensions
MBJ Integrated Infrastructure achieves 80% construction milestone, on track for completion in June/July 2026.Truck hauling trials commencing in April 2026, supported by Coal Hauling Trial Services Agreement signed with two third-party service providers.The Group secured two binding term sheets with third-party customers for an aggregate 9 million tonnes per annum of haulage volume, poised to generate a new recurring, toll-based revenue stream that is expected to be accretive to the Group’s revenue performance.At full capacity of around 50 million tonnes of haulage per annum, MBJ should be able to generate up to an additional US$300 million in EBITDA annually for the Group within a few years’ time. Geo Energy is well positioned to capture this new and robust recurring toll-based revenue stream and thereby enhancing long-term earnings resilience.The Group has set a target coal production of 11.5 - 12.5 million tonnes for 2026, subject to the final RKAB approvals from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (“MoEMR”).ICI4 coal prices have surged by US$13.60 per tonne from 4Q2025 average of US$46.37 per tonne to US$59.97 per tonne as of 13 March 2026, amid geopolitical tensions, strengthening market conditions for regional producers, including Geo Energy.Assuming coal production of 11.5 – 12.5 million tonnes at current coal prices, the Group would be able to generate between US$170 – US$200 million in EBITDA from its coal sales in 2026 alone (excluding MBJ infrastructure and marine logistics segments).SINGAPORE, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Geo Energy Resources Limited (“Geo Energy”, the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) wishes to announce various key corporate updates related to its business activities.MBJ Integrated Infrastructure hits 80% completion; positioned for operational readiness by early 3Q2026The Group’s Integrated Infrastructure project under PT Marga Bara Jaya (“MBJ”), comprising a 92km hauling road and jetty in South Sumatera, has achieved the 80% construction milestone and is on track for completion in June/July 2026.To ensure seamless commissioning of the hauling road, MBJ will commence truck trial tests in early April 2026, conducted on completed road sections to validate operational readiness. Trial parameters will include gradient, load, braking, fuel efficiency and safety on completed sections of MBJ road.To support the truck trials, the Group has signed two Coal Hauling Trial Services Agreement with PT Citra Andalan Mobilindo Cemerlang (“Shacman”) and China North Vehicle Corporation Limited (“CCCC-Norinco”) in January 2026.Construction of MBJ Jetty well underway and nearing completionCompleted section of the MBJ hauling roadThese partnerships mark a key preparatory step toward full commercial operations. At full operational capacity of around 50 million tonnes of haulage per annum, the MBJ Integrated Infrastructure is targeted to generate up to an additional US$300 million in EBITDA per annum for the Group within a few years’ time, reflecting its scale, cost efficiency and commercial potential.Two binding term sheets secured for 9 million tonnes annual haulageIn parallel with commissioning activities of the Integrated Infrastructure, the Group has secured two binding term sheets with third-party coal producers for an aggregate haulage volume of approximately 9 million tonnes per annum.This represents the Group’s first major step in building new, recurring toll-based revenue streams, positioning MBJ as unrivaled key regional logistics corridor. Further commercial discussions with additional counterparties are ongoing.Together with the 25 million tonnes annual haulage allocated for the Group’s TRA coal mine, the Group has secured up to 34 million tonnes annual throughput for the MBJ Integrated Infrastructure.Coal prices strengthen as global tensions drive energy market rallyGlobal coal prices have surged in recent weeks as geopolitical tensions and gas market disruptions underscores coal’s continued role in supporting grid stability and energy security across Asia.The Group's coal assets, noted for low ash and low sulphur, continue to be in demand among regional power and steel sectors for their "eco‑coal" properties.The ICI4 coal price as of 13 March 2026 was US$59.97 per tonne, representing a 29.3% increase over 4Q2025 average of US$46.37 per tonne. Meanwhile, McCloskey reported trades of US$61-64 per tonne for March and April cargoes relating to 4200GAR coal.Targeted production volume of 11.5 - 12.5 million tonnes in 2026In 2025, the Group achieved record coal production of 12.5 million tonnes, exceeding its target coal production of 10.5-11.5 million tonnes, highlighting the execution capabilities of the Group.Subject to final RKAB approvals, the Group has set a target coal production of 11.5 – 12.5 million tonnes for 2026. Assuming coal production of 115. – 12.5 million tonnes at current coal prices, the Group would be able to generate between US$170 – US$200 million in EBITDA from its coal sales alone (excluding contributions from MBJ infrastructure and marine logistics segments)Commenting on these recent corporate developments, Mr Charles Antonny Melati, Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Geo Energy, said:“Achieving the 80% completion milestone on the MBJ Integrated Infrastructure underscores our disciplined execution and moves us closer to unlocking the full value of our energy platform. At full capacity, MBJ alone is able to generate up to US$300 million in EBITDA per year for the Group.The binding term sheets with third parties for an aggregate haulage volume of 9 million tonnes per annum and the trial agreements with CCCC-Norinco and Shacman demonstrate the strong commercial interest in the Integrated Infrastructure and our readiness for operations.The recent uplift in coal prices further strengthens the Group’s earnings outlook as we progress toward our long-term growth vision of becoming a billion-dollar business and beyond.”Issued on behalf of Geo Energy Resources Limited by 8PR Asia Pte Ltd.Media & Investor Contacts:Mr. Alex TANMobile: +65 9451 5252Email: alex.tan@8prasia.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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FinHarbor Introduces Rapid-Deployment Neobank Platform for 30-Day Go-Live
NICOSIA, CYPRUS, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - FinHarbor recently announced a major update to its modular fintech infrastructure platform, expanding its crypto-fiat functionality and introducing a deeper orchestration layer across all modules. The updated platform bundles IBAN accounts, card issuing, payments and crypto-fiat exchange into a single stack, reducing typical launch timelines from more than a year to roughly one month. The company positions the platform as a ready-to-deploy foundation for fintech startups, embedded finance teams and licensed institutions that want to bring a financial product to market without building the entire stack internally.The problem it addressesLaunching a neobank from scratch is still a long and expensive process. Most teams need 15–20 engineers, more than a year of development, and roughly €1.5–2 million before the first customer can even open an account.FinHarbor's approach is to remove much of that upfront work. The platform comes with core components already integrated: pre-built connectors to banking partners for IBAN and account infrastructure, card processing, payment rails, and crypto wallets. In practice, this means companies can start with a working financial product instead of assembling and connecting multiple vendors themselves.What changed in the new releaseThe main change in the latest version is the introduction of a unified orchestration layer. Earlier versions of the platform offered modular components that could be connected together. The updated release adds a shared data model, a single audit log and compliance logic that operates across all modules.Clients now integrate through one API and operate under a single contract, while still keeping the option to replace individual components if needed.On the crypto side the platform has added extended custody capabilities for clients with specific blockchain integration requirements, broadening the range of supported networks and asset types. The compliance and AML tooling has also been updated, making it easier to configure the system to match each client's internal policies and risk frameworks across different jurisdictions.A recent deployment in four weeksOne EU-licensed fintech company recently used the updated platform to launch a full neobank in 28 days, including IBAN accounts, card issuance and crypto-fiat exchange.The first week focused on core infrastructure: setting up the environment, integrating identity verification through SumSub, and connecting to the banking partner's IBAN account infrastructure.During the second week the team activated card issuing and configured the platform's connections to SEPA, SWIFT, and international payment rails provided by the licensed banking partner.The third week introduced the crypto layer – custodial wallets, exchange logic and fiat ramps.The final week was dedicated to integration testing, white-label interface customisation and the production launch.According to the company, the only noticeable delays were related to compliance approvals with the partner bank – a regulatory step rather than a technical limitation.Industry perspective"The new release is based on a simple idea: orchestration matters more than integration," – said Ilya Podoynitsyn, CEO of FinHarbor."Connecting APIs from several vendors isn't the difficult part. The real challenge is making those components behave like a single product – with unified compliance rules, a shared audit trail and enough flexibility to avoid vendor lock-in. That's the engineering problem we focused on solving."Compliance and target usersThe platform includes built-in AML transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and configurable verification tiers. Suspicious activity reports can be generated in formats accepted by regulators, and every system action is recorded in a unified audit log accessible through the admin panel or API.Companies can operate under their own EMI, PI or VASP licence, or work through a licensed banking partner. The platform is designed to support both models and is aligned with regulatory frameworks such as MiCA and DORA.FinHarbor says the platform is primarily aimed at three types of clients: fintech startups launching an MVP, companies adding embedded financial services to an existing product, and regulated institutions – including banks or government organisations – that need on-premise infrastructure.It is best suited for companies looking to launch and iterate quickly on a proven infrastructure, rather than building every component from scratch.About FinHarborFinHarbor is a technical platform provider for launching compliant, modular financial products – from wallets and neobanks to crypto ramps and OTC desks. Built on years of real-world fintech experience, the platform covers onboarding, compliance, wallets, transactions, cards, and reporting, delivered with a microservice-based architecture (ISO/PCI DSS-certified), a robust API layer, and on-premise or cloud-ready deployment. FinHarbor supports fiat-only, crypto-native, and hybrid business models across markets in Europe, MENA, and beyond.Learn more: www.finharbor.comSocial LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finharbor/Blog: https://www.finharbor.com/blog Media contactBrand: FinHarborContact: Media teamWebsite: https://www.finharbor.com/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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FinHarbor Introduces Rapid-Deployment Neobank Platform for 30-Day Go-Live
Nicosia, Cyprus – March 17, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – FinHarbor recently announced a major update to its modular fintech infrastructure platform, expanding its crypto-fiat functionality and introducing a deeper orchestration layer across all modules. The updated platform bundles IBAN accounts, card issuing, payments and crypto-fiat exchange into a single stack, reducing typical launch timelines from more than a year to roughly one month. The company positions the platform as a ready-to-deploy foundation for fintech startups, embedded finance teams and licensed institutions that want to bring a financial product to market without building the entire stack internally. The problem it addresses Launching a neobank from scratch is still a long and expensive process. Most teams need 15–20 engineers, more than a year of development, and roughly €1.5–2 million before the first customer can even open an account. FinHarbor’s approach is to remove much of that upfront work. The platform comes with core components already integrated: pre-built connectors to banking partners for IBAN and account infrastructure, card processing, payment rails, and crypto wallets. In practice, this means companies can start with a working financial product instead of assembling and connecting multiple vendors themselves. What changed in the new release The main change in the latest version is the introduction of a unified orchestration layer. Earlier versions of the platform offered modular components that could be connected together. The updated release adds a shared data model, a single audit log and compliance logic that operates across all modules. Clients now integrate through one API and operate under a single contract, while still keeping the option to replace individual components if needed. On the crypto side the platform has added extended custody capabilities for clients with specific blockchain integration requirements, broadening the range of supported networks and asset types. The compliance and AML tooling has also been updated, making it easier to configure the system to match each client’s internal policies and risk frameworks across different jurisdictions. A recent deployment in four weeks One EU-licensed fintech company recently used the updated platform to launch a full neobank in 28 days, including IBAN accounts, card issuance and crypto-fiat exchange. The first week focused on core infrastructure: setting up the environment, integrating identity verification through SumSub, and connecting to the banking partner’s IBAN account infrastructure. During the second week the team activated card issuing and configured the platform’s connections to SEPA, SWIFT, and international payment rails provided by the licensed banking partner. The third week introduced the crypto layer – custodial wallets, exchange logic and fiat ramps. The final week was dedicated to integration testing, white-label interface customisation and the production launch. According to the company, the only noticeable delays were related to compliance approvals with the partner bank – a regulatory step rather than a technical limitation. Industry perspective “The new release is based on a simple idea: orchestration matters more than integration,” – said Ilya Podoynitsyn, CEO of FinHarbor. “Connecting APIs from several vendors isn’t the difficult part. The real challenge is making those components behave like a single product – with unified compliance rules, a shared audit trail and enough flexibility to avoid vendor lock-in. That’s the engineering problem we focused on solving.” Compliance and target users The platform includes built-in AML transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and configurable verification tiers. Suspicious activity reports can be generated in formats accepted by regulators, and every system action is recorded in a unified audit log accessible through the admin panel or API. Companies can operate under their own EMI, PI or VASP licence, or work through a licensed banking partner. The platform is designed to support both models and is aligned with regulatory frameworks such as MiCA and DORA. FinHarbor says the platform is primarily aimed at three types of clients: fintech startups launching an MVP, companies adding embedded financial services to an existing product, and regulated institutions – including banks or government organisations – that need on-premise infrastructure. It is best suited for companies looking to launch and iterate quickly on a proven infrastructure, rather than building every component from scratch. About FinHarbor FinHarbor is a technical platform provider for launching compliant, modular financial products – from wallets and neobanks to crypto ramps and OTC desks. Built on years of real-world fintech experience, the platform covers onboarding, compliance, wallets, transactions, cards, and reporting, delivered with a microservice-based architecture (ISO/PCI DSS-certified), a robust API layer, and on-premise or cloud-ready deployment. FinHarbor supports fiat-only, crypto-native, and hybrid business models across markets in Europe, MENA, and beyond. Learn more: www.finharbor.com Social Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finharbor/ Blog: https://www.finharbor.com/blog Media contact Brand: FinHarbor Contact: Media team Website: https://www.finharbor.com/
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Israeli defense minister says top Iranian official and commander killed in a strike
Reports from the Israel Defense Forces and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirm the deaths of Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij."The Chief of Staff informed me that Larijani, the Supreme National Security Council Secretary, and Salimani, the leader of the Basij—Iran's primary tool of repression—were taken out last night," Katz stated, citing a translation from his office. "They have now joined Khamenei, the architect of the annihilation program, and the rest of the eliminated axis of evil members in the depths of hell."This announcement arrives over two weeks after Israel, working alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, initiated a war with the Islamic Republic of Iran.In a statement on X, the Israel Defense Forces announced, "Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the de facto leader of the regime, has been eliminated."The post continued, "Larijani was long regarded as a senior and veteran member of the Iranian leadership and a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He personally directed the massacre of Iranian protesters during the latest uprising against the terrorist regime."A separate post from the IDF stated, "The IDF targeted and eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani yesterday. He had served as the Basij commander for the last six years. During his tenure, the Basij directed the primary suppression efforts in Iran, utilizing extreme violence, mass arrests, and force against civilians demonstrating."Previously, the U.S. government had signaled its intention to provide a reward for details regarding Larijani."Rewards for Justice is offering up to $10 million for intelligence on key figures within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliates," states rewardsforjustice.net. "As part of this offer, RFJ is looking for information on the individuals listed below," the site specifies, naming Larijani among others."Last night, a joint U.S. and Israeli operation targeted over a dozen Basij officials in various strikes across Iran, including Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij forces," a senior Israeli official revealed. "The strike in Tehran hit the Basij commander and approximately ten others, comprising top Basij leaders—individuals responsible for significant bloodshed."' Trey Yingst and Yonat Friling contributed to this report.
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by: emer
FILMART and EntertainmentPulse open today
HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is taking place from March 17 to 20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day event gathers global film and entertainment industry leaders to showcase new productions and cutting-edge technologies, while fostering discussions on international market trends and opportunities.The Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, encompassing eight major entertainment events including FILMART and EntertainmentPulse, held its kick-off ceremony this afternoon at the FILMART venue. The ceremony was officiated by Chan Kwok Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of HKSAR, Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR, Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, Dr Peter Lam, Chairman, HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee, Dr Wilfred Wong, Chairman, Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, Qin Zhengui, Deputy Director General of Film Bureau and Managing Director of Screenplay Planning Center of the Publicity Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China, Yang Yong, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation (Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs), National Radio and Television Administration, and representatives from the Expo’s event organisers.The Expo is co-organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. This year's opening ceremony celebrates both the 30th edition of FILMART and the 50th milestone of the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), reaffirming their role in driving continuous growth for the city's entertainment industry.At the kick-off ceremony of the Hong Kong Entertainment Expo cum 30th FILMART and 50th HKIFF Celebration, Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, stated: “The HKTDC celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and FILMART has been around for half of the HKTDC’s existence, making 2026 a special year for us. Over the years, FILMART has grown to become the world-recognised leading entertainment content marketplace of Asia, as well as a must-join event for the global entertainment industry. For the 30th edition, FILMART is more international than ever, presenting productions of over 790 exhibitors across a record high participation of 38 countries and regions, connecting them with 7,700 business visitors from about 50 countries and regions.”Rising international participation with exhibitors driving cross-regional film and entertainment exchangeThis year’s FILMART has attracted a record number of participating countries and regions. Exhibitors from emerging markets such as Belgium, Myanmar, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan are joining for the first time. Other participating countries and regions include the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam, bringing broader international representation and further enhancing the event’s global reach. The Mainland contingent has expanded significantly, with a number of new provinces and municipalities participating, including Chongqing, Fujian, Guizhou, Shandong and Sichuan. Various leading mainland film and entertainment companies, including Tencent Video, Bilibili, iQIYI and Youku, are exhibiting at FILMART, leveraging the platform to expand their presence in overseas markets.Major Hong Kong film and entertainment companies are also participating this year. Sil-Metropole Organisation and Mei Ah Entertainment will showcase their latest productions created using virtual reality and AI, highlighting the distinctive appeal of Hong Kong’s culture. Other local exhibitors include Media Asia, Edko Films, Golden Scene, Entertaining Power, Muse Communication, RTHK, Television Broadcasts Limited, MakerVille, i-Cable Communications, and more, will unveil upcoming projects and productions, offering new partnership and investment opportunities for industry players worldwide.A total of 40 events will take place during FILMART. Highlights include the “Forum on International Communication Cooperation and Innovation for a New Vision”, organised by the International Cooperation Department of National Radio and Television Administration of China, and the “International Short Drama Association 2026 Asian Forum”. Major mainland production companies, such as Youhug Media and Linmon Picture Media, will also hold content showcases and launch events during the market. On the business front, multiple cooperation agreements will be signed at FILMART; the Sichuan Pavilion will host a project signing ceremony covering areas such as copyright trading and strategic collaboration. International participants are also actively engaging with the global industry. Thailand’s Ministry of Culture will present the country’s latest film and television projects, while activities organised by ICEX Spain Trade & Investment will explore creative collaboration and co-production opportunities between the Asian and European markets.Producers Connect draws broad international participation to foster cross-border co-productionProducers Connect, jointly organised by the HKSAR’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Hong Kong Film Development Council and the HKTDC, returns this year. Partnering with 10 international film institutions, including those from Chinese Mainland, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, the programme brings together more than 100 producers from Hong Kong and across the globe. Through a series of small group business matching sessions, Producers Connect designed to foster cross-cultural exchange and unlock new collaboration opportunities.To further discuss emerging co-production trends, a dedicated forum themed “International Coproductions in an Evolving Film Industry Landscape” will be held tomorrow afternoon. The session will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers sharing forward-looking perspectives, including Peter Chan, renowned Hong Kong director, Janet Yang, Golden Globe-winning producer, and Singaporean Cannes-winning director Anthony Chen, alongside other industry professionals with extensive international co-production experience. Together they will share the latest developments in co-production from multiple perspectives and explore how Hong Kong and Asia’s film industries can broaden their global development horizon.In addition, the fireside chats series will focus on business opportunities across key markets, including Asia, ASEAN and Europe, as well as the market strategies and commercial value associated with intellectual property expansion and the remaking of classic IP. A series of workshops will also be organised to enable industry professionals to better grasp emerging technologies and evolving market models while enhancing flexibility and possibilities for cross-regional collaboration.AI Hub returns with upgraded scale to support mainland enterprises going globalThe AI Hub, first introduced at last year’s FILMART to wide acclaim, returns this year with an expanded presence. Organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals, the AI Hub brings together leading mainland AI and technology companies, including Alibaba Cloud, Kling AI, MiniMax, Vidu, Nanjing Xuanjia Network Technology Co., Ltd., Daogu Culture Limited, and more. These exhibitors will present their latest applications and technological breakthroughs in areas such as AI generated content (AIGC), AI-generated short dramas and AI animation. Beyond showcasing cutting-edge technologies, the upgraded AI Hub also focuses on fostering commercial collaboration, supporting mainland technology enterprises as they go global and expand into new markets. Academic institutions, including The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Lingnan University, are also actively participating, contributing to the advancement of innovation in local film and entertainment production.To further strengthen industry capabilities in AI adoption, this year’s edition also introduces the AI Academy, newly established with support from the CCIDA and the Film Development Fund. Through 18 thematic workshops, industry experts will explain practical applications and emerging trends of AI technologies across the filmmaking process, helping practitioners navigate transformation and upgrading across multiple stages—from creative development and filming to post-production and content promotion.A dedicated panel session will be held tomorrow under the theme “Human-in-the-Loop: Balancing Cinematic Craft and Generative AI”. The panel will feature leading voices from the AI technology sector, including Yuhang Cheng, COO of the Midjourney China Club; Yunan Zhang, Vice President of MiniMax; and Fu Binxing, CEO of China Huace Film & TV Co., Ltd. Together they will explore the Human-in-the-Loop model of content creation, examining how filmmakers can effectively harness AI to enhance content quality while retaining creative leadership.EntertainmentPulse explores film financing and global opportunities for short dramasHeld alongside FILMART, the fifth edition of EntertainmentPulse examines some of the most pressing issues in today’s film and entertainment market, including the global expansion of short dramas, opportunities and future directions for international co-productions, emerging models of collaboration between AI and film production, and the creation and expansion of global animation IP. Through these discussions, the forum provides the industry with in-depth and forward-looking market insights.This year’s EntertainmentPulse also includes a dedicated session on film financing and investment. Industry leaders such as Justin Deimen, Managing Partner of Goldfinch International; Bennett Pozil, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking at East West Bank; and Catherine Ying, President of CMC Pictures and Pearl Studio, will share insights on financing trends and strategies in the Asian film industry, examining how film projects and co-productions can enter new markets while unlocking the commercial value derived from film and television IP. As the micro-short dramas boom continues to gain global momentum, the forum also features a dedicated seminar on this fast-growing format. Speakers include Wang Xiangbin, Founder and CEO of DataEye, a Mainland Chinese big-data company specialising in content marketing analytics, and Xiaoqian Chen, Vice President of Mansen (Shenzhen) Culture Media Co., Ltd, a major short dramas platform. They will examine the latest trends in the international expansion of Chinese mainland’s short dramas and explore emerging opportunities in overseas markets. Another highlight is a panel discussion featuring the production teams behind the Hong Kong Film Awards-nominated film Ciao UFO — including Amy Chin, Patrick Leung and Kong Ho Yan — alongside the team behind Unidentified Murder, represented by Kwok Ka Hei, Fung Wai Sze and Lee Chun Kit. Moderated by veteran Hong Kong film critic Thomas Shin, the discussion will explore how Hong Kong filmmakers preserve local cultural characteristics while responding flexibly to evolving market dynamics, opening up new possibilities for the development of the city’s film industry.HKIFF Industry Project Market provides platform for industry exchangeThe 24th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the core section of the HKIFF Industry Project Market, runs for three consecutive days from today (17–19 March 2026) within the FILMART venue. This year’s selection features 42 film projects from 22 countries and regions, representing a wide range of development stages. Among them, 13 are animation or genre projects spanning themes such as family-driven narratives, comedy, thriller, fantasy, action and science fiction, showcasing the diversity and creative vitality of Asian storytelling. All shortlisted projects will be presented alongside FILMART during the HKIFF Industry Project Market, providing opportunities for project teams to exchange ideas with industry professionals, present their latest development progress and creative direction, and foster collaboration across Asia and the wider international film community.FILMART and EntertainmentPulseDate: 17 – 20 March 2026Website:FILMART— http://www.hktdc.com/hkfilmartEntertainementPulse — https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en/programmeEntertainment ExpoDate: 15 March – 19 April 2026Spectacular events: Three founding projects - Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA); and five core events: Asian Film Awards (AFA), Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), EntertainmentPulse (EP), Hong Kong - Asia Fim Financing Forum (HAF), Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music)Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4sPaX8qThe 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market exhibition (FILMART) opens today, attracting over 790 exhibitors from 38 countries and regionsThe Entertainment Expo kick-off ceremony (17 Mar) officiating guests include: Chan Kwok Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSAR (front row; center), Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR (front row; fifth from left), Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman, HKTDC (front row; sixth from right), Dr Peter Lam, Chairman, HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee (front row; sixth from left), Dr Wilfred Wong, Chairman, Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (front row; fifth from right), Qin Zhengui, Deputy Director General of Film Bureau and Managing Director of Screenplay Planning Center of the Publicity Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China (front row; fourth from left), Yang Yong, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation (Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs), National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) (front row; fourth from right), and representatives from the Expo’s event organisersChan Kwok Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, delivers an opening speech at the Entertainment Expo kick-off ceremony cum 30th FILMART and 50th HKIFF CelebrationProf Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, delivers welcome remarks during the Entertainment Expo kick-off ceremony cum 30th FILMART and 50th HKIFF Celebration The AI Hub, first introduced at FILMART last year to strong acclaim, returns this year on a larger scale. It brings together several leading AI and technology companies from Chinese Mainland, supporting their go global expansion and helping them explore new business opportunities overseas FILMART also brings back the Producers Connect, providing a networking platform for local and international producers to connect and fostering more cross-regional co-production opportunitiesMedia Enquiries:For enquiries, please contact:Raconteur PR AgencyBetsy TseTel: (852) 9742 7338Email: betsytse@raconteur.hkMolisa LauTel: (852) 6187 7786Email: molisalau@raconteur.hkHKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:Serena Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4272 Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org HKTDC Mediaroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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GUOQUAN FOOD (2517.HK) Surging core operating profit, Four Stores Jointly Advancing with Concerted Efforts for Long-Term Growth
HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 2517.HK, “Guoquan”) recently released its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025. The company delivered a stellar performance, showcasing remarkable growth resilience within the community catering retail sector.The announcement reveals that while maintaining steady revenue growth, Guoquan has demonstrated a powerful surge in profitability. By adhering to its “community central kitchen” strategy, Guoquan has successfully converted its scale into a profit advantage through deep penetration of lower-tier markets, smart store upgrades, and the “one-product-one-factory” supply chain model.Strong Financial Performance Driven by Substantial Improvements in Earnings QualityIn 2025, Guoquan achieved synchronized growth in scale and efficiency, with financial performance exceeding market expectations. According to the annual results, for the year ended December 31, 2025, the company recorded total revenue of RMB 7.81 billion, a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 20.7%. Net profit reached RMB 454 million, representing a stunning YoY surge of 88.2%, marking a major milestone in the company’s profitability. The core operating profit (Non-IFRS measure), which excludes non-recurring items, amounted to RMB 461 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 48.2%. Notably, the profit growth rate significantly outpaced revenue growth, reflecting continuous optimization of earning efficiency. The core operating profit margin rose to 5.9%, further improving from 2024.In terms of profitability, the company maintained a stable gross margin of 21.6%. Cost control initiatives yielded significant results, as the growth rates of selling, distribution, and administrative expenses remained below the rate of revenue growth, allowing for the continuous release of economies of scale. Furthermore, the Board has proposed a final dividend of RMB 0.0381 per share (tax inclusive) for 2025. Total shareholder return via dividends and share repurchases for the full year amounted to approximately RMB 570 million.Elevating Network Scale and Quality Through Lower-tier Market Penetration and Intelligent EvolutionIn 2025, Guoquan further solidified its foundation as a ten-thousand-store enterprise, achieving dual breakthroughs in network scale and operational quality. As of December 31, 2025, the total store count rose to 11,566, with a net addition of 1,416 stores across 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The franchise-led network structure remained stable, supported by a mature and highly efficient operational system.Lower-tier markets functioned as a pivotal growth driver as the company accurately addressed consumption needs across counties and townships. In 2025, Guoquan achieved a net addition of 1,004 township stores, bringing the year-end total to 3,010 and representing 26.0% of the entire network. These township outlets have become a vital pillar of revenue growth by leveraging tailored product assortments and differentiated merchandising that align perfectly with the consumption patterns of lower-tier markets. Meanwhile, the company fast-tracked its intelligent transformation by completing smart and unmanned upgrades for over 3,000 retail stores during the year. The rollout of 24-hour unmanned outlets has successfully extended operating hours and reached a wider range of consumption scenarios, leading to a comprehensive elevation in both operational efficiency and service delivery.Enhancing Omni-channel Operations to Maximize Membership EcosystemGuoquan has built an instant retail network through the deep integration of online and offline channels, establishing the “Guoquan Instant Commerce” system to consistently enhance omni-channel conversion capabilities. The company’s social media and e-commerce performance was particularly strong, leveraging a multi-tiered TikTok (Douyin) account matrix to achieve over 9.41 billion platform exposures. This digital momentum drove store-level GMV on TikTok (Douyin) to RMB 1.49 billion, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 75.3%.The membership ecosystem reached a new milestone as registered members surged to 64.9 million by the end of 2025, up 57.1% year-on-year. The prepaid card program within this ecosystem yielded substantial results, with the year-end prepaid card balance reaching RMB 1.20 billion, a 22.3% increase from the previous year. This vast and highly engaged member base provides a robust foundation for maintaining stable store traffic and executing precision marketing strategies.Fortifying Competitive Moats through Integrated Product and Supply Chain ExcellenceGuided by its core product philosophy of “tasty, convenient and value-for-money”, Guoquan continued to diversify its product matrix in 2025 by launching 282 new SKUs in the hotpot and barbecue categories. The company upgraded its scenario-based offerings, including “Barbecue Camping Container Set”, “Crayfish Feast Set”, and “Six Popular Hot Pot Sets”, while expanding into the beverage segment with NFC fruit juices and craft beers to satisfy diverse consumer needs across all four daily meal occasions.The company also deepened its industrial footprint as the “one-product-one-factory” strategy yielded significant results. During the reporting period, Guoquan operated seven major food production facilities covering core categories such as seasonings, paste and aquatic products, and beef, creating a comprehensive production capacity matrix. The commencement of the Hainan Danzhou food production base further optimized the company’s supply chain radius. This integrated “production-supply-retail” closed-loop system has substantially enhanced upstream bargaining power and cost control, establishing an impenetrable supply chain moat.Scaling Innovative Formats and Unveiling the 2026 Four Stores Strategic BlueprintIn 2025, Guoquan actively explored new consumption scenarios with the successful rollout of innovative formats such as Guoquan Stir-fry and Guoquan Camping. These ventures have successfully extended the business from ingredient retail into freshly prepared meals and outdoor social dining, effectively unlocking a new growth curve for the company.Looking ahead to 2026, the company will focus on the synergistic development of four stores jointly advancing with concerted efforts—county and rural markets, community stores, Guoquan Stir-fry, and Guoquan Camping—to further penetrate lower-tier markets, upgrade community outlets, and expand innovative scenarios. Guoquan has set clear operational targets for 2026: total store count to exceed 14,500 with a net addition of over 2,934 outlets; maintaining a closure rate below 4%; expanding the registered member base to over 95 million; and ensuring that core operating profit growth significantly outpaces revenue growth. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Provides Medals, Commemorative Items, and Trophies as Category Sponsor (Awards Ceremonies) for the LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025
TOKYO, Mar 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) served as a category sponsor (awards ceremonies) for the LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025 (organized by the NPO Japan Blind Football Association, JBFA), held from August 2, 2025, to February 23, 2026.TANAKA has been a partner of the JBFA and a sponsor of the Japan Blind Football Women’s National Team since 2017, supporting their activities to raise awareness of and promote blind football. As a category sponsor of the tournament, TANAKA sponsored the operation of the awards ceremonies with the aim of contributing to the further development of blind football, and provided medals, commemorative items, and trophies to be awarded to teams and players.The LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League was established in 2022, and this year marked its fourth tournament. The LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025 kicked off with the first round in August 2025, proceeded through the second round on December 7, and concluded with the final round on February 23, 2026, at Yokohama Budokan (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture). After a series of exciting matches, free bird mejirodai won the championship and buen cambio yokohama finished as runner-up.At the awards ceremony held at the venue after the matches concluded, the Most Valuable Player award was presented to Yuzuki Sonobe (free bird mejirodai). The Top Scorer award was shared by four players: Ryo Kawamura (Shinagawa CC Papelecial), Yuki Saito (buen cambio yokohama), Sodai Hongo (free bird mejirodai), and Yuzuki Sonobe (free bird mejirodai). The special award, the TANAKA Great Effort Award, was presented to Shunsuke Nakamura (buen cambio yokohama). The final round also featured a full day of events, including visitor participation activities, greeting events with mascot characters, and cheerleading performances, and attracted a record 1,420 visitors, the highest in LIGA.i history (according to the organizer).The matchesTournament OverviewTournament NameLIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025OrganizerNPO Japan Blind Football AssociationDatesAugust 2, 2025, to February 23, 2026Venue・Shinagawa LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025 Round 1: August 2; Shinagawa General Gymnasium (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo)・LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025 Round 2: December 7; Fukushi Enterprise Sumida Field (Sumida-ku, Tokyo)・KPMG LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025 Round 3: February 23, 2026; Yokohama Budokan (Yokohama City, Kanagawa)Special Event Websitehttps://liga-i.b-soccer.jp/ Tournament ResultsMatch Results on February 23 ・Match 1: ・Match 2:buen cambio yokohama 2–1 Saitama T.Wingsfree bird mejirodai 1–2 Shinagawa CC PapelecialFinal Standings:Champion: free bird mejirodai2nd Place: buen cambio yokohama3rd Place: Shinagawa CC Papelecial4th Place: Saitama T.WingsContributions by TANAKATeam Awards・Champion Team: League Cup (Championship Silver Plate with Tournament Logo)・Champion Team Players: Medals (with Tournament Logo)Individual Awards・Most Valuable Player: Commemorative Item (Plaque with Tournament Logo)・Top Scorer: Commemorative Item (Plaque with Tournament Logo)・TANAKA Great Effort Award: Commemorative Item (Crystal Trophy with 1/25 oz. Platinum Vienna Harmony Coin and Tournament Logo)・Player of the Match: Commemorative Item (Crystal Trophy with Tournament Logo)*Only the Player of the Match will be awarded in each of the six matchesMeaning Behind the League Name “LIGA.i”“LIGA.i” represents the hope to improve “Intensity,” “Influence,” and “Integrity” to enhance the value of blind football and create a more inclusive society. Along with this desire to change today’s society, the fact that everyone involved in “LIGA.i” has the freedom to create their own unique “i” generates diversity, allowing every single person to take the initiative in building the league.*With the establishment of the new league, LIGA.i, in 2022, blind football now has a three-tournament system consisting of the Japan Championship, in which club teams from across the country can participate; the Regional League, which is held in four areas across the country; and the Top League, in which only teams that meet certain eligibility conditions can participate.About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.TANAKA Corporate Websitehttps://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://www.tanaka.co.jp/support/req/other_contact_e/index.htmlPress Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260317.pdf Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com