A defense expert has warned that Iran is deploying explosive-equipped drone boats disguised as wooden fishing vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—an action that signals a new phase of hybrid maritime warfare in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.Cameron Chell, the CEO of drone technology company Draganfly, made these remarks after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that an Iranian unmanned surface vehicle struck a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker on March 1, north of Muscat, Oman."UKMTO has verified that the vessel was attacked by an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), and the crew has been evacuated to shore," UKMTO stated in a threat assessment.Reports also indicated that two additional oil tankers were targeted on March 11 by remote-controlled explosive boats in the Gulf, as Iran ramped up attacks on foreign vessels following the launch of U.S. Operation Epic Fury against the regime on February 28.Chell warned that the use of so-called "suicide skiffs" represents an escalating asymmetric threat in the narrow, 21-mile-wide Strait, while emphasizing the technological capabilities driving these attacks."The Iranians likely utilize radio remote control, line-of-sight communication, frequency hopping, or encrypted radio links between the skiffs and the Hormuz shoreline," Chell told Digital."These can be jammed and tracked, but when there are 50 such boats, it becomes difficult to locate all of them along the shoreline or to spot a 20-foot wooden fishing boat loaded with explosives."One person could control a swarm of 10 boats," he said, adding that there "could also be autonomous swarming, where 10 boats might operate with significant independence due to pre-programming.""The boats are intended to ram targets and detonate," Chell clarified.Chell’s comments came after a March 12 Reuters report noting that six vessels had been attacked in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.Sources revealed that Iran had also deployed roughly a dozen mines, complicating efforts to maintain traffic through the critical waterway.U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News on Thursday that the U.S. Navy, potentially alongside an international coalition, would escort ships when militarily feasible.U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey also noted ongoing discussions with European counterparts, underscoring the global economic stakes tied to the strait. Chell, however, raised questions about current defensive preparedness."The U.S. Navy’s drone defense fleets are not configured to neutralize these suicide skiffs," Chell said."The U.S. would deploy manned aircraft to take them out, which are effective against large targets but inefficient at dealing with 50 boats averaging 25 to 30 feet in size, each loaded with explosives."Given the Strait’s geography, this would require extensive aircraft patrols, pervasive surveillance over the area, and rapid response to any detected activity," he added.As Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait closed as leverage against the U.S. and Israel, oil prices continue to rise, with Chell also highlighting Iran’s geographic advantage."The Strait’s geographic layout is well-suited for relatively unsophisticated suicide skiffs, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), or other such craft," he warned, before explaining how the area "facilitates this low-cost, automated, asymmetric warfare.""The Iranians can disguise these skiffs as fishing boats, ranging from 12 to 30 feet in length, with boats of various descriptions," Chell said."These skiffs are equipped with basic remote control capabilities, which may or may not use GPS waypoints or manual remote operation.""The skiffs are not autonomous because the Strait is narrow and the waterway is flat, allowing communication signals to travel over line-of-sight for extended periods," he added."They could have literally hundreds of these skiffs in operation at once, as they are also very inexpensive to deploy against," Chell said.
Report reveals Iran transferred hundreds of millions in crypto amid nationwide internet blackout
EXCLUSIVE: A cyber intelligence report examined by Digital reveals that cryptocurrency infrastructure associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remained active during the nationwide internet outage that followed the Feb. 28 U.S.–Israeli strikes. This activity facilitated the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in digital assets out of the nation.Omri Raiter, the CEO and founder of RAKIA, a cyber intelligence company that creates data analysis tools for government and security use, told Digital that his firm started tracking Iranian crypto transactions in real-time immediately after the attacks. They soon identified a massive increase in funds exiting accounts tied to Iran."We have witnessed a surge in funds starting from the initial hours of the conflict," Raiter stated. "It began with tens of millions in the first few hours and expanded to hundreds of millions and beyond. Funds were simply streaming out of Iranian cryptocurrency accounts."According to blockchain intelligence data referenced by RAKIA, an internal report indicates that wallets connected to the IRGC received over $3 billion in cryptocurrency during 2025. The report also utilizes public data from Chainalysis, a blockchain analysis firm, which estimated the volume of Iran’s crypto ecosystem activity at $7.78 billion for 2025.Raiter noted that the data implies Iran has established a robust financial infrastructure based on cryptocurrency that can function even amidst severe sanctions and communication blackouts."The IRGC has been utilizing the very same crypto channels that sanctions were meant to close to finance proxy operations," Raiter remarked.On Jan. 30, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned crypto exchanges associated with Iranian entities. This marked a significant shift, as it was one of the first instances where the U.S. targeted entire digital asset platforms instead of individual wallets for sanctions evasion involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this action is part of a wider initiative to dismantle financial networks linked to Tehran, Iran. "The Treasury remains committed to pursuing Iranian networks and corrupt elites who profit at the cost of the people," Bessent said in a January press release, adding, "This includes the regime's attempts to leverage digital assets to bypass sanctions."RAKIA’s analysis suggests that the recent spike mirrors two concurrent trends: transfers intended to support Iran’s regional proxy groups and capital flight by regime insiders aiming to secure their personal wealth. "Funding for proxy wars and personal capital flight are interconnected," Raiter observed. "They utilize the same pipelines."Raiter mentioned that the firm identified crypto flows linked to networks historically associated with groups backed by Iran. "Some of the accounts we observed are tied to regions where money has traditionally flowed to proxy conflicts," he informed Digital, noting activity connected to Lebanon and Yemen."Some of this activity could be IRGC members attempting to transfer their own funds," Raiter said. "However, the scale and timing suggest a coordinated effort."The report from RAKIA asserts that this activity persisted even after Iran enforced a comprehensive internet shutdown across the country. According to internet monitoring organization NetBlocks, national connectivity fell to approximately 1% of standard levels during the blackout. Despite the outage, RAKIA researchers reported detecting over 1,100 active cryptocurrency nodes operating within Iran."When internet connectivity is at one percent and you still observe over a thousand active crypto nodes, you are not looking at retail users," said Tom Malca, RAKIA’s head of cyber and AI research, in the report. "Those nodes require dedicated bandwidth, stable power, and an intentional exemption from the shutdown."RAKIA researchers indicated that this activity points to specialized infrastructure that continued to function while millions of Iranian civilians were disconnected from the internet.According to the report, the majority of nodes were located in the Tehran–Qom corridor, a region that houses key government and IRGC facilities. The analysis also identified smaller clusters in cities such as Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kermanshah.RAKIA stated that its investigation depended on a mix of network monitoring and publicly accessible blockchain intelligence.Digital contacted the Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York for a comment regarding the report's allegations. The mission did not provide a response.
Inside the Israeli drone unit combating Iran and Hezbollah
JERUSALEM: Israel's Squadron 200, also referred to as the first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadron, has been instrumental in eliminating over half of the Iranian regime's ballistic missile launchers as the conflict enters its 14th day across the Middle East. Digital was granted access to one of Israel's most seasoned UAV operators from Squadron 200. "I have been flying drones for the past 25 years and other operational missions have prepared me for this war," said the IDF Squadron leader. He described the extremely sensitive nature of his mission to protect Israeli civilians. "Every night that my wife and my kids sleep a full night without an alarm is something I can give credit to the air force and drone operators." Israel's alert system warns citizens via mobile messages and loud public sirens that give advance warning of incoming Iranian missiles and drones. The IDF drone commander stated the squadron's primary objective is to "find rocket launchers and surface-to-air missiles that are a risk to our pilots who fly over and destroy them before they launch missiles and gain air superiority for the area and reduce the risk for civilians back at home." He added that "We can take a lot of credit for the reduction" in Iranian missiles and drones fired at Israel. The stakes remain high for UAV operators. Iran's aerial campaign has resulted in 12 Israeli deaths and more than 2,975 people hospitalized. An IDF spokesman told Digital on Wednesday that Iran has launched "many dozens of missiles with cluster bomb heads spread across Israel." These cluster munitions are especially deadly because they kill or seriously wound with scattered bomblets that can remain active long after deployment. Just days ago, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, Israeli military spokesman, told Digital that the army has had a "near complete success" rate in stopping Iranian drones from hitting Israeli targets. However, the drone commander warned that the "great decrease in the number of launchers does not mean we can sit and rest." The IDF drone commander said, "one thing we learned from October 7 is that we should eliminate risks before they become too big." "The important thing is the goal of bringing peace to the Middle East," he said with reference to when Iran and Israel had cordial relations before the 1979 Islamic Republic revolution in Iran and President Trump’s advocacy for peace in the region. The UAV operator described the intricate operation of a drone team as "orchestra" work, where a 3-person crew — commander, pilot and operator — seamlessly coordinate their various activities. According to the IDF, Squadron 200 operates the Heron-1 ("Shoval") UAV, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, which is used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, support of ground forces and precision strike missions." The IDF said that the air force's drones "are capable of remaining airborne for extended periods and providing real-time intelligence to forces on the ground, both day and night and over long distances. The squadron was established in the 1970s as part of the development of the Israeli Air Force's UAV array and has since participated in numerous operations across different arenas."
General MRO Aerospace Achieves CAAC Certification, Expanding Global Maintenance Capabilities
MIAMI, FL, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - General MRO Aerospace (GMA) today announced that it has officially received certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), authorizing the company to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for components on Chinese-registered aircraft.The certification marks a significant milestone in General MRO Aerospace's international growth strategy and further validates the company's commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance."Achieving CAAC certification is an important step forward for General MRO Aerospace as we continue to expand our global footprint," said Jonathan Cornell, President of General MRO Aerospace. "This approval demonstrates the strength of our quality systems, our technical expertise, and our commitment to supporting Airline and MRO partners worldwide."The CAAC approval allows GMA to provide repair and overhaul services for a range of aircraft components in accordance with Chinese aviation regulatory requirements. The certification process included a comprehensive audit of the company's facilities, quality management system, technical procedures, and regulatory compliance programs.General MRO Aerospace already operates under FAA Part 145, EASA, CAA, and CAAT quality standards, and the addition of CAAC certification enables the company to better serve operators, lessors, and maintenance providers across the Asia-Pacific aviation market."With increasing global demand for high-quality component repair services, this certification strengthens our ability to support customers operating in China and throughout the region," Cornell added. "We look forward to building strong partnerships with Chinese airlines and aviation organizations."General MRO Aerospace specializes in the repair and overhaul of complex aircraft components, supporting commercial and cargo operators worldwide with reliable turnaround times, technical excellence, and customer-focused service.About General MRO AerospaceGeneral MRO Aerospace is an AS9110 and ISO 9001 accredited U.S.-based aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider specializing in component repair and support services for commercial aircraft operators worldwide. Operating under FAA Part 145, EASA, CAA, CAAT, and CAAC certification, the company delivers high-quality technical solutions, responsive customer service, and dependable turnaround times to airlines, leasing companies, and MRO partners around the globe.Media ContactMichelle TorresMarketing SpecialistGeneral MRO AerospaceMtorres@GeneralMROAerospace.comwww.GeneralMROAerospace.comSOURCE: General MRO Aerospace Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
CMS (867.HK/8A8.SG) : New Drug for Renal Anaemia Desidustat Tablets Approved in China
SHENZHEN, CHINA, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS”, or the “Group”) is pleased to announce that on 13 March 2026, new drug for renal anaemia Desidustat Tablets (the “Product”) has been approved for marketing in China by the National Medical Products Administration of the People’s Republic of China (NMPA). The Product is a novel, oral HypoxiaInducible Factor-Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor (HIF-PHI) for treating anaemia in non-dialysis adult, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients.The approval of Desidustat Tablets will further strengthen the Group’s overall layout in the field of nephrology, and synergize with the marketed innovative drug Velphoro (Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide Chewable Tablets, indicated for CKD hyperphosphatemia). Through the efficient linkage of nephrology expert resources and channel networks, the Group is expected to rapidly promote the large-scale clinical application of Desidustat Tablets, providing differentiated treatment options for Chinese CKD patients with renal anaemia and making a positive contribution to the Group’s performance.More information about Desidustat Tablets and Renal AnaemiaAs a novel oral HIF-PHI, the Product’s mechanism of action promotes erythropoiesis through increasing endogenous erythropoietin, improving iron availability and reducing hepcidin. Its China Phase III clinical trial has demonstrated positive results. The primary endpoint of the haemoglobin (Hb) mean change from baseline to Week 7-9 has indicated that, Desidustat is more effective than placebo in increasing Hb level. Results from the extension study demonstrate that the Product can maintain Hb level within the target range over the long term with acceptable safety. In addition, the Product significantly reduces hepcidin levels and ameliorates iron metabolism disorders.There is still a large unmet need in the treatment of anaemia in CKD patients in China. It is estimated that there are more than 120 million CKD patients in China[1]. Anaemia is one of the frequent complications of CKD, which exhibits a progressively increasing incidence with disease progression. A survey in China showed that the prevalences of anaemia in patients at CKD stage 1 to 5 were 22.0%, 37.0%, 45.4%, 85.1%, and 98.2%, respectively[2]. The target-achieving rate (the Hb level reaching the target value (110~120g / L)) has increased to 51.5% for haemodialysis CKD patients with anaemia[3], but is still only 8.2% for anaemia patients in non-dialysis CKD[4]. The Product is administrated orally, thus expecting to improve the treatment compliance of patients and to meet the unmet treatment needs in the field of CKD anaemia.Desidustat Tablets have been approved for marketing in India.CMS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT LIMITED, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, obtained an exclusive license for the Product from Zydus Lifesciences Limited (earlier known as Cadila Healthcare Limited) pursuant to a License Agreement with an effective date of 20 January 2020.The Group adheres to its core strategy of “innovation-driven”, having established a tiered and multi-dimensional innovation product portfolio with abundant reserves: 7 new drugs have been approved for marketing, 6 are currently under marketing review, and nearly 20 projects are about to initiate or are progressing through clinical trials. Through a dual-engine innovation approach combining collaborative development and in-house R&D, the Group continuously enriches its innovative pipeline centered on first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) products, efficiently advancing clinical development and commercialization. Moving forward, CMS will remain clinical needs-driven to deliver more quality pharmaceutical solutions, steadfastly advancing toward the goal of becoming a specialty-focused, innovation-excellent multinational pharmaceutical enterprise.About CMSCMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development in its advantageous specialty fields, strengthening the competitiveness of the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic/ gastroenterology/ ophthalmology/ skin health businesses, bringing economies of scale in specialty fields. Among them, the skin health business (Dermavon) has become a leading enterprise in its field, and is proposed to be listed independently on the SEHK. Meanwhile, CMS continuously promotes the operation and development of its integrated R&D, manufacturing and commercialization chain in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, capturing growth opportunities in emerging markets to support the high-quality and sustainable development of the Group.Reference1. ZhangL, WangF, WangL, et al. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in China: a cross-sectional survey[J]. Lancet, 2012, 379(9818):815-822. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60033-62. Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal Anemia (2014 Revised Edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of Nephrology, 2014, 30(9): 712-716. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1001-7097.2014.09.0153. 19th CSN Critical Care & Blood Purification Congress, Chinese Medical Association (July 2-5, 2025)4. Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal Anemia (2018 Revised Edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of Nephrology, 2018, 34(11): 860-866. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1001-7097.2018.11.012CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.Media ContactBrand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.Contact: CMS Investor RelationsWebsite: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
CMS (867.HK/8A8.SG): Ruxolitinib Phosphate Cream (Lumirix(R)) Achieves Initial Prescriptions in Multiple Regions in China for Patients with Vitiligo
SHENZHEN, CHINA, Mar 13, 2026 – (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – On 12 March 2026, China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS” or the “Group”) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Dermavon Holdings Limited (“Dermavon”, an innovative pharmaceutical company specialized in skin health, which is applying for a separate listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited) has its innovative prescription medicine ruxolitinib phosphate cream (Lumirix®) (the “Product”, marketed as Opzelura® in the U.S., Europe and Canada) recorded the initial prescriptions for vitiligo patients across 30 provincial-level regions. The prescriptions cover approximately a thousand influential public and private medical institutions in the field of skin health and disease management, including Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Second People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, United Family Healthcare Group, among others*. Meanwhile, the Product has become concurrently accessible via over 1,300 offline drugstores as well as JD.com e-commerce platform. *Hospital rankings are listed in no particular order. As the first topical JAK inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of vitiligo, ruxolitinib phosphate cream has officially launched its large-scale clinical application today, marking a breakthrough in China’s vitiligo treatment landscape and ushering in a new era of precision targeted therapy for vitiligo. Supported by safety and efficacy fully demonstrated in clinical studies, the Product is expected to bring new hope for repigmentation to millions of vitiligo patients. The rapid commercialization progress of ruxolitinib phosphate cream underscores strong product operation capabilities of CMS (including Dermavon), while also reflecting the robust supports from China’s regulatory reforms in accelerating patient access to clinically urgently needed innovative drugs. Benefiting from the integrated healthcare ecosystem of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the “Urgently Needed Imported Drugs for Clinical Use” policy, the Product initiated pilot clinical use in August 2023 at Boao Super Hospital within the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. Pilot usage subsequently expanded to designated medical institutions across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, Beijing-Tianjin region and other regions. In accordance with the relevant regulations of China’s real-world data application pilot project, as well as supported by the Hainan Provincial Medical Products Administration and the Administration of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, the Product has accumulated real-world clinical data in China under pilot application, significantly accelerating its clinical, registration and approval timelines. The Product received its Drug Registration Certificate on January 30, 2026 (approval date: January 27, 2026). Following its approval, in less than 1.5 months (including the Chinese New Year holiday), the initial prescriptions for ruxolitinib phosphate cream have been issued across multiple regions and hospitals, reflecting the highly efficient collaboration and concerted efforts among CMS teams, regulatory authorities and business partners. With robust support from the cross-departmental coordination mechanism of the Beijing Daxing Airport Economic Zone Joint Administrative Committee, once import conditions were met, the Product completed customs clearance approval, sampling and related customs procedures within 24 hours, and obtained the drug testing report within 7 working days, representing efficient execution and acceleration for the innovative drugs in China. During this process, the Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration proactively provided end-to-end policy guidance; the government service center has efficiently completed customs clearance filing; the Beijing Institute for Drug Control has conducted methodological pre-testing to accelerate timelines for innovative drug, and continuous worked during the Chinese Spring Festival; and Daxing Airport Customs provided specialized pre-guidance on declaration and swiftly completed customs review and release. Through parallel workflows and coordinated execution, all parties collectively pressed the “fast-forward button” for the Product’s commercialization, helping this urgently needed innovative therapy reach patients faster. As the Product enters the large-scale clinical application stage, it is expected to further strengthen Dermavon’s comprehensive dermatology solutions and brand value. Building on its leadership in skin health, Dermavon will continue to improve accessibility of ruxolitinib phosphate cream to benefit more vitiligo patients and steadfastly safeguard public skin health through innovation. About Vitiligo Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of the skin, which results from the loss of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time and the condition could influence skin on any part of the patients’ body. Vitiligo usually affects the appearance of patients, especially on exposed areas such as the face and neck. According to a study that involved over 1,000 diagnosed vitiligo patients, over 45% of patients have facial involvement, and over 20% of patients have neck involvement[1].The obvious presence of white patches may make patients feel that their appearance has been compromised, which in turn materially affects their social life, and is associated with a significantly higher incidence of mental health disorders; accordingly, there is an urgent need for effective treatment options for vitiligo[2]. It is estimated that there are approximately 10.3 million vitiligo patients in China and non-segmental vitiligo patients account for approximately 8.2 million[1]. Existing therapies, such as topical corticosteroids (TCS) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), have clinical limitations, with adverse reactions or limited efficacy with long-term use. Ruxolitinib phosphate cream successfully fills the gap in targeted drug treatment for vitiligo and is of great landmark significance. More Information About Ruxolitinib Phosphate Cream Ruxolitinib phosphate cream (Opzelura®), a novel cream formulation of the selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib developed by Incyte, is the first and only drug approved for the repigmentation of non-segmental vitiligo by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA)[3,4]. In the U.S., the Product is indicated for the topical treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, and for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) in non-immunocompromised adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies, or when those therapies are not advisable. In Europe, ruxolitinib phosphate cream is approved for the topical treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. In China, besides vitiligo indication, the product’s NDA for the treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older is also under regulatory review, which has been included in the Priority Review List and is expected to accelerate the Product’s AD review process for marketing approval. The Group, through the subsidiary of Dermavon entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement with Incyte for ruxolitinib phosphate cream on 2 December 2022, obtaining an exclusive license to develop, register and commercialize the Product in Mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region, Taiwan Region and eleven Southeast Asian countries (the “Territory”) and a non-exclusive license to manufacture the Product in the Territory. The subsidiary of Dermavon has sublicensed the relevant rights for the Product outside of Mainland China to the Group (excluding Dermavon and its subsidiary). Incyte has worldwide rights for the development and commercialization of ruxolitinib phosphate cream (excluding territories in which exclusive rights have already been licensed), marketed in the United States and Europe as Opzelura®. Opzelura® and the Opzelura® logo are registered trademarks of Incyte. About CMS CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs. CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients. CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development in its advantageous specialty fields, strengthening the competitiveness of the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic/ gastroenterology/ ophthalmology/ skin health businesses, bringing economies of scale in specialty fields. Among them, the skin health business (Dermavon) has become a leading enterprise in its field, and is proposed to be listed independently on the SEHK. Meanwhile, CMS continuously promotes the operation and development of its integrated R&D, manufacturing and commercialization chain in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, capturing growth opportunities in emerging markets to support the high-quality and sustainable development of the Group. Reference: 1. China Insights Consultancy’s industrial report 2. Wang G, Qiu D, Yang H, Liu W. The prevalence and odds of depression in patients with vitiligo: a meta-analysis[J]. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2018,32(8):1343-1351. DOI:10.1111/jdv.14739. 3. The U.S. FDA approval information can be found on the Incyte official website, as follows: https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-us-fda-approval-opzeluratm-ruxolitinib-cream 4. The EMA approval information can be found on the Incyte official website, as follows: https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-european-commission-approval-opzelurar CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert. This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.
CITIC Resources Deepens Dual-Engine Strategy of ‘Investment + Trading’, Continues to Promote High-Quality Development
HONG KONG, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – CITIC Resources Holdings Limited (hereinafter referred to as CITIC Resources or the Company, or the Group when its subsidiaries are included; Stock Code: 1205.HK) has announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the “Year”). During the Year, the Group actively responded to the complex international environment and cyclical industry pressures. Systematically advancing initiatives in “upstream asset deployment, expansion of trading business, and enhancement of production and operations”, the Group deepened its dual-engine development model of “investment + trading”, stabilised its core operations, cultivated a second growth curve, and demonstrated robust operational and developmental resilience.As a key growth driver for the Group, the oil and gas trading business within the import and export segment expanded steadily during the Year, achieving a significant milestone with a trading volume exceeding 20.0 million barrels and revenue reaching approximately HK$11.34 billion. Meanwhile, the Group broke the long-standing monopoly of the sales channel of crude oil, enhancing the market value of its oil and gas properties. In the non-oil-and-gas business, the Group consistently prioritises refined and proactive management of its equity investments as a core task and actively conveyed its philosophy of improving quality and enhancing efficiency to the operators. Notably, the value of shares held in Aloca Corporation (“Aloca”) increased by approximately 46.3% during the Year. On the oil and gas front, focusing on refined reservoir management and continuous scientific research breakthroughs, the Group achieved stable production and increased reserves. It comprehensively deepened lean management throughout the production process, coupled with the implementation of cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancement measures, propelled continuous improvements in management standards and operational efficiency across all phases of oil and gas projects from exploration, development to production.During the Year, the Group achieved revenue of approximately HK$14.96 billion (2024: approximately HK$9.50 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 57.6%. Impacted by factors such as a decline in the average selling price of crude oil and coal, and higher raw material costs, profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company amounted to approximately HK$0.17 billion (2024: HK$0.57 billion). Despite that, all of the Group’s segments recorded profits for the Year and the Group continued to maintain a strong financial position with cash and deposits of approximately HK$3.52 billion as at 31 December 2025 (31 December 2024: HK$2.03 billion). As at 31 December 2025, the Group had total assets of approximately HK$14.61 billion, and net assets attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company of approximately HK$8.79 billion. The gearing ratio and interest-bearing debt ratio were approximately 38.8% and 23.5% respectively, with a return on equity (annualised) of approximately 2.0%.As part of its efforts to optimise its asset structure, the Group disposed of shares in Alcoa in January and March 2026, totalling approximately 2.17% of Alcoa’s total issued shares[1]. By seizing the opportunity to monetise its investment at a high valuation, the Group continues to create greater value for its shareholders.Mr. Hao Weibao, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CITIC Resources, said: “Looking ahead to 2026, the Group will focus on key areas such as the development, production and trading of oil and gas, as well as investments in the aluminum industry chain, deepen synergies among trading, investment and production management, and continue to implement the business strategy of consolidating the existing core business and pursuing dual-engine expansion through ‘investment + trading’.To consolidate our existing principal business, the Group will continue to enhance lean production and operational management to increase reserves and output, while steadily expanding production and sales scale. The Group will also intensify the introduction and application of new processes and technologies, leveraging technological innovation to empower high-quality development of our core businesses and reinforce our core growth foundation.On the dual-engine driver of ‘investment + trading’ expansion front, the Group will continue to track and position in high-quality oil and gas assets and the aluminium-centric key metals industry chain. Trading operations and investment projects will be deeply integrated: the investment arm will secure equity resources, while the trading arm will achieve market-oriented sales. This approach will also enhance our market sensitivity, enabling us to identify and acquire high-quality upstream resources and assets, thereby creating a virtuous cycle in which ‘investment acquires resources and trading converts value’. The Group is committed to implementing these development strategies and will continue to deliver long-term and stable returns to our shareholders.”[1]Details regarding the disposal were disclosed in the announcements and circular dated 16 January, 6 February, and 5 March.For details of CITIC Resources’ 2025 annual results, please refer to the Group’s annual results announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Group’s website.About CITIC Resources Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 1205.HK)CITIC Resources Holdings Limited has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1997. Principal activities of CITIC Resources include the exploration, development and production of oil and coal, investments in bauxite mining, alumina refinery, aluminium smelting and oil and gas trading. CITIC Limited is the largest shareholder with about 59.5% interest in CITIC Resources. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
uSMART HK Expands to 12 Physical Service Centres in One Year, Accelerating “Online x Offline” O2O Community Finance Strategy
HONG KONG, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – uSmart Securities Limited ("uSMART Securities/the Company") is pleased to announce the official opening of its ninth and tenth physical service centres in Tai Wai and Tuen Mun. Within just one year, uSMART Securities has expanded its Hong Kong service network to 12 physical service centres, surpassing industry benchmarks and actively implementing its "Online x Offline" (O2O) community finance strategy. This expansion solidifies its position as the “No.1 Hong Kong Funded Fintech Brokerage^” and further enhances brand influence.Promoting Accessible Community Financial ServicesThe Tuen Mun branch held a simple yet meaningful opening ceremony today, marking the official commencement of services and a new chapter in the Company's development. Mr. Neo Lee, Executive Director of uSMART Securities, stated: "The opening of the Tai Wai and Tuen Mun branches represent a crucial strategic move in our commitment to local communities and advancing community-oriented services. We focus not only on network coverage but also on connecting with the community, upholding our 'customer-centric' philosophy. By bridging the gap with residents, we are advancing toward our goal of 'seamless coverage across Hong Kong'."(From left to right: Business Development Manager of uSMART Securities, Executive Director of Research Department of uSMART Securities, Executive Director of uSMART Securities, Marketing Director of uSMART Securities and Business Development Director of uSMART Securities)(From left to right: Business Development Manager of uSMART Securities, Executive Director of Research Department of uSMART Securities, Executive Director of uSMART Securities, Marketing Director of uSMART Securities and Business Development Director of uSMART Securities)Comprehensive Coverage Across Hong Kong 18 DistrictsAiming to accelerate the goal of becoming "the Fintech brokerage with the most service centres in Hong Kong," uSMART Securities will open branches in core areas, Kai Tak and Mong Kok in the second quarter. The company is also actively exploring pop-up stores in shopping malls and participating in various exhibition booths. Through multi-channel engagement with customers across different districts, the company aims to refine its regional presence, enabling citizens across all 18 districts to easily access professional and personalized investment and wealth management services, seamlessly integrating financial experiences into daily life.Diversified Investment ProductsAt the opening ceremony, Neo revealed that uSMART Securities has recently obtained a futures trading license and is preparing to launch futures trading services by mid-year. Upon launch, clients will be able to trade futures, including index futures, commodity futures, and currency futures via the uSMART platform. This expansion provides investors with a more comprehensive range of investment products covering long-term, medium-term, and short-term investments, as well as low, medium, and high expected returns, catering to diverse client needs.Futures services will be fully integrated into the existing uSMART APP trading platform, allowing clients to trade US and Hong Kong stocks, futures, ETFs, funds, and discretionary investment products from a single APP. This enables diversified asset allocation, risk management, and wealth enhancement services, allowing clients to utilize capital efficiently and manage investment portfolios flexibly, truly achieving "one-stop wealth management with comprehensive asset allocation."Promoting Investment Education and Enhancing Client InteractionuSMART Securities is also committed to advancing investor education, regularly hosting various online and offline investment seminars and thematic events such as wine tastings and cocktail workshops. These initiatives deepen client engagement and relationships, enhancing customer retention and loyalty.Meanwhile, a new financial channel led by stock commentator and Executive Director of Research, Mr. Dickie Wong, will officially launch next Monday (March 16). Before the market opens and midday close on every Hong Kong stock trading day, a professional team will provide you with real-time analysis of market dynamics and investment opportunity. uSMART Securities aims to foster closer interaction, helping clients refine their practical skills, optimize investment decisions, and build a more comprehensive platform for learning and practice.Expanding Team SizeIn line with rapid business growth, uSMART Securities is actively advancing local talent recruitment and training. The company expects to increase its workforce by 30% over the next two years across areas including branch operations, product design, wealth management, compliance and risk control, and marketing operations. This expansion aims to enhance team scale and professional capabilities, driving steady business growth.Looking ahead, uSMART Securities will continue to optimize trading experiences and strengthen synergies between offline service points and community activities, further solidifying its leading position in financial technology. By combining innovative technology with community networks, the company strives to provide more convenient and personalized wealth management services for investors of all ages and experience levels, promoting the popularization and intelligent development of Hong Kong's financial ecosystem.^”No.1 Hong Kong Funded Fintech Brokerage" is based on TradeGo Cloud data, with uSMART Securities ranking first in monthly transaction volume among local Hong Kong-funded internet brokers for over a year as of February 2026.About uSMART:uSMART Securities is a leading Hong Kong Funded Fintech Brokerage founded in 2018. Over the past eight years, it has pioneered the fusion of technology and finance, offering stocks trading, asset management, and wealth management solutions. Its proprietary platforms, uSMART HK APP and uSMART SG APP, operated by uSMART Securities (Hong Kong) and uSMART Securities (Singapore) respectively. It supports investments in Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, A-shares (via Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Connect), Singapore Stocks, Japan Stocks, UK Stocks, US options, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, Asset Management, Structured Notes, Futures, Crypto, Precious Metals, Gold, and forex. Furthermore, uSMART is equipped with a highly professional research and asset management team that offers asset management, wealth management, securities brokerage, institutional business, LPF services, and investment banking, dedicated to serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, corporations, investment institutions, fund companies, and other brokerage firms with comprehensive asset management solutions.For details please visit: https://hk.usmartglobal.comFor any media queries, please contact:Carrie Wong9788 4665carriewong@usmart.hk Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
CMS (867.HK/8A8.SG): Ruxolitinib Phosphate Cream (Lumirix(R)) Achieves Initial Prescriptions in Multiple Regions in China for Patients with Vitiligo
SHENZHEN, CHINA, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On 12 March 2026, China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS” or the “Group”) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Dermavon Holdings Limited (“Dermavon”, an innovative pharmaceutical company specialized in skin health, which is applying for a separate listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited) has its innovative prescription medicine ruxolitinib phosphate cream (Lumirix®) (the “Product”, marketed as Opzelura® in the U.S., Europe and Canada) recorded the initial prescriptions for vitiligo patients across 30 provincial-level regions. The prescriptions cover approximately a thousand influential public and private medical institutions in the field of skin health and disease management, including Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Second People's Hospital of Chengdu, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, United Family Healthcare Group, among others*. Meanwhile, the Product has become concurrently accessible via over 1,300 offline drugstores as well as JD.com e-commerce platform. *Hospital rankings are listed in no particular order.As the first topical JAK inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of vitiligo, ruxolitinib phosphate cream has officially launched its large-scale clinical application today, marking a breakthrough in China’s vitiligo treatment landscape and ushering in a new era of precision targeted therapy for vitiligo. Supported by safety and efficacy fully demonstrated in clinical studies, the Product is expected to bring new hope for repigmentation to millions of vitiligo patients.The rapid commercialization progress of ruxolitinib phosphate cream underscores strong product operation capabilities of CMS (including Dermavon), while also reflecting the robust supports from China’s regulatory reforms in accelerating patient access to clinically urgently needed innovative drugs. Benefiting from the integrated healthcare ecosystem of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the “Urgently Needed Imported Drugs for Clinical Use” policy, the Product initiated pilot clinical use in August 2023 at Boao Super Hospital within the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. Pilot usage subsequently expanded to designated medical institutions across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, Beijing-Tianjin region and other regions. In accordance with the relevant regulations of China’s real-world data application pilot project, as well as supported by the Hainan Provincial Medical Products Administration and the Administration of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, the Product has accumulated real-world clinical data in China under pilot application, significantly accelerating its clinical, registration and approval timelines. The Product received its Drug Registration Certificate on January 30, 2026 (approval date: January 27, 2026).Following its approval, in less than 1.5 months (including the Chinese New Year holiday), the initial prescriptions for ruxolitinib phosphate cream have been issued across multiple regions and hospitals, reflecting the highly efficient collaboration and concerted efforts among CMS teams, regulatory authorities and business partners. With robust support from the cross-departmental coordination mechanism of the Beijing Daxing Airport Economic Zone Joint Administrative Committee, once import conditions were met, the Product completed customs clearance approval, sampling and related customs procedures within 24 hours, and obtained the drug testing report within 7 working days, representing efficient execution and acceleration for the innovative drugs in China. During this process, the Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration proactively provided end-to-end policy guidance; the government service center has efficiently completed customs clearance filing; the Beijing Institute for Drug Control has conducted methodological pre-testing to accelerate timelines for innovative drug, and continuous worked during the Chinese Spring Festival; and Daxing Airport Customs provided specialized pre-guidance on declaration and swiftly completed customs review and release. Through parallel workflows and coordinated execution, all parties collectively pressed the “fast-forward button” for the Product’s commercialization, helping this urgently needed innovative therapy reach patients faster.As the Product enters the large-scale clinical application stage, it is expected to further strengthen Dermavon’s comprehensive dermatology solutions and brand value. Building on its leadership in skin health, Dermavon will continue to improve accessibility of ruxolitinib phosphate cream to benefit more vitiligo patients and steadfastly safeguard public skin health through innovation.About VitiligoVitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of the skin, which results from the loss of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time and the condition could influence skin on any part of the patients’ body. Vitiligo usually affects the appearance of patients, especially on exposed areas such as the face and neck. According to a study that involved over 1,000 diagnosed vitiligo patients, over 45% of patients have facial involvement, and over 20% of patients have neck involvement[1].The obvious presence of white patches may make patients feel that their appearance has been compromised, which in turn materially affects their social life, and is associated with a significantly higher incidence of mental health disorders; accordingly, there is an urgent need for effective treatment options for vitiligo[2].It is estimated that there are approximately 10.3 million vitiligo patients in China and non-segmental vitiligo patients account for approximately 8.2 million[1]. Existing therapies, such as topical corticosteroids (TCS) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), have clinical limitations, with adverse reactions or limited efficacy with long-term use. Ruxolitinib phosphate cream successfully fills the gap in targeted drug treatment for vitiligo and is of great landmark significance.More Information About Ruxolitinib Phosphate CreamRuxolitinib phosphate cream (Opzelura®), a novel cream formulation of the selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib developed by Incyte, is the first and only drug approved for the repigmentation of non-segmental vitiligo by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA)[3,4]. In the U.S., the Product is indicated for the topical treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, and for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) in non-immunocompromised adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies, or when those therapies are not advisable. In Europe, ruxolitinib phosphate cream is approved for the topical treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. In China, besides vitiligo indication, the product’s NDA for the treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older is also under regulatory review, which has been included in the Priority Review List and is expected to accelerate the Product’s AD review process for marketing approval.The Group, through the subsidiary of Dermavon entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement with Incyte for ruxolitinib phosphate cream on 2 December 2022, obtaining an exclusive license to develop, register and commercialize the Product in Mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region, Taiwan Region and eleven Southeast Asian countries (the “Territory”) and a non-exclusive license to manufacture the Product in the Territory. The subsidiary of Dermavon has sublicensed the relevant rights for the Product outside of Mainland China to the Group (excluding Dermavon and its subsidiary).Incyte has worldwide rights for the development and commercialization of ruxolitinib phosphate cream (excluding territories in which exclusive rights have already been licensed), marketed in the United States and Europe as Opzelura®. Opzelura® and the Opzelura® logo are registered trademarks of Incyte.About CMSCMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development in its advantageous specialty fields, strengthening the competitiveness of the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic/ gastroenterology/ ophthalmology/ skin health businesses, bringing economies of scale in specialty fields. Among them, the skin health business (Dermavon) has become a leading enterprise in its field, and is proposed to be listed independently on the SEHK. Meanwhile, CMS continuously promotes the operation and development of its integrated R&D, manufacturing and commercialization chain in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, capturing growth opportunities in emerging markets to support the high-quality and sustainable development of the Group.Reference:1. China Insights Consultancy’s industrial report 2. Wang G, Qiu D, Yang H, Liu W. The prevalence and odds of depression in patients with vitiligo: a meta-analysis[J]. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2018,32(8):1343-1351. DOI:10.1111/jdv.14739. 3. The U.S. FDA approval information can be found on the Incyte official website, as follows:https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-us-fda-approval-opzeluratm-ruxolitinib-cream4. The EMA approval information can be found on the Incyte official website, as follows:https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-european-commission-approval-opzelurarCMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.Media ContactBrand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.Contact: CMS Investor RelationsWebsite: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Guoquan Achieves Simultaneous Growth in Scale and Profitability, Core Operating Profit Increases by 48.2% in 2025
HONG KONG, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – 12 March 2026, Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("Guoquan" or the "Company"; stock code: 2517.HK), a leading one-stop home meal products brand in China, announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025, which have been reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board.Adhering to the strategic positioning of "community central kitchen" in 2025, the Company successfully established a holistic instant retail store network through a multi-channel, multi-scenario omni-channel layout and the deep integration of online and offline operating models. The Company continuously delved into consumers' demand, developed and iterated a diverse suite of product portfolios, deepened refined store operation and management, and strengthened the construction of a membership ecosystem, effectively enhancing store operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Concurrently, the Company continued to deepen its industrial layout and promote the integrated closed-loop construction of "production, supply and marketing", achieving stable development throughout the year.For the year ended 31 December 2025, the Company's revenue amounted to RMB7,810.0 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.7%. Gross profit reached RMB1,686.6 million, a year-on-year increase of 19.0%. Net profit was RMB453.9 million, a significant year-on-year increase of 88.2%. Core operating profit (adjusted for non-recurring items such as gains or losses on fair value changes on unlisted convertible redeemable preferred shares and donations for fire rescue in Tai Po, Hong Kong) was RMB460.7 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 48.2%. Basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB0.1630, a substantial year-on-year increase of 93.8%.Continuously Strengthening Omni-channel Instant Retail: Offline Expansion and Online Engagement Drive GrowthAs of 31 December 2025, the Company's total number of stores nationwide reached 11,566, a net increase of 1,416 stores from 10,150 as at the end of 2024, covering 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. In terms of regional store layout, the Company achieved a net increase of 1,004 township-level stores in 2025. Addressing the consumption characteristics and needs of township markets, the Company developed differentiated product structures and store displays, accurately aligning with consumer demands in lower-tier markets and further enhancing township market penetration. Concurrently, the Company continued to deploy smart retail scenarios in mid-to-high-tier markets, completing the intelligent and unmanned transformation and upgrade of over 3,000 retail stores in 2025, achieving synergistic development between lower-tier and mid-to-high-tier markets.To empower franchisees, facilitate their sales growth, and further expand consumer reach while offering a more flexible shopping experience, the Company continuously provides support and guidance to franchisees in core areas such as store operations and business development. Leveraging the Company's Guoquan APP, WeChat mini-program, third-party food delivery platforms and social commerce platforms (such as Douyin), a multi-level online sales network has been established. In 2025, the Company achieved over 9.41 billion impressions on platforms through its multi-level Douyin accounts matrix. Stores generated GMV of RMB1.49 billion via the Douyin channel, representing a year-on-year increase of 75.3%.Membership Ecosystem Continuously Improved; Product Portfolio Enhances in Scenarization and RichnessIn 2025, the operation of the Guoquan membership program yielded significant results, further releasing the value of the membership ecosystem. During the Reporting Period, the number of the Company's registered members reached approximately 64.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 57.1%, demonstrating rapid expansion of the membership base. The prepaid card business also achieved stable growth, with the value stored in prepaid cards amounting to approximately RMB1.2 billion during the Reporting Period, a year-on-year increase of 22.3%. This indicates continuously improving member stickiness and consumption contribution, forging a closer connection with consumers.Relying on its substantial membership base, the Company persistently pursues innovation in its product offerings, consistently upholding the business philosophy of providing consumers with "tasty, convenient and value-for-money" products. It continuously enriches its product portfolio and iterates new products to comprehensively meet consumers' diverse dining needs. As of 31 December 2025, the Company had introduced 282 new SKUs of hot pot and barbecue products. It created multiple scenarized meal suites such as the "Barbecue Camping Container Set", "Crayfish Feast Set", and "Six Popular Hot Pot Sets", achieving deep integration of products and consumption scenarios. Furthermore, the Company expanded its product categories within the drinks and beverage consumption scenario, launching products such as NFC fruit juices, craft beer, and flavored tea beverages. This continuously enhances the richness and diversification of the product matrix, further perfecting the one-stop meal products supply system.Deepening Industrial Layout; Strengthening Digitalized Supply Chain ControlGuoquan continues to promote the integrated closed-loop construction of "production, supply and marketing". Adopting a "one-product-one-factory" strategy, it further deepens the breadth and depth of its industrial layout, providing solid production capacity support for business development. As of 31 December 2025, the Company possessed seven food ingredient production plants, covering core categories such as condiments, meatballs, paste and aquatic products, and beef products, forming a comprehensive and well-defined production capacity matrix. Concurrently, the construction of the Company's food production base in Danzhou, Hainan Province, officially commenced. This base will further expand its geographical coverage, optimize the supply chain's radiation radius, and strengthen the national production capacity layout and logistics reach.This solid industrial foundation continuously improves the operational efficiency of the digitalized supply chain. Based on the supply chain system operating from factory to central warehouse and to retail stores, the Company can monitor supply and demand dynamics from the procurement end to the store end, and closely manage inventory levels, thereby achieving efficient management of the entire supply chain. As of 31 December 2025, the Company had deployed 20 digitalized central warehouses across China, achieving swift product circulation through digital stock and barcode management. Simultaneously, the digitalization of the supply chain covering core segments such as production, procurement, warehousing, and logistics allows for precise monitoring of supply-demand dynamics and inventory levels, ensuring the timely supply of products to stores in the Chinese mainland. This comprehensively enhances the overall operational efficiency of the supply chain, solidifying core barriers in cost control and quality assurance.Six Core Strategic Directions: Continuously Advancing Business UpgradesIn 2026, Guoquan targets that the total number of stores will exceed 14,500, representing a net increase of over 2,934 stores, with an estimated store closure rate of less than 4%. It targets high-single-digit growth in store efficiency, and the number of registered members is targeted to exceed 95 million. The Company targets that the growth rate of core operating profit will be significantly higher than that of its revenue.First, Fully expand the sales network with four stores jointly advancing with concerted efforts. Guoquan will continue to build a multi-level sales network, accelerate the expansion of large stores in townships, practice the philosophy of "food equality", and precisely meet the consumption needs of residents in county and township markets. Concurrently, it will explore innovative store formats and upgrade the franchisee management system to build a symbiotic and mutually beneficial franchise ecosystem.Second, Deepen the strategy of community central kitchen to expand community consumption scenarios. The Company will focus on creating food retail solutions for "four meals a day", continuously diversifying its product categories and building a more competitive product matrix to achieve organic sales growth while further consolidating its advantages in lower-tier market layout.Third, Deepen membership operation and IP to advance the community brand project. The Company will continue to advance refined membership operation, deeply integrate media resources such as popular TV commercials, offline community advertising and social media and e-commerce platforms (such as Douyin) to expand its membership base, and improve the membership rights system to enhance member loyalty and stickiness. Furthermore, it will further deepen the operation of its brand IP image "Guobao" to strengthen brand value and emotional resonance with consumers.Fourth, AI big data empower stores to innovate smart retail scenarios. By integrating Internet of Things, big data, and AI technology, the Company will drive the smart operation of stores with data. It will promote the in-depth integration of the Guoquan stir-fry business format with smart cooking machines, accurately analyze consumers' dining habits, optimize dish parameters and cooking procedures for smart cooking machines, realize the standardized production of stir-fry dishes, and optimize the consumer experience.Fifth, Continue to promote the industrial layout and strengthen the advantage of one-product-one-factory. Adhering to the "one-product-one-factory" strategy, Guoquan will further integrate upstream resources domestically and internationally, accelerate the construction of the food production base in Danzhou, Hainan Province, increase R&D investment, and launch more product portfolios with a high quality-price ratio.Sixth, Develop overseas markets in phases to deliver the good taste of China. Guoquan plans to explore and establish a presence in overseas regional markets in a phased manner to unlock long-term growth potential. Leveraging its core competitiveness, it will steadily advance its overseas market exploration. It also plans to take the lead in opening stores in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China to accumulate and gather operational experience, gradually achieving overseas product sales and enhancing global brand visibility.About Guoquan Food (Shanghai) CO., LTD. (2517.HK):Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Guoquan”; Stock Code: 2517.HK) is the leading one-stop home meal products brand in China, offering a variety of ready-to-eat, ready-to-heat, ready-to-cook and prepared ingredients, with a focus on at-home hotpot and barbecue products. Leveraging Company’s robust supply chain capabilities, a strategic industrial layout with self-owned factories, a nationwide network of around 10,000 instant retail stores, and a carefully curated product portfolio, Company offer a variety of home meal products solution under the “Guoquan Shihui” brand, catering to different dining scenarios.This press release is issued by EverBloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited on behalf of Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Completes Handover of WAKASHIO MARU Training Ship for National Institute of Technology, Toyama College
WAKASHIO MARUTOKYO, Mar 13, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, today completed the handover of WAKASHIO MARU, a training ship for National Institute of Technology, Toyama College (NIT, Toyama College). The handover followed a christening and launch ceremony for the ship in October 2025 at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and the completion of interior work and sea trials.This is the fifth generation training ship for NIT, Toyama College, and the first replacement ship for the school in 31 years since 1995. It is the first ship Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has built for the school. The ship will be utilized for navigation practice, operations, and ocean-related research, along with various other educational and community contribution activities to develop marine sector human resources, contribute to local communities, and disseminate maritime-related messages. The ship is also equipped to provide a range of disaster support functions, including transporting relief supplies and providing housing facilities in the event of a natural disaster.Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to support its customers and the advancement of society by leveraging its synergy with MHI Group to build ships that embody even more advanced development and design for the maritime field, and contribute to the training of next-generation maritime officers, and oceanographic surveys.Main Specifications of the WAKASHIO MARUOwnerNational Institute of Technology, Toyama College(NIT, Toyama College)LOA56.48 metersBeam10.60 metersDepth5.95 metersGross tonnage389 tonnesCapacityApprox. 60 personsService speed12.5 knotsAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Five Years Later, ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Will Replicate the Show’s Best Concept
LucasfilmThe Mandalorian initially appeared to be an ideal tale of a solitary hero traversing the galaxy. However, by Season 1's conclusion, that turned out to be misleading. The series is actually about Mandalorian Din Djarin and young Grogu, his former bounty who became a clan member and has developed into a Jedi apprentice and valuable companion.This clarifies why the forthcoming film spinoff's title has been altered to The Mandalorian & Grogu, granting both equal billing. However, Grogu's elevated status doesn't indicate he'll cease requiring rescue. Fortunately, that's precisely what The Mandalorian excels at.Grogu appears imprisoned in a new image from The Mandalorian and Grogu. | LucasfilmEmpire Magazine has recently unveiled several images from The Mandalorian and Grogu, one of which shows the yet-to-be-named "Imperial Warlord" observing a major spectacle while Grogu watches from within a cage. The circumstances of Grogu's imprisonment remain unknown, though plausible theories can be formed. The film is confirmed to feature an intergalactic gladiatorial combat, which appears to be precisely the type of gathering that would attract such an audience.Although distressing to witness young Grogu incarcerated, this actually bodes well for the film's prospects. While their togetherness is enjoyable, numerous adventures typically start with Din leaving Grogu in someone's care. The most thrilling installments are those that separate the duo.Rescuing Grogu is among the few circumstances that compel Din Djarin to remove his helmet and violate his Children of the Watch vows. | LucasfilmFor instance, The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 6, "The Tragedy," depicts Din's journey after Grogu is abducted following his beacon to any nearby Jedi on Tython. The startling development is precisely what renders it unforgettable.While Din is a formidable fighter, nothing drives him more than saving his small green companion — losing Grogu compelled Din to violate his vows and unveil his face in Season 2, and their connection has strengthened further after encountering fellow Mandalorians in Season 3.Regardless of what unfolds in The Mandalorian & Grogu, that suspenseful anxiety is assured to return. One hopes Din can liberate young Grogu from confinement, though it may be unnecessary: could a basic cage contain a young Jedi? Perhaps Grogu will manage his own escape this time.The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in cinemas on May 22, 2026.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Introduce 10MW-Class Centrifugal Chiller for Next-Generation AI Data Centers in North America
TOKYO, Mar 13, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today announced its strategic intent to work toward the introduction of a 10-megawatt (MW) class centrifugal chiller for next-generation AI data centers in the North American market, targeting industrial-grade AI computing infrastructure. The company plans to obtain U.S. safety and regulatory certification, including UL, potentially as early as 2026, with commercial availability targeted thereafter.As demand for large-scale AI computing accelerates globally, data center operators are increasingly prioritizing proven reliability, energy efficiency, and water sustainability over experimental technologies. Leveraging decades of industrial experience, MHI is positioning its centrifugal chiller solution as a potential standardized cooling platform for gigawatt-class AI data centers, where operational track record is a critical decision factor.Proven Industrial Leadership Delivering Outstanding Energy and Water EfficiencyMHI's centrifugal chillers are backed by an extensive track record across industrial and mission-critical applications, supported by a leading approximately 60% domestic market share in Japan(*1). This proven performance base provides a strong foundation for data center operators seeking dependable cooling infrastructure for continuous, high load operation.Key features of the solution include:High efficiency centrifugal chiller design utilizing an in-house developed compressor, optimized through a single-compressor configuration to achieve superior part-load and full-load performance.Integrated plant-level control using MHI's proprietary Control System and self-designed Modular Chiller Plant (MCP) architecture, enabling effective utilization of free-cooling operation modes and improved Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).Low-water-consumption cooling configurations using dry coolers to address growing concerns around water scarcity and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) in large-scale data centers.A system design philosophy that emphasizes operational stability, repeatability, and long-term efficiency, rather than reliance on unproven technologies.Together, these features are expected to facilitate both energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, while maintaining the robustness required for AI workloads operating at unprecedented scale.Designed for Emerging AI Data Center ArchitecturesThe newly announced 10MW-class chiller is optimally designed with the objective of aligning with emerging reference architectures for large-scale AI computing facilities, which demand higher cooling capacity, increased redundancy, and standardized deployment models.By addressing the cooling requirements of gigawatt-class AI data centers, MHI's solution aims to support the evolution of data centers from traditional IT facilities into fully integrated AI data centers, where cooling infrastructure plays a direct role in enabling computing performance, uptime, and total cost optimization.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group is dedicated to delivering more sustainable and reliable solutions to data centers by combining decarbonized power generation, reliable power distribution, high efficiency cooling systems and Integrated Digital Solutions. We seek to empower our customers through the complete lifecycle from design phase to post deployment with actionable insights, solutions and services. This initiative represents a key step in MHI's broader global strategy to expand its data center cooling portfolio, with a strong focus on high-density AI workloads, sustainability, and industrial-grade reliability.(*1) This represents MHI Group's share of the centrifugal chiller market in Japan.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Revenue Triples in Four Years! Qunabox Group Reports RMB290 Million in Net Profit in 2025
HONG KONG, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Against the dual boost of a global technological revolution and China’s policies to expand domestic demand, the integration of AI with consumption scenarios has entered a phase of accelerated development. As a leading enterprise in China’s AI interactive marketing services sector, Qunabox Group (00917.HK) has seized industry opportunities and continued to deepen its core strategy of “AI + Consumption Scenarios”. The Company has achieved breakthroughs across multiple dimensions, including technological research and development, business deployment and global expansion, demonstrating strong development resilience and growth potential.On 12 March, Qunabox Group announced its 2025 financial results. According to the data, the Company maintained a robust growth momentum during the year, recording revenue of RMB1.663 billion, a year-on-year increase of 24.2%. More notably, the Company’s profitability continued to strengthen, with profit for the period reaching RMB290 million. The Company successfully turned losses into profits, marking the beginning of a new stage of development.The accounting loss recorded by Qunabox Group in 2024 was mainly attributable to changes in the fair value of preferred shares during the listing period. With the elimination of these accounting-related disturbances, the Company’s genuine intrinsic profitability has become increasingly evident, signaling that Qunabox has officially entered a golden period of growth driven by the explosive release of scale effects.Building a Solid Technological Foundation and Driving Qualitative Performance Growth Through Product InnovationIn 2025, Qunabox Group continued to deepen its “AI + Consumption Scenarios” strategy by increasing investment in underlying technologies and platform capabilities. R&D expenses rose significantly by 75% year-on-year, laying a solid technological foundation for the Company’s development. By building a unified AI technology middle platform and a modular capability system, the Group achieved improvements in both R&D efficiency and technology reusability.Its self-developed AI-OMNI multimodal neural integrated collaboration engine achieved key breakthroughs in perception, decision-making, and execution, becoming the core technological support for the Group’s product innovation. Leveraging these technological advantages, Qunabox Group systematically launched and upgraded a series of AI-powered interactive marketing products, including AI digital human shopping assistants, AI holographic marketing cabinets, an AIGC middle platform and resource library, AI Agent workstations, and AI data and strategy analytics solutions. These innovations provide reliable support for implementation across multiple businesses and scenarios, directly driving high-quality revenue growth.Business Synergy Fueling Expansion, Global Layout Unlocking New Growth PotentialBy business segment, the marketing services segment, the Group’s core business, recorded a year-on-year revenue increase of 27.8% in 2025 to reach RMB1.402 billion. Among them, the high-margin value-added marketing services delivered a standout performance, with revenue hitting RMB236 million, a year-on-year surge of 32.9%. Its revenue share continued to rise, driving the optimization of the overall revenue quality and gross margin structure. In 2025, the gross profit of this segment amounted to RMB875 million, up 28.8% year on year.As the strategic practice platform for the Group's "AI experiential consumption" initiative, the merchandise sales segment achieved continuous improvements in the commercial conversion efficiency of AI interactive terminals. This was accomplished through expanding the terminal network in high-potential cities such as Hangzhou, Chengdu and Ningbo, optimizing the product portfolio toward higher-margin items, and replacing traditional price promotions with intelligent interactive marketing. The segment has developed strong synergies with the core marketing services and become an important scenario for the commercial application of cutting-edge technologies. In 2025, revenue from the merchandise sales segment of Qunabox Group increased by 5.2% year on year to RMB194 million, while gross profit rose by 12.7% year on year to RMB49 million.The layout of lifestyle and innovative businesses has unlocked a new dimension of global growth for Qunabox Group. In 2025, focusing on "AI + Lifestyle", the Group expanded into the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia simultaneously. An overseas business department was established to oversee the full implementation of global operations, and strategic cooperation has been reached with key local partners in Dubai. Currently, Qunabox Group has completed the preliminary preparations for its AI-powered indoor entertainment spaces and obtained operating licenses in Dubai and Singapore. The establishment of overseas teams, product localization and refinement, as well as the integration of software and hardware systems are advancing steadily. The Group has also completed the validation of localized AI models, ensuring that its AI-driven interactive experiences can be accurately adapted to multilingual and cross-cultural scenarios. This lays a solid foundation for the scalable expansion of its overseas business, which is expected to become the Company’s second growth curve for performance.Expanding Customer Base: A New Journey for AI + Consumption ScenariosLeveraging its innovative and efficient business model and outstanding service capabilities, Qunabox Group has maintained sound and stable partnerships with brand clients. Additionally, the Company has expanded the application scenarios of its services, enriched and optimized its AI-driven interactive marketing products, developed data strategy solutions, and refined its marketing product portfolio and service model. As a result, the Company has continuously expanded its industry influence, deepened cooperation with high-quality clients, and steadily grown its premium client base, with both the number of brand clients and key accounts on the rise. In 2025, the total number of brand clients served by Qunabox Group increased to 332 for the full year, including 58 key accounts. The average revenue per key account grew by 15% year on year, reflecting a continuous rise in client value and further consolidating the foundation for the Company’s sustained performance growth.Supported by strong performance, Qunabox Group maintained a sound financial position and ample cash flow throughout the year. As at 31 December 2025, the Group’s cash and bank balances amounted to RMB1.506 billion, providing strong support for subsequent investments in technology, business expansion and global deployment.In summary, Qunabox Group’s outstanding performance in 2025 is the inevitable result of its years of deep engagement in AI technologies and its steadfast implementation of the “AI + Consumption Scenarios” strategy. The turnaround from loss to profit further demonstrates the sustainability of its business model and the growth potential of its profitability.Looking ahead, as the integration of artificial intelligence with physical consumption scenarios continues to deepen, a window of opportunity has emerged for the large-scale deployment of AI applications. With technology at its core and scenarios as its foundation, Qunabox Group is building a cross-regional, end-to-end AI lifestyle platform. Amid the accelerated cultivation of new quality productive forces, the Company, leveraging its technological barriers, scenario advantages and global vision, is well positioned to continue leading the industry transformation in the integration of AI and consumption and to achieve long-term sustainable development of its own. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
‘The Mandalorian And Grogu’ Teases a Fan-Favorite Villain
LucasfilmAs the Mandalorian and Grogu prepare for their theatrical debut in the appropriately titled The Mandalorian & Grogu, audiences anticipate the return of several familiar characters, such as Zeb from Rebels and a muscular Rotta the Hutt. However, in addition to these established figures, the film will also introduce numerous fresh faces, creating ample chances to embed hidden references for dedicated enthusiasts.Indeed, it's already confirmed that one figure will emerge from the outer edges of Star Wars canon, and although his exact identity remains uncertain, we can formulate some well-reasoned predictions.During a conversation with Empire, director Jon Favreau of The Mandalorian and Grogu mentioned that a particular character will feel recognizable to viewers. Favreau specifically pointed to Jonny Coyne's "Imperial Warlord," suggesting that audiences will appreciate the character's name. This figure has previously surfaced in the Shadow Council that Moff Gideon reached out to in The Mandalorian Season 3, though additional details about him will emerge soon, as he appears in multiple promotional images for the forthcoming film.Jonny Coyne's Imperial Warlord will shortly receive an official, and seemingly recognizable, name. | LucasfilmNaturally, fan theories began circulating instantly, with some speculating that he might be related to an existing character, while others proposed that he could function as a nod to Favreau, Dave Filoni, or another actual creator. Yet when examining the entirety of Star Wars canon—including the former, now-decanonized Legends universe—one obvious contender emerges.This would be Zsinj, an Imperial admiral who became a warlord and featured in Legends novels from the late 1990s. Initially introduced in The Courtship of Princess Leia, he was generally depicted as an adversary of Han Solo. While Zsinj sported slicked-back hair and a prominent mustache, the film's warlord is bald, clean-shaven, and somewhat resembles Uncle Fester—though visual appearance is less significant than his placement within the narrative and timeline.Zsinj as depicted in Star Wars: The Essential Atlas. | Del ReyZsinj's presence in the X-Wing tales that take place directly after Return of the Jedi established him as a significant figure in the Star Wars universe following the Empire's fall, positioning him as the strongest among the warlords who rose up after Emperor Palpatine's death. Strictly speaking, his defeat occurred slightly before the timeframe of The Mandalorian and Grogu, but that's precisely the advantage of resurrecting non-canon characters: there's no requirement to force older narratives to align perfectly with current continuity.Even should this warlord prove not to be Zsinj, Favreau's statement demonstrates that no chance to please the fanbase will be missed. If a name is being emphasized, it will probably allude to something—whether an established villain or a prominent Lucasfilm executive.The Mandalorian & Grogu arrives in theaters on May 22, 2026.
Transgender triple killer taken from home with two foster children months after authorities were alerted
Local media reports indicate that two foster children who were living with a convicted transgender triple murderer, even though authorities knew about the situation since late December 2025, have been removed from the home of the violent offender.Radio station 2GB reported that Reginald Arthurell — who started transitioning to female shortly after being released from prison in 2020 — was taken from the residence after heavily armed police conducted a raid at the location on Monday. According to the outlet, Arthurell had been residing with a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old for multiple months.On Tuesday, the New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Families and Communities apologized, stating that the situation "should never have been permitted.""It is completely unacceptable for a vulnerable child under state care to be living with a triple murderer," Kate Washington told 2GB. "This should never have occurred, and I am profoundly sorry for what has transpired."She further stated that "extremely poor decisions were made" when authorities first learned of the situation, and noted that an investigation is currently being conducted to understand how such "horrific" circumstances were permitted, vowing to implement systemic reforms.The incident has triggered broad public outrage and demands for the resignation of officials who permitted the crisis to persist for months.According to 2GB, Arthurell moved into an established foster home in Sydney late last year, where two children were already residing under the supervision of an elderly woman. He allegedly encountered her while she was employed at a hospital where he was a patient.The woman, who had invited Arthurell to share the home as a roommate, already had two foster children living with her as part of her authorized arrangement with the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice.Consequently, Arthurell shared the residence with the children. The setup remained undetected by authorities until the caregiver's daughter allegedly voiced concerns late last year.Court documents reveal that before moving into the foster home, Arthurell had accumulated an extensive criminal record, mainly consisting of three murders committed over a span of three decades. He was initially convicted of manslaughter in 1974 for allegedly fatally stabbing his stepfather in Sydney. In 1981, he brutally beat a 19-year-old sailor to death during a violent robbery, and while on parole in 1995, he murdered his fiancée by bludgeoning her with a wooden object, according to local news sources.2GB further reported that after murdering his romantic partner, Arthurell was discovered taking photos of himself wearing one of her dresses.Court documents show that alcohol was a factor in all three killings. Records indicate that Arthurell served nearly 39 years in prison for these crimes.Following his release from prison in November 2020, Arthurell started transitioning to female, adopting the name Regina. 2GB reported that the first public photographs and self-introductions were posted on a transgender community Facebook page in May 2021. According to News.com.au, Arthurell had also stated intentions to receive gender-affirming surgery "as soon as possible."Court documents also noted that "her transition has been occurring for quite a few years," verifying that the process continued after his release.ABC Australia reported on Tuesday that Arthurell is currently staying in private housing following his removal on Monday.
Spritzer Sparkling’s ‘Serikan Raya, Sparkling-kan Suasana’ Festive Fusion Message Promotes Togetherness and Tradition with a Light, Modern Twist
From a joyful Raya musical to new and improved festive recipes, Spritzer Sparkling inspires Malaysians to embrace fresh new ideas alongside tradition to elevate their Raya celebrationsSpritzer Sparkling’s 2026 Raya musical brand film “Samting-Samting”, stars Fimie Don and Wani Kayrie as a married couple, and Elliza Razak as Mak Ngah.TAIPING, Malaysia, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hari Raya Aidilfitri in the month of Syawal is a cherished time of celebration and time-honoured family traditions, with the kitchen often becoming the heart of the festivities. As families balik kampung and fill their homes with the joy and warmth of festive cooking this year, Spritzer Sparkling invites Malaysians to celebrate Raya with a modern twist through its ‘Serikan Raya, Sparkling-kan Suasana’ campaign, showcasing the versatility of the product in boosting the creativity and flair of beloved Raya dishes.For the first time, Spritzer Sparkling is expanding beyond its well-loved role as a beverage mixer with a fresh take on festive cooking through the multipurpose use of its naturally refreshing sparkling water in your favourite recipes. Spritzer Sparkling transforms five traditional must-have Raya dishes into festive showstoppers, bringing a new dimension of taste with its lively carbonation enhancing the texture, crispiness, and tenderness of the dishes. These favourites include Cucur Udang Crispy, Rendang Tok Melting, and Roti Jala with Kari Ayam, alongside refreshing drinks like Bunga Longan Sparkling and Limau Selasih Pudina Sparkling.This Raya, add a little ‘Samting-Samting’ extra to your recipes for an exciting new twist on your favourite festive dishes with Spritzer SparklingEach recipe showcases how the natural bubbles from Spritzer Sparkling help create lighter, crispier batters for a satisfying crunch and more tender, flavourful meats without changing the essence of the dishes. Whether it is giving your cucur udang a delightful crisp or tenderising your rendang meat and shortening the braising time, Spritzer Sparkling makes these traditional favourites even more enjoyable in simple, effortless ways.Shiao Chan, Head of Marketing at Spritzer, said, “Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a celebration deeply rooted in family traditions where food plays a central role in bringing people together. Through ‘Serikan Raya, Sparkling-kan Suasana’, we wanted to show Malaysians that tradition and heritage can co-exist and even be preserved through innovation and new perspectives. Spritzer Sparkling is not just a refreshing beverage for every season, but also a multi-faceted ingredient that can enhance festive dishes and drinks, creating memorable family moments in the kitchen and around the dining table.”A Musical Aidilfitri AwaitsBringing the Raya story to life is Spritzer’s musical film titled ‘Samting-Samting’, starring Fimie Don, Wani Kayrie and Elliza Razak. As the official Spritzer Sparkling brand ambassadors for Raya 2026, Fimie Don and Wani Kayrie, play a modern newlywed couple returning to the husband’s kampung for their first Raya together in the film that blends comedy, drama and music in an irresistibly Malaysian narrative.The young wife, Alia, takes on the kitchen with confidence, using her own modern approach to classic family dishes, prepared using her secret ingredient: Spritzer Sparkling. Mak Ngah, the family’s long-standing culinary matriarch, feels her role is being challenged and grows increasingly suspicious about Alia’s unusually delicious cooking, suspecting “Samting-Samting” is amiss. The story humorously unravels the “secret” behind Alia’s crowd-pleasing flavours, capturing family dynamics and celebrating new perspectives, shared discovery, and the warmth of intergenerational bonding.Home-cooks excited to try this new twist to classic recipes can check out the recipes for the featured dishes and beverages using Spritzer Sparkling as a game-changing ingredient on Spritzer’s Raya microsite here.Spritzer’s 2026 Raya campaign celebrates family traditions, playful generational dynamics in the kitchen, and creative festive cooking with Spritzer Sparkling.Also available on the website are the musical film, promotional details, meet-and-greet information with Fimie Don and Wani Kayrie, as well as gift-with-purchase promotions available at participating outlets nationwide.About SpritzerEstablished in 1989, Spritzer is a leading Malaysian bottled water brand, sourcing natural mineral water from a protected 430-acre rainforest in Taiping. Naturally filtered through underground rock layers for over 15 years, our water is enriched with essential minerals like Silica, known to support skin, bones, hair, and nails.Combining smart manufacturing with sustainable practices, Spritzer ensures every bottle meets the highest quality and safety standards. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship and a circular economy.Tested annually by SIRIM to be free from microplastics, Spritzer offers consumers trusted, natural hydration. Our diverse product range includes Natural Mineral Water, Original and Flavoured Sparkling Water, Distilled Water, and Fruit-Flavoured Beverages—crafted to suit every lifestyle and occasion.With a clear vision to become a fully circular brand by 2030, Spritzer leads the industry in innovation, quality, and sustainability.Spritzer — where nature, innovation, and sustainability come together in every bottleFor more information, visit www.spritzer.com.myFor media inquiries please contact:Farah ShahrulAssociate Consultant, Narro CommunicationsE: farah@narrocomms.comWinnie ChinHead of Public Relations, Spritzer BhdE: winniecgl@spritzer.com.my Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Spritzer Sparkling’s ‘Serikan Raya, Sparkling-kan Suasana’ Festive Fusion Message Promotes Togetherness and Tradition with a Light, Modern Twist
From a joyful Raya musical to new and improved festive recipes, Spritzer Sparkling inspires Malaysians to embrace fresh new ideas alongside tradition to elevate their Raya celebrationsSpritzer Sparkling’s 2026 Raya musical brand film “Samting-Samting”, stars Fimie Don and Wani Kayrie as a married couple, and Elliza Razak as Mak Ngah.TAIPING, Malaysia, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hari Raya Aidilfitri in the month of Syawal is a cherished time of celebration and time-honoured family traditions, with the kitchen often becoming the heart of the festivities. As families balik kampung and fill their homes with the joy and warmth of festive cooking this year, Spritzer Sparkling invites Malaysians to celebrate Raya with a modern twist through its ‘Serikan Raya, Sparkling-kan Suasana’ campaign, showcasing the versatility of the product in boosting the creativity and flair of beloved Raya dishes.For the first time, Spritzer Sparkling is expanding beyond its well-loved role as a beverage mixer with a fresh take on festive cooking through the multipurpose use of its naturally refreshing sparkling water in your favourite recipes. Spritzer Sparkling transforms five traditional must-have Raya dishes into festive showstoppers, bringing a new dimension of taste with its lively carbonation enhancing the texture, crispiness, and tenderness of the dishes. These favourites include Cucur Udang Crispy, Rendang Tok Melting, and Roti Jala with Kari Ayam, alongside refreshing drinks like Bunga Longan Sparkling and Limau Selasih Pudina Sparkling.This Raya, add a little ‘Samting-Samting’ extra to your recipes for an exciting new twist on your favourite festive dishes with Spritzer SparklingEach recipe showcases how the natural bubbles from Spritzer Sparkling help create lighter, crispier batters for a satisfying crunch and more tender, flavourful meats without changing the essence of the dishes. Whether it is giving your cucur udang a delightful crisp or tenderising your rendang meat and shortening the braising time, Spritzer Sparkling makes these traditional favourites even more enjoyable in simple, effortless ways.Shiao Chan, Head of Marketing at Spritzer, said, “Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a celebration deeply rooted in family traditions where food plays a central role in bringing people together. Through ‘Serikan Raya, Sparkling-kan Suasana’, we wanted to show Malaysians that tradition and heritage can co-exist and even be preserved through innovation and new perspectives. Spritzer Sparkling is not just a refreshing beverage for every season, but also a multi-faceted ingredient that can enhance festive dishes and drinks, creating memorable family moments in the kitchen and around the dining table.”A Musical Aidilfitri AwaitsBringing the Raya story to life is Spritzer’s musical film titled ‘Samting-Samting’, starring Fimie Don, Wani Kayrie and Elliza Razak. As the official Spritzer Sparkling brand ambassadors for Raya 2026, Fimie Don and Wani Kayrie, play a modern newlywed couple returning to the husband’s kampung for their first Raya together in the film that blends comedy, drama and music in an irresistibly Malaysian narrative.The young wife, Alia, takes on the kitchen with confidence, using her own modern approach to classic family dishes, prepared using her secret ingredient: Spritzer Sparkling. Mak Ngah, the family’s long-standing culinary matriarch, feels her role is being challenged and grows increasingly suspicious about Alia’s unusually delicious cooking, suspecting “Samting-Samting” is amiss. The story humorously unravels the “secret” behind Alia’s crowd-pleasing flavours, capturing family dynamics and celebrating new perspectives, shared discovery, and the warmth of intergenerational bonding.Home-cooks excited to try this new twist to classic recipes can check out the recipes for the featured dishes and beverages using Spritzer Sparkling as a game-changing ingredient on Spritzer’s Raya microsite here.Spritzer’s 2026 Raya campaign celebrates family traditions, playful generational dynamics in the kitchen, and creative festive cooking with Spritzer Sparkling.Also available on the website are the musical film, promotional details, meet-and-greet information with Fimie Don and Wani Kayrie, as well as gift-with-purchase promotions available at participating outlets nationwide.About SpritzerEstablished in 1989, Spritzer is a leading Malaysian bottled water brand, sourcing natural mineral water from a protected 430-acre rainforest in Taiping. Naturally filtered through underground rock layers for over 15 years, our water is enriched with essential minerals like Silica, known to support skin, bones, hair, and nails.Combining smart manufacturing with sustainable practices, Spritzer ensures every bottle meets the highest quality and safety standards. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship and a circular economy.Tested annually by SIRIM to be free from microplastics, Spritzer offers consumers trusted, natural hydration. Our diverse product range includes Natural Mineral Water, Original and Flavoured Sparkling Water, Distilled Water, and Fruit-Flavoured Beverages—crafted to suit every lifestyle and occasion.With a clear vision to become a fully circular brand by 2030, Spritzer leads the industry in innovation, quality, and sustainability.Spritzer — where nature, innovation, and sustainability come together in every bottleFor more information, visit www.spritzer.com.myFor media inquiries please contact:Farah ShahrulAssociate Consultant, Narro CommunicationsE: farah@narrocomms.comWinnie ChinHead of Public Relations, Spritzer BhdE: winniecgl@spritzer.com.my Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
A Decade Later, an Iconic Horror Franchise Could Rescue Survival Games
Saber InteractiveThe adaptation of popular horror films into video games has a history that stretches back further than most might think. During the 1980s, as the gaming industry was just taking off and the commercial impact of horror cinema was becoming undeniable, early licensed titles such as 1983’s Halloween on the Atari 2600 and 1990’s A Nightmare on Elm Street on the NES began to bridge the gap. While iconic horror franchises have recently seen significant game adaptations—including Friday the 13th, The Evil Dead, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—this profitable trend actually started from modest roots.These contemporary titles share a specific trait: they are asymmetric multiplayer games inspired by the gameplay style established by 2016’s Dead by Daylight, where a team of four survivors attempts to evade a supernatural killer controlled by a fifth player. Although DbD and similar titles are successful, this formula has become a standard expectation for licensed horror games over the past ten years. This has resulted in a mechanical sameness across titles that might have otherwise provided unique, dedicated experiences. This is precisely why Saber Interactive’s forthcoming Hellraiser title feels so refreshing.The first of two expected licensed projects from the studio—the other being the recently revealed John Wick game—Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is designed as a classic first-person survival horror experience. It aims to capture the intense combat, resource scavenging, and puzzle-solving elements found in genre staples like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, combined with the atmospheric immersion of Alien: Isolation.Gamers will assume the role of Aidan Lynch, a member of a biker gang whose girlfriend is abducted to Hell by the leather-clad, sadomasochistic Cenobites. This forces Aidan to pursue them in a desperate bid to save her from Pinhead and the Scarlet Church. Although Doug Bradley, the longtime actor behind Pinhead, provided the voice for the character as DLC in Dead by Daylight, Revival marks the first full-fledged video game adaptation of the Hellraiser series. As a result, Saber collaborated directly with Barker on the narrative.Get ready for lots and lots of leather. | Saber InteractiveBased on the footage revealed thus far, it appears that Revival will pay homage to the elements that made the first two films beloved—the self-destructive sensuality, grotesque physical horror, and the sense of otherworldly mystery—while introducing fresh twists to the lore, such as a new puzzle box called the Genesis Configuration. The game not only appears to faithfully represent Clive Barker’s original vision, but its mechanics also seem custom-fit for the license. Players will face off against deranged S&M cultists and Eldritch horrors while navigating deadly, maze-like puzzles. Rather than feeling like a generic title that could belong to various franchises, the game feels distinctly crafted for its own terrifying and captivating setting.Should Revival succeed, it will hopefully demonstrate to rights holders and developers that audiences for these legendary franchises are eager for adaptations that move away from the asymmetric multiplayer mold in favor of more narrative-focused experiences. Following a string of low-budget, straight-to-DVD sequels and a streaming reboot that received praise but may not see a sequel, it has been some time since the Hellraiser brand enjoyed a definitive triumph. Consequently, Saber Interactive represents the best opportunity for fans seeking some pleasure after enduring years of disappointment.Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S later this year.
Twenty Years Later, the Oldest Sci-Fi Show Might Be Tying Up a Bittersweet Loose End — Perhaps
BBCDoctor Who has been in a state of flux recently, yet it concluded its latest installment on an exhilarating note. In the final moments of the most recent episode, the Fifteenth Doctor—portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa—began regenerating, a development that felt off since there was no prior indication of who would step into the role next, a standard practice for the series. Thus, when the Doctor regenerated into the likeness of Rose Tyler—Billie Piper’s beloved companion from Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant’s stints as the Doctor—fans were taken aback. Is Rose now the Doctor? A prominent fan theory has surfaced, linking the upcoming 2026 Christmas special to a poignant 2008 episode, and it appears to be the most plausible explanation. Billie Piper’s appearance in Doctor Who’s latest episode shocked fans. | Disney+At first, when Billie Piper appeared after Ncuti Gatwa’s regeneration, fans doubted her being the new Doctor and hypothesized she might be Rose Tyler. Piper had a prior appearance in the 50th anniversary special “The Day of the Doctor,” though not as Rose. Instead, she portrayed a more transient character named “The Moment,” also referred to as “Bad Wolf.” It was generally assumed she’d take on a similar role now that she’s effectively stepped into the Doctor’s shoes. However, a shift occurred when the official Doctor Who website updated its profile of Rose Tyler. The site features an in-universe UNIT database, authored by scientific advisor Shirley Anne Bigham. The current entry states: “Since Rose Tyler is currently absent from this universe and marked as a complex space-time anomaly, perhaps stay vigilant. I’ve got the Vlinx monitoring all media channels and the subwave network.”This implies that the Billie Piper character we saw at the close of “The Reality War” might genuinely be Rose Tyler—or that Rose will manifest in another form. The last time Rose herself (not the Moment/Bad Wolf) was seen was in the 2008 episode “Journey’s End,” where numerous of the Doctor’s companions reunited to aid him. Rose was confined to a parallel universe, yet the Doctor bestowed one final gift: a human clone of himself to share her life with. Though a somber scene, Rose at least found her happy ending. (Notably, the BBC website’s current description of Rose aligns roughly with what’s already known.)“Journey’s End” was already a follow-up to the 2006 episode “Doomsday.” | BBC StudiosNow, 20 years later, this conclusion might finally receive a follow-up. This isn’t unheard of: “The Star Beast,” the first of the 2023 60th anniversary specials, revisited Donna Noble’s ending from “Journey’s End,” making this a continuation of an established pattern. Yet is this the right decision? Rose’s conclusion in the 2006 episode “Doomsday” ranks among the most heart-wrenching moments, with the Doctor’s incomplete farewell “Rose Tyler, I...” lingering in fans’ memories worldwide. “Journey’s End” felt like the ideal resolution to that sorrow. Should the next special revisit this epilogue, the emotional weight of that scene could be diminished or even erased. Though high-risk, this is often where Doctor Who excels. Doctor Who is currently available to stream on Disney+.


















