HBOHBO hasn't given the green light for another season of It: Welcome to Derry yet, but the top - brass at the studio thinks there's more story to be told. In a recent chat with Deadline, HBO Chief Casey Bloys stated firmly that the prequel series was “not in a state of uncertainty at all.” Welcome to Derry was “a huge hit” for HBO, and considering the mind - boggling teaser it set up at the end of Season 1, it's obvious that It director Andy Muschietti and co - creator Barbara Muschietti have a plan for additional seasons. It just needs to be made more definite.“Andy and Barbara are putting in a lot of effort to come up with an idea for a story they'd like to tell in another season,” Bloys said. “It's not in limbo, except that they need to find something that gets them creatively excited. We'll support them.”Fortunately, Andy Muschietti seems to be working diligently on a story that will surpass the enjoyable chaos of Welcome to Derry Season 1. At the Saturn Awards — where Welcome to Derry won Best Horror Series, along with a few other awards — the filmmaker announced that the development of Season 2 has officially started and will be even “better” than the first.Welcome to Derry Season 2 won't be just another ordinary prequel, but a crazy sci - fi/horror combination. | HBO“There isn't much we can say, but yes,” Muschietti replied when asked if Season 2 was really in the works. “We're very proud that the expectations are high after the first season. I believe we're going to deliver something better.”Muschietti has already shared a rough plan for future seasons of Welcome to Derry. The series will go back in time another 27 years, following the parents of the kids who confront Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) in Season 1. However, the finale also added an interesting time - travel element to that simple premise: since Pennywise experiences time differently, the past is almost like the future for him. He's aware of the threats to his existence and seems determined to eliminate the family lines of those who will ultimately defeat him. All this makes Pennywise a bit like the Terminator as Welcome to Derry enters a new season. There's a question of whether the demonic being is actually changing the future as he goes further into the past, or if this is just a fixed cycle where he's doomed to be defeated. That idea alone should make Season 2 “better” than Season 1, but Muschietti seems set on making it even more surprising. Either way, waiting for more of this horror series will definitely be worth it.It: Welcome to Derry is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Posted on
by: grit
NEC and The University of Tokyo calculate carbon accumulation rates in Malaysian national park with a 9.4% margin of error
The University of Tokyo’s carbon cycle assessment model, VISIT, and NEC’s data assimilation technology calculate decarbonization effect in forests with greater efficiency and accuracy than conventional methodsTOKYO, Mar 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, and NEC have calculated carbon accumulation rates for Lambir Hills National Park in Malaysia based on observed removals data for greenhouse gases (GHG) utilizing the university’s VISIT (Vegetation Integrated SImulator for Trace gases) terrestrial ecosystem model.NEC’s data assimilation technology (patent pending) was used to correct data errors, and observed data was compared with simulated data in order to calculate carbon accumulation rates with a high degree of accuracy, achieving a daily margin of error of 9.4%.BackgroundNEC is promoting initiatives to quantify GHG removals in forests across Southeast Asia and to develop carbon credits in the forest sector. As part of these efforts, NEC has been conducting joint research with the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at The University of Tokyo, which developed the VISIT model, an ecosystem model with strengths estimating carbon stocks and fluxes (*1) in forests in the Asian region.The VISIT model estimates carbon stocks and fluxes based on forest vegetation, soil, and meteorological data. By combining VISIT with NEC’s data assimilation technology, exceptionally high-precision estimation of forest carbon accumulation rates has become possible.Data assimilation technology is a computational method that improves model accuracy by adjusting model parameters based on differences between model outputs and observed data. NEC’s data assimilation technology is designed to enhance the accuracy of carbon flux estimations for the future by linking VISIT with image data obtained from satellite-mounted sensors. A patent application has been filed by NEC for this technology.Key features of the VISIT modelThe VISIT model assesses carbon cycles in terrestrial ecosystems. In addition to enabling estimation of carbon stocks and fluxes using vegetation, soil, and meteorological data, the model can also assess the impacts of land-use changes and climate change. VISIT is particularly well suited for improving accuracy based on observed data and is regarded as highly reliable compared with other similar models.Furthermore, the VISIT model is applicable to forests across Asia, including Japan. The methodologies recommended by the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the world’s largest voluntary carbon crediting program, primarily reference models developed for Europe and North America and have not specified models tailored to Asian regions (*2). This joint research utilizing the VISIT model is expected to make important contributions to the advancement of forest carbon credit development in Asia.Key features of data assimilationData assimilation is a computational method that improves the accuracy of model estimation by correcting model parameters based on differences between model outputs and observed data. The NEC data assimilation technology used in this joint research has the potential, in the future, to enhance the accuracy of carbon flux estimation by linking the VISIT model with satellite-mounted hyperspectral sensors. A patent application has been filed by NEC for this technology.Currently, the application of data assimilation technology to observational models in the forestry field is not widespread. By applying this technology to the VISIT model, more efficient and highly accurate data collection in forest environments becomes possible, contributing to the advancement of forest conservation initiatives.Building on the findings obtained through this joint research, NEC will accelerate its initiatives in natural capital accounting and carbon credit development.(1) The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed and emitted between forests and the atmosphere.(2) Source: Verra, a nonprofit organization that operates standards in environmental and social markets. About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: jenn
A New Anime Adaptation May Rectify Netflix’s Biggest Blunder
ToonamiLive-action anime adaptations are a mixed bag, and they usually fall on the miss side. The two media often have clashing aesthetics—so a realistic take loses the distinct "anime" feel, while a faithful one can come off as cheesy or uncanny. For every Speed Racer that works, there’s an Attack on Titan that doesn’t, and the less said about that Dragonball movie, the better.But modern streaming platforms have turned the tide. Suddenly, solid anime adaptations are everywhere: a Fullmetal Alchemist film trilogy, multiple seasons of Alice in Borderland, and even high-budget takes on The Last Airbender and One Piece. Now, another fan-favorite anime is getting live-action treatment, though the ghost of an old failure lingers. According to Variety, Tomorrow Studios— the team behind the One Piece adaptation— is tackling Samurai Champloo, Shinichirō Watanabe’s samurai period thriller.Samurai Champloo follows the exploits of tea waitress Yuu, criminal Mugen, and ronin Jin. | ToonamiThis isn’t the first time Watanabe’s work has been adapted to live-action. He’s also the creator of Cowboy Bebop, the cult-classic sci-fi anime that got a 2021 TV adaptation panned by critics and audiences for losing the source material’s heart and soul. Even Watanabe, credited as a consultant on the series, had reservations.“For the new Netflix live-action adaptation, they sent me a video to review and check,” he told Forbes in 2023. “It started with a scene in a casino, which made it very tough for me to continue. I stopped there and so only saw that opening scene. It was clearly not Cowboy Bebop, and I realized at that point that if I wasn't involved, it would not be Cowboy Bebop.”Watanabe’s most iconic work, Cowboy Bebop, was turned into a lackluster live-action series for Netflix. | Netflix Can another Watanabe anime adaptation break this curse? Tomorrow Studios assures fans Cowboy Bebop was a lesson, not a bad sign for what’s next. This time, Watanabe will have more input. “We’ve learned,” producer Mark Adelstein told Variety, “having the creator there to bless the creative is really important.”Cowboy Bebop arrived early in the current adaptation boom, so maybe the kinks hadn’t been worked out yet. Hopefully, producers have learned from experience when switching between media. Samurai Champloo’s Edo setting is filled with Watanabe’s signature hip anachronisms, so staying true to the original tone is critical. Let’s hope, deep into Netflix’s anime era, the streamer (or whichever platform hosts the new series) proves Cowboy Bebop was just a fluke.The Samurai Champloo anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Posted on
by: jenn
George Lucas’ Directorial Debut Remains a Masterclass in Ingenuity 55 Years Later
The Legacy Collection/THA/ShutterstockAs Star Wars has expanded into a massive global phenomenon over the years, it is simple to overlook the franchise's (relatively) modest beginnings. Although labeling the original Star Wars as an "independent film" isn't entirely accurate—since 20th Century Fox, a major studio, distributed it—George Lucas personally financed a large portion of the 1977 movie (later subtitled A New Hope). To maintain a relatively constrained $11 million budget, he employed matte paintings, miniatures, and props recycled from other productions. How was this accomplished? Partly by applying the knowledge gained from his debut feature, THX 1138.While THX 1138 is also a work of science fiction, it differs significantly from Star Wars. Rather than a high-energy space opera, this film, which relies heavily on dialogue, adopts a more intellectual and philosophical stance toward the genre. "The concept was to push the boundaries of comprehensibility and present the film as if it were from an alien culture that had arrived in 1970," sound designer and co-screenwriter Walter Murch explained to Indiewire.Our protagonist, portrayed by the late and renowned Robert Duvall, is identified by the prefix "THX," pronounced "Tex." He lacks a formal name and is known only by the badge number (1138) he constantly wears. The narrative is set in a future obsessed with efficiency where emotions are prohibited, and the populace is maintained on a rigid schedule of narcotics intended to ensure maximum compliance. The setting is highly reminiscent of 1984, though Lucas was slightly mistaken in predicting that the state, rather than corporations, would be the entity numbing the public with slogans such as "buy, and be happy."In this bleak future dystopia, failing to take one's pills—which come in various shapes, sizes, and colors—could trigger a "serious chemical imbalance" in a productive citizen. In this context, that essentially means becoming aware of the void in a life dedicated solely to labor and consumption, a realization THX 1138 reaches early in the story. Subsequently, he falls in love with his roommate, LUH 3417 (Maggie McOmie), an act that is strictly forbidden. This romance sets off a chain of events culminating in THX's arrest and his eventual flight from the totalitarian world he inhabits.The impersonal chill of this state-sponsored religion is perfectly evoked as characters "confess" to OMM in sparsely designed booths that combine a static photograph with an audio recording. This exemplifies the film's minimalist aesthetic: the most intense scenes in THX 1138 unfold in industrial corridors and stark white rooms devoid of set dressing, creating a sterile and claustrophobic environment where personal belongings and hobbies are banned. The costumes, makeup, and hairstyles are equally understated: the entire cast wears identical white jumpsuits and was required to shave their heads for the production, a process detailed in the behind-the-scenes documentary Bald: The Making of THX 1138.These economical measures—somewhat ironic considering the film's subject matter—are juxtaposed with a few spectacular shots utilizing miniatures and matte paintings. Both are relatively cost-effective practical effects used to broaden the scope of the film's universe. This blend of ingenious solutions and artisanal detail connects THX 1138 to Star Wars: A New Hope in terms of both technique and style. For instance, the expendable police officers patrolling the city in THX are clad in 1960s-style leather police uniforms and rigid, gleaming silver masks. Visually, they occupy a space midway between a 3PO droid and a Stormtrooper, and the techniques employed to fabricate them were largely identical.George Lucas and Maggie McOmie on the set of THX 1138. | Sunset Boulevard/Corbis Historical/Getty ImagesTHX 1138 contains other allusions to Lucas' most famous work, such as the utilization of holograms for communication and amusement. Additionally, there is a line of dialogue in which one of the film's faceless robotic police officers remarks, "I think I ran over a Wookiee back there on the expressway." However, the most significant outcome was that directing this film taught George Lucas how to be resourceful. This experience enabled him to eventually transform a modestly budgeted sci-fi homage into one of the most significant and impactful film franchises in history.Naturally, this is all viewed with the benefit of hindsight. Upon its release in 1971, THX 1138 was regarded as an ambitious failure, receiving lackluster reviews and performing poorly at the box office. Warner Bros. was so dissatisfied with the film that it canceled its agreement with American Zoetrope and insisted that Coppola reimburse the funds the studio had already committed to upcoming projects. This left Coppola with a debt of $400,000, compelling him to accept the directing job for The Godfather. As for Lucas, he stepped away from science fiction following THX 1138 to direct American Graffiti, allowing him to experience commercial success. However, owing to the experience gained on his debut feature, when he eventually returned to the genre, the outcome would captivate the imaginations of millions across the globe. THX 1138 can be rented for a fee on major streaming services.
Posted on
by: nicole
Spain permanently withdraws ambassador to Israel during Iran conflict
On Tuesday, Spain made permanent its withdrawal of its ambassador to Israel, citing its disapproval of U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran and escalating an already strained diplomatic relationship.The termination of the ambassador's position was officially published in the government gazette, with the embassy in Tel Aviv now to be managed by a chargé d’affaires for an indefinite period.Madrid initially recalled its ambassador in September after Israel criticized Spain's move to prohibit weapon-carrying vessels and aircraft bound for Israel from accessing Spanish territory. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar labeled the action antisemitic.Questioned on Wednesday about Spain's cooperation with the U.S., President Donald Trump responded, "No, they're not. I think they're not cooperating at all.""Spain, I think they've been very bad," the president stated. "Very bad. Not good at all. We may cut off trade with Spain.""I don’t know what Spain is doing," Trump went on. "They've been very bad to NATO. They get protected, they don't want to pay their fair share. And they've been that way for many years."Trump noted that the Spanish populace "are fantastic," but the country's leadership is "not so good."Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also commented on Wednesday, calling Spain's permanent recall of its ambassador "hard for me to absorb.""Spain is a member of NATO, and the United States and Israel are in joint operations against the Iranian regime who openly calls for the destruction of the Jewish State, attacks against the West, and seeks to purify Islam in its own image," Graham posted on X."The religious Nazi regime in Iran is the problem, not the Jewish State," the senator added. "I hope Spain’s actions will not encourage the tyrannical, fanatical regime in Iran — that abuses its own people — to hang on."Ties between Spain and Israel have significantly worsened since Israel began its military operation in Gaza following the Hamas terror attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.Israel also reduced its diplomatic level in Spain last May after Spain extended recognition to a Palestinian state, leaving its Madrid embassy under the direction of a chargé d’affaires.
Posted on
by: nicole
Canada’s Carney facing pressure to act following shootings at synagogues in latest antisemitic incidents
Two Toronto synagogues came under gunfire over the weekend. A few days prior, another synagogue was struck by approximately 20 gunshots during the Jewish holiday of Purim. While no one was injured in the three attacks, members of the Jewish community are pressing Prime Minister Mark Carney for tangible action—beyond the usual reassuring statements that have followed such antisemitic incidents.Carney posted on X, stating that the "antisemitic and criminal attacks infringe upon the right of Canadian Jewish men and women to live and pray in full safety" and "constitute a severe attack on the way of life of all Canadians."Following the initial synagogue attack, Israel’s National Security Council advised Israelis abroad to "remain vigilant and follow safety protocols." Their recommendations included "concealing Jewish and Israeli identifiers in public places," being mindful of their environment "in areas linked to Israel or Judaism," and "avoiding visits to sites marked as Jewish or Israeli."Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote on X, "All eyes are on Canada: it is time to stop the unprecedented surge of Jew-hatred that has emerged since October 7th."Similar to many Western nations, Canada has experienced a significant increase in annual antisemitic incidents since the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. The League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith Canada reported 6,219 antisemitic incidents in Canada in 2024, averaging 17 incidents per day—more than double the eight daily incidents recorded in 2022. Though 2025 data has not been released, Public Safety Canada noted that between April and June 2025, "Among religion-targeted hate crimes… the majority were directed at the Jewish community (69%)."Conservative MP Roman Baber stated that the actions of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian Liberal politicians have been "fanning the flames of Jew hatred in Canada."Baber leveled additional criticism at Carney, asserting, "When the Prime Minister, while on the campaign trail, claims he is aware of a genocide in Gaza, he is engaging in Jew hatred."Baber was referencing an April 2025 incident where a heckler shouted over a noisy crowd, "There is a genocide happening in Gaza." Carney replied, "I’m aware, which is why we have an arms embargo."Carney later clarified that he did not hear the heckler use the word "genocide."Baber pointed out, "When the Prime Minister recognized the Palestinian state, he rewarded Hamas’ brutality—and he did so on the eve of Rosh Hashanah."In his announcement, issued the day before the Jewish holiday, Carney stated that recognizing "the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, strengthens those working toward peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas," and "in no way legitimizes terrorism or serves as a reward for it." He added that recognition "does not in any way undermine Canada’s unwavering support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security." Watchdog group StopAntisemitism told Digital, "Each day brings painful reminders that antisemitism remains a real and dangerous threat. Violent acts intended to intimidate or silence our community will fail. Proud, outspoken Jews will not let hatred or fear hinder our Jewish way of life or our presence in the world—whether in Canada, the United States, Europe, or certainly not in Israel."StopAntisemitism urged that the perpetrators "be punished to the full extent of the law to ensure justice is done and deterrence is clear."
Posted on
by: nicole
US diplomatic facility in Iraq hit by drone
A significant U.S. diplomatic installation in Baghdad was reportedly hit by a drone on Tuesday, an incident suspected to be a retaliatory action by pro-Iranian militias, as reported by The Washington Post.The newspaper indicated that the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center was the target of the strike, with no immediate reports of casualties.Out of six drones launched at the complex, five were intercepted.Citing a security official and a State Department alert, The Post detailed that one drone impacted close to a guard tower, prompting personnel at the facility to be advised to "duck and cover."The alert stated that "Accountability is ongoing."Iraq’s defense ministry, in a post on X, denounced drone and missile assaults on the Martyr Muhammad Alaa Air Base and the Martyr Ali Fallah Air Base, though it made no direct reference to the strike on the U.S. facility or to Iran.The government account elaborated, asserting: "In response to these sinful aggressions, the Ministry wishes to clarify and confirm the following facts: These air bases are fully sovereign and Iraqi, subject entirely to the authority of the state and the law, and there is no representation of any foreign forces in them under any designation."According to the security official who spoke to The Washington Post, the assault was probably carried out by militias linked to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an informal coalition of Iran-backed Shiite armed groups that have previously taken credit for targeting U.S. forces in the area.When Operation Epic Fury commenced, the State Department had advised U.S. citizens to promptly leave over a dozen Middle Eastern nations, cautioning about "serious safety risks" as the conflict involving Iran escalated.On March 2, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar recommended that U.S. citizens evacuate Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.The department specified that Americans requiring assistance with commercial travel arrangements for departure can reach the State Department around the clock at +1-202-501-4444 when calling from overseas, or at +1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada.Officials cautioned that regional conditions remain unstable, with security situations potentially shifting rapidly as conflict-related hostilities persist.Upon the initiation of Iran’s retaliatory strikes against U.S. forces and Israel, a minimum of nine U.S. missions, encompassing those in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Israel, issued multiple shelter-in-place orders or recommendations.
Posted on
by: emer
Yuexiu REIT Maintains Operational Resilience, Revenue Exceeds RMB1.8 Billion in 2025
HONG KONG, Mar 11, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Yuexiu Real Estate Investment Trust ("Yuexiu REIT", together with Yuexiu REIT Asset Management Limited, collectively known as the “REIT”; stock code: 405) announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025.Yuexiu REIT Management Team: Chairman and Non-Executive Director Mr. JIANG Guoxiong (center), Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Ms. OU Haijing (left), and Chief Financial Officer Mr. KWAN Chi Fai (right)2025 Annual Results Highlights: - Overall operation remained resilient, with total revenue of RMB1,856 million (2024: RMB2,032 million).- The average financing cost was 3.61%, a three-year low; the average interest payment rate was 3.77%, representing a year-on-year decrease of 76 basis points. Excluding exchange loss, the financing expenses decreased by approximately RMB152 million year-on-year.- As at 31 December 2025, the overall occupancy rate of the properties was 82.1% (2024: 84.5%).- Optimised the asset portfolio by disposing of a 50% interest in Yuexiu Financial Tower in Q4 2025, realising cash proceeds of approximately RMB5.3 billion to enhance financial flexibility. Yuexiu REIT maintained its "investment-grade" rating from both Standard & Poor's and Fitch, with the outlook upgraded to "stable".- The final distribution to the Unitholders for the period will be approximately RMB0.0189, equivalent to HK$0.0214. Distribution per Unit for the year will be approximately RMB0.0522, equivalent to HK$0.0580. Distribution yield is 6.74% per Unit for the year.- To maintain the REIT’s financial flexibility, the distribution ratio for the period from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025 has been adjusted to 90%, resulting in an overall full-year distribution ratio of approximately 96%.Guangzhou International Finance Center (GZIFC):- Operating revenue of the GZIFC complex was RMB984 million, accounting for 53.0% of the REIT’s total revenue.- The office building of GZIFC introduced two Fortune Global 500 companies; the occupancy rate was 80.9%.- GZIFC Shopping Mall introduced China Duty Free Group (CDFG), the first and currently the only downtown duty-free store in Guangzhou, achieving a renewal rate of 89% for the year, and an occupancy rate of 95.5% at the end of the period.- Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou's average room rate increased by 5.8% year-on-year. Ascott Serviced Apartments GZIFC achieved an average occupancy rate of 91.5%, up 1 percentage point year-on-year, with revenue reaching a record high for the period.Proactive Management of Financing Risk and Effective Stabilisation of Financing Cost- With regard to the short-term loan of RMB530 million, the 5-year syndicated loan of HK$2.1 billion, and the remaining HK$2.1 billion of the 3-year syndicated loan of HK$3.8 billion, all due in 2025, the Manager in 2025 renewed the short-term loan of RMB530 million, obtained offshore loan of RMB1.7 billion, issued dim sum bonds of RMB1 billion, and obtained an offshore syndicated loan package equivalent to HK$2.1 billion (a sustainability-linked loan), for the refinancing of the maturing loans so as to ensure effective monitor on the liquidity risk.- A total of approximately RMB4.68 billion in loans were obtained in 2025 to partially refinance offshore HKD floating rate loans, taking advantage of the relatively low-cost of RMB financing to proactively adjust the financing structure. At the end of 2025, the financing interest rate exposure of Yuexiu REIT was approximately 10%, narrowed by 16 percentage points from 26% at the beginning of the year; the average financing cost was 3.61%, a three-year low, representing a decrease of 55 basis points from 4.16% at the beginning of the year; the average interest payment rate for the full year of 2025 was 3.77%, representing a year-on-year decrease of 76 basis points. Excluding the exchange loss, the finance expenses were approximately RMB773 million, representing a year-on-year decrease of approximately RMB152 million.- As at the end of 2025, Yuexiu REIT had RMB financing of approximately RMB15.47 billion, accounting for 76% of total financing (2024: RMB financing of approximately RMB12.33 billion, accounting for 60% of total financing).Mr. JIANG Guoxiong, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Yuexiu REIT, said, "2025 marked the 20th anniversary of Yuexiu REIT's listing. The Manager consolidated its competitive advantages by taking strategic actions to secure market share, prioritised occupancy rates, strengthened risk control to stabilise lease renewals, enhanced product competitiveness to meet market demand and invested in capital renovation projects to ensure asset value preservation and appreciation. These efforts stabilised the fundamentals of operations in a challenging market, providing solid support for the full-year revenue. Concurrently, we optimised the asset portfolio by appropriately reducing the proportion of office buildings, and proactively captured favourable financing opportunities, successfully issuing the first-ever Panda Bonds by a listed REIT globally as well as the REIT’s inaugural green bond. Financing costs for the year reached a three-year low, effectively underpinning the overall distribution level. The successful execution of a series of pioneering capital operations fully demonstrated the Manager’s strategic commitment to driving the high-quality development of Yuexiu REIT. This underscored its resolute determination in creating sustainable and long-term value for Unitholders.”Guangzhou International Finance Center (GZIFC)During the year, GZIFC recorded a newly contracted area of 15,702 sq.m. The newly launched 7,403 sq.m. of furnished units recorded an absorption cycle of about 36 days, with an absorption rate close to 72%. Quality tenants introduced include two Fortune Global 500 companies, a Fortune China 500 company, a leading global shipping giant, and a renowned Internet-based culture, sports and entertainment company. In addition, the project recorded a renewal area of 34,294 sq.m. and a renewal rate of 86%, retaining quality tenants including six Fortune Global 500 companies and a foreign consulate. GZIFC was selected as one of the Top 30 companies in the “Performance Index - 2025 Commercial Property Operation Performance)” by Guandian.GZIFC Shopping Mall renewed lease with its anchor tenant, Guangzhou Friendship Store, and introduced China Duty Free Group (CDFG) to set up a store, which is the first and currently the only downtown duty-free store in Guangzhou. In addition, GZIFC Shopping Mall launched the light meal and beverage area on the basement floor, coupled with the brand revitalisation of the dining tenants on the fourth and fifth floors by introducing seven “first stores”. Membership operations achieved remarkable results, with the share of member sales doubling to 16%. The project actively created digitalised consumption scenarios and made full use of mainstream platforms to attract customer flow through multiple channels. Specifically, the “Italian Culture Season” themed event was successfully held in collaboration with hotels, theaters, museums and consulates, effectively boosting customer flow and sales. Newly contracted area and renewal area totaled 35,573 sq.m., with a renewal rate of 89%. The occupancy rate was 95.5%.Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou launched the first batch of renovated rooms during the year. The average room rate was RMB2,260, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.8%. The average occupancy rate was 77.7%. The revenue per available room (RevPAR) was RMB1,756, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.9%. The RevPAR competitive index was 110.0, maintaining a relatively leading market position among luxury hotel competitors. Ascott Serviced Apartments GZIFC recorded an average occupancy rate of 91.5% during the year, representing a year-on-year increase of 1 percentage point. The average room rate was RMB1,137, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.6%. The RevPAR was RMB1,040, representing a year-on-year growth of 2.7%. The RevPAR competitive index reached 146.9, remaining at a high level among high-end apartment competitors. The Apartments achieved a record high in operating revenue for the same period and ranked first in operating revenue among Ascott China properties for ten consecutive years since 2016.Yuexiu Financial TowerThe Manager disposed of 50% interest in Yuexiu Financial Tower in Q4 2025. Following completion of the disposal, Yuexiu Financial Tower became a Qualified Minority-owned Property of the REIT. The occupancy rate was 77.9% at the end of the period.White Horse BuildingWhite Horse Building introduced high-quality customers from core industrial clusters in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan and recorded a newly contracted area of 5,808 sq.m. for the year, with full occupancy on the 1st floor for the first time in the past five years and a six-year record high set by the 2nd floor’s occupancy rate. During the year, it organised 22 original brands to showcase their products at professional exhibitions such as the Fashion World Tokyo, and the China International Fashion Fair; held the “White Horse Fashion Journey: Border Trade Supply Chain Matching Conference”, and established the “Guangdong-Xinjiang Fashion Industry Chain Supply and Procurement Cooperation Alliance” with ten wholesale markets in Urumqi, Xinjiang. During the year, it welcomed a total of 517 procurement delegations, along with nearly 13,000 purchaser visits, including 19 foreign delegations from France, Vietnam and other countries, and facilitated procurement deals worth RMB320 million. The occupancy rate was 96.0% at the end of the period.Fortune PlazaDuring the year, the project recorded a newly contracted area of 6,334 sq.m., and introduced certain quality tenants including several subsidiaries of a Fortune Global 500 integrated financial group, two Fortune Global 500 companies and the Guangzhou branch of two global leading companies. The project recorded a renewal area of 8,662 sq.m. and a renewal rate of 84.0%, retained quality tenants including three Fortune Global 500 companies and the Guangzhou branch of a national commercial bank. Upgraded product standards accelerated the absorption of vacant units, with an absorption rate of 93% for furnished units. The occupancy rate was 93.4% at the end of the period, representing a year-on-year increase of 1 percentage point, and a strong rebound of 5.4 percentage points from the interim period.City Development PlazaDuring the Reporting Year, the project recorded a newly contracted area of 9,279 sq.m. and introduced a beauty technology company and a pharmaceutical supply chain service company to enhance the ambience of healthcare business in the building. The project recorded a renewal area of 5,011 sq.m. and a renewal rate of 77%, retained tenants including a Fortune Global 500 company and a globally-renowned Contract Research Organisation (CRO). The occupancy rate was 90.6% at the end of the period.Victory PlazaVictory Plazq’s anchor tenant, Uniqlo, continued to play a flagship role, recording a 7.0% year-on-year sales growth for the year and maintaining its position as the top-selling store nationwide. The project successfully introduced the sports brand “Super Anta” to set up the largest store in the Guangzhou-Foshan region and “Crab Mang Mang”, the first store nationwide of Guizhou spicy crab business, achieved the diversification of its food and beverage brand portfolio. By connecting internal and external resources to hold fifteen major events, the mall achieved a year-on-year increase of 2.0% in its annual sales. During the year, newly contracted area and renewal area totaled 5,579 sq.m., with a renewal rate of 84%. The occupancy rate was 94.0% at the end of the period.Shanghai Yue Xiu TowerDuring the year, Shanghai Yue Xiu Tower recorded a renewal area of 6,430 sq.m., with a renewal rate of 43%, while securing a newly contracted area of 8,070 sq.m., efficiently making up for the prematurely vacated units. During the year, the project continued to increase the supply of small-area furnished units to meet market demand, formulated differentiated pricing strategies, and successfully held a channel recruitment conference, which attracted more than one hundred real estate agencies. By investing in various capital nature renovations, the project enhanced both energy efficiency and service standards. The occupancy rate was 83.1% at the end of the period.Wuhan PropertiesDuring the year, Wuhan Yuexiu Fortune Centre recorded a newly contracted area of 26,837 sq.m., and introduced quality tenants including two Fortune Global 500 state-owned enterprises, and two Fortune Global 500 foreign enterprises. In addition, it recorded a renewal area of 20,617 sq.m. and a renewal rate of 76.0%, hitting a new high in the past three years, and retained quality tenants, including seven Fortune Global 500 enterprises and a Fortune China 500 company. Approximately 21,000 sq. m. of renovated units were supplied throughout the year, with an absorption rate approaching 98%. The occupancy rate was 62.1% at the end of the period, representing a year-on-year increase of 1 percentage point.Wuhan Starry Victoria Shopping Centre revitalised several popular dining and fitness brands, aiming to attract more family and young customer groups. The project deeply tapped into the consumption potentials of “night economy” and “scene experience” by leveraging the unique venue feature of “Joy Garden”, launching themed activities such as “Riverside Starry Night ”, thus achieving customer flow substantially in line with last year, while the shopping mall recorded a year-on-year increase of 0.5% in annual sales. During the year, newly contracted area and renewal area totaled 9,827 sq.m., with a renewal rate of 48.0%. The occupancy rate was 87.4% at the end of the period, representing a rebound of 5.0 percentage points from the interim period.Hangzhou VictoryDuring the year, the project recorded a newly contracted area of 7,890 sq.m. and introduced a tenant to take up an entire floor. In addition, it recorded a renewal area of 8,836 sq.m. and a renewal rate of 54%, retained quality tenants including two Fortune Global 500 companies and the Zhejiang branch of a state-owned enterprise in Shanxi Province. The occupancy rate was 84.5% at the end of the period.Integrating ESG into Business and Promoting Sustainable DevelopmentAdhering to a long-term perspective, the Manager systematically advanced ESG initiatives. On the occasion of publicly disclosing Yuexiu REIT’s sustainability practices for the tenth consecutive year, the Manager officially renamed the “Environmental, Social and Governance Report” to the “Sustainability Report”, further promoting the deep integration of Yuexiu REIT’s strategy into sustainable development and reinforcing their synchronized progress. During the year, Yuexiu REIT received the highest Green Five Star rating and the title of “Global Sector Leader” for the first time from the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) and once again secured A-rating (highest level) for public disclosure, highlighting its outstanding capabilities in the field of sustainable development.ProspectsIn the coming year, the Manager will maintain a prudent and optimistic attitude, adapt proactively to changes and strengthen risk managemen to generate stable return for the Unitholders. In terms of asset management, the Manager will dynamically implement proactive, prudent and flexible leasing and operating strategies in response to economic development trends and competitive dynamics, diligently explore new growth drivers, and keenly seize potential opportunities to enhance the market competitiveness of asset portfolio. In terms of financing management, the Manager will continue to review and make reasonable adjustments to its financing structure, and introduce low-cost RMB financing through various financing channels to offset interest rate risks. In respect of renovation projects, the Manager will carry out the phased renovations of Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou in an orderly manner to support the long-term preservation and appreciation of property value.About Yuexiu Real Estate Investment TrustYuexiu Real Estate Investment Trust ("Yuexiu REIT") was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 21 December 2005 and is the first listed real estate investment trust only investing in properties in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") in the world. As of 31 December 2025, Yuexiu REIT’s portfolio of properties consisted of ten properties (including one Qualified Minority-owned Property), namely, White Horse Building, Fortune Plaza, City Development Plaza, Victory Plaza, Guangzhou International Finance Centre (“GZIFC”), Yuexiu Financial Tower (a Qualified Minority-owned Property with a 49.495% beneficial interest) located in Guangzhou; Yue Xiu Tower located in Shanghai; Wuhan Yuexiu Fortune Centre, and Starry Victoria Shopping Centre located in Wuhan; Victory Business Centre located in Hangzhou; and Yue Xiu Building located in Hong Kong. The total gross floor area of the properties (excluding Yuexiu Financial Tower) was approximately 974,000 sq.m. All properties are located in the central business district of Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, Hangzhou and Hong Kong respectively. The categories of the properties include Grade-A offices, commercial complexes, retail business, hotel, serviced apartments and professional clothing market etc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: grit
Everest Medicines Announces Commercial Launch and First Prescription for VELSIPITY(R) in Mainland China, Addressing Unmet Need in Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis
HONG KONG, March 11, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – March 9, Everest Medicines (1952.HK) announced the commercial launch of VELSIPITY(R) (etrasimod arginine tablets) in Mainland China, highlighted by the issuance of the first prescription at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, marking a milestone in patient access in the region. According to reports, on the day the first prescription was issued in mainland China, VELSIPITY(R) was simultaneously prescribed in eight tertiary hospitals across seven key cities—Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Chongqing, Beijing, and Nanjing—achieving immediate coverage of patients in major regions nationwide on its launch day. The drug has also expanded patient access through internet hospital platforms. To date, patients at leading medical institutions, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing People’s Hospital, and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, have already benefited from the therapy.Notably, VELSIPITY(R) was approved for marketing by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in February this year. The first prescription in mainland China was issued just one month later, marking a rollout significantly faster than the industry average. Industry observers believe this not only reflects the strong clinical demand for the product but also demonstrates Everest Medicines’ execution capabilities in the commercialization of innovative drugs.From a disease burden perspective, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is considered one of the fastest-growing gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. IBD mainly includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). In recent years, the number of patients in China has continued to increase, driven by changes in dietary patterns, shifts in lifestyle, and improvements in diagnostic capabilities. Several industry research institutions predict that China’s IBD treatment market could exceed RMB 10 billion by around 2030, with novel small-molecule innovative drugs expected to become one of the key drivers of market growth.From a clinical perspective, ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease characterized by symptoms such as mucus and blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal tenesmus, which can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. In China, both the incidence and prevalence of UC are increasing, with a clear trend toward younger patients. The patient population is projected to grow from approximately 0.98 million in 2025 to about 1.50 million by 2031. As the disease remains incurable, patients require long-term management to maintain disease control.VELSIPITY(R) is a next-generation, highly selective S1P receptor modulator with best-in-disease potential and strong first-line treatment recommendations for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in both the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Guideline and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Clinical Guideline Update.Results from multiple global clinical studies have demonstrated that VELSIPITY(R) delivers meaningful clinical benefits, including rapid onset of action, long-lasting clinical remission, steroid-free remission, and deep mucosal healing, with a favorable safety profile. In the ENLIGHT UC study, the largest Asian multicenter Phase 3 clinical study, the clinical remission rate at week 40 of the maintenance period reached 48.1%, and the deep mucosal healing rate reached 51.9%, with an endoscopic mucosal normalization rate of 45.5%. These findings demonstrate VELSIPITY(R)'s potential to improve long-term disease outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse and disease progression.Results from the ELEVATE UC open-label extension demonstrate continuous treatment with VELSIPITY(R) for up to 3 years resulted in 86.8% of patients achieving a clinical response among the observed cases, with both clinical remission and mucosal healing rates maintained at approximately 60%. Safety data extending up to five years from the global clinical program further confirm that VELSIPITY(R) is well tolerated and maintains a favorable and stable safety profile.Prof. Chen Minhu, Academic Leader of the Department of Gastroenterology at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, noted that with the first prescription now issued, VELSIPITY(R) is being incorporated into routine clinical practice, providing physicians with an innovative treatment option for patients living with UC who continue to face ongoing disease challenges.“Early achievement of mucosal healing is recognized as a key treatment goal, as it can significantly reduce rates of disease relapse, hospitalization, surgery, and the risk of progression to colorectal cancer. VELSIPITY(R) addresses this need by targeting intestinal inflammation at its source and promoting mucosal healing, while offering a favorable profile of efficacy and safety, along with the convenience of an oral, once-daily regimen, supporting sustained disease management and improving patients' quality of life,” said Mr. Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines.In 2024 and 2025, VELSIPITY(R) was included in the Catalogues of Guangdong Province on Drugs and Medical Devices from Hong Kong and Macao in Urgent Clinical Use in Nine Mainland Municipalities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it available at designated hospitals across the region. Real-world data have shown that the efficacy and safety of VELSIPITY(R) are consistent with those observed in clinical trials.From a commercialization perspective, Everest Medicines has already demonstrated a mature and replicable capabilities through its core nephrology product NEFECON(R). As the world’s first and currently the only etiological treatment for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to receive full approvals in China, the United States, and Europe, Nefecon(R) generated more than RMB 1 billion in sales in the first three quarters of 2025. The product has set a new benchmark for non-oncology therapies and has become one of the best-performing chronic disease drugs added to China’s national reimbursement list over the past decade.This achievement has validated the company’s platform for the commercialization of innovative medicines, centered on the integrated coordination of access, medical, marketing, and sales (A2MS) driven by scientific and commercial insights. It has also provided replicable systems and experience for the market expansion of future products. The rapid issuance of the first prescription for VELSIPITY(R) further demonstrates the efficiency of this platform. Leveraging the channel network and market access experience built through Nefecon(R), the product is expected to replicate a similar growth trajectory.From a market landscape perspective, China’s UC treatment market has long been dominated by traditional immunosuppressants and injectable biologics. However, these therapies present certain limitations, including lack of oral convenience and potential long-term safety risks. With its differentiated advantages, VELSIPITY(R) is widely viewed by the industry as having the potential to address this unmet need. Market expectations suggest that the drug could reach peak sales of RMB 5 billion, becoming a key driver of revenue growth for Everest Medicines.Everest Medicines stated that it plans to build a multi-channel market access framework, provide diversified patient assistance programs and innovative payment solutions, and actively pursue the inclusion of VELSIPITY(R) in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) to improve the drug’s accessibility and affordability. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: emer
MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse open next Thursday
HONG KONG, Mar 11, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse – Asia’s premier annual e-commerce and marketing events – will be held concurrently on 19 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Under the theme "Generate New Growth", this year's conferences focus on how brands can rethink their growth strategies amid global market uncertainty, helping to turn challenges into forward momentum. From strategic insights to practical implementation, the events will comprehensively reveal new directions for growth, bringing together about 70 global e-commerce experts, marketing executives, brand representatives and advertising elites to share valuable insights and success stories relating to global marketing and e-commerce trends. Featuring 30 thematic sessions, seminars and demonstration sessions, the events will help to foster cross-sector exchange and boost collaboration within the industry.The rise of e-commerce has injected new momentum into global economic growth, while the government is actively encouraging small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) to develop e-commerce capabilities that can enhance their market competitiveness. This year’s conferences will focus on the latest developments in e-commerce, helping participants seize growth opportunities in the current market environment through a dual-track approach that advances both e-commerce development and brand marketing. A lineup of experts will speak on topics such as agentic AI, lifestyle e-commerce, quick commerce and global brand expansion. They will examine innovation in e-commerce along with global marketing trends and emerging consumer opportunities, while exploring how the industry can generate new growth amid a rapidly evolving marketing landscape.Tech marketing expert shares insights on data-driven growthJinhee Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Olive Young, South Korea’s leading health and beauty brand, will present on the theme “Beyond Retail, Building an Ecosystem: Driving Collaborative Growth of Olive Young and K-Beauty”. Drawing on perspectives from both marketing and e-commerce, he will explain how seamless omnichannel operations and data-driven marketing strategies are being leveraged to build a high-growth ecosystem for Korean beauty brands, while continuously expanding their global footprint. Well-known for harnessing data to drive innovation, Mr Lee has spearheaded a series of digital transformation initiatives and integrated retail strategies, using technology to enable Olive Young to stay ahead of trends and become a leader in the global beauty market.Breaking new ground in marketing through the China experience and new retailAtour Group is a leading player in Chinese Mainland’s mid- to high-end hotel chain market. Its Founder, CEO & Chief Experience Officer, Haijun Wang, will focus on two key themes during his presentation: 1) Experience Differentiation Strategy — placing differentiated experiences at the core to build distinctive product and service offerings across both the hotel and retail businesses; and 2) Customer Segment Operations Strategy — using a core customer base that pursues a quality lifestyle as the connective thread to deeply integrate the hotel and retail businesses, thereby shaping a unique brand group model.Enhancing brand value through aesthetic intelligence in e-commercePauline Brown, former Chairman of LVMH North America, will share how to leverage "aesthetic intelligence" to elevate brand value, shape consumer perception and strengthen overall online-to-offline experiences and marketing strategies. She will also discuss how brands can continuously cultivate "taste" and aesthetic acumen and explain how aesthetics and elevated storytelling can be utilised to build truly compelling brands in a rapidly changing e-commerce and technological landscape.Exploring the latest trends in agentic AI and quick commerceQuick commerce and agentic AI are bringing unprecedented changes to the e-commerce market in the Chinese Mainland, continuously reshaping consumers' shopping patterns, habits and demands. Yatong Qiu, Vice President of Taobao&Tmall Group, Alibaba, will share on how brands and merchants can tackle demand through flexible merchandising strategies, real-time marketing and speed-oriented innovations to maintain competitiveness and seize time-sensitive opportunities. Meanwhile, Terry Li, Vertical General Manager of Smart Retail, Tencent, will take a deeper dive into agentic AI-driven e-commerce strategies. Looking from the perspectives of service providers and e-commerce ecosystems, he will share practical approaches and future innovation directions for agentic AI solutions, helping brands and businesses seize the initiative in the new era of e-commerce.Decoding cross-border growth and market entry strategies for ASEANAs ASEAN continues to rise as one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong are actively setting their sights on Southeast Asia, particularly seeking growth opportunities through e-commerce channels. The conferences will feature a session titled “Decoding the Gateway to ASEAN: Cross Border Growth and Market Entry Strategies”, exploring strategies for entering the ASEAN market. Speakers including Luca Barni, SVP, Commercial, Lazada Group, will share their practical experiences in expanding within ASEAN. Attendees will get a comprehensive understanding of the growth opportunities and common pitfalls in this growing market, addressing e-commerce legal and regulatory challenges, as well as brand and product localisation strategies.Cracking the Threads audience engagement plus celebrity insightsThe recent rise of social platform Threads is further driving the evolution of brand marketing models. In the "Threads for Consumer and Audience Engagement" session, Kenie Kwok, Creative Strategy Lead at Meta, will share the latest trends in brand account management and user preferences from the platform's perspective. Actor and "Threads Admin" Ng Siu-hin will share his insights on how to stand out as a content creator, offering practical tips on building engagement with netizens from a creator's viewpoint. In addition, IN.DECIDE, renowned for managing social media platforms for multiple brands as an "admin", will analyse its promotional campaign for the film Peg O' My Heart, detailing how the virtual character "Choi San-keung" successfully broke the fourth wall with the audience.This year's "Meet the Celebrity” dialogue series has invited actor and singer-songwriter Louis Cheung to speak on the topic "Chasing the Golden Boy Within". He will share his career journey in personal brand management and talk about his multifaceted development across the acting, music and creative fields. Meanwhile, content creator and MUSE TV Founder Mayao will discuss how he strategically leverages innovative promotional approaches to market music works, generating broad and lasting public impact and driving sustainable market growth.Exploring the “healing economy" and IP marketingWhen engaging with younger generations, who place strong emphasis on emotional connection, brands must understand “oshikatsu culture”, where young people identify strongly as a fan of an idol, along with the healing trend and intellectual property (IP)-driven consumer behaviour. The session "Healing Economy and IP Marketing" will feature speakers including Yiying Wang, Founder and Designer of Noodoll Limited, who will explore how brands can keep abreast of the latest trends, such as designing sustainably interactive experiences and campaigns with an "oshikatsu mindset", incorporating healing elements into products or marketing to enhance resonance, and collaborating with popular IPs to boost reach and engagement, thereby deepening connections and relationships with younger demographics.The conferences will introduce a new feature, "e-Commerce Connect", showcasing the latest one-stop e-commerce solutions, with close to 30 local and international exhibitors. Additionally, a series of digital marketing and e-commerce workshops will enable participating brands to gain hands-on practical experience. Multiple networking activities will be organised, and participants can take advantage of one-to-one business matching services to facilitate cross-sector exchange and collaboration. The event will also feature live music performances, including a set from popular local singer James Ng.For more information on speakers and the detailed programme for the conferences, please visit: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en. To request interviews with guest speakers, please email betsytse@raconteur.hk or molisalau@raconteur.hk.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3OU0UArPauline Brown, Former Chairman of LVMH North AmericaHaijun Wang, Founder and CEO of Atour Lifestyle HoldingsJinHee Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Olive YoungLouis Cheung, Actor and singer-songwriterNg Siu-hin, Artist and "Threads Admin"MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse will be held on 19 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Pictured are the MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse events held in 2025Websites· MarketingPulse: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en· Event schedule: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en/programme· Speaker list: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en/speaker· eTailingPulse: https://etailingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/etp/en· EntertainmentPulse: https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en Media enquiriesFor enquiries, please contact:Raconteur PR Agency:Betsy TseTel: (852) 9742 7338Email: betsytse@raconteur.hkMolisa LauTel: (852) 6187 7786Email: molisalau@raconteur.hkHKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: nicole
Rubio Labels Afghanistan a ‘State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention,’ Citing ‘Despicable Tactics’
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has labeled Afghanistan as a "state sponsor of wrongful detention," asserting that the Taliban is "unjustly" holding American citizens and other foreign nationals captive.During his announcement on Monday, Rubio stated that the Taliban continues to employ "terrorist tactics," which he insisted "need to end.""I am designating Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention," Rubio declared in a statement. "The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions. These despicable tactics need to end."The Secretary also urged the group to release two Americans who are "unjustly detained" in Afghanistan."It is not safe for Americans to travel to Afghanistan because the Taliban continues to unjustly detain our fellow Americans and other foreign nationals," he stated. "The Taliban needs to release Dennis Coyle, Mahmoud Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan now and commit to cease the practice of hostage diplomacy forever."Coyle, aged 64, was apprehended over a year ago without charges by the Taliban General Directorate of Intelligence, according to his family, who noted that he has still not been formally charged. His family indicated that he was legally engaged in academic research to support Afghan language communities.Habibi, a 38-year-old American citizen born in Afghanistan, was taken along with his driver from their vehicle in Kabul in August 2022 by the Taliban General Directorate of Intelligence, as reported by the State Department.The FBI indicated that Habibi previously served as Afghanistan’s director of civil aviation and was employed by the Kabul-based telecommunications firm Asia Consultancy Group. The FBI also stated that the Taliban detained 29 other employees from the company, though most have since been released.Habibi has not been heard from since his arrest, and the Taliban has not revealed his whereabouts or condition, according to the State Department and FBI. The Taliban has previously denied detaining Habibi.The U.S. is also requesting the return of the remains of Paul Overby, an author who was last seen near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan in 2014, according to Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter.Sources informed Reuters that the State Department might impose restrictions on the use of U.S. passports for travel to Afghanistan if the Taliban does not comply with the U.S. government's demands.Currently, such a passport restriction is only in effect for North Korea.The Taliban described Rubio's decision to designate Afghanistan as a "state sponsor of wrongful detention" as regrettable, expressing a desire to resolve the issue through dialogue.The Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 amidst the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the country, which concluded a 20-year war in the region.Rubio had previously applied the "state sponsor of wrongful detention" designation to Iran late last month, just one day prior to U.S.-Israeli strikes in the country. At that time, he cautioned that the U.S. could restrict travel to Iran due to its detention of U.S. citizens, though no restrictions have been implemented yet."The Iranian regime must stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran, steps that could end this designation and associated actions," Rubio stated at the time.Reuters contributed to this report.
Posted on
by: jenn
Pokémon Puts a Surprising Spin on the Post-Apocalypse
NintendoThree decades after Pokémon first enchanted audiences globally with Red and Blue, the franchise has expanded beyond movies, television, and trading cards to offer considerably varied gaming experiences. In addition to the core RPG titles, the series includes Mystery Dungeon installments (featuring procedurally generated dungeons), Snap titles (focused on photographing Pokémon), and Detective Pikachu adventures, which inspired the 2016 live-action film. While the primary games continue to attract the largest fanbase, the franchise has consistently demonstrated its ability to reinvent itself and deliver novel gameplay.Recently, Game Freak and Omega Force introduced an innovative spin-off that has rapidly gained popularity: Pokémon Pokopia. Blending elements from titles like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, players control Ditto disguised as a human to build an ideal sanctuary for Pokémon abandoned after humanity's disappearance. Despite its charming premise, the central mystery plaguing players is the cause of humanity's vanishing. The game's explanation draws heavily from dystopian science fiction.All the comfort of Pokémon with a special helping of existential dread. | NintendoAs players rescue Pokémon and develop their new settlement, they can traverse the Kanto region to discover familiar landmarks from earlier titles now in ruins — deserted Pokémon Centers, iconic spots from Red and Blue, and even the S.S. Anne visible in gradual deterioration. The game contains numerous indicators of a grim catastrophe that befell humanity, and though the cause isn't the typical zombies, nuclear holocaust, or other bleak scenarios common in speculative fiction, the outcome remains equally heartbreaking.In-game documents disclose that mankind fled Earth for the stars after an unspecified climate disaster. This mass exodus meant abandoning their Pokémon partners, though they tried preserving them within a vast computer network called the Pokémon Conservation Project, which ultimately malfunctioned. The consequence is a broken bond between people and their cherished companions, and while the separation was evidently unintentional, Pokémon now roam and reclaim the planet on their own terms.It’ll certainly be much greener when humans return, that’s for sure. | NintendoGiven that Pokopia is set in a distant future, this disaster probably won't impact the core series, yet it's both fascinating and melancholic to envision a world where Pokémon wander freely, having lost their ties to humans. The significance of this potential timeline for the franchise remains uncertain: might it influence future releases or even inspire another movie beyond gaming? Beyond its entertainment value, it's encouraging to witness a spin-off offering such a daring and compelling vision for a thirty-year-old property.
Posted on
by: grit
Eisai to Present the Latest Data on Long-Term, Real-World Treatment with Lecanemab at the AD/PD(TM) 2026 Annual Meeting
TOKYO, Mar 11, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, “Eisai”) announced today the company will present the latest findings on lecanemab (generic name, U.S. brand name: LEQEMBI®), Eisai’s anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) protofibril antibody for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), at the 20th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders (AD/PD™ 2026) from March 17-21, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and online. The lecanemab data and additional research findings from Eisai’s AD portfolio will be featured in six presentations, including three oral presentations. Eisai will host an industry-sponsored symposium.Oral and Poster PresentationsOral presentations will include the latest findings from a United States real-world long-term treatment persistence study, and efficacy and safety outcomes in apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoEε4) homozygous carriers in a U.S. multicenter real-world study. In addition, four-year data from the Clarity AD Open-Label Extension trial in ApoEε4 non-carriers and heterozygotes, and a genome-wide association study on novel genetic variants associated with cognitive decline in AD will be presented as posters.Eisai Symposium – Continue Life Their Way: Early Intervention in Alzheimer’s DiseaseEisai is sponsoring a symposium featuring four leading global experts in the field of AD, on the topics of why early intervention matters, continuing early AD treatment and real-world outcomes. The symposium aims to enhance understanding of the value of early and continued anti-amyloid treatment in early AD by exploring how real-world evidence can support confident patient assessment in clinical practice, and how to recognize AD as a chronic condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach to care.Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.AD/PD 2026 Presentations Relating to Eisai's Key Compounds and ResearchFor more information, please visit: https://www.eisai.com/news/2026/pdf/enews202612pdf.pdfMedia Inquiries:Public Relations Department,Eisai Co., Ltd.+81-(0)3-3817-5120Eisai Europe, Ltd.(Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Russia)EMEA Communications Department+44 (0) 7739-600-678EMEA-comms@eisai.netEisai, Inc. (U.S.)Julie Edelman+1-862-213-5915Julie Edelman@eisai.comAbout Lecanemab (generic name, brand name: Leqembi)Lecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ).Lecanemab has been approved in 53 countries and regions including Japan, the United States, China, Europe, South Korea, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia, and is under regulatory review in 6 countries. Following the initial phase with treatment every two weeks for 18 months, intravenous (IV) maintenance dosing with treatment every four weeks was approved in 7 countries including the U.S., China, the UK, and others, and applications have been filed in 10 countries and regions. The U.S. FDA approved Eisai’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for subcutaneous maintenance dosing with LEQEMBI IQLIK in August 2025. A Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for initiation treatment was accepted in January 2026. The sBLA has been granted Priority Review, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of May 24, 2026. In November 2025, an application for a subcutaneous injectable formulation in Japan was submitted. In January 2026, the Biologics License Application (BLA) for the subcutaneous formulation was accepted in China. In December 2025, Lecanemab (IV) has been included in the “Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List”, recently introduced by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) of China.Since July 2020 the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.About ProtofibrilsProtofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of soluble Aβ, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.¹ Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Aβ plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells. It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.²About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for ADEisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of LEQEMBI development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies cocommercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for ADSince 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody lecanemab back-up was signed in May 2015.References1. Amin L, Harris DA. Aβ receptors specifically recognize molecular features displayed by fibril ends and neurotoxic oligomers. Nat Commun. 2021;12: 3451. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-23507-z.2. Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-β are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):952. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030952. PMID: 32023927; PMCID: PMC7037706. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: nicole
Iran and Hezbollah escalate conflict with synchronized cluster munition attacks on Israel
A national security expert has suggested that Hezbollah and Iran have initiated a synchronized strike strategy, following reports of coordinated attacks involving lethal cluster munitions against Israel.These events occurred on the 11th day of "Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion," a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, signaling a potential intensification of the regional conflict."Hezbollah has fully entered the conflict, and it appears they are operating in close coordination with Iran," stated Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, speaking from a bomb shelter near Tel Aviv."The majority of Hezbollah's drone and rocket launches are occurring simultaneously with Iranian missile strikes," he noted.According to The Associated Press, Israel has confirmed that Iran is utilizing cluster munitions, a development that poses a significant and lethal challenge to Israel's air defense capabilities.These warheads detonate at high altitudes, dispersing numerous smaller bomblets over a wide radius. These submunitions, which can appear as orange fireballs at night, are difficult to intercept and have proven to be highly destructive.Correspondent Nate Foy also observed that despite Israel's robust air defenses, half of the incoming missiles are difficult to counter because they are equipped with cluster warheads."The deployment of cluster missiles by Iran, combined with the intentional targeting of civilians and infrastructure, should be classified as the use of non-conventional weaponry, necessitating a proportionate American-Israeli response," Michael urged.Prohibited by more than 120 countries under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, these weapons are widely condemned due to their indiscriminate, wide-area impact, which frequently leads to severe civilian casualties.Michael’s comments followed a Reuters report indicating that Hezbollah is applying lessons from previous conflicts with Israel as it braces for a potential full-scale ground invasion and a prolonged war.The report cited sources claiming the group is reverting to guerrilla warfare tactics in southern Lebanon."Operating in small cells, fighters from the Iran-backed organization are avoiding communication devices vulnerable to Israeli interception and are conserving essential anti-tank rockets during engagements with Israeli forces," the sources familiar with Hezbollah's military operations stated.Michael further noted that "the northern region, specifically toward Haifa, is experiencing heavy bombardment.""Israeli citizens are forced to spend most of their time in shelters because Hezbollah and Iran are deliberately targeting civilian populations and facilities," he said."Tel Aviv remains under an emergency status, with sirens sounding frequently and many residents spending significant time in bomb shelters," he added, emphasizing that "Israel is a small nation and cannot sustain this level of asymmetry and war of attrition."As of Tuesday night, the IDF reported launching a series of airstrikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the southern suburbs of Beirut.This action followed repeated evacuation warnings issued by the military for the area, a Hezbollah stronghold known as the Dahiyeh.In a post on X, the IDF stated: "This is what we are operating against."Reuters sources also indicated that much of Hezbollah’s ground combat has been concentrated near the town of Khiyam, located at the intersection of the Lebanese, Israeli, and Syrian borders.This is a region where Hezbollah anticipates a potential Israeli land invasion might commence. The group's elite Radwan fighters, who had withdrawn from the south following the 2024 ceasefire, have reportedly returned to the area."Israel will undoubtedly seize control of a significant portion of territory in southern Lebanon, extending from the international border to the Litani River, to establish a security buffer zone," Michael stated."This will prevent Hezbollah from striking Israeli villages and towns in the north and will allow for intensified operations against Hezbollah throughout Lebanon," he added."We hope that President Trump will not halt operations or adopt the approach used with the Houthis—declaring victory while leaving a wounded adversary capable of regrouping or seeking revenge."Meanwhile, an Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that approximately half of the projectiles being launched by Iran toward Israel are now cluster bombs.
Posted on
by: emer
JOYY Reports 4Q and FY2025 Financial Results: Q4 Revenue Returns to YoY Growth, BIGO Ads Up 61.5% YoY
SINGAPORE, Mar 11, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025.In the fourth quarter of 2025, JOYY’s total revenue was US$581.9 million, up 7.7% quarter over quarter and 5.9% year over year, marking a return to year-over-year revenue growth. Livestreaming revenue was US$394.4 million, up 1.5% quarter over quarter, marking the third consecutive quarter of sequential growth. BIGO Ads delivered accelerating revenue growth, up 61.5% year over year to US$128.1 million. For the full year of 2025, total revenue was US$2.12 billion. Livestreaming contributed US$1.53 billion, while BIGO Ads contributed US$398.5 million, up 38.5% year over year, driving total non-livestreaming revenue, including ad revenue and others, to 28.0% of the Company’s revenue, up 7.9 percentage points from 2024.In 2025, JOYY delivered steady profitability growth. Non-GAAP[1] operating income and non-GAAP[1] EBITDA were US$150.8 million and US$189.8 million, up 10.8% and 10.9% year over year, respectively. In the fourth quarter, non-GAAP1 operating income stood at US$40.8 million, and operating cash flow for the fourth quarter totaled US$116.0 million. As of December 31, 2025, the Company held US$3.26 billion in net cash.JOYY previously announced a shareholder return program of approximately US$900 million through dividends and share repurchases from 2025 through 2027. The Company has been actively executing its share repurchase program, with repurchases totaling US$67.4 million in the fourth quarter. In total, JOYY has distributed approximately US$332.0 million in dividends and share repurchases throughout 2025. In light of the double-digit improvements in operational profit in 2025, the Company will distribute an additional cash dividend of approximately US$20 million in the first quarter of 2026.Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights- Net revenues increased by 5.9% to US$581.9 million from US$549.4 million in the corresponding period of 2024 and by 7.7% from US$540.2 million in the third quarter of 2025.Livestreaming revenue was US$394.4 million, representing an increase of 1.5% from US$388.5 million in the third quarter of 2025.Advertising revenue increased by 62.4% to US$145.4 million from US$89.6 million in the corresponding period of 2024 and by 29.3% from US$112.5 million in the third quarter of 2025.Other revenues increased by 12.3% to US$42.1 million from US$37.5 million in the corresponding period of 2024 and by 7.2% from US$39.2 million in the third quarter of 2025.- Operating income was US$18.3 million.- Non-GAAP1 operating income was US$40.8 million.- Net Cash as of December 31, 2025 was US$3.26 billion.- Net cash from operating activities was US$116.0 million, compared with US$110.5 million in the corresponding period of 2024.Full Year 2025 Financial Highlights- Net revenues were US$2,124.2 million.- Operating income was US$55.8 million.- Non-GAAP1 operating income was US$150.8 million, up 10.8% from US$136.1 million in 2024.- Non-GAAP1 EBITDA was US$189.8 million, up 10.9% from US$171.2 million in 2024.[1]This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as additional clarifying items to aid investors in further understanding the Company's performance and the impact that these items and events had on the financial results. The non-GAAP financial measures provided above should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. For details of the non-GAAP measures, including the reconciliations of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures, please refer to the press release titled “JOYY Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Unaudited Financial Results” issued by the Company on March 11, 2026. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: nicole
Elite lethal ‘black-clad’ kill squad guards Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Digital has learned that an elite counterterrorism unit has been deployed to protect Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.This force, known as NOPO — Iran’s black-clad Counterterrorism Special Force — was assigned to safeguard the leader after a U.S.-Israel strike on a Tehran compound on Feb. 28 killed the elder Khamenei amid the start of Operation Epic Fury."With Khamenei gone, NOPO will now be protecting Mojtaba Khamenei," said Ali Safavi, an official with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).According to Safavi, the unit, formed in 1991, initially served as the "nucleus" of the IRGC’s 28th Ruhollah (Khomeini’s first name) Division and typically handles hostage rescue operations.The unit’s history also includes deployments against internal security threats, and it has often been called upon to suppress protests.Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei on March 8, 2026, elevating him as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.His succession comes amid an ongoing war with the U.S. and Israel, but so far, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public statements since the conflict began.According to The Times of Israel, Iranian state television reported that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in the war, though these reports remain unconfirmed."NOPO is the Farsi acronym for Nirouyeh Vijeh Pasdaran Velayat, which translates to the Special Force to Protect the Supreme Leader," Safavi further explained.Over time, NOPO has evolved into a highly specialized unit distinct from the broader Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military branch established in 1979 to defend the Islamic Republic and its leadership from internal and external threats."The NOPO consists of only six brigades. Four are stationed in Tehran, one in Mashhad, and one in Isfahan," Safavi said."They are far more lethal, ruthless, and well-trained than the IRGC," he claimed, before noting that the brigade’s loyalty is exclusively to the Supreme Leader."This force was used solely for the protection of Khamenei," Safavi continued. "They are very well equipped. Khamenei did not trust any other security force to protect him."Safavi also stated that some members of the unit were killed in Ali Khamenei's assassination, but the force remains fully operational."Some NOPO members were killed when Khamenei was assassinated, but the reality is that they are now involved in the repressive and security measures the regime has implemented in recent days to prevent any protests from erupting," Safavi said.Safavi added that the elite force’s activities extend beyond personal protection during times of crisis."But in times of crisis, such as during the January uprising, they were heavily involved in opening fire on protesters," he said.This comes as reports indicate that hundreds of NOPO members have also been widely deployed around prisons in Iran holding political detainees."Hundreds of repressive forces are widely deployed around the prison. At Ghezel Hesar Prison," the NCRI stated in a release.On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following the bombing of a military center near Mahabad Prison, prisoners whose ward doors were locked protested and set fire to their blankets, demanding release under wartime conditions."Repressive forces responded by firing tear gas into the ward," the NCRI reported.Reports also indicated that NOPO took control of Evin Prison in Tehran after regular prison officials fled amid intensified conflict.In 2021, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on NOPO for its role in committing "serious human rights abuses against persons in Iran, Iranian citizens or residents, or the family members of the foregoing."
Posted on
by: nicole
Leading Iranian cybercriminal on FBI most wanted list reportedly killed in US-Israeli strike
A leading Iranian hacker wanted by the FBI for years was killed last week following a joint Israeli strike on Iran, according to an Iranian media outlet.Mohammad Mehdi Farhadi Ramin—an Iranian national accused of stealing U.S. citizens’ identities and accessing national security data—died in Hamadan, Iran, Iran International reported, adding that his funeral was held on Monday.The FBI states Farhadi has been sought by U.S. authorities since 2020 over his "alleged involvement in malicious cyber activity" dating back to at least 2013.Among his purported crimes, Farhadi reportedly targeted companies, universities, U.S. defense contractors, and nonprofits to obtain sensitive data. Authorities say he also stole credit card information and Social Security numbers from U.S. citizens to fund illicit activities, while selling some of the stolen data on the black market.Ramin was first indicted on September 15, 2020, by a federal grand jury in Newark, New Jersey, for his alleged role in a large-scale, coordinated cyber intrusion campaign on behalf of the Iranian government.Ramin and a co-defendant are said to have vandalized websites with ideological messaging intended to project Iranian influence—including images of burning Israeli flags and threats that appeared to "signal the demise" of countries Iran views as rivals, such as the U.S., Israel, and Saudi Arabia."They brazenly infiltrated computer systems, targeted intellectual property, and often sought to intimidate perceived enemies of Iran—including dissidents fighting for human rights in Iran and around the world," the U.S. Department of Justice previously stated."This conduct threatens our national security, and as a result, these defendants are wanted by the FBI and considered fugitives from justice."Authorities allege the suspect also compromised email accounts by creating hidden automated forwarding rules that secretly sent all incoming and outgoing emails directly to him and his co-conspirators.Officials emphasized these actions allowed Iran to access a massive volume of stolen information—including hundreds of terabytes of data related to national security, foreign policy, civilian nuclear research, aerospace, and unpublished scientific studies.Digital has reached out to the Pentagon for additional information.
Posted on
by: nicole
US attack on Iran’s main oil terminal would align with Trump’s ‘energy dominance doctrine,’ expert says
A prominent energy security expert has cautioned that an attack by the U.S. on Kharg Island, which manages most of Iran's crude oil exports and was previously mentioned by President Donald Trump as a possible target, might lead to wider regional instability and assaults on energy infrastructure.According to reports, the Trump administration is considering various options, among them a direct strike on Kharg Island.During a discussion about deploying ground troops as part of Operation Epic Fury on "The Claman Countdown," retired Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt also informed Liz Claman that an attack on Kharg could be imminent."I don't anticipate a substantial deployment of ground forces, except for the possibility of an operation against Kharg Island," he stated on March 9.Trump's focus on the island originates from a 1988 interview where he purportedly proposed targeting Kharg as a response to Iranian provocations, based on reports."I would take a tough stance against Iran. They've been psychologically defeating us, making us appear foolish," Trump remarked. "If a single bullet is fired at any of our personnel or vessels, I would strike Kharg Island hard. I would move in and seize it."Sara Vakhshouri, a global energy analyst, stated that attacking Kharg directly corresponds with Washington's "energy dominance" doctrine, and made these comments as U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran unsettle energy markets and interfere with oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz."Kharg presently serves as a strategic limiting factor in the conflict," said Vakhshouri, founder and president of SVB Energy International, in an interview with Digital."Disrupting Iran's primary export terminal would probably cause a significant surge in oil prices, market turbulence, and regional counterattacks on energy infrastructure."She added that Kharg's importance extends beyond tactical considerations to strategic ones, contending that it aligns perfectly with Trump's frequently promoted doctrine.This policy, which was fundamental to Trump's first term, emphasized maximizing American oil and gas output, increasing exports, and using U.S. energy power as an instrument of geopolitical influence."However, when discussing Kharg, the crucial element is that it conforms to the U.S. energy dominance framework," Vakhshouri noted, proposing that maintaining the island as a potential leverage point—instead of attacking it right away—might represent a more prudent strategic choice.Kharg is located in the northern Persian Gulf, approximately 15 miles from Iran's coast. Vessels departing from the terminal navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow bottleneck that manages roughly twenty percent of worldwide oil commerce.Approximately 90 to 95 percent of Iran's crude oil and petroleum product exports flow through Kharg, establishing it as the regime's main source of oil income."There are possibly 15 to 20 million barrels in storage, with approximately 1.5 to 3 million barrels per day being shipped through the terminal under sanctions, while the export capacity reaches up to 5 million barrels daily," Vakhshouri stated."Should the export capacity from Kharg be eliminated, this limiting factor could weaken, transferring the threat toward additional attacks on regional energy installations and, more critically, extended interruptions to oil shipments and vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz," she cautioned."Establishing a price limit on such a situation would be heavily contingent on Iran's responsive measures," Vakhshouri added."Nevertheless, the definite result would be extended market instability and unpredictability, fueled by concerns about additional reprisals or a prolonged pattern of disruption."Digital has contacted the White House seeking comment.
Posted on
by: amanda
HYVE.Promo Launches as APAC’s Newest Print-on-Demand Platform for Corporate Gifting — Powered by AI and Built for Scale
Singapore – March 11, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – HYVE Promo today announced the launch of its AI-enabled print-on-demand platform designed to modernize Asia-Pacific’s corporate gifting and branded merchandise industry. While e-commerce in Asia has produced multi-billion-dollar unicorns, the region’s corporate gifting supply chain remains largely manual — dependent on spreadsheets, fragmented factory coordination, and week-long quote cycles. HYVE enters the market as a technology-first infrastructure platform built to streamline customization, printing, and cross-border fulfillment at scale. HYVE positions itself as the corporate gifting equivalent of Asia’s major e-commerce platforms — purpose-built for businesses that need fast, reliable, and compliant branded merchandise delivered across multiple markets. “Asia built some of the world’s largest e-commerce engines,” said Tim Ngiam, General Manager of HYVE. “But the corporate merchandise industry hasn’t kept pace. We built HYVE to bring platform thinking, AI-driven workflows, and print-on-demand efficiency to a sector still operating like it’s 2005.” AI-Driven Merch Infrastructure HYVE combines: AI-assisted artwork processing and print optimization Real-time production routing across decoration technologies Automated order batching for small and mid-sized runs Cross-border logistics orchestration for APAC distribution The platform integrates directly with HYVE’s high-capacity production hub in Ningbo, China, capable of processing approximately 500 orders daily. Small-batch corporate orders can ship in as little as 72 hours, serving markets including Singapore, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Greater China. Rather than operating as a marketplace aggregator, HYVE controls the full print-to-ship workflow — reducing supplier handoffs and production errors. Targeting a Rapidly Digitizing Market The global promotional products market is projected to reach US$37 billion by 2033, while Asia-Pacific corporate gifting is expected to exceed US$400 billion within the same timeframe. More than 40% of buyers now expect to manage merchandise orders digitally — from proofing to tracking to fulfillment. HYVE aims to become what its founders call “Asia’s largest merch engine” — a centralized infrastructure layer for corporate gifting across the region. “Marketers and procurement teams want the same simplicity they get when ordering consumer products online,” said Ethan Ung, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer. “They don’t want to manage factories, chase quotes, or coordinate customs. They want speed, visibility, and certainty. That’s what a platform should provide.” Built for Enterprise and Regional Scale HYVE focuses initially on APAC enterprise buyers and distributors, offering: On-demand production Regional multi-country fulfillment Compliance-ready manufacturing standards Rapid turnaround for campaign-driven activations The company plans to expand product categories, introduce deeper AI automation across artwork and routing, and integrate with marketing and e-commerce ecosystems used by enterprise teams. About HYVE Promo HYVE Promo is a Singapore-based technology platform modernizing corporate gifting across Asia-Pacific. Backed by the founders of BrandCharger and Headwind Group, HYVE operates a vertically integrated print and fulfillment engine designed to bring AI-driven efficiency, transparency, and scalability to branded merchandise distribution. For more information, visit: https://hyve.promo Media Contact Ming Yi Lim, Marketing Manager HYVE Promo Pte Ltd mingyi.lim@hyve.promo
Posted on
by: nicole
Putin caught carrying out large-scale ‘semi-dark’ ship-to-ship oil transfer in Gulf of Oman
According to reports, Russia has used its so-called "shadow fleet" to conduct a roughly $29.3 million "semi-dark" ship-to-ship oil transfer in the Gulf of Oman, intentionally evading Western sanctions.Maritime intelligence company Windward AI stated on March 8 that the Russian-flagged tanker M/V TRUST—already blacklisted by the U.S., European Union, and United Kingdom—performed a "high-probability" secret crude oil transfer in Omani territorial waters.Using an estimated price of around $90 per barrel as of March 10, the transferred cargo was worth approximately $29.3 million."The operation’s timing aligned with increased military tension in the Gulf after Operation Epic Fury, indicating the vessel took advantage of regional instability to complete the transfer with less oversight," Windward noted.Windward added that the tanker had earlier loaded roughly 325,000 barrels of Russian crude oil at the Russian port of Ust-Luga.Windward characterized the operation as a "semi-dark" activity—where one vessel sent its automatic identification system (AIS) signal and the other did not.Per the firm, the M/V TRUST anchored and turned off its AIS transponder while engaging in what it termed a "prolonged stationary meeting" with another tanker, likely facilitating a cargo transfer with an unidentified vessel.Windward explained that a fully "dark" meeting usually involves both vessels not transmitting, but here only one ship seemed to be broadcasting—creating partial visibility that still hinders tracking efforts.These tactics are part of a larger strategy by Moscow to keep exporting crude oil despite extensive Western sanctions put in place following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The semi-dark oil transfer occurred amid increased volatility in global energy markets linked to the worsening Middle East conflict and reduced traffic in the Strait of Hormuz due to joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.CNBC reported that oil surpassed $100 a barrel on March 9 as traders factored in the risk of the conflict disrupting flows through the Strait, which handles roughly a fifth of global supply.Reuters stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 9 that Russia—the world’s second-largest oil exporter and holder of the largest natural gas reserves—is prepared to restart long-term energy cooperation with European customers if they decide to come back.Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that Russia "should not be involved" in the escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.His remarks came after reports indicating Moscow might be providing intelligence assistance to Tehran, though the Kremlin has not publicly verified these claims.Regarding Russia’s semi-dark ship-to-ship cargo transfer amid the ongoing conflict, Windward emphasized "operational blind spots that allow illicit maritime activity to continue mostly unhindered."