Hajime Go(SeaPRwire) - Arguably, the massive success of Project Hail Mary stems from its presence across multiple media formats. Right now, when we discuss the story, the film is the main focus—but Andy Weir’s 2021 novel laid the groundwork, and the outstanding audiobook narrated by Ray Porter won over a whole different group of fans. In a way, the film is just another thread in the tapestry—the tale of Ryland Grace and Rocky saving the stars is larger than even the biggest movie in the world right now. But what if there’s even more? While there’s talk of a Project Hail Mary sequel, another new take on the core story is heading to a different medium.Hayakawa Publishing is releasing a manga adaptation of Project Hail Mary, illustrated by artist Hajime Go. Kazuko Onoda—who translated the original novel into Japanese for Hayakawa in 2021—will handle the Japanese translation and manga adaptation of the text.Notably, the translated paperback was released in two volumes, and the upcoming manga might follow suit. The announcement was shared on X (formerly Twitter) alongside a manga image: Ryland Grace in the tunnel connecting the Hail Mary and Blip-A, just before his first meeting with Rocky.Beyond looking great, what unique elements could the manga bring that the novel, film, and audiobook don’t? If it’s two volumes, the Project Hail Mary manga could visually restore scenes cut from the movie. For instance, the book describes extreme Earth-based efforts to halt global cooling—including nuking Antarctica. It also delves deeper into Rocky’s journey from the planet Erid and Grace’s life on Earth before joining the Hail Mary.Sources say the first rough cut of the Project Hail Mary film was over four hours long, forcing directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord to make major cuts for a tighter narrative. But a two-volume manga wouldn’t face the same constraints. We might see more of Erid (via flashbacks), additional astrophage farming scenes on Earth, and all of Grace’s EVAs on the Hail Mary’s hull. The film streamlines many epic space sequences—which works—but fans of the complete story know several cool space moments were left out.Lastly, the manga could bring back the prominence of the self-guiding “Beetles”—crafts carrying Grace’s data to Earth to cure the sun’s astrophage plague. The movie briefly mentions these crafts (named John, Paul, George, and Ringo) but skips their connection to the Beatles or the scene where Grace uses one to propel his ship.Will the manga adapt all your favorite Project Hail Mary scenes that didn’t make it into the film? It’s too soon to say, but one thing’s clear: If all the art matches the preview image, readers of any language will want to pick this up the second it’s available.Project Hail Mary is in theaters now. There is not yet a release date for the Project Hail Mary manga. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: eqs
Cornerstone Technologies Announces 2025 Annual Results; Core Revenue Increased 26.9% yoy to HK$117.8 million; Narrowing Adjusted LBITDA
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 31/03/2026 / 11:22 UTC+8 Core Revenue Increased 26.9% yoy to HK$117.8 million Narrowing Adjusted LBITDA Supported by Improving Revenue Mix and Rising Gross Profit Margin of 7.0p.p. yoy Financial Highlights For the year ended 31 December 2025 HK$ million 2024 HK$ million Change Total Revenue 125.2 153.1 -18.2% Core Revenue* 117.8 92.9 +26.9% Gross Profit 31.1 27.3 +13.9% Gross Profit Margin (%) 24.8% 17.8% +7.0 p.p. Adjusted LBITDA (34.4) (41.2) -16.5% *Core revenue includes revenue from sales of electric vehicle charging systems, electric vehicles charging income, and maintenance, rental, and EV charging consultancy income (Hong Kong – 31 March 2026) A leading electric vehicle (“EV”) charging solutions provider – Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited (“Cornerstone” or the “Company”, stock code: 8391.HK, together with its subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) is pleased to announce its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the “Year”). In 2025, the global shift toward electric mobility was accelerating at an unprecedented pace, driven by robust government policies promoting decarbonization, significant investment and innovation from leading automakers, and growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. In this dynamic and competitive environment, Cornerstone has not only solidified its leadership in Hong Kong, but also made substantial progress in its international expansion strategy, especially in the high-potential Thailand market. Improving Revenue Mix, Expanding Margins, and Shrinking Adjusted LBITDA Leveraging its expansive charging network and growing user base, the Group recorded a notable increase in recurring revenue from its high-margin electric vehicles charging income, rising 85.3% year-on-year (“yoy”) to HK$44.2 million (2024: HK$23.9 million), accounting for approximately 35.3% of total revenue. As the Group continued to pivot away from labour-intensive, lower-margin projects, revenue from the provision of installation services saw a significant drop of 87.8% yoy to HK$7.4 million (2024: HK$60.3 million), dragging total revenue to decrease by a 18.2% yoy to HK$125.2 million (2024: HK$153.1 million). However, excluding the revenue contribution from the provision of installation services, core revenue (sales of electric vehicle charging systems, electric vehicles charging income, and maintenance, rental, and EV charging consultancy income) increased by 26.9% yoy to HK$117.8 million (2024: HK$92.9 million), highlighting its successful business transformation with growing recurring revenue performance. Revenue generated from markets outside of Hong Kong also experienced robust growth, surging by 69.3% to reach HK$41.4 million (up from HK$24.4 million in 2024). This significant upward trajectory directly reflects the successful execution of the Company’s strategic expansion into Southeast Asia. The accelerated growth in these new markets not only validates regional scaling initiative but also demonstrates growing ability to capture market share and diversify revenue streams beyond domestic base. Benefitted from the improving revenue mix, expanding user base, and higher charger utilization, the Group recorded a significant improvement in gross profit margin by 7.0 percentage points (“p.p.”) to 24.8% (2024: 17.8%), leading to an increase in gross profit of 13.9% yoy to HK$31.1 million (2024: HK$27.3 million), despite the decrease in total revenue. Along with stabilizing cost performance, the Group recorded a narrowing loss and a shrinking adjusted LBITDA for the Year of HK$115.2 million (2024: a loss of HK$144.2 million) and HK$34.4 million (2024: HK$41.2 million), respectively. Strengthening Leading Market Position in Hong Kong During the Year, the Group continued to expand its public charging business (Cornerstone GO) in Hong Kong. On the one hand, the Group entered into strategic collaborations with major automotive brands, including BYD, Xpeng, and Aion, becoming their preferred partner for EV charging solutions. By working closely with major car brands and offering charging credit bundles with new EV purchases, the Group has successfully boosted user acquisition and network utilization, with HK$5.4 million of charging credits sold in 2025. On the other hand, the Group also strengthened its strategic alliances with leading property developers and introduced preferential charging programs for partnered fleet operators to further drive penetration. As a result, as of 31 December 2025, Cornerstone GO has established a service network covering over 120 strategically located parking facilities with over 1,900 charging spots. Supported by the platform’s reliability, extensive coverage across key retail and commercial hubs, and its intuitive mobile app, membership growth remained robust, surpassing 76,800 users by year-end, laying a solid foundation for recurring revenue growth. Meanwhile, Cornerstone HOME, the Group's private service subscription business for resident buildings, also saw strong growth in its user base, reaching 1,117 subscribers by 31 December 2025. It has expanded its exclusive coverage to 51 residential car parks, incorporating its proprietary load-management system to optimize power distribution and ensure grid stability. This technological advantage reinforces its position as Hong Kong’s most trusted and preferred provider of home charging solutions. Growing Traction in the Thailand Market During the Year, the Group continued to advance its plan to become one of Thailand’s largest and most accessible public charging networks. While Thailand has shown exceptional receptivity to EV technology – reaching approximately 372,000 registrations by the end of 2025 – a significant infrastructure gap persists. With only 13,000 public chargers nationwide, the Group’s joint venture in Thailand, Spark EV, is seeing notable opportunities in the country's green transition, and is aggressively expanding its network to bridge this divide. As of 31 December 2025, Spark EV has completed construction of 181 charging stations, with 167 stations in operation. Membership in Spark also experienced exponential growth, surging from 5,895 as at 31 December 2024 to 97,129 as at 31 December 2025. To further accelerate growth, the Group has established key strategic partnerships with industry leaders, such as Grab, prominent logistics firms, and major automotive brands, all of which support high utilization across its network. Financially, although utilization rates for newly commissioned stations typically require a ramp-up period to build public awareness and membership growth, current performance has already significantly exceeded initial projections. The stronger-than-expected engagement underscores the robust demand for the Group’s infrastructure, reflecting the rapid adoption of EV charging solutions across its key markets. Outlook Riding on the momentum of the global EV and EV charging development, the Group is poised to expand its market presence and gain further market share in key markets. In Hong Kong, the Group will rapidly scale Cornerstone HOME and Cornerstone GO, boosting recurring income performance to ensure cash flow and long-term business sustainability. The Group will further strengthen its leading position in Hong Kong by expanding its charging network to support higher customer conversion, including active collaboration with ESSO oil and gas stations to build more EV charging stations across the city. The Group will also tap into commercial vehicle charging to expand its addressable market. Supported by the Hong Kong Government’s roadmap for zero vehicular emissions and subsidies for the deployment of 3,000 electric taxis and 600 electric buses, the sector is positioned for rapid growth. To capture these evolving opportunities, the Group has deepened its strategic collaborations with prominent taxi associations and logistics leaders, establishing itself as the ideal partner to power the city’s evolving transport landscape. To enhance user engagement and technology efficiency, the Group is preparing to launch a comprehensive loyalty program to incentivize frequent charging and reward its growing user community. This is expected to increase charging frequency, lower maintenance costs, and significantly raise station uptime, further improving the unit economics of the Group’s charging network. Regarding its overseas development, the Group will further strengthen its presence in Thailand and explore new opportunities across Southeast Asia. In addition to Thailand, the Group is finalizing a collaboration with Grab in Indonesia to provide charging solutions for its electric fleet. The Group is also actively exploring the Malaysian market, aiming to diversify its revenue mix and support accelerating growth. Mr. Yip Shiu Hong, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Cornerstone Technologies, said, “We are encouraged by the notable progress over the past year, marked by a steadily expanding user base, a growing charging network, a broader geographical footprint, and an increasing emphasis on high-margin business. These advancements have translated into growing recurring income contributions from our Cornerstone GO and Cornerstone HOME, as well as a significant improvement in our gross profit margin, which underscores the strength and scalability of our business model.” “Looking ahead, we remain focused on driving higher network utilization and enhancing the unit economics in Hong Kong. We are also dedicated to accelerating our expansion across Thailand and the wider Southeast Asia region. Originally built around BCP’s network of gas stations, we are now planning a phase 2 expansion for our Thailand operations, tapping into diverse commercial and residential locations to further broaden our footprint. We have also made initial contacts in Malaysia and Indonesia, looking to replicate our success in Thailand to further expand our revenue streams. As electric vehicle adoption continues to gain momentum, we believe we are well-positioned to be a key beneficiary of the increasing demand for EV charging infrastructure. Through strategic initiatives and disciplined execution, we have strong confidence to deliver profitability in the short-term future.” -End- About Cornerstone Technologies Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited (8391.HK) is a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions in Hong Kong, offering integrated charging systems, charging equipment, and related accessories, as well as consultancy, installation, maintenance, and leasing services for charging infrastructure. In Hong Kong, its comprehensive solutions include private residential charging subscription services (Cornerstone HOME) and public charging networks (Cornerstone GO), with the latter already in operation across 118 strategic car parks, totaling over 2,000 charging points and more than 84,000 members. The Company is also expanding beyond the Hong Kong market, entering Thailand under the brand name of Spark EV, and actively exploring high-potential markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia. This press release is issued by DLK Advisory Limited on behalf of Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited. For enquiries, please contact: DLK Advisory Tel：+852 2857 7101 Fex：+852 2857 7103 31/03/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: grit
DOCOMO and SK Telecom Publish White Paper on Requirements for Advancing vRAN and AI-RAN in Mobile Networks
TOKYO, Japan, Mar 31, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and SK Telecom(SKT), a leading AI and telecommunications company based in Korea today announced the release of a white paper on the key enabling features for vRAN(*1) evolution and the path to AI-RAN(*2) (the white paper), as the latest outcome of their ongoing technical cooperation.Joint White Papers by DOCOMO and SK TelecomThe white paper reviews the prospects for further enhancement and advancement of vRAN and AI-RAN—which refers to intelligent RAN utilizing AI capabilities, also known as AI-Centric RAN or AI-native RAN—for mobile operators, as well as the associated technical requirements and enabling technologies based on the companies' combined experience in mobile network construction and operation. It aims to promote the evolution of vRAN and AI-RAN by encouraging closer collaboration between mobile network operators and equipment vendors in the development of vRAN software.The white paper analyzes three key technical requirements that are essential to maximizing the benefits of advanced vRAN and AI-RAN.1. Strict separation of hardware and software to accelerate new feature introductionBy functionally separating RAN software from specific hardware and virtualization platforms, vRAN allows software to be deployed independently from underlying infrastructure, thereby accelerating software-driven innovation. Such strict separation of hardware and software is identified as a critical factor in the advancement of vRAN and AI-RAN.2. Resource pooling for flexible infrastructure and improved resource utilizationIn addition to strict hardware-software separation, resource pooling technologies can enable capacity improvements and reductions in power consumption, without compromising service quality, by realizing flexible infrastructure and improving resource utilization. The further development and adoption of this feature could help mobile operators strengthen their competitiveness by supporting more efficient and adaptable network operations.3. Realization of AI computing capabilities (AI-RAN) by leveraging vRAN systemsLeveraging resource orchestration technologies and an xPU(*3)-based architecture enables base stations to provide AI computing capabilities without compromising the quality of mobile communication services. This approach aims to evolve vRAN from a mobile communication platform into an integrated AI platform capable of delivering both mobile communication connectivity and AI services.“This white paper is a meaningful achievement as it presents, from a mobile operator's perspective, the key features essential for maximizing the benefits of vRAN adoption and for the future evolution toward AI-native networks. We are pleased to have delivered this outcome through our close collaboration with DOCOMO, and we hope it will serve as a catalyst for fostering the broader ecosystem and contribute to the global advancement of next-generation mobile networks,” said Takki Yu, Head of Network Technology Office, SK Telecom.“We are pleased that as a result of the technical collaboration with SKT, which began in November 2022, we have jointly published the white paper on the key enabling features for vRAN evolution and the path to AI-RAN. We hope to further cooperation between the two major mobile operators in East Asia and to share advanced concepts and innovative technologies with the world to realize the 6G era.” said Masafumi Masuda, General Manager of Radio Access Design Department, Senior Vice President, NTT DOCOMO, INC.DOCOMO and SKT signed a cooperation agreement in November 2022(*4) to advance technology studies of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure for 5G Evolution and 6G. In February 2023(*5), they jointly released two white papers on power-saving technologies for mobile networks and related technologies, as well as 6G requirements. Furthermore, in February 2024(*6), they published a white paper on key considerations for vRAN deployment and operation, focusing on L1 accelerator selection aligned with network design and requirements.Going forward, DOCOMO and SKT will continue their technical cooperation in various fields, including enhancing the competitiveness and operational efficiency of 5G, as well as international standardization and technology verification towards 6G. Through these efforts, they aim to share their expertise and innovative technologies with the world and contribute to the further advancement of 5G Evolution and 6G mobile communications.(*1) Technologies that operate mobile base stations as software using general-purpose servers, hardware accelerators, and virtualization platforms.(*2) Technologies that integrate AI into the RAN (Radio Access Network) by running AI applications on the RAN infrastructure.(*3) A general term for information processing units such as CPU and GPU(*4) NTT DOCOMO and SK Telecom to Collaborate on Technological Advancement of Metaverse, Digital Media and 5G/6G (November 22, 2022) https://www.docomo.ne.jp/info/news_release/2022/11/21_00.html (in Japanese only), SKT Joins hands with NTT DOCOMO for Comprehensive Cooperation in ICT (November 21, 2022) https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1549(*5) NTT DOCOMO and SK Telecom Release White Papers on Green Mobile Networks and 6G Requirements (February 22, 2023) https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/info/media_center/pr/2023/0222_00.html, SK Telecom and DOCOMO Release White Papers on Green Mobile Networks and 6G Requirements (February 22, 2023) https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1557&(6) NTT DOCOMO and SK Telecom Release White Papers on Base Station Equipment Utilizing Virtualization Technology (February 20, 2024) https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/info/media_center/pr/2024/0220_00.html, SK Telecom and NTT DOCOMO Release White Paper on Key Considerations for vRAN (February 20, 2024) https://news.sktelecom.com/en/559About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies.Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society.https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/About SK TelecomSK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life.For more information, please contact skt_press@sk.com or visit our LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: grit
NEC Supports Ooredoo Algeria in Modernizing Enterprise Network Security with high-performance next-generation firewalls (NGFW)
TOKYO, Mar 31, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a leading global IT and network transformation services provider, today announced the deployment of high-performance next-generation firewalls for Ooredoo Algeria, one of Algeria’s largest mobile operators. The modernization enhances enterprise network security while improving operational efficiency, scalability, and energy conscious performance. This initiative strengthens Ooredoo Algeria’s internal network environment while accelerating its digital driven innovation and supporting the company’s long term business growth through more agile and sustainable operations.Ooredoo Algeria delivers mobile voice, data, and digital services to both consumer and enterprise customers. As digital transformation has advanced, the company has faced increasing demands on its internal network infrastructure, making modernization essential for operational efficiency and manageability. To sustain service quality and enable future business growth, Ooredoo Algeria was seeking a scalable, sustainable, and high performance enterprise security platform capable of supporting expanding traffic and organizational needs.To meet these needs, NEC delivered its Network Transformation Service across multiple sites, providing end to end network architecture design, professional services, and implementation while deploying firewalls for central and edge environments. The solution offers high throughput, strong session scalability, and advanced application control, contributing to reduced operational complexity and improved resource efficiency. Moreover, it is enhanced by NEC’s technical excellence, cost efficiency, and proven ability to support long term network evolution.This deployment reinforces Ooredoo Algeria’s enterprise network security by enabling more secure, efficient, and resilient internal operations. Improved resource utilization and streamlined management contribute to a sustainable IT environment that supports the company’s digital transformation and long term business growth. Going forward, NEC remains committed to advancing sustainable network modernization and will continue partnering with Ooredoo Algeria to enable future innovation and next generation enterprise connectivity."Through our partnership with NEC Corporation, we are accelerating the modernization of our next-generation firewall infrastructure. This initiative strengthens our security posture and positions us to scale with confidence, innovate faster, and support sustainable business growth with a resilient and future-ready digital foundation. This modernization also reinforces our ability to deliver faster and more reliable mobile and digital services to our customers across Algeria."— Roni Tohme, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Algeria."NEC is proud to support Ooredoo Algeria in strengthening its enterprise network security and accelerating its digital transformation journey. Through the NEC Network Transformation Service, we remain committed to helping Ooredoo achieve sustainable growth and deliver high quality digital services to its customers."— Masayuki Kayahara, Corporate SVP, Global Network Division, NEC CorporationAbout 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, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
Netflix’s Next Fantasy Franchise Might Make a Massive Departure from the Books
Phil Bray/Walt Disney/Walden Media/Kobal/Shutterstock(SeaPRwire) - Netflix's announcement of its upcoming major project—a cinematic adaptation of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series—generated fan optimism for several reasons. Greta Gerwig, known for Barbie, was set to write and direct at least the initial two films, and unlike the earlier Disney versions from the 2000s, this franchise would begin with The Magician's Nephew, the Narnia origin tale that occurs decades prior to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.However, these Netflix films appear poised to implement a fundamental alteration to the Narnia universe overall. While this modification modernizes the narrative for contemporary viewers, it raises numerous timeline concerns for this adaptation.Recently surfaced set images from Netflix's forthcoming Chronicles of Narnia movie indicate a timeframe not at the turn of the century—when The Magician's Nephew novel takes place—but rather around 1955, the year the book was released. Though unconfirmed due to a lack of official details, the wardrobe appears unmistakably mid-century.The Magician's Nephew centers on Digory Kirke, who would be an old man by the time of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. | Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media/Kobal/ShutterstockWhile this minor adjustment might not significantly impact The Magician's Nephew's narrative, it carries major implications for the franchise's future. C.S. Lewis's The Magician's Nephew is set in 1900, roughly 40 years before The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The latter is essentially a wartime tale—explaining why the Pevensie children are sent to a countryside manor. However, if the prequel occurs post-WWII, the Pevensies wouldn't appear until at least the 1990s.Is Greta Gerwig's vision for the Narnia series more millennium-focused than century-focused? While this would certainly make the world more relatable to modern audiences, it represents a massive shift for the film.Such a move wouldn't be without precedent for Gerwig. Her 2019 adaptation of Little Women altered the ending from Louisa May Alcott's source material. Yet this change goes beyond a simple plot twist—it's comparable to suddenly portraying the March sisters as 1920s flappers.Could the Pevensies be millennials in the Netflix version? | Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media/Kobal/ShutterstockAdmittedly, the external world's setting doesn't substantially influence Narnia itself, where most of the story unfolds. However, the Pevensies—the saga's central protagonists—are shaped by their era, and this shift could transform cherished story elements. Might the wardrobe hold Members Only jackets rather than fur coats? Could Edmund crave Jell-O Pudding Pops in place of Turkish Delight?Perhaps the narrative will manage to present both a mid-century origin tale and a wartime main story, given Narnia's fluid relationship with time. Nevertheless, this adaptation seems poised to take major creative risks—a bold strategy at the outset of what might become a decade-spanning endeavor.Netflix's Chronicles of Narnia movie is slated for theatrical release in November 2026. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: eqs
Wuling Motors (00305.HK) Reports 56% Surge in Profit in 2025, Driven by Steady Auto Parts Growth and Emerging Momentum in Autonomous Vehicles
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 31/03/2026 / 09:31 UTC+8 According to Zhitong Finance App, despite mounting challenges in 2025, including aggressive price cuts by Chinese OEMs and intensifying competition, Wuling Motors (00305.HK) delivered a resilient performance underpinned by a diversified business portfolio and effective strategy execution. During the reporting period, Wuling Motors (the Group) recorded a total revenue of RMB 8.25 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.8%. Its net profit reached RMB 172 million, up 54.3% year-on-year, while the profit attributable to shareholders amounted to RMB 78.99 million, marking a year-on-year increase of 56.0% and suggesting a notable improvement in overall profitability. As the Group’s “anchor” business, the automotive parts segment achieved a full-year revenue of RMB 5.788 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.0%. The operating profit from this segment rose to RMB 185 million, up 20.3% year-on-year. Within its existing business foundation, the Group continued to expand new business with core customers including SGMW, Chery and Great Wall Motors, and secured 61 product supply orders across multiple key models of SGMW. For incremental markets, the Group successfully entered the supply chain systems of eight OEMs, including Seres AITO, SAIC Maxus and GAC Group, while actively engaging with emerging players such as Xpeng and Xiaomi on technical solution development. Meanwhile, the automotive power supply system segment turned profitable, delivering a full-year revenue of RMB 1.815 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.5%. The Group continued to optimize its manufacturing footprint, strategically adding two production bases (Rizhao and Wuxi) in China, while advancing the preparation of its Vietnam facility to accelerate penetration into overseas markets, including Southeast Asia. In the high-end sector, the Group’s self-developed products, such as the 194-platform three-in-one electric drive axle and the high-power coaxial axle, achieved meaningful reductions in both cost and weight through highly integrated design. With industry leading NVH performance, these products have been supplied to OEMs including Great Wall Motors, JAC and Changan Kaicheng. Beyond the steady growth of its core businesses, Wuling Motors is accelerating its expansion into high-potential emerging segments. The unmanned logistics industry is currently transitioning from technical validation to large-scale commercialization, while facing challenges related to mass production capabilities and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. These challenges underscore the Group’s core competitive strengths. The Group holds a market share exceeding 50% in key chassis components such as drive axles for urban logistics vehicles. Leveraging years of experience supplying urban and inter-city commercial vehicles, the Group has established mature technical pathways, sufficient production capacity and effective cost control that meet the cost reduction demands of logistics operators. In addition, the Group has comprehensive automotive-grade R&D and system integration capabilities. Building on its deep technical expertise and market insight, Wuling Motors established Yuancore Drive in November 2025, focusing on the R&D, production and system integration of drive-by-wire chassis and low-speed intelligent autonomous vehicles. A series of products has since been developed, and a strategic cooperation agreement has been signed with Desay Battery to accelerate commercialization. By further strengthening its traditional businesses while deepening its presence in emerging segments, Wuling Motors has established a clear growth matrix guided by its diversification strategy. As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation, the Group is charting a distinctive upgrade path, supported by its technological capabilities and manufacturing strengths. 31/03/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: emer
Epique Realty Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026
Houston, TX, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Epique Realty is proud to announce it has been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations.Epique Realty earned the standing of No. 10 in the Business Services category on the 2026 Most Innovative Companies list.Josh Miller, CEO and Co-Founder expressed his appreciation, "We are humbled to receive this prestigious honor from Fast Company and believe it further proves that a brokerage built on empowering agents with technological generosity can and is transforming this industry. It is a tribute to every agent who believed in our vision and for our teams that work diligently to build a smarter, faster, and more connected future for all of us.""True innovation isn't just about software; it is about how that software improves human lives," added Janice Delcid, CFO and Co-Founder. "The unprecedented efficiency of our tech ecosystem allows us to fund our model of radical generosity. By providing our agents with free healthcare, a 401K, and over 70 essential business services, we are using technology to create real financial security for independent professionals.""At our core, we are a profoundly human-centric company powered by cutting-edge tools," stated Christopher Miller, COO and Co-Founder. "Our expansion into all 50 states, Canada and Australia this past year was fueled by our technology, but it is our culture of inclusion, mentorship, and agent-led philanthropy that truly makes us an innovative force for good in the communities we serve."Over the past 18 months, Epique Realty implemented a multi-faceted innovation strategy that fundamentally reinvented the value proposition and business model for the real estate industry. With an innovative mission to empower agents to thrive, Epique achieved its goal with a revolutionary financial model, a proprietary AI and tech ecosystem, and a deeply human-centric cultural framework. The cornerstone of this transformation is Epique.ai, a proprietary ecosystem architected in-house by CEO Josh Miller that functions as a 24/7 virtual assistant for every agent. This platform allows agents to instantly generate marketing copy, virtually stage entire homes, and create multi-platform ad campaigns, automating tasks that can traditionally consume up to 80% of an agent's time and budget. To ensure mass adoption, Epique began scaling its industry-first AIPRO certification program, successfully training over 2,000 agents, and giving every solo professional the enterprise-level AI toolkit of a massive team.This AI-powered operational efficiency serves as the economic engine that makes Epique's disruptive business model possible. By automating functions that typically require massive overhead, the brokerage can reinvest those savings directly back into its agents through a model of profound generosity. Instead of functioning as a fee-collecting service provider, Epique believes agents deserve more and acts as an investment partner by providing a comprehensive suite of over 70 essential business services completely free of charge. In the last year, Epique scaled this offering to include industry-first stability nets for all agents, such as full healthcare coverage, childcare support, and a 401K program, saving agents hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs.The scalability and power of this integrated ecosystem enabled Epique to flawlessly expand from a Texas startup into an international brokerage operating in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Australia by 2025. This phenomenal growth Beyond geographical growth, Epique scaled a profoundly human-centric operating system, leveraging its lean, AI-driven operations to dedicate significant resources to agent-led philanthropic initiatives. Through programs like NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization) and Epique CARES, the company provides rapid disaster relief and community aid, proving that applied AI can be a powerful engine for creating not just profits, but profound, positive societal impact.The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company's editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world."Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is about spotlighting organizations that don't just adapt to change-they drive it," said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. "The companies we honor this year are redefining what leadership looks like in 2026, pairing bold ideas with measurable impact and turning breakthrough innovation into real-world value. They are setting the pace for their industries and offering a blueprint for what sustained innovation can achieve."The full list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies honorees can be found at https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 31, 2026.Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on May 19 in New York City. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.ABOUT FAST COMPANYFast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.About Epique RealtyAs the industry's first AI-certified brokerage, Epique Realty is one of the fastest-growing, agent-owned real estate brokerages. Shaping the future of real estate, Epique now operates in all fifty states with nearly 4,000 agents, and with Australia and Canada on-board, global expansion is underway. Its revolutionary agent-first model provides over 70 unheard of free phenomenal benefits with a proprietary AI platform (Epique.ai), and a culture of profound generosity. Epique is harnessing technology to build a more equitable, empowered, and successful future for real estate professionals. #BeEpiqueBarbara Simpson | PR and Communications281-773-7842 | Barbara@EpiqueRealty.comhttps://www.instagram.com/epiquerealty/https://www.facebook.com/epiquerealtyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/epique-realty/mycompany/https://www.youtube.com/@epiquerealty#FCMostInnovative #FastCompany #BeEpique #EpiqueRealty #RealEstateInnovation #LetsChangeEverything #PropTech #AgentFirst #RealEstateTech #TheEpiqueEra #TheFutureIsEpiqueSOURCE: Epique Realty Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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CanSinoBIO: From Profit Turnaround to Value Realization as an Innovative Vaccine Leader
HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China's 2026 Report on the Work of the Government identified biopharmaceuticals as an emerging pillar industry, underscoring a supportive policy environment for innovative drugmakers. In this context, CanSino Biologics Inc. (688185.SH/06185.HK) has released its Annual Results For The Year 2025, marking a return to profitability and highlighting steady progress in its commercialization efforts.Return to Profitability Driven by Vaccine Portfolio GrowthAccording to its annual results, CanSinoBIO achieved total revenue of approximately RMB 1.068 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.18%. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 27.9 million, marking a return to profitability.The turnaround reflects more than a cyclical rebound and suggests the company is building a more sustainable revenue base through the commercialization of routine vaccines. This has strengthened its ability to generate consistent cash flow.The improvement was driven primarily by organic growth in core operations rather than one-off factors. During the reporting period, the Company’s Group ACYW135 Meningococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (CRM197) (trade name: Menhycia(R)) maintained steady revenue growth, while its 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (trade name: iPneucia(R)) gained market traction following its launch. A more balanced revenue mix has improved earnings visibility.In addition, CanSinoBIO received multiple government grants and international R&D funding support during the year, reflecting recognition of its technological capabilities and innovative value.Core Products Set to Scale Up, Pipeline Supports Future GrowthBeyond near-term earnings, the company is supported by a diversified pipeline that provides both mid- and long-term growth drivers.As a core growth driver for CanSinoBIO, Menhycia(R), China’s first domestically developed quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, continues to expand its market reach. In February 2026, the company announced that the supplemental application to expand the age range of applicable population of Menhycia(R) from “children aged from 3 months to 3 years old (47 months)” to “children aged from 3 months to 6 years old (83 months)” has been approved, further broadening its target population.Meanwhile, iPneucia(R)—China’s first 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine using a dual-carrier system (CRM197 and tetanus toxoid)—is expected to generate commercial synergies with Menhycia(R). Shared distribution and marketing channels could help lower marginal sales costs and improve overall efficiency.In addition, the company’s mid-term pipeline remains robust. It’s absorbed diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (components) combined vaccine (the “DTcP”) for infants (below 2 years old) (the “DTcP Infant”)has been included in the priority review pathway, which will accelerate its approval timeline.To date, no component-based DTaP vaccine developed by domestic manufacturers has been approved for market launch in China. The infant DTcP vaccine is formulated with individually purified pertussis antigens in defined ratios to ensure consistent quality and stability. Its development also lays the groundwork for adolescent and adult component Tdap vaccines and combination vaccines, enhancing the Company’s product portfolio and core competitiveness.From near-term delivery to mid-term development and long-term innovation, CanSino Biologics’ value goes beyond its existing productsR&D Capabilities Support Long-Term CompetitivenessAs a leading innovative vaccine company, CanSinoBIO consistently adheres to a long-term strategy, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of technological exploration and laying a solid foundation for its sustained competitiveness.Its core talent team brings an average of more than 25 years of industry experience across global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, spanning research, manufacturing and commercialization. This has enabled the company to establish an integrated development system aligned with international standards and covering the full development cycle from early-stage research to commercialization.Over time, CanSinoBIO has also built five core technology platforms, including viral vector vaccines, synthetic vaccines, protein structure design and Virus-Like Particle (VLP) assembly, mRNA vaccines, and formulation and delivery technologies. These platforms support a diversified innovation system and provide a solid foundation for lifecycle vaccine development.The company continues to focus on differentiated innovation, including multivalent combination vaccines and novel delivery technologies, with the aim of developing globally competitive vaccine products.These technological capabilities have supported the launch of products like Menhycia(R) and iPneucia(R), reinforcing the company’s position in the vaccine sector.International Expansion Gains MomentumMeanwhile, amid intensifying competition in the domestic vaccine market, CanSinoBIO is accelerating its international expansion.Recently, the company announced that its manufacturing facility has passed the PIC/S GMP certification issued by Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). PIC/S is an internationally recognized framework for pharmaceutical inspection and certification, comprising regulatory agencies from over 50 countries. This certification not only confirms that Menhycia(R) and iPneucia(R) meet international-quality standards but also enhances the company’s prospects for entering additional global markets.In fact, the Company’s international presence is well established, with Menhycia(R) obtaining Indonesian registration and Halal certification since 2024.The company has also entered into multiple strategic partnerships abroad, covering commercialization, joint R&D, clinical trials, and localized production. Through a “technology transfer + local manufacturing” approach, CanSinoBIO is expanding its presence beyond product exports toward broader technology-based collaboration.Growth Catalysts Point to Potential Re-RatingOverall, the latest results suggest CanSinoBIO is moving through an inflection point, supported by clearer commercialization pathways.Yet, its current market valuation may not fully reflect its investment potential. Looking ahead, potential growth drivers include the expanded indication for Menhycia(R), continued ramp-up in iPneucia(R) sales, the infant DTcP vaccine currently under priority review, as well as further international market expansion. At the same time, China’s policy support for biopharmaceuticals as a strategic sector could provide a favorable backdrop for valuation.As earnings continue to improve and market expectations adjust, the company may see both earnings growth and a re-rating in valuation multiples. Against the backdrop of China’s rising focus on biopharmaceutical innovation, CanSinoBIO’s long-term investment case is increasingly difficult to ignore. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Five Years Ago, a ‘Silly’ Sci-Fi Movie Secretly Rescued Hollywood
Warner Bros. Pictures(SeaPRwire) - It's hard to remember now, but five years ago, there were genuine fears about the survival of movie theaters following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, cinemas were shut down for months, and when Christopher Nolan's *Tenet* became the first major blockbuster released during that time, it failed to succeed despite having no competition at all.This is why the March 31, 2021, release of *Godzilla vs. Kong* served as a crucial test for the future of cinema. As vaccines became available and chains like AMC and Regal reopened, there was a question of whether the large-scale audience turnout required for a Hollywood blockbuster could ever return.Respectfully to *Tenet* and *The New Mutants*, *GvK* was the first major event film with a real chance to earn significant revenue as vaccinations increased and prospects improved. The clash of two iconic titans within Warner Bros. and Legendary's MonsterVerse was destined to be the industry's indicator of recovery.Helmed by Adam Wingard, *Godzilla vs. Kong* continued the MonsterVerse story after 2019's polarizing *Godzilla: King of the Monsters*. The key change was that Kong and Godzilla were set for a direct confrontation. While not considered high art, after months of lockdowns, it was the ideal film to draw audiences back. Its premise was straightforward and required no prior knowledge, offering a large-scale popcorn film featuring two legendary monsters battling for entertainment.However, the film's success was not assured. The competition among streaming services intensified in 2021, with the industry aggressively pursuing a post-pandemic strategy. Warner Bros. notably angered top talent by deciding to release all its 2021 films in theaters and on HBO Max on the same day, which threatened the box office potential of a $160 million franchise cornerstone.King Kong, seen here reacting to COVID’s impact on the box office. | Warner Bros. PicturesFor perspective, the domestic box office generated a minimum of $11 billion from 2015 to 2019, having reached at least $10 billion each year since 2009. In 2020, that figure plummeted to $2.1 billion. The situation was dire, and streaming appeared to be the definitive future, especially with premium video-on-demand services offering new releases at home for a fee similar to a theater ticket.Reports also indicated that Netflix made a $250 million offer for *Godzilla vs. Kong* (according to Variety), a deal that might have occurred if Legendary had its way. But Warner Bros. stood its ground, and Wingard's epic was released in cinemas. Despite the challenging circumstances, *Godzilla vs. Kong* was an immediate hit, debuting with $123 million internationally—a record for that point in the pandemic. Even with the concurrent HBO Max release, *GvK* also became only the second film during the pandemic to gross $100 million domestically, after *A Quiet Place Part II*. These figures were undeniably strong.Personally, this film holds a unique significance for me. My friends and I booked a private theater screening to see Godzilla and Kong fight on the big screen, and I was moved to tears upon entering the Cinemark after a year of only sporadic drive-in visits. It was the perfect return to a beloved pastime, and my feelings were shared by many.Although, are you ever truly alone when you have these guys with you? | Warner Bros. Pictures*Godzilla vs. Kong* went on to earn $470 million globally, a clear and definitive success. It provided the first evidence that mass moviegoing could persist in the emerging "new normal." Furthermore, it expanded the MonsterVerse, setting the stage for *Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire* and Apple's *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*. The franchise is now possibly more robust than ever.The box office today is still uncertain and has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The media environment is constantly evolving, but when a film captures public interest, people will gladly go to the cinema. This has been demonstrated repeatedly over the past five years with films like *Barbie, Oppenheimer, Spider-Man: No Way Home,* and *Top Gun: Maverick*. The trend continues, and it was *GvK* that initially demonstrated this potential was still alive.Looking back, this massive, vibrant, and unapologetically extravagant monster spectacle is a surprisingly significant chapter in film history. To echo Millie Bobby Brown's character Madison Russell, "Godzilla saved us… how could you doubt him?"Godzilla Vs. Kong is available to rent on Prime Video and other services. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Father’s legal challenge to halt euthanasia of 25-year-old daughter in Spain fails
(SeaPRwire) - This story addresses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).Spain is coming to terms with the passing of a 25-year-old Barcelona woman who was euthanized after a string of tragic incidents, even as her father mounted several legal attempts to stop it.Noelia Castillo Ramos’ case drew global attention when her father, Gerónimo Castillo, launched a legal fight in 2023 against the approval granted by multiple Spanish courts for his daughter to undergo euthanasia. With support from Abogados Cristianos (Christian Lawyers), a conservative Catholic group, Mr. Castillo exhausted all possible appeals in the Spanish judicial system.The father contended that his daughter lacked full psychological capacity to decide on euthanasia and required improved medical and psychiatric treatment. His legal efforts were finally dismissed by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, on March 10.Castillo Ramos’ case is among recent euthanasia deaths across Europe, yet the Barcelona woman’s decision to end her life has sparked intense emotion and debate throughout Spain.Castillo Ramos’ parents divorced when she was 13, and she spent nearly four years in public care facilities after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) — a serious mental health condition that frequently leads to severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and a predisposition to addiction.In her own words, during an interview with Spanish TV channel Antena 3 before her death, she attempted suicide at least twice even while receiving intensive psychiatric care. In her first attempt, she took multiple pills and drank a poisonous automotive fluid, but her mother saved her by taking her to the hospital for a gastrointestinal cleansing treatment.Her situation deteriorated after she left home, and she was sexually assaulted multiple times around the age of 20. First, a former boyfriend sexually abused her after she took sleeping pills. Not long after, two men tried to rape her at a nightclub, leaving her deeply traumatized; according to reports, this led her to enter a care home as her mental health symptoms worsened.While there, she was gang-raped by three men. As her mental health declined further, she tried to take her own life by jumping from the fifth floor of a building.Initial reports and social media posts claimed the three men who gang-raped her were immigrant minors in state care, but Barcelona-based newspaper El Periódico has debunked this claim.Many Spaniards have reacted with anger to the court’s approval of her euthanasia, accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s leftist government of failing to provide the young woman with sufficient medical care, allowing mass migration into the country, lacking proper policing, and ultimately using euthanasia as a solution to her case.Following her TV interview in Spain, several anonymous donors and public figures — including pianist James Rhodes — offered to cover her treatment costs and provide material support to her and her family if she chose not to go through with the euthanasia procedure.The Catalan High Court of Justice confirmed to Digital that all legal and medical criteria, including a positive recommendation from the Catalan Commission of Guarantee and Evaluation (CGEC), had been satisfied, and there were no barriers to the young woman receiving the euthanasia she had requested.Noelia passed away at 6 p.m. local time on Thursday at Hospital Sant Pere de Ribes in Barcelona. She is the youngest individual to have been euthanized in Spain under the country’s assisted dying law, enacted in 2021. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Odds, Predictions, and Picks for the March Madness Final Four: Best Side, Total, and Player Prop Bets
(AsiaGameHub) - The March Madness Final Four field is set following UConn’s remarkable comeback victory against Duke on Sunday. Saturday’s schedule features No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn (6:09 ET, TBS) and No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 1 Arizona (8:49 ET, TBS). Take a moment to revisit yesterday’s spectacular buzzer-beater by Braylon Mullins: BRAYLON MULLINS. THE SHOT. https://t.co/0V6OnPolR2 pic.twitter.com/5B83KGMdVT— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 29, 2026 Let’s review the Final Four betting lines before diving into our analysis and selections. Final Four Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook As of this writing, DraftKings lists Illinois as a 2.5-point favorite over UConn with an over/under of 139.5, while Michigan is favored by 1.5 points against Arizona with a total set at 157.5. Here are the current championship futures for the remaining programs: Michigan +175 Arizona +175 Illinois +400 UConn +550 Best Bet Illinois vs. UConn: Against the Spread UConn erased a 19-point deficit to defeat Duke in the Elite Eight. The Huskies (33-5) are spearheaded by center Tarris Reed Jr. (14.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and forward Alex Karaban (13.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg). While Duke held Karaban to just five points yesterday, Reed stepped up with a team-high 26 points. The Huskies may see those roles flip against Illinois, whose interior defense restricted Iowa to only seven two-point baskets. Illinois is led offensively by freshman standout Keaton Wagler, who tallied 25 points in the Illini’s 71-59 victory over Iowa. Additionally, David Mirkovic has been a dominant force on the boards for the Illini throughout the NCAA Tournament. Here is a look at his rebounding totals across all four games: Penn (17) VCU (5) Houston (10) Iowa (12) Mirkovic is averaging 11 rebounds per game during the tournament. UConn averages 18 fouls per contest, ranking 225th in the country. Given that trend and the stifling nature of the Illini’s interior defense, we favor the favorite to win and cover in the opening semifinal. Pick: Illinois -2.5 (-102 at DraftKings) Best Bet Michigan vs. Arizona: UNDER 157.5 Michigan has eclipsed 90 points in every tournament game thus far. Arizona has been slightly less explosive, though they did put up 109 points against Arkansas in the Sweet 16. Why might this matchup stay under the total? Arizona played a lower-scoring game in the Elite Eight, defeating Purdue 79-64. It is worth noting that Purdue defeated Michigan in the Big Ten title game prior to the NCAA Tournament. While the Wildcats do most of their damage in the paint, Michigan offers a significant defensive hurdle with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara anchoring the rim. KenPom currently ranks the Wolverines No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency, and Arizona limits opponents to 39% shooting from the floor. We recommend taking the UNDER on this high total. Pick: UNDER 157.5 (-110) Best Player Props for Final Four UConn’s Alex Karaban OVER 11.5 Points (-122 at FanDuel) Although Duke contained Karaban, he recorded 22, 27, and 17 points in his previous three tournament appearances. Illinois’ defensive strength is inside, but Karaban is a perimeter threat. Iowa managed to shoot 37% from deep, hitting 11 three-pointers against the Illini. Karaban, who leads the Huskies with 73 made three-pointers this season, shoots 38.6% from beyond the arc. This matchup presents an ideal opportunity for the senior forward to bounce back. Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg OVER 16.5 Points (-114 at FanDuel) Yaxel Lendeborg is putting together a performance worthy of Most Outstanding Player honors. His last three outings have been remarkably efficient: 27 points, seven rebounds vs. Tennessee 23 points, 12 rebounds vs. Alabama 25 points, 6 rebounds vs. St. Louis You might also consider betting him to go OVER 2.5 three-pointers at +200 odds, as he has hit three, four, and three shots from deep in those respective games. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Alltronics Announces 2025 Annual Results
HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - 30 March 2026, Alltronics Holdings Limited (“Alltronics” or the “Group”) (SEHK: 833), a leading manufacturer of electronic products, today announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (“the year 2025” or “review year”).During the year 2025, the Group recorded total turnover of HK$1,141.2 million (2024: HK$1,066.9 million), representing an increase of 7.0%. The total gross profit for the year increased by 14.0% to HK$240.8 million and the overall gross profit margin improved to 21.1% (2024: 19.8%). Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company was HK$47.2 million (2024: HK$63.1 million). The decrease in net profit was primarily due to higher impairment losses and a fair value loss on financial assets at FVTPL. If adjusted for impairment losses, profit for the year was up 14.5% to HK$87.8 million.The Board has proposed the payment of a final dividend of HK3.0 cents per share (2024: HK3.0 cents). Together with the interim dividend of HK3.0 cents per share, the total dividends for the year 2025 will be HK6.0 cents per share, representing a payout ratio of 60.2%.The Group maintains a healthy financial position, with total cash and cash equivalents amounting to HK$445.3 million at 31 December 2025.Sales of electronic products remained the Group's main source of income. The increase in turnover was mainly attributable to higher sales of finished electronic products, particularly irrigation controller products to a major customer, which increased by approximately HK$90.8 million to HK$546.6 million. In terms of geographical markets, customers in the United States continued to be the major market, accounting for approximately 74.1% of total revenue for the year (2024: 72.8%).In response to the evolving global trade landscape and growing customer demand for production capacity outside the PRC, the Group completed the acquisitions of two subsidiaries with manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam during the year. These acquisitions are expected to enhance the Group’s competitive position in the electronics industry and strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, while creating additional business opportunities and providing greater flexibility to customers.Looking ahead, the Group expects the operating environment to remain challenging amid ongoing trade disputes, geopolitical tensions and currency volatility. Leveraging its expanded manufacturing footprint across Malaysia, Vietnam and the PRC, the Group is well-positioned to capture new business opportunities, broaden its revenue base and to sustain its growth momentum. The Group will continue to focus on its core electronic products segment, pursue new products and project opportunities with existing and potential customers, and strive to maximize returns for shareholders.About Alltronics Holdings Limited (Stock code: 833)Alltronics Holdings Limited is mainly engaged in the design and manufacture of a wide range of electronic products with quality and style. The Company is a constituent stock of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) Hong Kong Micro Cap Index. For more information, please visit the company website http://www.alltronics.com.hk/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Tianneng Power’s 2025 Financial Report: Key Operating Metrics Grow, Operating Cash Flow Increases by RMB 4.642 Billion Year-on-Year
HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - March 27, Tianneng Power (00819.HK) officially disclosed its full-year 2025 financial results, demonstrating a year of stable business operations and growth in key operating metrics. During the year, Tianneng Power recorded an operating income of approximately RMB 53.799 billion, with gross profit of RMB 5.280 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.48%. Notably, the manufacturing business contributed approximately RMB 47.918 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.01%. Net profit attributable to the parent of approximately RMB1.437 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 25.77%. And net cash generated from operating activities of approximately RMB 5.191 billion, representing an increase of RMB 4.642 billion compared to the same period last year. (Basic earnings per share were approximately RMB 1.28. The Company proposes to declare a cash dividend of HK 36 cents per ordinary share (the “Share(s)”) held by Shareholders of Tianneng Power. The proposal shall be subject to consideration and approval by Shareholders at the annual general meeting to be held on 8 June 2026.)In 2025, the global industrial landscape has continued to evolve, with technological transformation, energy transition and shifts to globalization pathways advancing in tandem. During the year, Tianneng Power steadfastly adhered to the vision of “Promoting Resource Recycling and Sustainable Development to Build an Efficient Energy System.” Through practical efforts, the Company maintaining close relationships with its customers and responding to market needs, while continuously refining its products and capability. This has gradually strengthened our operational resilience and enabled us to respond calmly to challenges posed by global economic pressures and intensifying industry competition.As an industry leader, while solidifying its domestic foundation, Tianneng Power has steadily advanced its international development strategy. The Group has established a business system centered on lead-acid batteries and the coordinated development of multiple technological routes, focusing on the needs of power and energy applications. The Group is committed to offering customers diversified battery products and energy solutions, encompassing research and development (R&D), manufacturing, sales, collection, recycling and related services. The Group focuses on lead-acid battery products, widely used in motive power applications for light electric vehicles and also extend to multiple segments, including backup power supply, automotive batteries and special-purpose industrial motive batteries. The Group has built a stable product base and customer base across these applications. With the transformation of the industry, the Group is advancing R&D and product development in areas including solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells. Moreover, Tianneng Power actively expanding recycling and regeneration operations for used lead-acid batteries and used Li-ion batteries, promoting synergistic across the battery recycling value chain.The Company’s core business is primarily divided into three segments: High-end eco-friendly Batteries, New Energy Batteries, and the Circular Economy.The High-End Eco-Battery Business serves as the Group’s cornerstone for stable operations, consistently playing a crucial “ballast” role amidst a complex and changing market environment. During the reporting period, the High-End Eco-Battery Business achieved operating revenue of approximately RMB 39.766 billion.Facing industry adjustments brought about by policy implementations such as the New National Standard, Tianneng Power fully leveraged its product matrix advantages, which cover diverse scenarios, and its mature distribution network comprising over 3,000 distributors covering more than 400,000 retail outlets, thereby maintaining stable overall sales volume. Tianneng Power has leveraged digital tools to empower terminal operations, becoming the first in the industry to establish an integrated online and offline user service platform that connects service scenarios such as maintenance, repair, inspection and evaluation. This helps optimize value distribution across the value chain and enhance channel efficiency and market competitiveness.While solidifying its leadership in the light electric vehicle market, the Group actively expands into emerging application areas such as backup power, automotive batteries, and special industrial power batteries. It deepens customer collaboration and accelerates internationalization strategy. The Group has leveraged the capacity release of its assembly and production bases in Vietnam as an important foothold to advance localized operations in target markets, including Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa. Through a model combining product adaptation, this combination of product adaptation, channel development, and service exports opens up broader growth space.Simultaneously, the new energy battery business serves as an important driver of the Group’s growth across diversified technologies and application areas, supporting medium-term expansion while building long-term technology reserves. The Li-ion battery business, covering energy storage and motive power applications, has developed around advanced technologies, diverse application scenarios, and ecosystem synergies, with both business scale and operating performance improving. During the Reporting Period, the Group’s Li-ion battery business recorded operating income of approximately RMB1.541 billion, with its operational quality and efficiency improving significantly compared with the previous year. the Group’s self-developed containerized and cabinet-type ESS products have obtained national standards and overseas export certifications. The energy storage energy management system (“EMS”) has obtained authoritative certifications, including compliance with national standards (e.g., GB/T 42726), CNAS and CMA certifications. It was also honoured with the “Outstanding New Energy Storage Product Award” for large-scale storage EMS by Hangjia Net. Furthermore, the solid-state battery business has steadily advanced in product development and commercialization focusing on specific applications. Products for applications like electric motorcycles, low-altitude aircraft, and robotics have completed sample introduction, and the Group has commenced cooperation with certain downstream customers. The sodium-ion battery business has achieved breakthroughs in product R&D, receiving multiple industry awards including the GGII Sodium Battery Golden Globe Awards (é«˜å·¥é’ ç”µé‡‘ç'ƒå¥–) for “Annual Market Development Award” and “Sodium Battery Application evelopment Pioneer”, Verification work has commenced in automotive starting and start-stop applications, light motive power, and energy storage applications. The hydrogen fuel cell business, guided by a multi-scenario product strategy, has delivered orders across diverse applications, including buses, heavy-duty trucks, two-wheelers, and power stations. The parallel advancement of multiple technology pathways and progress in market-oriented breakthroughs have injected fresh momentum into the Group’s long-term development.Alongside battery manufacturing, Tianneng Power regards the circular economy system as a key component for building long-term competitive advantage, continuously promoting synergy and operational efficiency improvements within the circular industry. During the reporting period, the Circular Economy Business achieved external operating revenue of approximately RMB 5.550 billion. Currently, the Group has constructed a mature and standardized recycling and treatment, as well as an efficient, intensive and coordinated circular economy industrial chain. Leveraging the synergies advantages of its full industry chain and a mature cost control system to achieve overall stable operational growth, with annual processing capacity of exceeding one million tonnes., its recycling network was further consolidated, with both processing scale and profitability improving. The Li-ion battery resource recycling business continued to refine its end-to-end technical system, achieving industry-leading recovery rates for critical metals. It currently possesses an annual processing capacity of 73,000 tonnes for waste Li-ion batteries treatment, with stable batch delivery capabilities. The products comply with prevailing industry standards and have passed the supplier qualification systems of multiple key clients, while steadily gaining market recognition. the Group successfully completed its first overseas import of recycled black mass feedstock, further diversifying its raw material sourcing structure and continuously strengthening the stability of its recycling and supply systems. Leveraging scalable processing capabilities and industrial chain synergies, Tianneng has successfully established a national-level circular economy standardization demonstration project and continues to strengthen the strategic supporting role of its circular business in the overall business structure, forming a green industrial loop from battery manufacturing to resource recovery.Driving Industrial Progress through Technology, Entering a New Stage of High-Quality DevelopmentLooking ahead, Tianneng Power will steadfastly implement a development philosophy centered on strategic guidance, systematically constructing a four-dimensional development system driven by technological innovation, intelligent manufacturing, circular ecosystems, and global market synergy. On the technology front, it will continue advancing multiple technical routes—lead-aid, lithium-ion, solid-state, sodium-ion and hydrogen fuel cell technologies—simultaneously, strengthening independent innovation capabilities from materials to applications. This includes consolidating the market leadership of lead-acid batteries, accelerating lithium battery cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and model innovation, steadily advancing the commercial exploration of solid-state batteries, achieving breakthroughs in key sodium-ion battery technology verification, and refining the multi-scenario application layout for hydrogen fuel cells. Concurrently, the Group will comprehensively advance the construction of smart factories by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, IoT and AI to enhance operational resilience and energy utilization levels through smart factory construction, injecting strong environmentally friendly green manufacturing system into high-quality development.While deeply cultivating products and technologies, the Company will continue to strengthen its circular economy system, driving value chain integration and sustainable development. It will leverage the industrial chain synergy advantages of its high-end eco-battery recycling operations while enhancing recycling channels and production processes, and expanding high-value product portfolios to enhance anti-cyclical capabilities. In the Li-ion battery recycling segment, will accelerate channel expansion, technological iteration, and overseas resource deployment, deepen strategic cooperation with industry leaders. By continuously improving resource security capabilities and the level of value mining throughout the lifecycle, The Group is committed to developing into a global green energy solutions leader with an international vision and overall competitiveness.About Tianneng Power International LimitedTianneng Power International Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group” or “Tianneng”) were founded in 1986 and listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”) in 2007 (stock code: 00819.HK). The Company is headquartered in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). Catering to power and energy application needs, the Group has built a business system anchored by lead-acid batteries and characterized by the coordinated development of multiple technology routes. It is committed to providing customers with diversified battery products and energy solutions, encompassing R&D, manufacturing, sales, recycling, regeneration, and related services. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Iran’s Internet Blackout Masks Strike Damage and Suppresses Dissent, Israeli Officials Say
(SeaPRwire) - Israeli officials caution that Iran’s ongoing internet blackout is shaping the battlefield in ways extending far beyond cyberspace—limiting visibility into the impact of U.S. and Israeli strikes while tightening the regime’s hold on its population.Multiple Israeli sources told that the blackout not only restricts information from leaving Iran but also prevents citizens from organizing internally as pressure on the regime mounts. Israeli officials say civilians’ attempts to access the internet via satellite services like Starlink have been disrupted by jamming, and hundreds of individuals suspected of using such terminals have been detained.“This is a blackout of truth,” a senior Israeli intelligence official told . “The regime is hiding reality from its own people. They don’t want Iranians to see how severely they’re being hit.” According to the official, the information vacuum inside Iran is being filled by state-controlled narratives. “Iranians only know what they see on Islamic regime-controlled TV channels, which falsely depict the U.S. and Israel being destroyed,” the Israeli official said.But the impact goes beyond perception—it also affects on-the-ground behavior. “It’s not just about what people see; it’s about what they can do,” the official said. “Cutting the internet stops people from communicating, sharing what’s really happening, and organizing.” The restrictions come as the Iranian regime faces both external military pressure and lingering internal unrest following a brutal crackdown earlier in 2026. In January, security forces opened fire on nationwide protests, with reports suggesting over 30,000 people were killed in days. Against this backdrop, Israeli officials say the blackout reflects the regime’s fear of renewed unrest. “The Iranian people are one of the regime’s greatest fears,” the official said. “That’s why this blackout was such a priority.”According to Israeli officials, the result is a war unfolding largely out of public view. “This is one of the least visible wars in modern history because very little footage is emerging,” the official said. “When the blackout is lifted, the full extent of damage to the regime will become clear. Right now, we’re only seeing a small glimpse of how badly they’re being decimated.” Israeli sources also link the blackout directly to high-value military targets. The official claims the U.S. and Israel “have taken out 25 senior commanders from the MOIS”—Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. “Most were eliminated in the opening strike while gathered for a meeting,” the official said, adding those targeted were involved in managing the blackout.The official identified Esmail Khatib as among those killed, describing him as “the Intelligence Minister who signed off on the blackout.”A senior U.S. administration official told Digital: “President Trump wants a better life for the Iranian people—including unimpeded access to information. Unfortunately, the terrorist Iranian regime has a long, brutal history of oppressing its own people, but Operation Epic Fury continues to meet or surpass all benchmarks, and the region will be safer and more stable once these actions are complete.”U.S. analysts say the information domain is becoming a central front in the conflict. John Spencer, executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, wrote on X: “Iran has repeatedly shut down internet access to control its population. That capability can be reversed.”Spencer argued external actors could shift the balance by targeting regime communications while enabling civilian connectivity. “Disrupt regime command networks while enabling population connectivity via external systems. Information becomes a weapon,” he wrote. “Control of narrative, coordination, and awareness shifts away from the regime.”He also pointed to underlying instability in Iran, noting the country’s population is “over 85 million, young, urban, and repeatedly discontent,” with protests indicating significant opposition to the regime. “Until now, civilians have largely been told to shelter,” Spencer wrote. “That could change.” Digital reached out to the Iranian mission to the United Nations, which responded: “no comment.” This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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The Star secures key $550m refinancing agreement as it seeks a turnaround
(AsiaGameHub) - The Star Entertainment Group has finalized a binding commitment for approximately AU$550 million (£285 million) in refinancing as it pursues a business turnaround. The Australian casino operator has entered into a binding commitment letter with funds managed by WhiteHawk Capital Partners to restructure its existing debt and enhance short-term liquidity. This agreement, signed on Friday, follows the company's H1 FY26 results released recently and is designed to stabilize its financial standing while supporting ongoing operations. The proposed refinancing involves a three-year facility totaling around $550 million, intended to fully repay existing group debt and provide additional liquidity. A minimum liquidity level of $50 million is stipulated for the initial 12 months post-financial close, increasing to $75 million between 12 and 18 months, and $100 million thereafter. Additional covenants include a minimum asset coverage ratio from December 2026 and a minimum EBITDA threshold from March 2027, along with standard reporting requirements and default clauses. An interest reserve account covering the first 12 months of interest payments will also be established as part of the financing structure. The completion of the refinancing is contingent upon several conditions, including regulatory approvals and the finalization of detailed financing documentation. A crucial condition is the successful disposal of The Star's stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC), which is a component of the broader restructuring plan. The Star aims to finalize the refinancing by May 15, 2026, in line with conditions set by its existing senior lenders in February for a waiver. The Star seeking a path to recovery This refinancing marks a significant step for The Star as it works to alleviate immediate financial pressures and ensure sufficient liquidity for continued operations. Despite reporting a loss of approximately $75 million for the year in its FY25 results, the business remains optimistic about its future prospects. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, who took over as Chief Executive Officer in December, has outlined plans to reassess the operator's resourcing structure and strategy, and has indicated that the corporate office is undergoing streamlining. Results from February revealed that the latter half of 2025, during which Bally’s Corporation acquired a majority 56.7% stake, generated net revenue of $585 million, a 10% decrease year-on-year. By securing additional funding and restructuring its debt, The Star is aiming to establish a more stable financial foundation as it proceeds with asset sales and operational adjustments. While the refinancing offers immediate support, its successful conclusion depends on meeting regulatory and transactional milestones in the coming weeks. The company has also faced challenges on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) this year, with its shares declining by nearly 30% in 2026 to $0.12. Regulatory scrutiny in Australia is also contributing to the current difficulties faced by The Star, adding to the pressures on the business. However, securing this funding could signal the beginning of a turnaround for the 15-year-old company, which has established itself as a significant player in the Australian market. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Ukrainian Gaming Regulator Cancels Patriot Lottery Operator’s Licence
(AsiaGameHub) - The Ukrainian gaming regulator has revoked the operating licence of the betting firm Patriot’s lottery. The regulator, PlayCity, stated it took action after receiving information about Patriot’s operator from the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation. On its Telegram channel, PlayCity wrote: “When issuing licenses to lottery operators and gambling organizers, we always involve law enforcement agencies.” Following a “comprehensive check” of the company and its connections, the bureau and the regulator agreed that Patriot was “non-compliant with legislative requirements.” The decision deals a significant blow to Patriot, which obtained its operating permit only in late January this year. PlayCity initially granted lottery operating permits to just three firms: the aforementioned Patriot, MSL, and the Ukrainian National Lottery. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Digital Transformation confirmed that all three lottery operators had successfully paid the government the mandatory 24.2 million hryvnia ($554,000) licensing fee, as reported by the Ukrainian media outlet Interfax-Ukraine. A Ukrainian scratch card issued by the gambling operator Patriot. (Image: @naFARTnya/YouTube/Screenshot) Ukrainian Regulator: Lottery Operator Failed Compliance Check “The modern Ukrainian lottery market prioritizes security for the state and citizens, as well as the transparency and accountability of businesses,” PlayCity wrote. “We will continue to establish honest and understandable operational rules, under which only trustworthy operators will conduct business.” The regulator provided no further explanation for its decision, though Patriot retains the right to challenge it in court. Patriot began offering gambling products in the Ukrainian market in 1997. According to the Ukrainian media outlet Liga, the company is owned by the British firm Andalidi Invest. Liga reported that its “ultimate owner and beneficiary” is Andriy Matyukha. The outlet noted that between 2015 and 2018, the National Security and Defense Council imposed sanctions on Patriot. Lawmaker’s Accusations Lawmaker Danylo Hetmantsev, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s tax committee, has repeatedly claimed that Matyukha holds Russian citizenship. Matyukha has denied these claims. In a post on his Facebook page last year, Hetmantsev referred to Matyukha as “a swindler with a Russian passport.” The Ukrainian gambling sector has drawn attention in recent months, with some lawmakers calling for a ban on online casino use by members of the armed forces. This month, Ukrainian casino industry officials dismissed claims from critics that gambling is rampant in the country’s military. Gambling industry officials stated that military personnel “gamble no more than the average Ukrainian.” They noted that gambling addiction is not widespread in the military, “nor is it unique to any group, including military personnel.” Late last year, PlayCity announced it had blocked residents’ access to over 2,500 illegal online casinos. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Ex-Gambling Addict Shares Experience of Losing Control and Path to Recovery
(AsiaGameHub) - In the past week, new lawsuits have targeted US betting firms, accusing them of promoting problematic gambling habits. In the UK, Bet365 faced criticism for not stepping in to prevent the death of a 19-year-old gambler. This has sparked debate over the responsibility of operators when gamblers lose control. We spoke with a recovered gambling addict to learn about his journey to overcoming the issue and his perspective on who bears blame. A UK inquest determined that Arthur Soames died by suicide, with his mental health struggles worsened by gambling. The coroner stated that on the day of his death, Soames had “drained all available funds and credit.” “That’s exactly how I felt,” remembers another UK resident who acknowledges battling a gambling addiction. He chose to stay anonymous, having never disclosed the full extent of his struggles to friends or family. “I took out bank loans, maxed out my overdraft, and had nothing left. I recall placing accumulators—parlays for those in the US—that could have recouped some losses. One looked set to win, but a team from a country I’d never heard of scored in the final minute, making me lose. I collapsed on the floor, screaming.” We asked the anonymous gambler about his recovery in an interview this week. “I searched online for ways to get out of debt and found something called Debt Management Plans. I contacted StepChange, and they were incredible. They reached out to my banks, froze interest on my loans, and I set up a repayment plan.” StepChange is a free UK service that assists people in managing debt. With a manageable payment plan, his finances stabilized, though the urge to gamble remained strong. “I still thought maybe I could win it all back. I’d been up before—had around £10,000 ($13,000) in my bank at one point. But then I lost it all and kept losing, trying to recover what I’d spent. “I lost that £10,000 and another £10,000. The biggest issue was chasing losses. I’d gamble on sports; if I lost, I’d switch to online casino games like blackjack or roulette, hoping to win back what I’d lost. Then I’d lose there too and keep gambling more to recover.” He remembers a day when he lost over £7,000 in a single session. “I used to have a strategy: I’d draw a line of how much I wanted to win. If I aimed for £100, I’d list five £20 increments. I’d place a bet combining two numbers—if I won, I’d cross off two; if I lost, I’d add one. In theory, I could profit by winning fewer times than losing. With a 50-50 bet like red or black on roulette, I thought it was a solid strategy. It worked—that’s how I won £10,000. But then it failed, and I lost 12 spins in a row.” The gambler’s fallacy suggests that if the roulette wheel lands on red, black becomes more likely next. Some roulette strategies advise increasing stakes, doubling down. Such traps can lead players to lose large sums. A different approach might be that of AC Milan manager Max Allegri, who gave large tips to dealers to influence wheel spins toward winning bets. “I kept betting on red, but it kept landing on black. The numbers on my line grew, and soon my bank account was empty. I think I lost over £2,000 on one spin—more than I earned in a month.” How did he stop? “After enrolling in the debt management plan, my mindset shifted. I finally realized I’d never get back that £10,000 I’d won. I gave up.” “I also left the UK. That helped—no more gambling shops around, no gambling ads in sight.” Are Gambling Companies to Blame? Calls to ban gambling advertising in the UK have grown louder. Starting next season, the Premier League will no longer feature betting companies on the front of team shirts, though anti-gambling groups urge the government to take more action and restrict all promotions. “Substantial evidence shows gambling harms many who engage with it and those around them, with advertising key to both starting and increasing gambling,” says the Coalition to End Gambling Advertising (CEGA). “There’s also evidence that gambling ads threaten recovery for those who’ve stopped.” The gambler we spoke to said changing his environment was crucial to quitting. He moved to a country with few betting options and made new friends who didn’t discuss gambling. Is banning gambling ads the solution? “I’m not sure ads need to be banned. Most people can bet without issues, but I lose control. It’s the same with other vices—alcohol, drugs, smoking, you name it.” Do you blame gambling companies? “No. I was the one who lost the money. I placed the bets. I don’t believe the companies went out of their way to encourage me. I think the key is for people to be informed. Understand your chances of winning. Consider how much you can afford to lose and never try to recoup losses. Money will return over time. It took me around four years to repay all I’d lost. At first, it seemed like it would never end, but I settled all debts about eight years ago.” Last week, we spoke to Robert Walker, author of a new book on DraftKings and the backlash the company faces over claims it promotes problematic gambling. Walker similarly emphasized that gamblers should take responsibility and understand why operators offer incentives like free bets to encourage gambling. Empathy Is Everything Are you still tempted to gamble? “Not really. I might bet on football (soccer) sometimes, but I know I won’t make money. Since paying off my debt, I’ve barely placed any bets.” Did you seek other help? “No. I never told anyone. Shame held me back. People say you shouldn’t fear asking for help, but I preferred keeping it to myself. I knew friends or family would be shocked and judge me. I didn’t want to be labeled a gambling addict—it feels like a failure, like weakness.” Noah Vineberg, another recovering gambling addict, says, “Empathy is everything.” He added, “Recovery is the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself.” If you’re struggling with gambling and want to share your story, contact adam@casinobeats.com. Resources are available to help in the UK and the US. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Casino and Prediction Market Lobbying Surges as Legal Conflict Escalates
(AsiaGameHub) - Commercial and tribal casinos are actively engaging lobbyists to represent their interests, engaging in a competitive effort against prediction markets as the debate over the legality of sports event contracts intensifies. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour has alleged that casino lobbyists are behind recent legislative efforts aimed at prohibiting prediction markets. Casino lobby hard at work.There is a reason tens of millions of people use regulated prediction markets: it’s a better product.Banning just pushes this offshore, where no regulation exists.This bill isn’t about protecting consumers; it’s about protecting monopolies. https://t.co/otzm0U4Te8— Tarek Mansour (@mansourtarek_) March 23, 2026 Senator Adam Schiff was a co-sponsor of the Prediction Markets are Gambling Act introduced last week. Tribal casino groups are among the significant contributors to Schiff’s campaigns. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in the Bay Area and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians each donated $100,000 to a pro-Schiff PAC. These tribal groups have vigorously worked to maintain their exclusive control over gambling operations in California. The two tribes collectively contributed over $40 million to a campaign that opposed Proposition 26, a measure that would have legalized sports betting in the state. Kalshi has previously run advertisements with the slogan, “Sports betting in California is now legal.” Consequently, it is unsurprising that politicians supported by tribal interests are intensifying their efforts to impede the company. Schiff is also a co-sponsor of legislation designed to prevent government officials from profiting from event contracts by using insider information. Kalshi Responds With Increased Funding On the opposing side, Mansour and Kalshi are escalating their efforts to advocate for the legality of sports prediction markets. The company allocated over $1 million to lobbying initiatives last year. Only two gambling organizations, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Gila River Indian Community, invested more in lobbying. The AGA comprises numerous tribal groups, and several of its members have strongly opposed sports event contracts. This has created internal discord within the organization, leading to the departure of FanDuel and DraftKings as they introduce their own prediction market platforms. Kalshi’s largest expenditure last year was $430,000 to Miller Strategies LLC for “issues regarding rule proposal before the CFTC.” This firm collaborates closely with Donald Trump Jr., who serves as an advisor to both Kalshi and Polymarket. Furthermore, several officials appointed by Trump have a vested interest in maintaining the legal standing of sports prediction markets. According to ProPublica, three of these officials hold assets in Kalshi, 46 have connections to Robinhood, and 138 are linked to Coinbase. Trump Media has also entered into a partnership with Crypto.com, a deal that will integrate the platform’s markets into Truth Social. Financial Influence Drives Stance Changes Kalshi also provided $180,000 to the Lincoln Policy Group last year. This financial support contributed to a shift in the stance of its founder, former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, regarding sports event contracts. Previously, she had stated that sports contracts “would not serve any real commercial purpose. Rather, they would be used solely for gambling.” She is now registered as a lobbyist for Kalshi. In July of the previous year, she sent a letter to the CFTC, urging the organization not to impose restrictions on sports markets. The establishment of the Coalition for Prediction Markets is expected to result in intensified lobbying efforts. According to experts, its members, including Kalshi, Coinbase, and Robinhood, are positioned to rival the casino lobby groups. “We believe these groups have the balance sheets to sustain prolonged political influence and lobbying efforts,” Citizens analyst Jordan Bender informed Sportico. Last year, casino and gambling-affiliated groups spent nearly $50 million on lobbying, a record high. They may need to increase this spending further as prediction markets intensify their advocacy. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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US Gaming Industry Under Growing Scrutiny: Are Operators Prepared?
(AsiaGameHub) - The US gaming industry is expanding rapidly, yet the pace of regulatory change is even quicker. With states enhancing their oversight and enforcement actions increasing, operators in the sweepstakes and prediction markets face mounting pressure to maintain compliance within an environment that is constantly evolving. Broadcasting live tomorrow, Tuesday, 31 March, SBC Webinars, in collaboration with Vector Solutions and a panel of specialists, will analyze the current priorities. The webinar is designed to provide a clear perspective on the newest regulatory developments, the most significant compliance threats, and the tactics operators must employ to maintain a competitive edge. As scrutiny grows more intense, this represents a pivotal time for companies to grasp the market's direction and the necessary countermeasures. The panel of experts features: Tod Grossman, Director of Gaming Regulatory Compliance at PrizePicks Tom Nightingale, Senior Journalist at Canadian Gaming Business and SBC Americas Katie Lever, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer at Great Canadian Entertainment Event Details:Tuesday, 31 March1600 BST | 1200 EST | 0900 PST Registration is currently available. Capacity is restricted and interest is significant. [Register Here] This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Thai Sports Chiefs Aim to Remove Snooker from Gambling Act Following Un-Nooh’s Success
(AsiaGameHub) - Sports advocates, prominent politicians, and championship-winning players are calling on Thai officials to remove snooker from gambling-related legislation. These demands follow a surge in Thai snooker popularity triggered by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh’s recent victory. Un-Nooh, known as “F1,” claimed victory at the World Open in Yushan, China, earlier this month, defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of snooker's greatest players ever, in the championship match. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh triumphed at the World Open in Yushan, China, earlier this year. The Thai champion beat the seasoned British player 10-7, achieving a perfect 147 break during the match. However, supporters contend that aspiring young Thai snooker players face obstacles in emulating Un-Nooh's success due to a 1935 law. Thai Snooker Gambling Classification ‘Hurts Players’ According to Thai publication The Standard, the Gambling Act categorizes snooker and billiards as "gambling-like activities" instead of sports. These non-sporting classifications require official permits that are difficult for smaller clubs to acquire, and effectively prohibit players under 18 from participating in snooker. This categorization also restricts the growth of snooker infrastructure, youth training programs, and commercial tournaments. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), announced that the authority will soon file an official petition with the Ministry of Interior to exclude snooker from the Gambling Act. The SAT governor stated that this action would help "elevate snooker" to recognition as a "fully professional sport," creating opportunities for structural development across youth and national programs. Kongsak added that the new classification would enable Thai companies and sports organizations to host snooker events and produce income for the government. Champion Speaks Out The SAT pledged to require club owners to post clear warning signs about gambling risks during matches. "This issue requires discussion between the SAT and the snooker association," Kongsak explained. "All stakeholders must establish clear boundaries and show that our goal in reclassifying snooker is purely to promote it as a sport." The SAT and other supporters held a press conference on March 25, calling on the government to support their proposal. Participants included Un-Nooh, who told journalists that snooker "has been a part of Thai society for a long time," according to Thai news source Thairath Online. People's Party legislator Rakchanok Srinok urged the government to take swift action following Un-Nooh's triumph. She emphasized the significance of enabling young talents to train and achieve international recognition. In the Spotlight Thailand's gambling regulations have attracted significant attention recently. Last year, under former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government attempted to classify poker as a sport. Bangkok aimed to draw major poker events to the nation and build integrated casino resorts. However, after the Constitutional Court removed Paetongtarn from office, the government reversed its position, reclassifying poker as gambling. Anti-gambling advocates have also condemned politicians for exploiting lottery policies to gain votes. Thais reportedly wager approximately $8 billion annually on lottery tickets, yet several political parties promised voters they would expand lottery offerings. In the lead-up to last month's general election, the ruling Pheu Thai Party vowed to create nine new "millionaires" daily if victorious. The party pledged to reform current lotteries to guarantee nine winners per day of a 1 million baht prize, valued at over $30,000. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.