TAIPEI, TW, Apr 15, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - OBI Pharma, Inc. (TPEx:4174.TWO) today announced its presence at AACR 2026, highlighted by ten poster presentations, showcasing the transformative potential of the GlycOBI® platform. Conventional ADCs often face limitations due to random conjugation, resulting in heterogeneous Drug-to-Antibody Ratios (DAR), suboptimal stability, and narrow therapeutic windows. In contrast, the OBI site-specific glycan-based technology enables a highly homogeneous DAR, translating into improved PK/PD profiles, and reduced off-target toxicity, as demonstrated by OBI's lead programs, OBI-902 and OBI-904.We are further advancing precision oncology through our next-generation bispecific (OBI-201) and bispecific, dual-payload (OBI-221) ADCs. These "biology - driven" molecules are designed to overcome tumor heterogeneity and multi-drug resistance-key challenges in current cancer treatment. By incorporating both the GlycOBI® and GlycOBI DUO® platforms, OBI is developing novel and differentiated therapeutics addressing the unmet medical need for patients with difficult-to-treat solid tumors. Additionally, OBI's robust ADC conjugation platform has proven to consistently deliver product quality and scalability, while enabling expansion into next-generation modalities, including degrader-antibody conjugates (DACs).These data will be presented at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting from April 17 to 22, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (USA)."At OBI, we make better ADCs," said Dr. Ya-Chi Chen, Chief Scientific Officer OBI Pharma. "Our goal is to deliver therapies that not only target tumors more effectively and precisely, but also reduce side effects, giving patients potentially life-changing treatment options."Monday, April 20, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)Title: Overcoming Resistance with OBI-902: Preclinical Evaluation of a Next-Generation TROP2 ADC1Authors: Ren-Yu Hsu, Chi-Huan Lu, Chi-Sheng Shia, Jing-Rong Huang, Hsin-Shan Wu, Lu-Tzu Chen, Jhih-Jie Yang, Tzu-Min Yen, Jyy-Shiuan Tu, Yu-Hsuan Tsao, Ya-Chi Chen. OBI Pharma, Inc, Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO. ET07.01 - Quantitative Pharmacology and Translational ModelingLocation: Poster Section 17Poster Board Number: 6Abstract Presentation Number: 1818Title: OBI-904, a Next-Generation Nectin-4-Targeting Exatecan ADC, Demonstrates Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Overcomes Enfortumab Vedotin Resistance2Authors :Yuan-Liang Wang, Chi-Huan Lu, Woan-Eng Chan, Shin-Jin Lin, Ting-Yu Chang, Hong-Syuan Lin, Wei-Jhen Huang, Ya-Chi Chen. OBI Pharma, Inc, Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.ET02.02 - Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Linker Engineering 2Location: Poster Section 13Poster Board Number: 26Abstract Presentation Number: 1729Title: OBI-904, a Glycan-based Site specific Nectin-4-Targeted ADC, Demonstrates Potent and Durable Antitumor Activity with an Improved PK Profile and Overcoming EV-Resistance in Non-Clinical Studies3Authors: Chi-Huan Lu, Ren-Yu Hsu, Jing-Jie Ciou, Tzu Min Yen, Jyy-Shiuan Tu, Yu-Hsuan Tsao, Jing-Rong Huang, Ya-Chi Chen. OBI Pharma, Inc., Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.ET07.01 - Quantitative Pharmacology and Translational ModelingLocation: Poster Section 17Poster Board Number: 7Abstract Presentation Number: 1819Title: The MET/HER3 Antibody-Drug Conjugate with Dual Payload: A Dual-Target Approach to Eliminate Tumor Escape Mechanisms5Authors: Yuan-Liang Wang, Chi-Huan Lu, Woan-Eng Chan, Ting-Yu Chang, Hong-Syuan Lin, Cheng-Yen Wei, Shin-Jin Lin, Lu-Tzu Lu, Meng-Hsin Liu, Wei-Jhen Huang, Ya-Chi Chen. OBI Pharma, Inc., Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.CL.0705 - Targeted Antigen Therapies and ImmunityLocation: Poster Section 49Poster Board Number: 17Abstract Presentation Number: 2665Title: Guide-effector bsADCs: Driving co-endocytosis for enhanced payload delivery6Authors: Wei-Jhen Huang, Woan Eng Chan, Meng-Hsin Liu, Yueh Chin Wu, Ya-Chi Chen .OBI Pharma, Inc., Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.ET02.02 - Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Linker Engineering 2Location: Poster Section 13Poster Board Number : 27Abstract Presentation Number: 1730Title: Hydrophilicity-Enhanced Linker Technology Enables Site-Specific Degrader-Antibody Conjugates with Improved Stability and Enhanced Activity7Authors: Yu-Hung Chen, Wei-Chien Tang, Chi-Dian Lu, Hung-Yi Lin, Wei-Jhen Huang, Nan-Hsuan Wang, Ya-Chi Chen, Teng-Yi Huang. OBI Pharma, Inc., Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.ET02.02 - Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Linker Engineering 2Location: Poster Section 13Poster Board Number: 28Abstract Presentation Number: 1731Title: Cell-based payload release highlights design, site, and cell-dependent ratio shifts in dual-payload ADCs8Authors: Nan-Hsuan Wang, Wei-Han Lee, Evelyn He, Li Chuan Huang, Yu-Chao Huang, David Teng-Yi Huang, Ya-Chi Chen. OBI Pharma, Inc, Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.CH01.06 - Antibodies, Antibody-Drug Conjugates, and Nucleic AcidsLocation: Poster Section 38Poster Board Number: 5Abstract Presentation Number: 2397Monday, April 20, 2026 (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)Title:TROP2 Upregulation and Interaction with HER2 Mediate Trastuzumab Resistance4Authors: Yuan-Liang Wang, Chi-Huan Lu, Cheng-Yen Wei, Jye-Yu Huang, Woan-Eng Chan, Lu-Tzu Chen, Ya-Chi Chen. OBI Pharma, Inc., Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.ET03.06 Drug Resistance 1: Antibodies and ADCsLocation: Poster Section 12Poster Board Number: 18Abstract Presentation Number: 2972Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)Title: Glycan-based site specific ADC Achieves Sustained Tumor Control through Improved Payload Delivery and Immune Activation9Authors: Liu Chih-Chun, Tsai Yi-Chien, Huang Jing-Rong, Lo Fei-Yun, Pei Yu, Hsu Ren-Yu, Tu Tzu-Hsuan, Chen Ya-Chi. OBI Pharma, Inc, Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.IM02.04 - Adaptive Immunity in CancerLocation: Poster Section 6Poster Board Number: 2Abstract Presentation Number: 4234Title: Advancing ADC therapeutics with next-generation site-specific glycan conjugation and dual-payload flexibility10Authors: Wei-Chien Tang, Yu-Hung Chen, Chih-Kang Chang, Ting-Wei Liu, Hung-Yi Lin, Wei-Jhen Huang, Chi-Huan Lu, Ren-Yu Hsu, Nan-Hsuan Wang, Ya-Chi Chen,Teng-Yi Huang. OBI Pharma, Inc, Taipei, TaiwanSession Title: PO.ET02.03 - Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Linker Engineering 3Location: Poster Section 12Poster Board Number: 1Abstract Presentation Number: 4423The e-posters will be available for browsing at the AACR virtual meeting platform beginning at 12:00 PM PT on April 17, as well as on the OBI Pharma website (www.obipharma.com) beginning on April 18.1 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/45832 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/53853 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/45884 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/50305 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/40516 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/54007 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/54018 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/64749 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/131110 AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstracts online https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21436/presentation/5403About OBI PharmaOBI Pharma is a clinical-stage global oncology company established in 2002 and headquartered in Taiwan. Together with its subsidiary OBI Pharma USA, Inc., the company is dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapeutics to provide new treatment options for patients with urgent medical needs.OBI's research efforts center on novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). Through its patented next-generation conjugation technology platform, Obrion™, OBI has established diverse ADC design modalities. The platform integrates proprietary conjugation and linker technologies, including GlycOBI®, GlycOBI DUO®, EndoSymeOBI®, HYPrOBI®, and the novel irreversible cysteine-conjugation technology ThiOBI® , to advance next-generation ADC solutions. OBI has developed a next-generation suite of ADC programs. These include monospecific ADCs such as OBI-902 (TROP2), which is under Ph1 clinical evaluation, and OBI-904 (Nectin-4); a bispecific single-payload ADC, OBI-201 (HER2 x TROP2); and a bispecific dual-payload ADC, OBI-221 (cMET x HER3). To broaden the applicability of the HYPrOBI® linker technology, OBI has further developed the ThiOBI® technology to enable irreversible cysteine-based conjugation. In addition to its ADC programs, OBI's assets include OBI-3424, a first-in-class AKR1C3-targeted small-molecule prodrug that selectively releases a potent DNA-alkylating agent in the presence of the aldo-keto reductase 1C3 enzyme, which is highly expressed in certain tumors. Additional information can be found at www.obipharma.com.About OBI-902 and OBI-992OBI-902 is a TROP2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that carries a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload to kill tumor cells with a drug-antibody ratio (DAR) of 4. TROP2 is highly expressed in a variety of solid tumors such as breast, lung, biliary, bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma), ovarian, gastric, and many other cancer types, rendering it an ideal target for cancer therapy.OBI-902 is a novel site-specific glycan-conjugated ADC using OBI's proprietary GlycOBI® platform, which provides improved stability and enhanced hydrophilicity. OBI-902 demonstrated remarkable antitumor efficacy across multiple tumors, including NSCLC, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and gastric cancer, improved pharmacokinetic characteristics, and a favorable safety profile in various animal models. The IND of OBI-902 was cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) on April 30, 2025, received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the US FDA for cholangiocarcinoma on Nov. 16, 2025, and gastric cancer (GC), including gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC) on December 5, 2025.The Phase 1/2 Study (NCT07124117) is ongoing, with completion of the Phase 1a portion targeted for 1H 2027.OBI-992 is a TROP2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that carries a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload with drug-to-antibody ratio of 4 (DAR 4) via a cysteine conjugated, hydrophilic and enzyme-cleavable linker. OBI-992 remains stable in circulation and delivers this cytotoxic payload to TROP2-expressing tumor cells, leading to tumor cell death while avoiding off-target toxicities.The US FDA cleared the IND application for OBI-992 in Jan 2024 and subsequently granted Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of gastric cancer, including GEJC in Aug 2024. The Phase 1/2 Study (NCT06480240) has reached the putative Recommended Phase 2 Dose (pRP2D) and Phase I completion is targeted for 1H 2027.Since December 2021, OBI has been granted by Biosion, Inc. (www.biosion.com) an exclusive license to a TROP2 targeting antibody amino acid sequence in all jurisdictions except Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Biosion holds exclusive rights to that antibody sequence in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. OBI holds commercial rights to OBI-992 and OBI-902 in all jurisdictions except Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, while Biosion holds commercial rights to OBI-992 and OBI-902 in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.About OBI-904OBI-904 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprised of a monoclonal antibody specifically targeting Nectin-4 (Nectin cell adhesion molecule 4), linked to a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload with Drug-to-Antibody Ratio of 8 (DAR8) through OBI's proprietary GlycOBI® ADC enabling technologies, powered by a dual-function enzyme, EndoSymeOBI®, and a novel linker, HYPrOBI®. It is a potentially first-in-class and best-in-class glycan-based ADC designed to target multiple cancer types that express Nectin-4. Antitumor activity has been shown across several animal disease models, including HNSCC, CRC, TNBC, cervical and sarcoma cancers; OBI-904 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in a repeat dose toxicity study in monkeys, and is now in the pre-IND stage of development.About OBI-201OBI-201 is a TROP2 x HER2 bispecific ADC generated by OBI GlycOBI® ADC enabling technologies conjugated with a topoisomerase I inhibitor. Notably, OBI is the first to demonstrate that HER2 and TROP2 can interact and form a protein complex on the cell surface-a groundbreaking discovery facilitated through collaboration with a specialized AI drug discovery partner. OBI-201 offers several advantages over mono-specific TROP2 or HER2 ADCs. By targeting both antigens, it broadens tumor coverage, especially in cancers with heterogeneous or low expression of either target. Dual targeting can enhance tumor selectivity, binding avidity, and internalization, improving payload delivery to cancer cells while potentially reducing toxicity to normal cells. OBI-201 may overcome resistance associated with downregulation of targets after treatment by certain monospecific ADCs.Animal studies revealed that OBI-201 demonstrated significantly superior anti-tumor activity compared to single-target ADCs in drug-resistant breast cancer models with extremely low HER2 expression. OBI-201 was able to sustain tumor growth suppression, indicating its potential to overcome multiple drug-resistance mechanisms. OBI-201 is a next-generation bispecific ADC poised to break through the limitations of single-target ADCs, potentially offering patients a more comprehensive and durable treatment option.About OBI-221OBI-221 is a Bispecific-Dual Payload ADC (BsDpADC), generated by OBI GlycOBI DUO® technologies, targeting cMET and HER3, conjugated with dual payload of MMAE and topoisomerase I inhibitor.In clinical practice, EGFR-targeted therapies have become a key strategy for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, tumors often rapidly develop resistance by upregulating cMET and HER3 that, in turn, sustain tumor growth. Moreover, high expressions of cMET and HER3 have been observed in gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, and various other solid tumors, further underscoring the unmet medical needs.To address this challenge, OBI Pharma leverages its proprietary GlycOBI DUO® platform and HYPrOBI® linker to develop a novel bispecific dual-payload antibody-drug conjugate (BsDpADC)-OBI-221. This therapeutic agent simultaneously targets cMET and HER3 while delivering synergistic cytotoxic agents, effectively combating tumor resistance and heterogeneity. This breakthrough design not only addresses an unmet medical need but also represents a forward-looking strategy for next-generation ADC development.OBI-221 holds meaningful potential to overcome resistance to existing EGFR-targeted therapies, potentially offering patients more targeted treatment options while delivering substantial clinical value.About GlycOBI®OBI has developed a unique glycan-based, site-specific ADC technology (GlycOBI®), designed in a Plug and Play format that is compatible with any antibodies, linkers, and payloads, and supports various drug-antibody ratios (DAR)(up to 16). Powered by OBI's proprietary dual-function enzymatic technology EndoSymeOBI® and its hydrophilic linker technology HYPrOBI®, GlycOBI®, a core component of OBI's Obrion™ ADC technology family, enables the generation of site-specific and homogeneous ADCs through an efficient, scalable and streamlined two-step, one-pot conjugation process under GMP conditions.During the conjugation process, GlycOBI® avoids disrupting the antibody structure and ensures that the resulting ADC retains biophysical characteristics comparable to the native antibody. In addition, OBI's linker technology improves payload conjugation efficiency and reduces the propensity for aggregation or degradation, further supporting a stable and well-controlled ADC manufacturing process. GlycOBI® has overcome limitations commonly associated with traditional ADC approaches and has demonstrated improved antitumor activity and stability in various in vivo studies. Notably, the platform supports the conjugation of both cytotoxic small-molecule inhibitors and highly hydrophobic degraders, expanding its applicability to next-generation modalities such as DACs.About GlycOBI DUO®GlycOBI DUO® is a next-generation dual-payload antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology built on the GlycOBI® site-specific conjugation platform and its proprietary enzymatic conjugation strategy. It enables the precise and programmable attachment of two distinct payloads to a single antibody with tunable ratios and supports high DAR ratios, including up to DAR24. By combining complementary mechanisms of action, GlycOBI DUO® is designed to enhance antitumor efficacy, address tumor heterogeneity, and improve the overall therapeutic index, with the potential to overcome resistance mechanisms associated with conventional ADCs-representing a promising advancement in next-generation ADC development.About ThiOBI®OBI has developed a novel irreversible, cysteine conjugation ADC platform (ThiOBI®) with improved stability, which can apply to any antibodies, linkers, and payloads. OBI's proprietary ThiOBI® platform including linker technologies (HYPrOBI®) can generate ADCs in different biomolecular formats, including antibody fragments, nanobodies, peptides, and proteins. Furthermore, OBI's HYPrOBI® linker technology has improved conjugation efficiency of the payload and reduced aggregation propensity and also expanded the half-life of the ADC products. ThiOBI has overcome the limitations of traditional cysteine ADCs and achieved better antitumor activity and stability in various in vivo tests.GlycOBI®, EndoSymeOBI®, ThiOBI®, HYPrOBI®, and GlycOBI DUO® are registered trademarks of OBI. Obrion™ is a trademark under registration.Forward-Looking StatementsStatements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future clinical trials, results and the timing of such trials and results. Such risk factors are identified and discussed from time to time in OBI Pharma's reports and presentations, including OBI Pharma's filings with the Taiwan Securities and Futures Bureau.COMPANY CONTACT:Jukka MuhonenExecutive Director, Business DevelopmentOBI Pharma USA, Inc.1.617.821.0292jukkamuhonen@obipharma.comSOURCE: OBI Pharma USA, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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AHS Accelerates Expansion in Public Healthcare & Program Management
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 15/04/2026 / 16:31 UTC+8 New York, NY - April 15, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - Automated Health Systems partners with governments to administer public health programs, guided by President Dr. Moses Haregewoyn's extensive business acumen, leadership, technical systems, and service ethos, aiming to make enrollment and access smoother for all underserved residents while supporting agencies facing complex coverage demands. As trusted partners , we elevate public service by empowering government agencies with advanced technology , infrastructure, and human-centric operational support. AHS is a national health services management and works with state and local governments to help residents access public health programs, especially those serving low-income families and underserved communities. Its president, Dr. Moses Haregewoyn, has described his leadership as influenced through years of professional experience and guided by faith-informed values that influence the organization's direction. In a press statement, AHS emphasized his incredible works in public health administration and highlighted Dr. Haregewoyn's book Leadership: An Incumbent of Faith, which addresses his belief in necessary leadership as an assignment rooted in faith and moral responsibility while also driving forward the needs of any business model for the success of that agency's singular vision - a theme that mirrors how he speaks about decisions that affect vulnerable populations. Company descriptions portray Dr. Haregewoyn as engaged in projects from procurement through day-to-day operations, accessible to both clients and staff. That presence has accompanied AHS's expansion from hundreds of employees to several thousand professionals working across multiple states on public health systems and other public health efforts. The company reports that structured systems, internal technical teams, and established platforms help manage eligibility, communication, and reporting while giving residents clearer information about their options. Present and future focused, AHS positions itself as a competitive leading support organization within the public health system, managing the administrative side of programs so that agencies can reach more people with fewer obstacles. Statements from and about the company suggest that future work will continue to balance contractual and advancing technological demands with values of service, mercy, and responsibility, reflecting a belief that overall comprehensive leadership can shape how large systems respond to those who rely on public coverage.About Automated Health Systems Automated Health Systems is a specific company, primarily known for government health program administration across all 50 states , with varying revenue estimated at $1.3 Billion annually. Through state of the art and emerging technologies, internal & online digital tools, personalized attention support, and education, AHS helps agencies serve more people with clear and effective healthcare programs. Contact Information Brand: Automated Health Systems Contact: Media team Email: mosesh@automated-health.com Website: https://www.automated-health.com 15/04/2026 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: osami
Are bookmakers already back in racing? Betway and CopyBet secure new sponsorships
(AsiaGameHub) - The much-discussed sponsor exodus from horse racing may not actually be coming to pass, if the most recent sponsorship deals from Betway and CopyBet are any indicator, at the very least. In separate announcements made yesterday, Betway and CopyBet have been unveiled as official partners of The Jockey Club and Worcester Racecourse respectively for the 2026 racing calendar. For Betway, the Super Group-owned online sportsbook will back 16 races across Newmarket, Haydock Park and Market Rasen, a package that includes its position as the official fixed odds betting partner of the Debenhams July Festival hosted at Newmarket. Lewis Knowles, PR Manager at Betway, said: “Betway sponsors some of the largest sporting events and teams across the globe, but it is wonderful to see British racing make a well-received return to our sponsorship roster. “We ranked among the biggest backers of racing over the last decade, with thousands of races carrying our name from 2015 right through to the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2024. This agreement is an incredible opportunity to align our brand with this fantastic sport once again. “We have enjoyed great success working alongside The Jockey Club in the past, and every member of the Betway team is thrilled to bring that partnership back for 2026.” In addition to the July Festival, Betway will sponsor Newmarket’s Craven Meeting taking place 15-17 April, the Grey Horse Raceday held on 15 August, and Cambridgeshire Friday scheduled for 25 September. The brand will also back Haydock’s Evening and Lester Piggot Day running 29-30 May, the Evening and Old Newton Cup across 3-4 July, Rose of Lancaster Day on 8 August, the Tommy Whittle Day on 19 December and Last Fling Day on 30 December. It will sponsor a single day of racing at Market Rasen, the Summer Plate Day held on 18 July. Is the rift between betting firms and horse racing starting to mend? The wide range of meetings Betway is sponsoring points to a shift in stance among operators, at least some of them, as the dust settles on the tax debates and disputes of summer 2025. There had been widespread expectations that racing sponsorships would be axed this year, following the gambling tax increases announced by Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, last November. Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) rose from 21% to 40% on 1 April. Ahead of this change, a number of operators including bet365, BetMGM and Entain’s Coral chose to scale back parts of their sponsorship activity, leading to predictions of difficult times ahead for racing. The new deals from Betway and CopyBet suggest this may not be the full picture. Dan Glavin, Betting Partnerships Manager at The Jockey Club, said: “It is fantastic news that Betway is renewing its association with The Jockey Club through this exciting new partnership. “The Betway Craven Meeting at Newmarket is the point where the new Flat turf season really hits its stride, making it the perfect time to launch this collaboration. “Along with taking on the role of fixed odds betting partner for the prestigious Debenhams July Festival at Newmarket, Betway will also have its name linked to a significant number of high-class racedays running all the way through to the end of the year. “Most of these racedays will be broadcast live on ITV, delivering considerable brand exposure.” Beyond financial concerns, betting firms and racing also had a minor falling out last year to some extent. In the lead-up to November’s Autumn Budget, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and other sport stakeholders launched the #AxeTheRacingTax campaign. This campaign included a day of strike action held on 10 September. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which was also lobbying against tax hikes at the time, criticised this move, and it appeared a rift was opening up between the racing and betting sectors. It is not all bad blood across the board, however, as the latest moves from Betway and CopyBet seem to indicate. For CopyBet, the firm has signed on as the official betting partner of Worcester Racecourse for the 2026 National Hunt summer season. The company will sponsor 57 races across 19 summer jumps meetings running from 6 May to 21 October. This package includes naming rights to the Fixed Brush Series Final, with CopyBet branding set to be displayed across the entire racecourse site. Michael Thomas, Worcester Racecourse General Manager, said: “Ahead of another exciting summer of National Hunt action, we are thrilled to welcome CopyBet as our Official Betting Partner, supporting us to deliver another packed schedule of high-quality race days on the banks of the River Severn.” This agreement adds to CopyBet’s existing racing sponsorship portfolio, which already includes partnerships with Carlisle, Exeter, Haydock, Huntington and Kempton, plus a brand ambassador deal with Irish jockey Jonathan Burke. “We’re delighted to team up with Worcester Racecourse as its official betting partner,” said Mark Smith, Managing Director of CopyBet UK. “British horse racing is set to be a core part of another incredible summer of sport in the UK, and we are proud to continue supporting one of the nation’s most popular sports.” The racing sector came out of last year’s budget announcement in a relatively strong position, having been exempted from the RGD increase and next year’s planned rise in General Betting Duty (GBD) from 15% to 25%. A knock-on impact on racing is still anticipated, however, as a result of the previously mentioned marketing cutbacks. While Betway and CopyBet have not joined the exodus of sponsors, other operators still plan to limit their presence in racing, meaning the sport requires all the financial support it can secure. 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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SBC Digital: Payment Expert event returns to address the future of payments, compliance, and risk
(AsiaGameHub) - SBC Digital: Payment Expert makes its return today, Wednesday, 15 April 2026, as a dedicated online gathering. It brings together senior executives from payments, compliance, fraud prevention, and regulatory sectors to confront the critical issues defining the iGaming payments environment. With fraud methods advancing, regulatory demands increasing, and technologies like artificial intelligence and stablecoins nearing widespread use, the event will investigate how operators can adjust their payment approaches while maintaining compliance, customer satisfaction, and operational effectiveness. Throughout a day of sessions led by experts, presenters from top operators and payment firms such as Kwiff, ODDSET, Lottofy, FDJ United, Flutter International, Entain, Betsson Group, Superbet, Leovegas, Esports Entertainment Malta Ltd, Paysecure, Chevron Group, Veris.finance, TheLotter, Spyglass Insights, GELSA, CoinGeek, and SBC News will offer actionable knowledge on the industry's reaction to swift transformation. The schedule will concentrate on six key themes influencing the future of payments and compliance: The rise in fraud and AML threats, such as synthetic identities and bonus abuse The expanding function of AI in compliance, fraud identification, and operational performance Payment flexibility as a key differentiator in dynamic markets The practical application of stablecoins for operator payments and settlements The advancement of affordability assessments via open banking and data analytics The dangers and regulatory considerations of Buy Now Pay Later services in gambling Agenda Highlights 10:00 – Payments Under Pressure: Tackling Fraud, AML Risk, and Regulatory Expectations Investigate current fraud and AML developments, from synthetic identities to bonus abuse, and learn about the tactics operators employ to enhance detection, simplify KYC processes, and boost robustness without harming the customer journey. 11:00 – AI in Compliance: Balancing Automation with Human Oversight Analyze how AI is revolutionizing fraud detection, AML surveillance, and compliance tasks, and identify where human supervision is still crucial for successful risk control. 12:00 – Why Payment Agility Defines Digital Winners Find out how top operators are creating more adaptable payment systems to speed up market expansion, foster innovation, and adapt more quickly to new regulations. 13:00 – Beyond the Buzz: How Stablecoins Could Transform Operator Payments Distinguish between speculation and practical use as specialists discuss the application of stablecoins for treasury operations, international payments, and expedited settlements. 14:00 – Rethinking Affordability: How Data is Transforming Safer Gambling Understand how open banking and data analytics are redefining affordability checks, enhancing risk identification, and promoting safer gambling practices. SBC Digital: Payment Expert is a premier online event series concentrating on payments innovation, compliance, fraud prevention, and regulatory developments within the worldwide gaming and gambling sector. Event Details Date: 15 April 2026Format: OnlineRegistration: Open now Registration Admission is complimentary, but capacity is restricted. Register today to guarantee access to every session and collaborate with industry pioneers who are directing the course of payments and compliance. 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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A Well – Acclaimed Cosmic Horror Game Is Being Adapted into a Movie — With an Unexpected Twist
From Software(SeaPRwire) - The era of the “video game adaptation curse” has officially ended. Currently, The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Minecraft Movie are breaking previous box office records, while The Last of Us has established itself as a key part of HBO’s prestigious television lineup. With virtually any video game now a potential candidate for adaptation, it is difficult to predict what might come next—even Weapons director Zach Cregger is working on a Resident Evil film.It seems that the next major video game film will adapt one of the most cherished titles from the 2010s—however, audiences should not anticipate a Game of Thrones-style fantasy epic. Rather, this project is heading in an entirely distinct direction.Bloodborne’s Lovecraftian cosmic horror will make the jump to a narrative film, but in an animated form. | FromSoftwareDuring Sony’s CinemaCon presentation, the company revealed plans for a movie adaptation of Bloodborne, the visceral and bloody cosmic horror game released by FromSoftware in 2015. As reported by Variety, Sanford Panitch, president of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, assured attendees that the film would remain “very true” to the gruesome essence of Bloodborne. To address concerns that the project might be handled by those unfamiliar with gaming, Seán McLoughlin, known online as JackSepticEye, has been brought on as a producer.Nevertheless, this forthcoming project comes with a significant twist: it will be an animated feature. This is certainly not a children's animation—it is slated to receive an R rating—but it will not be a live-action production. Rather than resembling the live-action Netflix Witcher series, it will be more akin to the streaming platform's animated Witcher films.Bloodborne perfected the Dark Souls video game formula. How well will that translate to R-rated animation? | FromSoftwareThis decision is likely to divide opinion. Bloodborne featured exceptionally intricate visuals, and if these are simplified into a cartoonish style, the Lovecraftian atmosphere of the narrative might lose its gravitas. On the other hand, a fully animated approach allows for easier replication of complex special effects, such as fantasy combat and magic, particularly within a specific budget.If any studio is capable of delivering a worthy animated Bloodborne film, it is undoubtedly Sony, the powerhouse behind the Spider-Verse trilogy. Yet, this is a cult classic game into which fans have invested countless hours, holding deep personal significance for many. Given the game's high profile and the risky choice of medium, expectations will undoubtedly be elevated.A release date for the Bloodborne film has not yet been announced. 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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ASEAN Enterprises Move from AI Experiments to Engineering-Driven Deployment
SINGAPORE, Apr 15, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across Southeast Asia, enterprises across the ASEAN region are increasingly establishing structured AI engineering practices to move from experimentation to production-scale deployment.According to Joseph Bosco, Partner Manager, APJ - Prof Services at Databricks, organisations across ASEAN are recognising that sustainable AI adoption depends not only on advanced models but also on robust engineering foundations that ensure reliability, governance and operational scalability.“The early phase of AI adoption focused heavily on experimentation and proofs of concept,” Bosco said. “Across Southeast Asia we are now seeing a shift towards AI engineering practices that prioritise data quality, governance and production readiness.”Markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand are witnessing strong momentum in enterprise AI adoption as organisations modernise their data infrastructure and invest in advanced analytics capabilities.Industry experts note that AI engineering is becoming a critical discipline that connects AI innovation with enterprise operations. This includes building scalable data pipelines, managing machine learning lifecycle processes and integrating AI systems into business workflows.“Building a model is only one part of the challenge,” Bosco said. “The real work lies in creating reliable data pipelines, managing model lifecycle and embedding AI into operational systems.”Across ASEAN, many enterprises continue to manage complex data environments spanning legacy systems, multiple cloud platforms and software-as-a-service applications. Consolidating these fragmented data sources into unified platforms is increasingly seen as a prerequisite for scaling AI initiatives.Technology partners and consulting firms across the region are responding by developing dedicated AI engineering practices that combine expertise in data engineering, machine learning, generative AI and governance frameworks.These capabilities are already being applied across key sectors including financial services, telecommunications, and manufacturing.Bosco noted that Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding data economies are creating a particularly dynamic environment for AI engineering talent and innovation.“As organisations across ASEAN continue to invest in data transformation, AI engineering will become an essential capability that enables enterprises to operationalise AI safely and effectively,” he said. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Has the DCU Found Its New Wonder Woman?
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images(SeaPRwire) - The excitement surrounding casting announcements for a new superhero film is unmatched, particularly for a high-stakes project like the emerging DC Universe. James Gunn achieved the seemingly impossible with Superman, assembling an ideal cast including the perfect Man of Steel, a Lois Lane straight out of the comics, and a subversively effective Lex Luthor. However, building on that success, he must repeat the feat for the upcoming sequel, Man of Tomorrow, while potentially expanding the Justice League roster.Attention is fixed on Gunn as he finalizes the cast for the next chapter in the Superman saga. The film is poised to focus on the dynamic between David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, who may need to unite against a greater adversary, Braniac (Lars Eidinger). They will be accompanied by the existing Superman cast and Aaron Pierre, set to debut as John Stewart in HBO’s Lanterns. While the ensemble is already packed, Gunn recently indicated a missing piece of the puzzle—a slot now filled by Andor actress Adria Arjona.Arjona is moving from a galaxy far away to the DC Universe. | LucasfilmArjona has been a subject of discussion regarding the new DCU for some time. She is a fan-favorite choice to play Wonder Woman, and her previous collaboration with Gunn on 2016’s The Belko Experiment fueled reunion rumors. For much of the year, however, Gunn denied Arjona’s involvement. Even when Deadline reported she was testing for a secret role in Man of Tomorrow alongside Fallout’s Ella Purnell and Industry’s Marisa Abela, Gunn dismissed the reports as “bulls***.” Such a vehement denial often suggests a hidden truth; Gunn was clearly being deceptive, likely to preserve a surprise.Although Deadline hinted Arjona might be up for the role of Maxima, an alien queen obsessed with Superman, the reality could be even more significant. The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit and Aaron Couch have confirmed Arjona’s casting in Man of Tomorrow, though the specific character remains “unknown.” Since Gunn hasn't addressed Maxima’s inclusion, Arjona could portray various characters, perhaps even a deep-cut choice like Ursa, as suggested by Inverse’s Ryan Britt. Given the open possibilities, Wonder Woman remains a compelling candidate.Arjona could very well be joining the DCU as Maxima — but it’s not too late to pray for Wonder Woman. | DC ComicsCasting Arjona as Maxima would certainly not be disappointing. Comparable to a Superman-centric Catwoman, Maxima rules the militant planet Almerac and is drawn to power, viewing Superman as a suitable partner for co-rule. Notably, she allies with Braniac in the 1992 “Panic in the Sky” crossover, a narrative Gunn may be drawing inspiration from for Man of Tomorrow. This makes a Maxima appearance plausible, though the focus on her could also be a diversionary tactic.Despite his active social media presence, Gunn avoids revealing details prematurely. His secrecy regarding Man of Tomorrow casting suggests the film conceals a major surprise. Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav previously stated DC Studios would be “fast-tracking” a Wonder Woman film following Superman’s success. Fans are eager to see the Princess of Themyscira, even in a story centered on Superman and Lex. Although the last Wonder Woman film wasn't long ago, the letdown of WW84 and the end of the previous DC universe necessitate a fresh start. Arjona, whose understated yet steely performance in Andor seemed tailor-made for Diana Prince, is an ideal choice for this reboot.Until Gunn explicitly confirms Arjona’s role in Man of Tomorrow, these theories remain speculative. She may be portraying a different character entirely, but it would be thrilling if the initial rumors proved accurate.Man of Tomorrow arrives in theaters on July 9, 2027. 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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Classic Dystopian Thriller “Escape from New York” Set for Reboot After 45 Years
Avco Embassy/Kobal/Shutterstock(SeaPRwire) - John Carpenter is a horror icon, but not every film he’s made is a slasher—whether set on Halloween night or in the frozen Arctic. Among his most underappreciated works is Escape from New York, the dystopian action thriller starring Kurt Russell that features an ambitious premise: in the not-too-distant future, Manhattan Island is converted into a massive maximum-security prison. Things run (relatively) smoothly until Air Force One crashes, stranding the President in what’s undoubtedly the nation’s most dangerous spot. Enter Snake (Russell), who’s offered a pardon in exchange for rescuing the President from New York—an escape mission that wraps up with political intrigue.Nearly half a century later, this classic tale is getting a major revamp. But can it be updated while still honoring the original?Escape from New York is a key entry in John Carpenter’s filmography. | Avco Embassy/Kobal/ShutterstockAt CinemaCon, StudioCanal announced that a reboot of Escape from New York is in development, though no further details were shared. This isn’t the first time talk of a remake has circulated, however. Rumors about an Escape from New York redo date back to 2007, when New Line Cinema bought the rights. Over the years, directors Len Wiseman, Brett Ratner, Robert Rodriguez, and the directing duo Radio Silence have all been linked to the project.Gerard Butler was initially in talks to star, but no other version has progressed to the casting stage. And don’t count on Kurt Russell’s son Wyatt to play the next Snake— in a 2021 Esquire interview, he explicitly said taking on Snake in a reboot would be “career suicide 101,” adding, “That’s like the textbook example of what not to do.”Wyatt Russell doesn’t believe anyone can live up to his father Kurt’s performance. | Lee Watt/AFF-USA/ShutterstockBut his opposition isn’t just about him stepping into his father’s role—he thinks the character is simply irreplicable. “I don’t know if anyone else can be Snake Plissken,” he said. “Good luck to whoever tries; I sincerely wish you the best. I just don’t see how it’s possible.”That’s the ultimate question for this new project: Without John Carpenter and Kurt Russell, can a remake even work? What else is there to explore? Since the original was written after the Watergate scandal, there might be room to refresh some political satire, but Escape from New York feels pretty timeless. A remake could cut out dated references like the glider landing on the World Trade Center, but the film’s heart and soul can’t be improved.Escape From New York is currently streaming for free on Amazon Prime Video. 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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Beloved Sci-Fi Shooter Adaptation to Be Directed by Fast & Furious Filmmaker
Sony Computer Entertainment (SeaPRwire) - While a large portion of science fiction leans into a cozy sense of wonder and exploration, there is also a well-established niche for far less optimistic portrayals of humanity’s future. From H.P. Lovecraft’s iconic cosmic horror to the nihilistic existentialism of the Alien universe and the grim, brutal darkness of Warhammer 40K, the genre has plenty of space to serve as a nightmarish (and satirical) reflection of our modern anxieties and current societal failures. Video games in particular have given us countless examples of this darker strain of sci-fi, including 2015’s Helldivers and its massively popular 2024 sequel, Helldivers 2. Last year, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions were developing a film adaptation of the games, to be directed by Fast and Furious’ Justin Lin. The movie, which is written by Gary Dauberman (the screenwriter behind both It feature films), is scheduled for release on November 10, 2027, and will star Dune’s Duncan Idaho actor Jason Momoa. While full details have remained scarce up to this point, Sony’s CinemaCon presentation today delivered long-awaited new updates on the project. Jason Momoa is making the jump from one war-ravaged galaxy to an entirely new one. | Sony Computer Entertainment Director Justin Lin took the stage at the event to announce that the film will kick off principal photography in New Zealand within the next few weeks. He also shared that he visited the game’s Swedish developer, Arrowhead Game Studios, to collaborate on the adaptation, with a core focus on preserving Helldivers’ unique balance of “satire and humanity.” He also praised his lead actor, noting Momoa is the only person capable of pulling off the project. Helldivers is set in an extreme dystopia where “Super-Earth” is ruled by a totalitarian, militaristic Federation that operates under a system called “managed democracy.” Super-Earth’s citizens are raised to venerate military service, and their elite special forces unit — the Helldivers — acts as the vanguard for the Federation’s galaxy-wide colonization efforts. The Federation is locked in conflict with three distinct opposing factions: the Bugs, alien insects similar to Starship Troopers’ Arachnids that are harvested for the valuable resource Element 710; a group of former humans called Cyborgs, who rejected Super-Earth’s rule to live under collectivist anarchism; and the mysterious Illuminate, a species of squid-like humanoid aliens that the Federation frames as a genocidal cult worshipping an unknown Eldritch entity. Helldivers drops players directly into the middle of a heated, high-stakes galactic conflict. | Sony Computer Entertainment Both games earned widespread praise for their satisfying cooperative shooter mechanics, but the franchise’s fanbase has been particularly captivated by its rich worldbuilding and lore, which is slowly revealed to players through environmental storytelling like in-game text and propaganda. The satire of Helldivers is a perfect example of ludonarrative harmony, the opposite of the dissonance that comes from a clash between a game’s passive narrative and active gameplay. This works because players are directly complicit in carrying out the Federation’s violent, imperialist agenda as they mow down enemy alien forces. At its core, Helldivers is an homage to classic works like Warhammer 40K and Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers, both of which are sharp critiques of fascism and humanity’s endless appetite for conflict. This adaptation will not be Justin Lin’s first experience with large-scale science fiction; he previously directed Star Trek Beyond, a film that ironically features a villain obsessed with perpetuating constant warfare. While Helldivers certainly calls for massive sci-fi action spectacle and epic depictions of space combat, the true measure of the film’s success will be how well it replicates the game’s overarching vision of compromised democracy leading humanity down a path of endless, exploitative war. Helldivers is set for release on November 10, 2027. 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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Director Behind the Decade’s Top Godzilla Film Is Crafting a Mecha Spectacle
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc/Getty Images(SeaPRwire) - Following the global success of Godzilla: Minus One in 2023, many have wondered what director Takashi Yamazaki would tackle next. The filmmaker, who transitioned from visual effects to directing, demonstrated his ability to create a massive impact with a modest budget of roughly $10 to $15 million. The prospect of what he could achieve with a major Hollywood budget is highly anticipated, and fans won't have to wait long. In addition to a Minus One sequel scheduled for 2026, Yamazaki is currently developing his first English-language project, Grandgear.Development on Grandgear has been underway since 2024. Sony Pictures secured the distribution rights following a competitive bidding process, with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot joining as a producer shortly thereafter. While the plot was initially kept secret, Sony finally shared details at this year’s CinemaCon, revealing a story that draws comparisons to Neon Genesis Evangelion or Pacific Rim.After receiving widespread praise and an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for 2023’s Godzilla: Minus One, director Takashi Yamazaki is shifting his focus to the mecha genre. | TohoAt the convention in Las Vegas, Sony announced that Grandgear is slated for release in February 2028, with Yamazaki serving as both writer and director. This project follows his work on Godzilla Minus Zero and will focus on giant mechs. A brief preview shown at CinemaCon featured a battle between two mechs that, according to The Playlist, appeared even more "slick" than the visuals in the Pacific Rim franchise.It remains unclear if these mechs will fight one another or team up against giant monsters, though some CinemaCon reports indicate they will be battling kaiju. Given Yamazaki's track record, a narrative twist is expected. Regardless, it will be exciting to see the mecha genre receive a high-quality live-action treatment after interest in giant robots began to fade following the Pacific Rim sequels.It will be interesting to see how the director interprets this staple of Japanese culture, especially with other mecha films in production. Netflix and Legendary are currently working on a live-action Gundam film starring Sydney Sweeney. There is plenty of room for multiple giant robot stories, particularly when one is coming from the director of the decade's most acclaimed Godzilla movie. While Grandgear is still in the early stages, its announcement is a significant cause for excitement.Grandgear is scheduled to hit theaters on February 18, 2028. 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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Exito Media Concepts Announces the 46th Edition of the Digital Transformation Summit Malaysia 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 14, 2026 — Exito Media Concepts today announced the 46th Edition of the Digital Transformation Summit Malaysia 2026, convening on 23rd April 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur Midtown. The summit will bring together more than 200 C-Level executives, technology directors, and government leaders to address the strategic and operational imperatives shaping Malaysia's next phase of digital growth.Now in its 46th edition and part of a series spanning 11+ countries, the summit has established itself as one of Asia Pacific's most consequential forums for enterprise technology leadership.The Strategic Context: Malaysia's Digital Economy at a Critical JunctureMalaysia's digital economy is undergoing a structural shift. Driven by targeted government-led initiatives and accelerating enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Web 3.0, organizations across every sector are fundamentally reimagining how they operate, compete, and deliver value.The opportunity is significant. Yet the path to enterprise-wide transformation demands more than technology investment — it requires navigating complex cybersecurity environments, integrating legacy infrastructure with modern digital architecture, developing organizational capabilities at pace, and embedding a culture of innovation that sustains long-term resilience. For Malaysia's business leadership, strategic clarity has never been more consequential.The Digital Transformation Summit Malaysia 2026 is designed precisely for this inflection point.Enterprise Transformation in PracticeThe business case for bold digital action is already being written across Malaysia. A leading domestic enterprise recently undertook a comprehensive digital transformation initiative — transitioning to a cloud-first infrastructure supported by advanced data analytics and AI capabilities.The results were measurable and material: automating key operational processes delivered significant gains in efficiency and organizational agility. The concurrent deployment of robust cybersecurity frameworks ensured data integrity and regulatory compliance. Simultaneously, structured workforce upskilling programmes enabled teams to perform with confidence in an evolving technology environment.The outcome: improved business performance, deeper customer engagement, and a materially stronger competitive position within Malaysia's digital economy. It is precisely this calibre of real-world insight that the Summit is built to surface and scale.Event OverviewThe 46th Edition of the Digital Transformation Summit Malaysia 2026 is part of a globally recognized series of events hosted across 11+ countries. This edition will convene more than 200 C-Level Executives, Directors, Heads of Technology, Government leaders, and digital transformation leaders from across industries.Through expert-led keynotes, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, the summit will highlight innovative strategies, emerging technologies, and actionable insights that empower organizations to drive digital growth and operational excellence.Date: 23rd April 2026Time: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PMVenue: Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur MidtownWebsite: https://digitransformationsummit.com/malaysia/Summit Agenda: Technology Priorities Shaping 2026Delivered through expert-led keynotes, high-impact panel discussions, and documented case studies, the Summit agenda will address the technology priorities most consequential to enterprise leaders this year:Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Embedding intelligent decision-making and automation across core business functions — from supply chain to customer experience to financial operations.Web 3.0 & Emerging Technologies Navigating decentralized innovation and unlocking new digital ecosystems with long-term enterprise relevance.Internet of Things (IoT) Advancing operational connectivity and efficiency across industries through integrated sensor and data infrastructure.Quantum Computing Examining the practical and strategic implications of the next frontier in computational capability.Cybersecurity & Data Protection Strengthening enterprise digital resilience against an increasingly sophisticated and expansive threat landscape.Cloud & Scalable Infrastructure Building the foundational agility, continuity, and scalability demanded by modern enterprise growth.Digital Culture & Transformation Strategy Developing the leadership frameworks and organizational behaviours that sustain transformation well beyond initial implementation.Data-Driven Decision Making Harnessing analytics to convert raw data into competitive intelligence and measurable business outcomes.About Exito Media ConceptsExito — the word for success — is both the name and the operating philosophy of one of the world's most active B2B events and media organizations. Over 16 years, Exito has built a reputation for delivering 240+ conferences annually across technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, healthcare, and emerging enterprise sectors worldwide.Every Exito event is defined by meticulous agenda curation, access to world-class speaker communities, and a commitment to market-driven insight that translates directly into strategic value for attendees, sponsors, and partners. The result is a global platform trusted by thousands of senior executives to inform their most consequential decisions.Media ContactPrakruthi NayakaMedia and PR Executive, Exito Media ConceptsEmail: prakruthi.nayaka@exito-e.comWebsite: https://digitransformationsummit.com/malaysia/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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DENSO Establishes Strategic Partnership with Oracle to Modernize Core Supply Chain Systems
KARIYA, JAPAN, Apr 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - DENSO CORPORATION (hereinafter “DENSO”) announced today that it has established a strategic partnership with Oracle Corporation (hereinafter “Oracle”) to modernize its core systems in the supply chain domain*1. The two companies began work on this initiative in April.Under the partnership, DENSO will deploy a new global core system based on Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications, incorporating the latest AI technologies. Through this initiative, DENSO aims to build an advanced digital foundation for its supply chain operations.The automotive industry is currently facing increasing complexity in supply chain operations that support manufacturing—including production planning, logistics, and procurement—driven by the advancement of vehicle systems and diversification of vehicles, as well as heightened geopolitical risks. To respond appropriately and swiftly to these changes, it has become increasingly important to strengthen and standardize business processes through the use of digital technologies.DENSO and Oracle have previously worked together to modernize business processes based on cloud technologies in areas such as finance, indirect procurement, and human resources. Building on the knowledge gained through these efforts, the new strategic partnership expands the scope of collaboration to the supply chain domain.Under this partnership, DENSO will combine its extensive expertise in automotive parts manufacturing with Oracle’s latest cloud applications and AI technologies, using Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications as the foundation to globally modernize its core supply chain systems.In addition, DENSO and Oracle will establish an AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE)*2, serving as a central organization to collect knowledge on AI utilization and to promote the full-scale use of advanced AI agents across the initiative.Following a pilot deployment at overseas locations planned for approximately two years from now, the new core system will be rolled out globally in phases. Through the introduction of an AI-driven supply chain core system—a leading initiative within the automotive parts industry—DENSO aims to improve operational efficiency and sophistication while building a resilient, robust, and sustainable supply chain capable of adapting to change.Key Business Transformations Targeted by This InitiativeAdvancement of Business ProcessesData spanning planning, procurement, production, delivery, and accounting across globally dispersed operations will be centrally managed on a cloud-based system, enabling real-time visibility of the entire supply chain. Based on this integrated data foundation, AI will automate routine tasks and provide recommended actions, significantly reducing manual work and enabling employees to focus on higher-value, strategic activities.Accelerated Management Decision-MakingBy leveraging the same data foundation, AI will collect and analyze relevant information and run simulations based on multiple data sets, allowing early identification of procurement and supply risks that previously required manual intervention. This will enable the rapid formulation and evaluation of production, procurement, and supply strategies from a globally optimized perspective, in response to changing environments.Comments from ExecutivesHirotsugu TakeuchiCTO (Chief Technology Officer), CDO (Chief Digital Officer),Head of R&D Center, Head of Production Innovation CenterDENSO CorporationAs supply chain operations continue to grow in complexity, advanced technologies such as AI, together with analytics and forecasting platforms based on integrated data, are no longer optional—they are prerequisites. This initiative goes beyond simple efficiency improvements; it represents a fundamental modernization of our core systems to transform the quality and speed of decision-making on a global scale. By leveraging Oracle Fusion Applications to significantly enhance data accuracy and timeliness, and by embedding AI into day-to-day operations, we will implement a supply chain that is resilient to change.Steve MirandaExecutive Vice President, Applications DevelopmentOracleDENSO’s continued growth and the increased speed and complexity of its supply chain operations required a new AI-centric and integrated approach. With Oracle Fusion Applications, DENSO can adopt an AI-powered system of outcomes that can work across the business to automate end-to-end workflows, boost supply chain performance, and drive efficient global growth.DENSO will continue to partner with other companies to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and address social challenges, contributing to the realization of a sustainable mobility society.*1 Supply chain domain: Refers to operations related to manufacturing, including procurement, logistics, production, and delivery.*2 AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE): A core organization responsible for consolidating and sharing knowledge and know-how on AI utilization, establishing standards and governance, and providing expert consultation to business units to enable effective and continuous use of AI across the entire core system modernization initiative. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Fujitsu and Chugoku Electric Power T&D sign IP licensing agreement to accelerate renewable energy integration and advance power transmission maintenance
KAWASAKI, Japan, Apr 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Chugoku Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Co., Inc. today announced the signing of an intellectual property licensing agreement. This agreement, effective April 15, 2026, covers Chugoku Electric Power T&D's intellectual property, which includes its dynamic line rating technology [1] and intellectual property related to advanced power transmission facility maintenance. The partnership aims to support the expansion of renewable energy adoption and enhance power transmission facility maintenance operations through drone utilization.Under this agreement, Fujitsu will leverage Chugoku Electric Power T&D's intellectual property to launch an advanced power grid operation and maintenance support service for power transmission and distribution companies. This service will enable safe and maximum connection and utilization of renewable energy in the power grid.BackgroundAs the adoption of renewable energy continues to expand, power transmission and distribution companies are working to maximize the use of existing power transmission facilities while maintaining stable operation of the power system [2] . The capacity of transmission lines for safe power transmission varies with environmental conditions like temperature and wind speed. Traditionally, to protect transmission facilities, operations have been based on the transmission capacity under the worst-case conditions. However, dynamic line rating technology, which adjusts transmission capacity based on real-time environmental conditions, is now recognized as a key method for effectively utilizing transmission capacity while making the most of existing facilities.Furthermore, there are concerns that conventional human-dependent maintenance operations, such as inspection and patrolling of power transmission facilities, will face operational challenges in the future due to a shrinking workforce. To address these challenges, initiatives are progressing to utilize digital technologies and drones to efficiently and accurately assess the condition of transmission facilities.Fujitsu has developed technology to acquire and analyze vibration data across all spans of transmission lines using optical fiber sensing technology [3] with a single measuring device, as well as a technology platform for data management and AI analysis. To apply these technologies in a practical operational setting for power transmission and distribution companies, Fujitsu and Chugoku Electric Power T&D have conducted verification tests [4] since September 2021, focusing on expanding renewable energy adoption and enhancing power transmission facility maintenance operations.Service OverviewThe service integrates Chugoku Electric Power T&D's intellectual property, including its dynamic line rating technology and expertise in power transmission facility operation and maintenance, cultivated through verification tests and practical operations, with Fujitsu's optical fiber sensing, data analysis, and AI technologies. It acquires vibration data from optical fibers laid along transmission lines and uses environmental data, such as wind conditions around the transmission lines, derived from this vibration data, to calculate the available transmission capacity according to the real-time facility status. Furthermore, by training and inferring with AI using the acquired data, it becomes possible to predict future wind conditions around transmission lines and transmission capacity. These series of data acquisition, conversion, and prediction functions will be provided as the basic functions of this service.In addition, the data obtained from the basic functions can be utilized to support power transmission and distribution companies in addressing various operational challenges. It supports the operational design and system construction for dynamic line rating technology, thereby reducing renewable energy curtailment and promoting efficient power utilization. Furthermore, wind condition data around transmission lines can guide drone flight feasibility and optimal route selection. By assessing facility conditions from vibration data, the service also facilitates labor-saving and advanced maintenance operations, moving beyond traditional on-site and human-dependent methods.Fujitsu will offer this service to power transmission and distribution companies as part of its "AI Technologies and Solutions" offering under Uvance [5] , a business model focused on addressing societal challenges. Figure: Service Overview Future PlansFujitsu will continue to strengthen this service, including the application of generative AI, to achieve advanced maintenance operations from inspection to repair plan formulation, thereby contributing to the acceleration of digitalization in power infrastructure both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, under Uvance, Fujitsu will advance towards a sustainable and resilient society by enhancing social infrastructure through data and AI.Chugoku Electric Power T&D will continue to advance its technology and accumulate expertise through practical operations, leading the expansion of renewable energy adoption and the sophistication of facility maintenance operations.(1) Dynamic line rating technology:A technology that constantly monitors the status of power transmission lines and adjusts current capacity according to local conditions.(2) Power system:A series of electric power facilities and systems consisting of "transmission," "transformation," and "distribution" to deliver electricity from power stations to customers. (3) Optical fiber sensing technology:A technology that measures in real-time how optical fiber cables are vibrating by inputting specific laser pulses into communication optical fiber cables and measuring changes or components of backscattered light. This measurement uses a dedicated measuring device and a computing system for data processing. (4) Verification tests:Verification tests conducted by Chugoku Electric Power T&D and Fujitsu from September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022.(5) Uvance:Fujitsu's business model that drives advanced decision-making and business transformation by leveraging data and AI to address societal challenges. It supports both customer business growth and the resolution of societal issues through value co-creation across industries and countries. About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout Chugoku Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Co., Inc. Chugoku Electric Power T&D Co., Inc. is a general power transmission and distribution business operator in Japan, located in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, with five prefectures in the Chugoku region and part of neighboring prefecture as supply areas. A wholly owned subsidiary of Chugoku Electric Power Co., Ltd.https://www.energia.co.jp/nw/index.html (in Japanese)Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
‘Jumanji’ Returns to its Origins After 31 Years
Tri Star/Kobal/Shutterstock(SeaPRwire) - An April 7, 2024, Saturday Night Live sketch featured host Kristen Wiig as a woman with an unusual phobia of board games. She is specifically afraid of "getting Jumanjied"—being pulled into a board game. However, her friend, played by Andrew Dismukes, corrects her assumption. He points out that in the original Jumanji, only one person is drawn into the game, while the main plot involves the game's elements escaping out into the real world.A different partygoer expresses confusion, having believed the film was about people being sucked into a video game. She is informed that this describes the newer Jumanji movies, not the classic version. Her understanding may be partially justified, as the upcoming installment in the rebooted series is set to feature Jumanji emerging out of the game.Jumanji: Open World brings the video game characters to the real world. | Sony PicturesDuring its CinemaCon presentation, Sony concluded by announcing the third film in the current Jumanji series, which replaced the original 1995 film's board game with a video game concept. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart revealed the title of the new movie as Jumanji: Open World.A trailer screened for attendees showed the teenage protagonist, played by Alex Wolff, discovering that the avatars from the Jumanji video game have been transported into our world. However, these characters are not being controlled by players but are trapped in a "demo mode," altering their usual behavior; for instance, Johnson's Dr. Bravestone now speaks with a Spanish accent.The original Jumanji followed wild animals as they escaped the game and wreaked havoc in a small town. | Moviestore/ShutterstockHart explained during the presentation that the standard "game rules" of Jumanji are not consistently followed in Open World, and audiences will see three distinct variations of the avatars. For strict fans of the franchise's lore, the storyline will not be solely about Jumanji leaking into reality, as the original group of players will also re-enter the game. The film will nonetheless include nods to the original movie, featuring a lengthy tribute to the late star Robin Williams.Despite the balance between the game and the real world, this shift is a positive development for the series. The Jumanji universe can only support adventures reminiscent of Ready Player One for a limited time before they become stale. A key pleasure of the first film was witnessing lions, rhinos, and hunters causing chaos in a modern setting. Adapting that concept for a 2026 release may be one of Open World’s most compelling aspects, even if it adds to the confusion for actual board game enthusiasts.Jumanji: Open World premieres in theaters on December 25, 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: jenn
‘Beyond the Spider-Verse’ Could Be Teasing a Major Time-Travel Plot
Sony Pictures(SeaPRwire) - The Spider-Verse trilogy from Sony Animation has consistently expanded the boundaries of animation, employing comic book art styles and intentionally low frame rates to narrate its epic, multiversal tales. This approach has proven successful, as the inaugural film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, earned an Academy Award and subtly transformed the animation landscape. However, such high ambitions set a demanding bar for each subsequent installment.The concluding film, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, faces the significant challenge of surpassing the first two movies' action while providing a satisfying conclusion to the overarching story. Directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord are evidently dedicating considerable effort to get it right, with the release date having been postponed on four occasions before being scheduled for Father's Day weekend in 2027. The first glimpse of the film has now arrived, and the Father's Day release window appears to be particularly fitting.Miles must venture out to save his family — especially his dad. | Sony AnimationAttendees at CinemaCon were given a preview of several first-look images from the upcoming movie. The majority highlight Miles Morales' (Shameik Moore) mission to rescue his father, Jefferson Morales (Brian Tyree Henry). This objective is explicitly stated in one picture featuring Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya), which is marked with the phrase "Gonna save your dad!"One specific image of Jefferson is particularly intriguing. It depicts him in a car with his brother, Aaron (Mahershala Ali), shown as their younger selves at a time before Aaron transformed into the Prowler, an enforcer for Kingpin (Liev Schreiber). Initially, this might seem like a simple flashback to a period before Miles was born, but the reality could be far more complex.What looks to be a flashback could actually be our first glance at a time travel plot. | Sony AnimationAn official synopsis was also revealed during the CinemaCon presentation: “Hunted by Miguel O’Hara’s Spider Society and betrayed by his friends, Miles finds himself in the darkest corners of the Spider-Verse in search of a way home. Knowing that his family has been not only fractured but endangered by his calling, it’s a race against the clock for Miles to travel across the wildest reaches of time and space to fight for and reunite everything he holds most dear.”Given that Miles must journey across time and space, it is probable that the scene is not a mere flashback but an instance of time travel. The storyline suggests Miles will embark on a rapid tour through his family's history in his effort to protect them. This represents a logical progression from the multiverse-hopping narrative, and one thing is certain: this installment is poised to be the most ambitious and emotionally charged film in the Spider-Verse series.Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse premieres in theaters on June 18, 2027. 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: jenn
31 Years On, Star Trek’s Most Grueling Game Resonates a Timeless Paradox
Daedalic Entertainment(SeaPRwire) - Traveling 70,000 light-years from a remote region of the galaxy back to Earth is no small feat. Even within the Star Trek universe, where faster-than-light travel is standard, the 1995 series *Star Trek: Voyager* highlighted this distance as a massive obstacle. The concept behind *Voyager* was straightforward: while exploring the unknown was possible, being stranded too far from home meant isolation, rendering the ability to share discoveries with civilization impossible. For seven seasons, *Voyager* made its arduous journey back toward Earth, a voyage that was often amazing yet frequently frustrating. In 2026, gameXcite released a game aiming to immerse players in this strenuous trek. However, since the February launch of *Star Trek: Voyager — Across the Unknown*, a recurring grievance has emerged: much like Captain Janeway and her crew, players are finding the return trip excessively difficult.Fortunately, this obstacle has become slightly more manageable. Here is how the team behind *Across the Unknown* has improved the accessibility of the *USS Voyager's* daring voyage.Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown arrived on consoles and Steam in February. This roguelite strategic survival game is set in the 24th Century and essentially retells the narrative of the Voyager series (1995-2001). Mirroring the show, Captain Kathryn Janeway and the USS Voyager crew find themselves stranded in the largely uncharted Delta Quadrant, 70,000 light-years from Earth. Through a procedurally-generated campaign, players undertake the Voyager's long journey home across 12 distinct levels known as quadrants. Each quadrant features unique side-quests and storylines adapted from the television series.Although the game's bridge perspective successfully simulates the experience of commanding a starship and making the hard choices expected of a Federation captain, many users argue that the difficulty is excessive. Specific criticisms target resource acquisition and management, the maintenance of crew morale, and combat encounters with enemies. Across the Unknown currently offers three difficulty settings—Adventure, Survival, and the brutal Years of Hell—but feedback indicates that even the simplest mode, Adventure, remains too punishing for new players. (It is worth noting that in the series, the “Year of Hell” existed as an alternate reality that had to be discarded and reset, similar to restarting a video game from scratch.)Across the Universe truly puts players in the captain's seat of the Voyager. | Daedalic EntertainmentWhile gameXcite has maintained that Across the Unknown was meant to be challenging to reflect the Voyager’s seven-year struggle, they are obviously paying attention to fan feedback.According to TrekMovie.com, a new game update has added a “custom mode” difficulty setting. This allows players to fine-tune specific game variables to create their desired journey, whether they seek a harsh, punishing experience or a relaxed, story-centric adventure among the stars.By adjusting variables such as base storage limits, the duration required for tasks and research, and enemy combat strength, the update empowers players to fully control their gameplay and influence the fate of Captain Janeway and her crew.Whether coincidental or not, this adjustment reflects the experience of watching Voyager. The series aimed to present challenges for the crew, but not insurmountable ones. In many respects, Voyager sought to be a Trek series where the crew faced greater hardships than the Next Generation crew, who often enjoyed leisure time replicating tea or using the Holodeck. However, the essence of Star Trek is that it should generally feel comfortable, even in video game form. Consequently, players of Across the Unknown can now enjoy a varied experience, ranging from the intensity of episodes like “Scorpion” to the carefree enjoyment of the opening credits, where the focus is simply on warping through the galaxy in search of coffee.Star Trek: Voyager — Across the Unknown can be found on Steam. 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: jenn
Cult Animated Series “Over The Garden Wall” Receives Long-Awaited Blu-ray Upgrade After 12 Years
Cartoon Network(SeaPRwire) - For many fans, revisiting Over The Garden Wall has become an annual fall tradition. Debuting on Cartoon Network in 2014, this dark fantasy miniseries is spooky yet comfortably autumnal, with a touch of macabre humor. Ideal for the days leading up to Halloween.The one thing that stopped fans from their annual rewatch routine is Over The Garden Wall’s inconsistent availability. Right now, you can stream it on Hulu, but a few years prior, it was among several animated shows that were suddenly (and controversially) pulled from HBO Max as a cost-cutting move. Thankfully, the series is now receiving a long-overdue Blu-ray release in the United States.How Was Over The Garden Wall Received Upon Release?Bridging the gap between kids’ and adult entertainment, Over The Garden Wall is the kind of project that lets kids embrace being sad, morbid, and odd. In doing so, it gained a dedicated cult fanbase among older audiences — and earned widespread critical praise. Contemporary reviews lauded the show's music and spooky New England setting, which led to two Emmy Awards including for Outstanding Animated Program.It’s easy to see why Over The Garden Wall has stayed popular over time. Created by Patrick McHale — an animator who previously worked on Adventure Time, and later co-wrote Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio — the series features an all-star voice cast and delightful original songs, leaning into a dark yet whimsical folk-horror tone. Launching seemingly out of nowhere from a then-obscure showrunner, it’s a wonderful, tiny treasure of a show. But it was always a bit too unusual to become a mainstream blockbuster.Elijah Wood voices the lead character Wirt, an anxious boy who gets stranded in the woods with his upbeat younger brother Greg (Collin Dean). As they attempt to find their way out, they meet a string of strange, unsettling characters including talking animals, undead skeletons, and a witchy aunt (Tim Curry) who controls her demon-possessed niece using a magical bell.Why is Over The Garden Wall important to see now?Over the Garden Wall’s creepy charm helped turn it into a cult favorite. | Cartoon NetworkAs any Over The Garden Wall fan will tell you, the show's appeal lies in its originality and careful attention to detail, drawing from an incredibly wide range of creative inspirations dating back to the 19th century.In terms of character design, it clearly shares a lot of common ground with cartoons like Adventure Time, Steven Universe and Gravity Falls, whose creators all studied animation at CalArts around the same time as Patrick McHale. It belongs to a wave of animated projects that transformed children's programming in the 2010s, but McHale's work also nods to a much earlier era of filmmaking. One of his key formative influences is a short film called The Flying House (1921) by Little Nemo cartoonist Winsor McCay, who worked at a time when animation was still a new and experimental medium. McHale saw this film as a child, and it's one of many obscure reference points that shaped Over The Garden Wall's old-timey aesthetic, alongside influences like animator Yuri Norstein, gothic children’s book illustrator Edward Gorey, and Nosferatu director F.W. Murnau. These influences easily span a full century of film history, from homages to the dancing ghosts and skeletons of the classic 1920s Betty Boop cartoon “Minnie the Moocher,” to the way Tim Curry’s character Auntie Whispers resembles the old women in Studio Ghibli movies.McHale shares a writing credit on several of the songs, collaborating with The Blasting Company, a folk band who tapped into the show's vintage Americana atmosphere with instruments like the banjo and honky-tonk piano. Drawing from early 20th century blues and folk, Over The Garden Wall's songs feel like Tom Waits for middle-schoolers. They're also incredibly catchy. More than a decade after watching for the first time, I still have Greg's “Potatoes and Molasses” song stuck in my head, from a scene that encapsulates the show's creepy charm and deep-cut inspirations:In this episode, Greg and Wirt (and their bird friend Beatrice) stumble upon a school whose students are all animals in human clothing. Unlike the more stylized character design elsewhere in the show, these animals look relatively realistic, echoing illustrations from turn-of-the-century children's books and holiday postcards. While Greg feeds everyone a meal of potatoes and molasses, the animals play instruments to accompany his song. Like many moments in the show, there's an eerie undercurrent to an otherwise cutesy scene, even though this particular episode doesn't lean into outright horror.What new features does the Over The Garden Wall Blu-ray have?Alongside the original miniseries, the new Blu-ray includes some great special features, offering audio commentary tracks and a featurette titled “Behind the Garden Wall.” It also includes composer's cuts of the music, alternate title cards, deleted animation from the show's production process, and a copy of “Tome of the Unknown,” the original series pilot by Patrick McHale.Over The Garden Wall S1 Blu-rayAmazon - 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: nicole
Trump attacks close ally Meloni, claims she’s failing the US on Iran
(SeaPRwire) - Relations between Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni grew strained on Tuesday after the U.S. president publicly criticized his European ally, accusing her of lacking "courage" and failing to back Washington’s initiatives against Iran.In a telephone interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Trump described Meloni’s position as "unacceptable" and expressed his "shock" at her stance, according to the paper’s English edition.The disagreement was further intensified by Meloni’s condemnation of Trump’s recent comments regarding Pope Leo XIV, which she labeled "unacceptable," leading Trump to retort that "she is the one who is unacceptable."In a sharp critique of the Vatican’s appeal for de-escalation in the Middle East, President Trump used Truth Social to attack Pope Leo XIV. Calling the pontiff "WEAK on Crime" and "terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump advised him to "focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician." The post, which went viral, accused the first American pope of "catering to the Radical Left" at the expense of international security.During the interview with Corriere della Sera, Trump continued his criticism of Pope Leo, asserting that the pontiff "has no idea what’s going on in Iran" and "doesn’t understand" the gravity of the situation.Regarding Meloni, Trump remarked during the six-minute call that she "isn’t giving us any help" and reiterated his surprise at her behavior.He went further, alleging that Meloni relies on Washington’s support while refusing to take action herself."They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open," he stated, referring to international energy corridors through the Strait of Hormuz.These remarks signify a major change in tone toward Meloni, who was present at Trump’s 2025 inauguration and was described by him as "a great leader" only weeks ago.Neither the White House nor Meloni’s office provided an immediate response.The public disagreement comes as Meloni distances herself from both Washington and Jerusalem due to increasing domestic and political pressure regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East.On Tuesday, Meloni issued a statement confirming that Italy has halted the automatic renewal of a long-term defense cooperation pact with Israel, indicating a notable shift in relations."Given the current circumstances, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel," she stated, according to Reuters.The decision follows recent friction between Rome and Jerusalem, including incidents where Israeli forces fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, as well as increasing Italian criticism of Israeli military actions.Israel downplayed the move, suggesting the agreement was primarily symbolic and "has never contained any substantive content," Reuters reported.In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid voiced strong criticism of the government following Italy’s announcement."Italy’s decision to suspend the defense cooperation agreement with Israel is another embarrassing failure of the prime minister and the non-existent foreign minister," Lapid posted on X."Meloni is not a left-wing progressive European leader," he added. "She belongs to the conservative right and understands the need to fight terrorism."Analysts suggest Meloni’s shift indicates a broader political realignment, as the economic impact of the war—specifically rising energy prices—affects Italy’s import-reliant economy and public sentiment.Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supported Meloni, affirming Italy’s partnership with the United States while stressing that cooperation must be based on "loyalty, respect and mutual frankness."The rising tensions underscore growing divisions within Western alliances as the U.S.-led standoff with Iran impacts Europe, forcing leaders like Meloni to navigate between strategic ties and domestic political needs.The Israel Defense Ministry declined to provide a comment.Reuters contributed to this report. 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: nicole
The head of Israel’s intelligence agency states that the mission against Iran will conclude only when the ‘extremist regime’ is replaced
(SeaPRwire) - Mossad Director Dadi Barnea declared on Tuesday that Israel's operations targeting Iran will cease "only once the extremist regime in Iran is replaced."Barnea made this statement during a Holocaust commemoration event, as reported by The Wall Street Journal."We meticulously planned so that our operations would continue and manifest themselves even in the period following the strikes in Tehran," Barnea was quoted as saying. He reportedly added, "Our commitment will be fulfilled only once the extremist regime in Iran is replaced.""Forty days of intense combat have led to highly significant achievements, foremost among them a blow to the enemy's central objective -- the destruction of the State of Israel," Barnea further stated, according to Ynetnews. He concluded, "However, our mission has not yet been completed."Israel commenced its Operation Roaring Lion against Iran on February 28, the same day the U.S. military launched Operation Epic Fury.The joint U.S.-Israel effort has severely damaged Iran’s military and missile infrastructure and resulted in the death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei.Reuters reported earlier this week that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is severely disfigured after sustaining leg and face injuries during initial airstrikes on Tehran in February.Khamenei is recovering after incurring these injuries in the February 28 airstrikes that killed his father. Digital’s Robert McGreevy contributed to this report. 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: osami
Operators of Russia’s Illegal Gambling Network Given Suspended Sentences
(AsiaGameHub) - The individuals who orchestrated a Russian gambling ring involving two illicit land-based casinos have avoided incarceration, as a court has issued them suspended sentences. The ruling was delivered by the Central District Court of Prokopyevsk, located in the Kuznetsk Basin of southwestern Siberia. A judicial panel convicted the six men of “organizing illegal gambling for the purpose of generating income on an especially large scale.” According to prosecutors, the syndicate managed these gambling operations from January 2022 through March 2024. Authorities reported that the organizers leased two commercial properties within the Kuznetsk Basin. These locations were equipped with 15 computer terminals, 14 laptops configured with gambling software, and 12 slot machines. The court was informed that the group hired security personnel, administrators, and other staff, funding their wages through daily casino earnings. Over the course of their two-year operation, the group amassed profits exceeding 8 million rubles (approximately $104,000). A university building in the Russian city of Prokopyevsk. (Image: Sergei) Russian Gambling Network: Court Issues Suspended Jail Terms Following police raids on the casinos in March 2024, several arrests were made and cash was seized from the premises. However, the Prokopyevsk court opted against prison time, instead handing the men suspended sentences ranging from 1.5 to 3 years. As reported by the Russian media outlet Sidepo, all six defendants are subject to probation. Additionally, the court imposed fines amounting to more than 6.3 million rubles (roughly $82,000). The judges further mandated that all gaming equipment and related hardware be forfeited to the state. Debate persists in Russia regarding the Ministry of Finance’s proposal to legalize, oversee, and tax online casinos. Earlier this month, a prominent clinical psychologist warned that remote Russian regions face the highest risk from these potential changes. She cautioned that if the Kremlin approves the initiative, a “strong illegal online casino sector could thrive, and addiction rates may rise” in rural communities. 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.