Slovenia Times

1win VIP Community Member Ilia Topuria Sets for Historic UFC Freedom 250 Main Event

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 06:07:54 +0200

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 June 2026 - As UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria prepares for one of the biggest fights of his career, international brand 1win highlights the recent acceptance of the undefeated MMA superstar to the 1win VIP Community, ahead of the historic UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14.

Topuria officially joined the global 1win VIP Community on June 2, becoming part of the brand's exclusive project that unites prominent figures from sports, music, and entertainment. Two weeks later, he is set to headline UFC Freedom 250 against Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout in the White House. The event is already being described as one of the most memorable spectacles in combat sports history.

"It's not gonna be the biggest in UFC history - it's gonna be one of the biggest events in sports history," Topuria said ahead of the fight.

The bout marks the first defense of the lightweight title Topuria captured last year when he knocked out former champion Charles Oliveira to become only the tenth fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes. Holding a professional record of 17-0-0, "El Matador" Topuria enters the contest looking to further cement his legacy.

Known for his confidence and tireless pursuit of excellence, Topuria believes success is built on preparation rather than chance, a mindset that aligns closely with the philosophy behind the 1win VIP Community.

"Life is a game. Most people sit and hope for luck. I find it inefficient. I prefer control and precision, because when you set your own rules, winning stops being a surprise. If that's your way of life, you're welcome at my table with 1win," stressed Topuria upon joining the 1win VIP community.

The fighter has repeatedly demonstrated confidence ahead of his clash with Gaethje, emphasizing his discipline, hard work, and dedication.

Ilia Topuria joins a growing roster of internationally recognized athletes and entertainers engaging with 1win, including 1win VIP member, rapper Tyga, and brand ambassadors and UFC fighters Jon Jones, Gable Steveson, and Ignacio Bahamondes.

Hashtag: #1win

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About 1win

1win is an international entertainment platform operating across multiple markets worldwide. Through partnerships with internationally recognized athletes and celebrities, the company creates engaging experiences and premium content for audiences worldwide.

Boutique hotel blends Prekmurje architecture with modern sustainability

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0200

A new boutique hotel has opened Tešanovci, a village near the popular spa town of Moravske Toplice. Named Sončno Polje (Sunny Field), the property aims to introduce a fresh concept of tourism to the Prekmurje region in northeastern Slovenia, one focused on tranquillity, nature, and an authentic experience of the local culture.

The project represents a deliberate shift away from mass tourism and large-scale thermal spas. According to the investors, the hotel is tailored for travellers seeking a slower, more relaxed pace of vacation, deeply connected to the regional landscape.

A tribute to local history and architecture

The hotel was built on the site of a former homestead which, until 1945, operated as the largest inn in the village. In a nod to the past, part of the new hotel mirrors the dimensions of the original homestead, incorporating architectural elements that pay tribute to the history of the area.

Designed by architects Goran and Maja Dominko, the hotel is a modern interpretation of traditional Pannonian building styles. Constructed almost entirely out of wood, the building combines high living comfort and energy efficiency with a low environmental footprint.

Its most prominent features are a huge thatched roof and spacious wooden decks and balconies, which offer guests direct contact with nature and sweeping views of the Pannonian plains and the rolling hills of Goričko.

"We wanted to create a hotel that does not stand out from the environment but breathes with it," said Franc Cipot, one of the investors, emphasizing that the project was born out of deep respect for Prekmurje's landscape, architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.

A gateway to Prekmurje

The hotel features 65 beds spread across 19 units, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, saunas, a fitness centre, and conference rooms for business events.

However, the creators of Sončno Polje view the hotel primarily as a starting point for exploring the wider region. Tešanovci lies at the crossroads of three geographically and culturally distinct areas of Prekmurje, making it an ideal base for cycling trips, culinary exploration, and discovering local landmarks.

Several of the region's highlights are located in the immediate vicinity, including architect Jože Plečnik's famous Church of the Ascension in Bogojina, the fresco-adorned Church of St. Martin in Martjanci, the Romanesque Rotunda in Selo, and the mysterious Bukovnica Lake.

Boosting the local economy

Sončno Polje is also set to become an important asset for the local community. The hotel will create new jobs and plans to actively collaborate with a network of local providers, including family farms, winemakers, craftsmen, and cultural institutions.

This will ensure that guests experience the most authentic flavours and traditions the region has to offer, from the famous prekmurska gibanica pastry to local wines.

Coal region goes zero-carbon with groundbreaking tech hub

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:32:49 +0200

In what is a milestone for Slovenia's historic mining district of Zasavje, a €32 million centre dedicated to zero-carbon technologies has officially opened in the town of Kisovec, representing one of Slovenia's largest research and development investments in the green transition.

A part of the National Institute of Chemistry, the Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies aims to bridge the gap between science and industry by bringing together research organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.

A historic transformation

The establishment of the centre marks a turning point in the economic and environmental evolution of a region traditionally rooted in coal mining. Gregor Anderluh, Director of the National Institute of Chemistry, noted at the 12 June opening ceremony that the facility served as a prime example of successful regional transformation.

"Today it is becoming a space for the development of new materials, knowledge and technologies for a carbon-free society," he said.

The centre will build upon decades of existing Slovenian research in battery technologies, which is spearheaded by the National Institute of Chemistry, facilitating the development of new prototypes and pilot projects. It is also notable for being the first project in Slovenia to receive financial support from the EU's Just Transition Fund, which helps regions transition away from fossil fuels.

Cutting-edge facilities

The building covers more than 1,500 square meters and is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure. Within this space, the centre features a specialized pilot assembly line for creating prototype battery cells, alongside advanced measurement and analytical equipment and dedicated capabilities for hydrogen technology research.

Previously, Slovenian companies looking for this level of research infrastructure had to seek assistance abroad. Robert Dominko, the head of the new centre, emphasised its broader geographic impact. "There is no comparable centre in a 500-kilometre radius, so I believe the centre will become an important development hub for Slovenia and the wider European region," he said.

A boon for Slovenia and Europe

The opening saw local and international officials praise the centre as instrumental to Slovenia's and Europe's climate ambitions.

Matjaž Švagan, the mayor of Zagorje ob Savi, described it as a developmental milestone for future generations, while National Council President Marko Lotrič highlighted that closer ties between science and business will allow for the faster commercialization of these new technologies.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, stated that the centre demonstrated how climate ambitions can be translated into concrete developmental opportunities for local industries and residents, adding that Slovenia is helping pave the way for green technologies across the EU.

The 7th Cross-Strait Financial Forum and Taiwan-Funded Enterprise Development Forum

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:26:59 +0200

XIAMEN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 Jun 2026 - On June 12, the 7th Cross-Strait Financial Forum and Taiwan-Funded Enterprise Development Forum was held in Xiamen.The event was jointly organized by the Fujian Provincial Financial Regulatory Administration, the Xiamen Municipal Financial Regulatory Administration, and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland, hosted by Xiamen Jinyuan Investment Group, and executed by Jinyuan Uni-President Securities. Under the theme "Three Years of Integration Embarking on a New Journey, United Development Writing a New Chapter," the forum focused on cross-strait financial cooperation, expanded financing channels for Taiwan-funded enterprises, industrial transformation and upgrading, and financial innovation between Fujian and Taiwan. It aimed to support Fujian's efforts to accelerate the development of the first-choice home for Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan-funded enterprises on the mainland.

This year's forum is an important supporting event of the 18th Cross-Strait Forum. During the event, nine Fujian-Taiwan financial integration projects were signed, with a total value of RMB 9.1 billion. The projects cover a wide range of financial services across areas including cross-strait industrial cooperation, water supply security for public welfare, capacity upgrades for long-established Taiwan-funded enterprises, technology and innovation industries, and modern agriculture. These initiatives continue to unlock the benefits of financial policies, promote shared access to financial resources for Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan-funded enterprises, and inject new momentum into industrial integration between Fujian and Taiwan.

At the forum, the Cross-Strait Wealth and Asset Management Cross-Sector Alliance was officially inaugurated. Supported by Jinyuan Group and jointly proposed by its affiliated financial institutions, the alliance was co-founded by Xiamen International Trust, Jinyuan Uni-President Securities, Yuanxin Yongfeng Fund, Fubon Bank (China), Junlong Life Insurance, and Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, among others. Centered on serving the wealth management and asset management needs of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, the alliance aims to build a one-stop service platform covering asset allocation for Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan-funded enterprises on the mainland, family trusts and wealth succession planning, pension finance, and healthcare protection solutions.

The forum also unveiled a series of innovative financial achievements related to Taiwan. The banking industry's first group standard dedicated to Taiwan-related financial services on the mainland, the "Specification for Taiwan-Related Financial Services of Banking Financial Institutions," was officially released. At the same time, the "Bailufen" Taiwan Compatriot Financial Service Platform was introduced, further enhancing financial services for Taiwan compatriots living in Fujian and supporting the development of Taiwan-funded enterprises.

Hashtag: #StraitsFinancialForum

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Verdant Rock Receives BBB+ Long-Term Insurer Financial Strength Rating with a Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:26:55 +0200

HAMILTON, BERMUDA - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - Verdant Rock Limited has received a BBB+ Long-Term Insurer Financial Strength Rating with a Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings effective 12 June 2026. Combined with a Class 3B Insurer license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), effective 6 May 2026, the company is in a strong position to extend financial guarantees on bonds and loans in emerging markets for beneficiaries globally. We provide irrevocable, unconditional, on-demand financial guarantees designed to qualify as eligible credit protection under Basel and major insurance solvency regimes. We are focused on private liabilities and do not cover sovereigns, municipalities or provinces. Bonds and loans issued by emerging market corporations and banks, structured financings, asset-backed (ABS) and mortgage-backed (MBS) exposures in securities or loan format, and project finance are all within the Company's remit.

"The infrastructure and capital markets we are targeting have been systematically underserved over the past decade. Verdant Rock enters this space with an investment grade rating, a strong capital position, the regulatory standing, the technical capability, and the long-term commitment that issuers and their advisers have been unable to find elsewhere."

- Tolga Uzuner, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Verdant Rock Limited

The Fitch Ratings report can be accessed here:
Fitch Rates Verdant Rock at 'BBB+'; Outlook Stable

Verdant Rock's Class 3B registration can be verified via the BMA's register of regulated entities (search "Verdant Rock"): https://www.bma.bm/regulated-entities

Notes to editors: For the May 2026 licensing announcement, see https://bernews.com/2026/05/walkers-supports-verdant-rock-licensing/

This announcement is (i) for information only; (ii) not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, insurance product, or financial guarantee; and (iii) not for distribution in any jurisdiction where to do so would be unlawful. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results, and Verdant Rock undertakes no obligation to update them. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security and may be subject to revision, suspension or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.

Hashtag: #VerdantRock

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ABOUT VERDANT ROCK

Verdant Rock Limited is a Bermuda-based insurance company, regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, providing Basel III and Solvency II compliant financial guarantees in emerging markets, designed to qualify as eligible credit protection under Basel and major insurance solvency regimes, for the benefit of institutions globally.

TVBS deploys AI translation for NVIDIA GTC Taipei keynote

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:06:53 +0200

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - TVBS deployed its self-developed real-time AI translation system during NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's keynote at GTC Taipei 2026 on June 1. The system delivered near-simultaneous Chinese subtitles that viewers initially mistook for official NVIDIA translations. The in-house technology marked a rare instance of a news organization independently developing live translation for a large-scale broadcast.

TVBS deployed its self-developed real-time AI translation system during NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's keynote at GTC Taipei 2026 on June 1.

Online viewers praised the translation quality, with comments including "The quality of this real-time translation is amazing," "The translation is incredibly fast," and "The live speech recognition quality is surprisingly good." Some viewers assumed the subtitles came from NVIDIA's official translation team.

The achievement demonstrates how Taiwan's media industry is adapting to AI-driven transformation. TVBS is positioning itself as a leader in integrating proprietary AI development with real-world broadcast applications. The company completed optimization and deployment of the system in just nine days - a process that traditionally requires months of dedicated training, according to Andy Yang, manager of TVBS AI Future Technology Department.

Yang explained that the biggest challenge in real-time translation lies in balancing "content accuracy" with "reading fluency" under extremely tight time constraints. Huang's speaking style is highly improvisational and frequently switches between English, Mandarin and Taiwanese, while audience applause and cheering often occur simultaneously.

Applying standard off-the-shelf translation software in such an environment would likely result in sentence segmentation errors and unclear semantic interpretation, Yang said. Rather than pursuing "zero-latency" translation at all costs, TVBS designed a subtitle presentation mechanism specifically tailored to the keynote format.

Prior to the event, the TVBS team conducted extensive cross-platform testing on multiple AI translation models, evaluating latency and error rates. By introducing a carefully calibrated broadcast delay, the system gained additional time to process semantic meaning and contextual alignment. This approach enabled smoother subtitles matching natural Chinese reading habits, Yang said.

The team also built a dedicated knowledge base for NVIDIA GTC Taipei, compiling AI industry terminology, product names and technical keywords in advance. This significantly improved translation quality and the accuracy of professional content delivery. TVBS's real-time translation system can be customized based on different broadcasting scenarios, Yang noted.

Yang emphasized that the key to the rapid nine-day deployment was cross-department collaboration. Engineering teams handled hardware tuning and signal integration, while internal technical and content teams managed ongoing model training and refinement. TVBS established a collaborative workflow integrating both technology and editorial expertise.

Through continuous iteration and adjustment, the team incorporated Taiwanese linguistic nuances and natural Chinese phrasing into the system. This enhanced fluency and readability beyond what generic AI models alone could achieve, ultimately shaping what Yang called a distinct "TVBS AI style." The approach reflects the company's "3T" philosophy - Truth, Trust and Technology.

In his keynote at the Taipei Music Center, Huang focused on AI infrastructure, next-generation computing platforms and NVIDIA's latest technological roadmap. GTC Taipei 2026 attracted significant international attention as AI continues to reshape global industries. Through its own transformation journey, TVBS hopes to help lead Taiwan's media industry into a new era shaped by AI.

Hashtag: #TVBS

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Slovenian capital market set for rare IPO

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:52:45 +0200

The Slovenian capital market is preparing for a rare initial public offering as the newly established asset management vehicle NLB Skladi - Nepremičnine has announced plans for a public share offering with the aim of listing them on Ljubljana Stock Exchange.

According to a prospectus published on 12 June, the company plans to issue up to 10 million new shares at a fixed price of €10 per share. The minimum investment has been set at €5,000.

The public subscription period is scheduled to run from 16 June to 16 October, with the possibility of a three-week extension.

Targeting retail and institutional investors

NLB Skladi - Nepremičnine is structured as a closed-end alternative investment fund, operating as a real estate investment company. Established in May by Slovenia's leading asset management firm, NLB Skladi, the fund's primary objective is to pool investor capital to build a diversified portfolio of real estate assets.

The fund currently holds a share capital of just a million euros divided into 100,000 ordinary shares, all owned by its parent company. The capital raising plan was approved on 27 May, targeting a capital increase of between €29 million and €100 million.

To be deemed successful, the IPO must achieve a minimum subscription threshold of 2.9 million shares.

The subscription will be open to both institutional and retail investors. While retail participation is restricted to investors based in Slovenia, qualified institutional investors from neighbouring Croatia will also be permitted to participate.

A welcome boost for the Ljubljana Stock Exchange

If the capital raise is successful, the new shares are expected to float on the LJSE's standard market shortly thereafter.

While the LJSE has had a few technical or direct listings in recent years, such as the real estate spin-off Equinox in 2023, true IPOs that actively raise fresh capital from the public remain a rarity. The last major IPO was NLB bank in 2018.

New Quality, Shared Future - Beijing CBD Extends a Global Invitation for Cooperation

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:46:47 +0200

If there are only three days to understand China's economic development, Beijing CBD is a good place to start.

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - In mid-June this year, 2026 Beijing CBD Forum Annual Conference will be held as scheduled. Nearly ten thousand participants from five continents will gather here, with international speakers accounting for more than 50% of the lineup. Yet the Forum is but a window; the true landscape worth the world's attention lies just outside - the central business district itself.

The skyline of Beijing's Central Business District

"International Density" on Seven Square Kilometers

In the core area of Beijing CBD - a mere seven square kilometers - nearly 16,000 foreign-funded institutions and 125 regional headquarters of multinational corporations (MNCs) are located. This represents half of all MNC headquarters resources in Beijing.

This is no coincidence. The district is one of China's most internationally oriented, service-rich, and mature international business zones. From law firms and consultancies to financial institutions, the world's top professional services firms have formed a complete ecosystem here.

What makes the area even more valuable for overseas companies and organizations is that policies here are not just written on paper - they are embedded in actual processes.

From pilot schemes on cross-border data flows, to facilitated access for foreign financial institutions, to one-stop service desks for international talent - Beijing CBD has long served as a pilot zone for institutional opening-up. Foreign enterprises find that issues they encounter here tend to be addressed and resolved more quickly.

During this year's Beijing CBD Forum annual conference, the Ambassadors' Roundtable Dialogue will establish a regular communication mechanism, and the "International Delegations' China Tour" will allow overseas business representatives and zone managers to conduct in-depth site visits and exchange experiences. What is even more noteworthy, however, is that such exchanges are not confined to the Forum - they continue year-round here.

Beijing CBD: A Sincere and Pragmatic Invitation

Artificial intelligence, the digital economy, green technologies - these areas, known as "new quality productive forces," are not empty buzzwords here. The Forum includes dedicated sessions on technological innovation, financial opening-up, law-business integration, cultural industries, and international consumption. Yet what truly deserves the attention of potential international partners is the industrial foundation behind these topics.

Beijing CBD is home to the densest concentration of foreign financial institutions and cross-border capital in China. A large number of tech companies are engaged in cross-sector collaboration with traditional industries here. High-end professional services - international law, arbitration, compliance - are highly concentrated, providing support for both inbound and outbound business activities. Moreover, as the starting area of the city's international demonstration zone for law-business integration, the district continues to focus on strengthening the rule of law in commercial affairs, improving its legal services framework, enhancing the resolution of international commercial disputes, and fostering a stable, transparent, predictable, and internationally competitive business environment. In the future, Beijing CBD will build a one-stop legal and commercial service platform that integrates legal, auditing, intellectual property and other professional resources to precisely serve companies going global and managing cross-border operations.

Here, you will find that its vitality derives mainly from genuine business judgments about market opportunities. For enterprises, the cooperation logic here is predictable, commercial, and sustainable.

Beijing CBD is not merely a striking poster - it is a real-world district where hundreds of thousands of business people move every day, thousands of foreign-funded institutions operate, and countless cross-border transactions take place.

If you are looking for a stable gateway to the Chinese market, or a high-level hub to connect global resources with local applications, it deserves your consideration.

The Forum's 2026 annual conference lasts only three days. But Beijing CBD is open all year round.

Hashtag: #Chaoyang

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Singapore Music School Launches Structured Beginner String Learning Method

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:06:44 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - LVL Music Academy has introduced a structured beginner string learning method designed to support students who are starting violin or cello lessons for the first time.

The framework brings together lesson planning, posture development, instrument handling, basic technique, and instrument setup guidance. It was developed in response to common challenges faced by beginner string students, including discomfort while holding the instrument, poor bow grip, inconsistent sound production, unsuitable instrument sizing, and difficulty building good practice habits in the early stages of learning.

Unlike some instruments where students can begin with fewer setup considerations, the violin and cello require careful attention to posture, hand position, bow control, instrument fit, and tuning stability from the start. For young beginners in particular, an instrument that is too large, poorly adjusted, or difficult to play can affect both progress and confidence.

LVL Music Academy's method aims to make the early learning process more structured by connecting what happens in the lesson room with the physical condition and suitability of the instrument itself. The academy's in-house luthier support allows teachers and staff to assess factors such as instrument size, bridge height, string condition, peg function, bow quality, and general playability where needed.

"Many beginner students struggle not because they are not musical, but because the instrument is difficult to manage or the early foundations are not clear enough," said a spokesperson for LVL Music Academy. "For violin and cello, comfort, posture, instrument setup, and lesson structure all affect how a student learns. This method is designed to address those areas together rather than treating them separately."

The beginner framework covers several core areas: posture and body awareness, correct instrument hold, bow hold development, left-hand position, rhythm, note reading, tone production, listening skills, and home practice guidance. Students are also guided on how to care for their instrument, tune safely with support, and understand when an instrument may need adjustment.

The approach is intended for children and adult beginners who are new to string instruments. It also provides parents with clearer guidance on what to expect during the early stages of violin or cello learning, including how to support practice at home and how to recognise whether an instrument is suitable for the student's size and level.

LVL said the framework is part of its wider effort to make beginner string education more practical and better supported. By combining teaching, instrument guidance, and luthier knowledge under one roof, the academy hopes to reduce common early-stage barriers that can affect motivation and long-term progress.
Hashtag: #LVLMusicAcademy

https://www.lvlmusicacademy.com
https://sg.linkedin.com/in/alan-senejani
https://x.com/lvlmusicacademy
https://facebook.com/lvlmusicacademy
https://instagram.com/lvlmusicacademy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About LVL Music Academy

LVL Music Academy is a Singapore-based music school, string instrument shop, and in-house luthier workshop located in Bukit Timah. The academy provides violin, cello, piano, viola, and music theory lessons for children and adults, alongside instrument sales, rentals, repairs, restoration, and professional setup support.

Founded with a focus on practical music education and proper instrument care, LVL Music Academy supports students from beginner to advanced levels through structured lessons, performance opportunities, examination preparation, and access to luthier guidance under one roof.

For more information, visit www.lvlmusicacademy.com.

New PETRONAS Syntium Delivers Enhanced Engine Protection and Fuel Efficiency

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:26:37 +0200

MELAKA, MALAYSIA - MediaOutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) has introduced the next generation of its all-new PETRONAS Syntium as part of a phased global rollout, featuring upgraded formulations that meet the latest API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 standards.

PETRONAS Syntium Supreme, formulated with CoolTech+™ technology to enhance engine protection and fuel efficiency for high-performance driving.

Developed through decades of Formula One-winning experience and Fluid Technology Solutions™ expertise, the new range is designed to deliver enhanced engine protection, fuel efficiency and performance, bringing motorsport-proven technology into everyday reliability for motorists.

Rather than offering a single catch-all solution, the portfolio comprises four purpose-built variants, each developed to meet specific driving needs, from high-performance and Japanese engines to everyday vehicles and hybrid powertrains. The new range simplifies the choice for consumers, offering a streamlined selection of oils that meet the latest industry standards while supporting improved fuel efficiency and engine performance.

PETRONAS Syntium Supreme: Designed for high-performance vehicles. Featuring CoolTech+™ technology, it cuts engine wear and maximises fuel efficiency by up to 13%*.
PETRONAS Syntium Supreme GLV2: Made ideally for Japanese engines. JASO GLV-2 approvals assure up to 19%** better fuel efficiency and a higher shear stability for highly demanding Japanese cars.
PETRONAS Syntium Prime: Reliable, long-lasting engine defence for everyday vehicles, featuring Active Defense™ technology to ensure consistent performance across everyday driving conditions for stress-free driving.
PETRONAS Syntium Hybrid: Specifically engineered to meet the unique demands of hybrid powertrains. CoolTech-H™ technology delivers targeted protection during frequent stop-start cycles and across the lower operating temperatures typical of hybrid operation.

*Based on industry standard testing, where PETRONAS Syntium Supreme exceeded the ACEA C5 fuel economy limit. Actual performance may vary by vehicle and driving conditions.

**Based on field trial data over a 12,000km test under real-life driving conditions, comparing 0W-20 JASO GLV2a against API SQ/GF-7 reference oil. Actual fuel efficiency may vary depending on vehicle model, driving behaviour and operating conditions.

PETRONAS Lubricants International Regional Managing Director Asia, Noorhana Abdul Habib said, "The new PETRONAS Syntium range marks a defining step in advancing lubricant innovation, delivering uncompromising quality solutions to workshops and motorists across Malaysia and Asia. Powered by next-generation formulations aligned with the latest API SQ standard, it enhances fuel efficiency and engine performance, empowering motorists with cutting-edge technology that delivers excellence in every drive."

The all-new PETRONAS Syntium range has been launched in Malaysia, Japan and selected European markets. The rollout will expand across key Asia-Pacific markets throughout the year, making the range available at PETRONAS AutoExpert locations and authorised workshop networks in countries including China, Indonesia and Thailand by the end of 2026.

Hashtag: #PETRONASLubricantsInternational #PLI #PETRONASSyntium #automotive #lubricants

http://www.pli-petronas.com/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PETRONAS Lubricants International

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia's dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS' partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.

PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need. For more information, please visit www.pli-petronas.com.

101 Gift Releases 2026 Summer Corporate Procurement Guidelines, Upgrades Business Model Beyond Traditional Frameworks

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:26:29 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - As climate change and evolving marketing patterns present new challenges for quarterly corporate strategies, 101 Gift, a scaled corporate service provider, released its 2026 summer corporate promotion and procurement recommendations today. The guidelines analyze the impact of extreme weather and international sports events on corporate marketing strategies. Simultaneously, the company announced its successful business transformation, breaking away from the conventional framework of a traditional gift company to offer comprehensive marketing services and business solutions.

Climate Factors Drive Procurement Preferences

Industry observations by 101 Gift indicate a significant surge in Q3 market demand for practical souvenirs items and promotional materials designed to tackle high temperatures and rainy weather. Based on historical market data analysis, Electric Fan, Umbrella, and Sports Water Bottle have emerged as the three core categories for summer marketing campaigns.

When formulating procurement strategies, 101 Gift advises enterprises to elevate their selection criteria from basic practicality to incorporating innovative technology and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. For instance, cooling devices utilizing semiconductor technology and eco-friendly umbrellas made from sustainable materials can help companies effectively convey their green responsibilities and innovative brand values when distributing a premium. Furthermore, to cater to modern consumers' preference for traveling light, the market demand for promotional materials with high portability and flat designs is also steadily increasing.

Mega Sports Events Drive Derived Promotional Demand

Beyond climate factors, 2026 coincides with major international sports tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, which further drives the diversification of summer commercial promotions. 101 Gift's analysis points out that as the excitement around these events gradually peaks, thematic marketing campaigns in sectors such as retail, food and beverage, and shopping malls will directly stimulate a strong market demand for sports-related peripherals. By integrating sports elements into a promotional gift, companies can effectively enhance emotional connections and brand engagement rates with their target audience.

Breaking Traditional Frameworks to Provide Diversified Commercial Solutions

While continuing to offer precise procurement advice, 101 Gift also announced the successful strategic upgrade of its business model, officially moving beyond its sole positioning as a traditional gift company. Through an ongoing and deepened partnership with the marketing agency Blue Ocean Strategy and Service, 101 Gift has recently and successfully delivered in-depth marketing services to corporate clients across various sectors.

This business upgrade seamlessly integrates 101 Gift's robust supply chain and manufacturing advantages with profound market data analysis and marketing strategies. The company now provides not only the production of physical materials but also comprehensive commercial solutions for various clients planning large-scale outdoor promotions, VIP corporate initiatives, and sports-themed events, fundamentally assisting enterprises in optimizing their overall marketing effectiveness and commercial returns.

Hashtag: #101Gift #Corporategift #Souvenir #SportsGifts

https://101gift.com.hk/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About 101 Gift And Premium

101 Gift is a premier corporate and promotional gift customization company in Hong Kong, offering flexible small-batch ordering and one-stop services. Dedicated specialists rigorously oversee the entire process, encompassing gift consultation, creative design, production, quality inspection, and after-sales support. We are deeply trusted by major financial institutions (such as the MPFA and Citibank), leading technology enterprises (such as Pure Storage), and educational institutions. 101 Gift maintains strict quality control over production details to ensure every corporate gift aligns perfectly with the client's brand image and the highest quality standards, helping businesses effortlessly deliver unique, thoughtful, and exclusive gifts.

XTransfer Marks European Milestone at Money20/20 Europe 2026 with Strategic Banking Partnerships

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:26:28 +0200

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MediaOutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - XTransfer, the world's leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, marked a milestone in its growing European presence at Money20/20 Europe 2026 in Amsterdam. Building on strong engagement throughout the event, the company announced two strategic collaborations with international financial institutions BBVA and Societe Generale, reinforcing its commitment to partnering with top-tier banks to modernise cross-border payment infrastructure for SMEs worldwide.

XTransfer announced partnerships with BBVA and Societe Generale during Money20/20 Europe 2026.

XTransfer processed more than US$60 billion in total payment volume (TPV) in 2025 and, as of 31 March 2026, has served approximately 897,000 registered clients, with payment services covering more than 200 countries and regions. The platform is scaling as a critical infrastructure layer, connecting SMEs to secure and compliant cross-border payment capabilities traditionally reserved for larger corporates.

The new collaborations support XTransfer's long-term strategy to deepen X-Net, its unified B2B cross-border settlement network and risk management platform. X-Net links financial institutions and import-export enterprises through end-to-end, cross-bank payment connections and centralised risk controls. By combining bank-grade resilience and regulatory expertise with platform-enabled digital connectivity, XTransfer aims to deliver faster, more predictable, and easier-to-automate cross-border payment experiences across major trade corridors.

The initiatives also align with XTransfer's focus on addressing persistent pain points that constrain trade and cash flow for SMEs, particularly those operating in and with emerging markets. Businesses often face fragmented local collection options, limited transparency over fees and FX, lengthy and unpredictable settlement cycles, and complex onboarding and compliance processes. By expanding local-currency collection, improving FX conversion reliability, and strengthening regulated settlement connectivity, XTransfer aims to reduce friction for SMEs trading into and out of fast-growing markets, supporting a shift from informal channels to secure, compliant payment rails.

At Money20/20 Europe 2026, XTransfer brought the momentum of its partnership announcements to the official Money20/20 stage and hosted a fireside chat featuring Violas Xiao, Singapore & Latin America CEO of XTransfer, titled "Across Borders & Beyond Boundaries: Women Shaping the Next Era of Global Payments," with speakers from BBVA, HSBC, Visa and BNP Paribas.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Money2020EU2026 #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Partnerships

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Kaopiz and QuantumTX Sign MOU to Co-Develop AI-Powered IoT Healthcare Solutions for Asia's Aging Population

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:26:27 +0200

On the afternoon of May 29th, in Singapore, partnership signed at the Vietnam-Singapore Tech Connect Forum, witnessed by the highest-level government delegations from both nations, combining QuantumTX's breakthrough MitoCharge technology with Kaopiz's end-to-end software, AI, and IoT engineering capabilities

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - Kaopiz Holdings and QuantumTX announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-develop next-generation preventive healthcare solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence, IoT engineering, and advanced health data platforms.

Kaopiz × QuantumTX sign MOU at Vietnam-Singapore Tech Connect Forum to co-develop next-generation healthcare solutions

The agreement was signed at the Vietnam-Singapore Tech Connect Forum held at Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore, in the presence of Mr. To Lam, General Secretary and President of Vietnam, and Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-Charge of Energy and Science & Technology (MTI), Singapore - underscoring the partnership's significance at the highest levels of Vietnam-Singapore bilateral cooperation.

Combining Hardware Innovation with Full-Stack Software & AI Engineering

QuantumTX contributes its proprietary MitoCharge technology - a clinically researched muscle-mitochondria activation system that delivers the physiological benefits of exercise without physical stress - purpose-built for the world's rapidly aging population.

Kaopiz Holdings brings a 1,000-strong team of software engineers and IoT specialists with a proven delivery track record across healthcare, medical technology, and enterprise digital transformation. The combined capability spans:

End-to-end IoT device control software and embedded systems integration

AI-driven health data collection, processing, and analytics platforms

Cross-platform mobile applications for personalized health companion experiences

Cloud-based remote device management and real-time monitoring systems

Healthcare data security compliance aligned with applicable international standards

"Partnering with Kaopiz accelerates our next-generation product development while opening the door for MitoCharge technology to reach users across Vietnam and Southeast Asia." - Mr. Ivan Goh, CEO, QuantumTX

Three Strategic Pillars of Collaboration

1. IoT Device & Software Development

Kaopiz will research, design, develop, and maintain software solutions deeply integrated with QuantumTX's IoT medical devices, targeting the healthcare and rehabilitation sector.

2. Technical Support & Information Exchange

Kaopiz will embed advanced AI, Cloud Computing, and Data Analytics capabilities into QuantumTX's medical device ecosystem, enabling predictive health insights, personalized rehabilitation guidance, and remote patient monitoring at scale.

3. Joint Market Development

Both companies will co-promote combined solutions to partners and customers across Vietnam, Singapore, and international markets, and will co-participate in healthcare technology projects, conferences, and exhibitions in the region.

"Population aging is a shared challenge that both Vietnam and Singapore must solve, and we believe technology is the key. Kaopiz is committed to leveraging our full expertise in software, AI, and IoT to co-develop next-generation healthcare solutions with QuantumTX, serving millions of people worldwide." - Mr. Le Van Hoang, CEO, Kaopiz Holdings

A Milestone in Vietnam - Singapore Technology Cooperation

The MOU signing took place as part of the State Visit to the Republic of Singapore, at a forum co-organized by Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Finance, VSIP, and Enterprise Singapore. The forum brought together government leaders, research institutions, and enterprises from both nations to advance cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

This partnership marks a tangible step in translating government-level bilateral commitment into commercial technology co-development, with a direct focus on healthcare innovation that addresses one of the most pressing demographic challenges shared by both Vietnam and Singapore.

Media & Partnership Enquiries

For partnership opportunities, media interviews, or further information:

Kaopiz Holdings., JSC

Website: https://kaopiz.com/en/

Email: global@kaopiz.com

Tel: +84 24 6652 2105

Singapore Office: 1 Raffles Place #19-61, One Raffles Place Tower 2, Singapore

QuantumTX Pte. Ltd.

Website: https://www.quantumtx.com/

Email: enquiries@quantumtx.com

Tel: +65 8908 6303

Address: Central Plaza, #20-06, 298 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168730

Hashtag: #Kaopiz #QuantumTX #MOU #StrategicPartnership #SoftwareDevelopment #VietnamSingaporeTechConnect #AIHealthcare

https://kaopiz.com/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kaopiz/
https://x.com/KaopizGlobal
https://www.facebook.com/com.kaopiz

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About QuantumTX Pte. Ltd.

QuantumTX is a Singapore-based health technology company specializing in stress-free muscle activation devices backed by rigorous scientific R&D and clinical research. Its flagship MitoCharge technology activates muscle-mitochondria pathways to deliver physiological benefits equivalent to exercise, without physical exertion - designed specifically for aging populations, rehabilitation patients, and preventive health consumers. QuantumTX is committed to making healthy aging accessible and scalable across global markets.

About Kaopiz Holdings

Kaopiz is a global IT outsourcing and software development company with 12 years of experience and a core development center in Vietnam. With 1,000+ highly skilled engineers across software development, IoT solutions, AI integration, Cloud computing, Data engineering, and digital transformation, Kaopiz serves major enterprises in Japan, Singapore, and international markets across healthcare, finance, education, logistics, and manufacturing sectors, and more.

Kaopiz's Singapore office is located at 1 Raffles Place, One Raffles Place Tower 2.

GiftOne Announces Deepening of O2O Marketing Strategies

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:06:25 +0200

[Market Observation] From the Olympics to the World Cup: Hong Kong Embraces Ultimate "Sports Fever"

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - Apex One Global Limited (brand name - GiftOne), a premier Hong Kong corporate and promotional gift customization company, today released its "Hong Kong B2B Mega-Event Economy and Procurement Trend Observation Report." It analyzes the impact of major sports events on corporate marketing strategies, identifying the latest gift sourcing preferences. Concurrently, GiftOne announced the expansion of its strategic partnership network to help clients achieve a seamless online-to-offline (O2O) marketing layout during the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Industry Observation: Sports Mega-Events Drive "Experiential Procurement"

Hong Kong is reaping significant economic dividends from the "mega-event economy." Following the 2024 Olympics and 2025 National Games, local sports engagement has reached record highs, reinforced by May's Comic Con 2026 drawing nearly 100,000 attendees.

Consequently, B2B procurement models are undergoing a structural shift. GiftOne notes that corporate demands have transitioned from traditional giveaways to experiential merchandise carrying emotional value. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, market demand for customized gifts, notably football gifts and peripheral goods, has surged, reflecting enterprises' proactive efforts to build emotional resonance with consumers through physical mediums.

Data Insights: Emotional Connection as Promotion Core

In today's highly fragmented market, one-way advertising's effectiveness is diminishing. Conversely, highly relevant physical mediums effectively enhance brand stickiness. During tournaments, World Cup gifts featuring national team colors or event elements act as a memorable souvenir providing target audiences with a tangible sense of participation.

Data shows integrating football gifts into viewing parties, mall interactions, or dining promotions significantly elevates consumers' brand identification. Such World Cup gifts are no longer mere promotional tools but vital strategic assets for building brand loyalty and driving sustainable business growth.

Corporate Development: Deepening Strategic Partnerships

As the tournament gradually heats up, there is just over a month left until the final on July 20. To address the growing corporate demand for comprehensive marketing solutions, GiftOne announced a strategic service upgrade. Building upon the solid foundation of its existing gift customization business, the company is officially expanding its service matrix through deep collaboration with digital marketing company. This integration of high-quality physical products with digital strategies will empower local enterprises to maximize their commercial potential during major mega-events.

Hashtag: #GiftCompany #WorldCup2026 #GiftHK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About GiftOne (Apex One Global Limited)

GiftOne (Apex One Global Limited) is a leading corporate gift customization platform in Hong Kong with over a decade of rich industry experience. The company is dedicated to providing innovative, practical, and premium customized promotional gift and giveaway solutions to major enterprises, government agencies, and organizations. Beyond its extensive experience in corporate gift customization, GiftOne possesses close marketing alliance partners to offer clients one-stop marketing services. Clients can truly implement a seamless O2O (Online-to-Offline) connection. From professional design, production, and marketing planning to logistics, we provide one-stop services to comprehensively help enterprises enhance brand value and marketing effectiveness.

Putting Slovenia on the map of Europe's energy future

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:42:27 +0200

Prof. Dr. Robert Dominko, Head of the Centre for Demonstration and Training in Carbon-Free Technologies (DUBT Centre), describes in an opinion piece for The Slovenia Times how the new centre bridges the gap between academic research and industrial production by offering a cutting-edge facility dedicated to scaling up advanced battery, hydrogen, and carbon-free technologies.

This June, the Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies opened in Kisovec, a small town near Zagorje in Zasavje - a former coal-mining region in central Slovenia. For those of us who built it, 11 and 12 June will be a significant occasion: an international scientific symposium on Thursday, and the official opening ceremony on Friday at the Workers' Hall in Zagorje ob Savi, followed by a tour of the new facilities. The €32 million investment - 80 percent of it from the EU Just Transition Fund - is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Slovenia. But among fellow researchers I would rather not dwell on the figures; I want to talk about the problem this centre is built to solve.

We first began thinking about infrastructure like this back in 2016 and 2017. It had become clear why Chinese research groups were pulling ahead so quickly: between an academic publication and serial production, they have a dense network of pilot lines that carry a solution from the laboratory into industrial practice with remarkable speed. In our part of the world, progress too often stalls in the "valley of death" between TRL 4 and TRL 6 - because the leap from the milligram scale to a representative cell demands equipment, reproducibility and engineering discipline that no single laboratory possesses. The European Commission recognised this gap too. The DUBT Centre is our attempt to close it at home, carrying the entire value chain through under one roof.

In the Laboratory for Battery Development and Testing, we take a cell from preparation all the way to formation and evaluate it in temperature chambers - and we independently verify whether commercial cells truly deliver the properties their makers claim. Lithium is no longer a foregone conclusion: alongside energy density, raw-material availability, safety and recyclability increasingly weigh on the choice, which is why we are seriously developing alternative chemistries, among them sodium-ion, often the more sensible option for stationary energy storage. The neighbouring laboratory, led by Dr. Blaž Likozar, covers the longer time horizon: where the energy density of batteries falls short - in heavy transport and high-temperature industry - hydrogen and the conversion of captured CO₂ into synthetic fuels take over. And these are not mere concepts: projects are already running with the battery manufacturer TAB from Mežica and with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Ljubljana.

What pleases me most is that the centre works in both directions. It is not only a channel for transferring academic knowledge into industry - it is also an open space where industry can bring an unresolved question and test it at a relevant scale, without the path leading to China. There is no comparable capability within a 500-kilometre radius, and interest from partners at home and abroad is already here. That response gives us a great deal of optimism.

And in the end, this is not just about equipment but about a vision for a region and a country. The centre employs 22 people and could grow to sixty; half of them come from the local area.

Slovenia is a small country, and it cannot afford to let the knowledge it creates drain away elsewhere. The centre in Kisovec is a proof that we can develop that knowledge - and keep it - here.

Kaohsiung Tourism Surges: New International Campaign Set to Reach 28 Million Across Asia

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:46:19 +0200

KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN - MediaOutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - The Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has unveiled its new international tourism brand, "KEEP VIBRANT KAOHSIUNG." By executing a promotional blitz across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia, the city has effectively enhanced its international profile.

Kaohsiung's new international tourism advertisement lighting up the iconic Dotonbori district in Osaka, Japan.

Kaohsiung's rising international profile is backed by glowing industry recognition. According to the travel platform Expedia, Kaohsiung was ranked the world's fourth-best "hidden gem" for value-conscious travelers during Japan's 2026 Golden Week. Currently the top-trending destination in Taiwan, the city continues to outperform international competitors in growth and traveler interest.

"Kaohsiung's unique blend of mountains, sea, rivers, and harbours, combined with a multicultural vibe and a high-tech urban pulse, creates an unparalleled maritime city experience," said Kao Min-lin, Director-General of the Tourism Bureau. Kao noted that the city has consistently earned the Taiwan's highest tourism satisfaction ratings-a fact reinforced by accolades from international platforms such as Agoda and Klook.

The new brand identity utilizes a modern geometric design and vibrant color blocks to reflect the city's dynamic character:

Ocean Blue: Symbolizing the city's harbor spirit and maritime soul.
Passionate Orange: Representing the legendary warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Modern Purple: Highlighting the city's creative edge and technological innovation.

To capture diverse market segments, the Tourism Bureau produced three cinematic promotional videos featuring a Western backpacker, an Asian honeymoon couple, and a Muslim family. These videos showcase curated "One Day in Kaohsiung" itineraries, featuring iconic sites such as Cijin, Weiwuying Arts Center, Lotus Pond, Fo Guang Shan, and local indigenous communities.

The "KEEP VIBRANT KAOHSIUNG" campaign is currently dominating high-traffic landmarks across Asia, with an estimated annual reach of 28 million viewers. Key locations include Seomyeon Station in Busan, Dotonbori district in Osaka, The Café Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City, and premier shopping districts in Kuala Lumpur.

To maximize local resonance, the campaign features region-specific slogans: "Japan-Taiwan Friendship: Passionate Kaohsiung" for Japan, "Taiwan Sensibility: Vibrant Kaohsiung" for South Korea, "Check-in CaoHung" for Vietnam, and "Ria Kaohsiung" for Malaysia. Through this unified yet localized approach, Kaohsiung invites the world to experience a city where rich cultural heritage meets a contemporary, high-energy lifestyle.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Voicecomm Technology (02495.HK) Enters into Ecosystem Partnership with Huawei Cloud

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:46:14 +0200

Launches VocSageX Agent Development Platform to Accelerate Commercial Adoption of Trustworthy AI

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd. ("Voicecomm Technology" or the "Company", Stock Code: 2495.HK), a core technology provider and ecosystem operator of trustworthy conversational AI in China, announces that it has officially signed an ecosystem cooperation agreement with Huawei Cloud during the 2026 Huawei Cloud INSPIRE. The two parties will engage in in-depth collaboration across trustworthy artificial intelligence, industry AI agents, cloud computing infrastructure, and ecosystem development, with the shared goal of accelerating the large-scale deployment of enterprise AI applications.

At the conference, Voicecomm Technology also officially unveiled its next-generation enterprise AI product, the VocSageX Agent Development Platform, further strengthening the Company's product portfolio in the trustworthy interactive intelligence sector.

Deepening Collaboration with Huawei Cloud to Build a Trustworthy AI Ecosystem
Under the agreement, both parties will leverage their respective strengths in artificial intelligence technologies, industry applications, and cloud infrastructure to jointly drive innovation in enterprise AI solutions. Together, they will explore integrated solutions centered on large language models (LLMs), the VocSageX Agent Platform, and the Company's proprietary "Intelligent Graph" system across both domestic and international markets.

Going forward, the two companies will continue to deepen cooperation in technology, computing power, market expansion, and ecosystem development. The partnership will accelerate the nationwide rollout and overseas deployment of mature solutions in areas such as smart cities and digital government, while fostering business growth for both organizations.

This collaboration marks a natural progression of an already established relationship built on long-term mutual trust. In January 2026, Voicecomm's self-developed "Intelligent Graph" system officially passed the technical certification of Huawei's Ascend AI basic software and hardware platform, completing preliminary validation in platform compatibility and algorithm integration.

Launch of VocSageX: A Trustworthy Foundation for Enterprise AI
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Zheng Bo, Vice General Manager of Voicecomm Technology, noted that enterprises commonly face several challenges when deploying AI, including insufficient trustworthiness, high deployment costs, fragmented systems, and hallucination issues associated with large language models.

To address these challenges, Voicecomm launched the VocSageX Agent Development Platform, a comprehensive lifecycle management system covering agent design, training, deployment, orchestration, operations, maintenance, and asset management. The platform is built around five core capabilities: Trustworthy, Dedicated, Controllable, Collaborative, and Evolvable. It enables enterprises to rapidly develop customized industry-specific AI agents and realize multi-agent collaboration at scale.

Mr. Zheng added: "VocSageX is more than a development tool-it is a comprehensive AI agent operations platform designed for medium and large enterprises. Trustworthy AI that everyone can use is the true driver of productivity."

Demonstrating Industry AI Applications Across Multiple Sectors
In addition to the platform launch, Voicecomm showcased a range of industry AI agent applications at the conference, covering smart government services, smart elderly care, intelligent manufacturing, customer service, and enterprise digital transformation.

To date, the Company's trustworthy AI agents have been widely deployed across sectors including city management and administration, automotive and transportation, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and energy management.

Dr. Tang Jinghua, Chairman of Voicecomm Technology, said: "The AI industry is transitioning from the era of large language models to the era of AI agents. Enterprise demand for trustworthy, secure, and sustainable AI capabilities will continue to grow. Leveraging our proprietary trustworthy intelligence technology framework and strategic partnerships with leading ecosystem players such as Huawei Cloud, Voicecomm Technology is well positioned to capture the opportunities emerging in the enterprise AI market and accelerate the commercialization and value creation of AI technologies across a broader range of industries."Hashtag: #VoicecommTechnology

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Wuhan, Voicecomm Technology is one of the leading core technology providers and ecosystem operators of trustworthy conversational AI listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and obtained the qualification as National-level SRDI, Technology Little Giant and High-Tech Enterprise. Leveraging its proprietary trustworthy Agent，the Company overcomes pain points in the commercialization of large language models, such as hallucinations and compliance issues, ensuring AI is usable, manageable, and controllable in enterprise environments. For enterprise-level customers, the Company provides AI services covering the entire process of "communication -decision - execution". Its trustworthy Agent solutions have been widely deployed across multiple scenarios, including City management and administration, Automotive and transportation, Telecommunications, Finance, Healthcare, and Energy management, and it is dedicated to empowering the intelligent transformation of diverse industries.

Border checks removed to ease holiday gridlock

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0200

Slovenia's new government has decided to lift police checks on its borders with Croatia and Hungary effective on 12 June, ending a temporary measure that had been in place since autumn 2023.

The decision rolls back a policy that was recently extended until late December. It aims to clear up seasonal traffic jams just as the summer tourist rush begins, while shifting police resources toward more flexible, targeted surveillance.

Instead of keeping officers stationed at border booths, the government plans to rely on random checks inland that are known in EU speak as compensatory measures, data sharing with neighbouring countries, and joint police patrols.

Interior Minister Franci Matoz explained that stationary border booths were no longer the best way to handle modern security challenges, especially given a recent rise in migration along the Western Balkan route.

"We assessed that it is completely unnecessary for police officers to sit in booths at former border crossings, as illegal border crossings undoubtedly happen away from these points," Matoz said. "By shifting these officers to random checks, we will actually improve our efficiency in detecting unauthorized crossings and other illegal activities."

Matoz added that the change would not compromise safety. Instead, it will allow a higher presence of mobile police patrols on the ground across the country.

Easing congestion

Beyond security, the decision will come as a relief for tourists. Slovenia's highways are notoriously congested during the summer and long lines tend to form at border crossings as millions pass through Slovenia en route to the Adriatic.

Matoz noted that with traffic already heavy due to highway maintenance, "it is completely unnecessary for the police to create additional bottlenecks at the border."

The previous center-left government originally introduced the border checks in October 2023, pointing to a deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and heightened terrorism risks.

The move followed a chain reaction in the region, sparked when Italy first reinstated checks on its border with Slovenia for similar reasons. Italy and Austria still maintain their own temporary border controls.

Slovenia's policy reversal aligns with recent calls from the European Commission, which has urged the nine Schengen Area members currently running temporary border checks to gradually phase them out.

Brussels expects that the EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum, along with high-tech tools like the upcoming electronic Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU citizens, will provide better security at Europe's external borders, making internal checks obsolete.

Slovenian authorities concluded that while global security remains a concern, alternative policing methods and modern digital tools are more than enough to keep the country safe without blocking traffic. Officials will continue to monitor regional security risks to ensure the transition goes smoothly.

iHerb Spotlights Summer Wellness Essentials for 618 Sale

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:06:07 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - Featuring curated wellness essentials to support active lifestyles, sports nutrition needs and everyday well-being, with limited-time 618 offers providing savings of up to 30%.

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Recent international sporting events have seen audiences staying up late to follow live competitions, often while maintaining regular work and personal schedules. Amid warmer weather, higher activity levels, and changing daily routines, nutrition is playing an increasingly important role in helping individuals maintain energy levels and support overall well-being.

iHerb, the global cross-border health e-commerce platform, has curated 8 best-selling products ranging from sports nutrition and daily supplements to high-protein snacks and practical fitness accessories helping consumers stay active and energized throughout the summer months.

Summer Promotion - Limited-Time "618" Event

From June 12 to June 20, new customers can enjoy 30% off with the discount code 618SG30; returning customers can use 618SALE26 for 27% off. For a limited time, all orders above SGD 30 will qualify for free shipping. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on summer fitness essentials and supplements.

Three Key Areas of Nutritional Support

1. Boost Athletic Performance This Summer

California Gold Nutrition, Pure Creatine Monohydrate: a popular choice for athletes.
California Gold Nutrition, Organic MCT Oil: loved by fitness and keto enthusiasts; can be added to coffee, beverages, or daily meals for convenient energy supplementation.
iHerb Goods, Blender Bottle with Blender Ball: portable and ideal for mixing protein shakes, sports drinks, or supplements quickly and evenly.

2. Stay Energized During Late-Night Sports Viewing

Doctor's Best, High Absorption Magnesium Lysinate Glycinate(Albion® TRAACS®): provides essential minerals for daily nutrition.
Doctor's Best, PepZin GI® Zinc-L-Carnosine : supports overall wellness during busy schedules and irregular routines.

3. Everyday Nutrition for the Whole Family

Nature's Way, Alive!® Kids Chewable Multivitamins: orange berry flavor, perfect for family daily supplementation.
KIND Bars, Breakfast Protein Bars - Dark Chocolate Cocoa : satisfies chocolate cravings while providing protein for a post-workout or afternoon snack.
Atkins, Protein Cookies - Chocolate Chip: convenient and tasty option for office workers, fitness enthusiasts, or sports fans.
Metagenics, OmegaGenics® 5-in-1 Fish Oil: supports heart, brain, joint, eye, and immune health

iHerb: One-Stop Global Health Store

Headquartered in California, iHerb is a leading online retailer of health and wellness products. iHerb provides Singapore consumers with a reliable, authentic, and convenient shopping experience. All products are shipped directly from U.S. and Asia distribution centers, ensuring genuine products.

Fast Delivery: Orders delivered in as fast as 3 days.
Free Shipping: Orders over SGD 30 (Limited period; final charges as displayed at checkout).

From vitamins and nutritional supplements to family health essentials, now is the perfect time to stock up smartly and securely. Visit the iHerb Singapore website at https://sg.iherb.com.

Hashtag: #iHerb #SummerWellness #618Sale

https://sg.iherb.com

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About iHerb

iHerb is a U.S.-based online retailer specializing in high-quality natural health products at affordable prices. Its product line includes over 50,000 items, ranging from vitamins, nutritional supplements, sports nutrition, skincare, natural foods, personal care, and pet products. iHerb partners with over 1,200 brands, from global names to private labels, and ships products to more than 180 countries with multilingual interfaces for convenient shopping.

Survey: AI Investment Boom in Asia Pacific Fuelled More by Fear of Missing Out Than Actual Results

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:05:57 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - Enterprise AI spending is climbing rapidly, with boards racing to deploy the technology faster than they can measure whether it works. According to the latest IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by Expereo*, around 70% of organizations are investing in AI, motivated by its potential or by the fear of falling behind the competition, but they lag in disciplined ROI evaluation, and one in five (20%) admit they are investing aggressively in AI with little evaluation, driven by the fear of being left behind.

In Asia Pacific (APAC), that pressure is even more pronounced as 37% of organizations admit investing aggressively with little evaluation - nearly double the global average, and well ahead of the US (10%) and Europe (13%). The pressure is most acute in Australia (45%) and Vietnam (44%), while in Singapore, more than one in three organizations admit the same.

The IDC InfoBrief, based on a survey of 800 technology leaders across APAC, Europe, and the US, found that AI has become one of the most prioritized technology investments globally, with 51% of organizations planning to prioritize AI or machine learning investment over the next 12 months - rising to 61% across APAC. However, returns are failing to keep pace with the hype. Just 19% of global organizations surveyed say their AI implementations have exceeded expectations, and only 5% report they have significantly exceeded them¹.

Across APAC, 40% say implementations have exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations - ahead of the global average but still leaving the majority falling short. Globally, the most-cited reasons for underperformance are inadequate or poor-quality training data (51%), higher-than-expected costs or ROI not achieved (47%), and AI not performing as well as expected (46%). For APAC specifically, the picture is broadly similar - though costs bite harder: 49% cite poor-quality training data, 54% cite cost overruns or ROI not achieved (rising to 80% in Malaysia), and 46% say AI has simply not performed as expected.

Where organizations have the right foundations in place, the results speak for themselves. Across APAC, 87% report productivity improvements in the business units most affected by AI, and 82% say quality of work has improved.

Underpinning many of these challenges is also a network and infrastructure readiness gap. Globally, 26% of organizations whose AI implementations have failed to meet expectations cite inadequate network or connectivity performance as a contributing factor. Looking ahead, 54% of organizations say they need more flexible and scalable networks to thrive in an AI-driven environment, and 51% need greater resilience and reliability to maximize uptime². In APAC, the gap is acute as only 9% of organizations describe their network infrastructure as fully ready to support new AI, cloud, and digital initiatives, and 37% say it will need upgrading or replacing soon. The need is most acute in Thailand (74%) and Singapore (58%), both of which rank above the regional average on demand for flexible, scalable networks. In Indonesia, nearly half of all organizations (48%) say their infrastructure will need upgrading or replacing soon.

Ben Elms, CEO, Expereo, says: "Every enterprise we speak to is investing in AI, yet the data shows a clear gap opening up between AI ambition and AI outcomes. More often than not, that gap comes down to the network underneath. AI only delivers on its promise when the infrastructure carrying it is built to support it.

Without resilient, scalable, cloud-optimized networks, even the most well-funded AI programs will struggle to deliver ROI. Getting the network right is no longer an IT decision; it is one of the most important conversations happening in the boardroom today to help fulfill AI ambition."

APAC is also leading on adoption, with 35% of organizations reporting extensive AI use across the business, against a global average of 25%³. Yet adoption alone is not enough without the right foundations beneath it.

Eric Wong, President, APAC, Expereo, says: "Asia Pacific is moving aggressively on AI adoption, but many organizations are discovering that scaling AI successfully requires more than just investment in applications and models. The underlying network, cloud connectivity, and operational readiness matter just as much. Across the region, we are seeing enterprises reassess whether their infrastructure is truly ready to support AI at scale, particularly around performance, resilience, governance, and visibility. Organizations that address those foundations early are generally seeing stronger outcomes and faster operational impact from their AI initiatives."

Boardrooms are also waking up to the longer-term risks of unchecked AI investment. According to the survey, 54% of global tech leaders cite the creation of new security risks as a significant potential future threat for their organization's use of AI, while 39% globally are concerned about losing track of AI-related costs and ROI once the technology is embedded across the business⁴. In APAC, that concern is sharper still as 41% of technology leaders in the region are worried about losing oversight of AI-related costs and ROI as adoption deepens - a figure that rises to 54% in Malaysia. Digital sovereignty is also moving up the strategic agenda, with 38% of APAC organizations rating it a high or top priority as they look to retain control over data and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

For the full IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by Expereo, "Enterprise Horizons 2026: Where Innovation Meets Reality" (doc #EUR154457526-IB, May 2026) please visit: [LINK]

Hashtag: #Expereo, #Network, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #Technology, #AIInvestment

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Expereo

Expereo is a world-leading Managed Network as a Service provider that connects people, places, and things anywhere. Solutions include Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an extensive global reach, Expereo is the trusted partner of 60% of Fortune 500 companies. It powers enterprise and government sites in more than 190 countries, with the ability to connect to any location worldwide, working with over 2,300 partners to help customers improve productivity and empowering their networks and cloud services with the agility, flexibility, and value of the Internet, with optimal network performance.

Expereo was acquired in Feb 2021, by Vitruvian Partners which acquired a majority shareholding from Seven2.

Taylor Swift Wax Figure Arrives in Singapore for Limited-Time

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 02:05:52 +0200

Following last summer's historic global launch of 13 Taylor Swift wax figures across four continents, one of the world's most celebrated icons is now making a dazzling limited-time stop at Madame Tussauds Singapore.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2026 - In news guaranteed to send Swifties into a frenzy, Madame Tussauds Singapore today announces the arrival of its touring Taylor Swift wax figure, inviting fans to feel as if they've stepped on stage at Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour.

Taylor Swift Wax Figure

Originally launched as part of Madame Tussauds' biggest figure release in its 250-year history, this Taylor Swift wax figures celebrates the Lover era, showcasing the look that became the post image for the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert film. The figure is dressed in a replica of the pink, blue and silver embellished Versace leotard. The look is completed with mesmerising, hand-applied strass Christian Louboutin knee-high boots, donated by the Maison, and bespoke embellished microphone created by Rebel Stage Gear UK, the specialist customisation company behind the original microphones Taylor used during the tour.

The campaign will run from 26 June to 27 September 2026. Designed as the ultimate fan celebration, it combines interactive experiences, limited-time activities and social moments inspired by Taylor Swift as one of the most influential and enduring artists of the 21st century.

Guests can enjoy an exclusive online promotion from 26 June to 12 July 2026, with 20% off tickets using promo code TAYLOR20; fans can also participate in a special social media giveaway activity following Madame Tussauds Singapore's Instagram account to win two pairs of attraction tickets.

Inside the attraction, Swifties will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the experience through a series of themed activities, including:

DIY Friendship Bracelet Booth (26 June to 12 July) - All ticket holders can create their own friendship bracelets inspired by the fan-favourite tradition made famous during The Eras Tour. Available while stocks last.

Concert-Inspired Photo Props - Strike a pose with our exclusive concert-style blazer photo props for the ultimate concert-style photo moment.

"Show Us Your Era" Challenge (26 June to 31 July) - Guests who take a photo with Taylor Swift wax figure, post it on social media and tag Madame Tussauds Singapore with #MadameTussaudsSG #MTSG will receive a free gift onsite, limited to the first 100 participants only.

Friendship Bracelet

Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore said: "Last year's global Taylor Swift figure launch became a cultural moment in itself, and we're thrilled to bring one to Singapore. This summer, we welcome all Swifties to celebrate the joy, nostalgia and connection Taylor Swift has created for millions of fans around the world at Madame Tussauds Singapore."

The Taylor Swift touring figure will be available exclusively at Madame Tussauds Singapore from 26 June to 27 September 2026. For this limited time only, Swifties in Singapore will have the rare opportunity to step into one of her most iconic eras and create unforgettable moments of their own.

Madame Tussauds Singapore continues to bring fans closer to the world's biggest stars through immersive and interactive celebrity experiences, creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. For more information, please visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore/
Hashtag: #MerlinEntertainments #MadameTussaudsSingapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Madame Tussauds Singapore

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered - and feared - for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world's top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, Dreamworks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides, and uplifting learning experiences. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

Slovenia reverses bans on Israeli PM, ministers

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:33:37 +0200

Slovenia's new government has paved the way for a fresh diplomatic start with Israel, lifting entry bans on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two far-right cabinet members a week after taking office.

The move, announced by Prime Minister Janez Janša's new government on 11 June, rolls back a series of strict diplomatic and economic measures introduced by the previous government over the war in Gaza.

Alongside lifting the persona non grata status for Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the government also scrapped a ban on imports from Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Additionally, it ended a short-lived embargo on the trade and transit of military weapons with Israel.

The previous center-left government, led by Robert Golob, had taken a tough stance against Israel. It blacklisted the two right-wing ministers last July over controversial statements, banned settlement imports in August, and barred Netanyahu in September after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for war crimes. Under Golob, Slovenia also became the first EU nation to pass a unilateral arms embargo against Israel and officially recognised Palestine as an independent state.

However, the new government noted that the entry bans and the trade restrictions "were never actually implemented" in practice. It said that scrapping them was a necessary step to get basic communication channels back up and running.

"Through political dialogue and quiet diplomacy, it will be possible to strengthen Slovenia's role in efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East," the government said in a statement, adding that the move reopens doors for cooperation on shared interests.

Israel promptly welcomed the move, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar thanking Janša for his "swift and just decision to lift the distorted anti-Israeli measures taken by Slovenia's previous government." "PM Janša is a bold leader and a true friend of Israel. We will do great things together!"

The political shift in Ljubljana was evident from day one of the new government last week, when officials promptly removed the Palestinian flag that had been flying outside the main government building since May 2024.

In response Minister Sa'ar announced that Israel would open an embassy in Ljubljana for the first time now that relations have thawed, and he promptly held a telephone conversation with his Slovenian counterpart Tone Kajzer.

While the new government is taking a much more conciliatory approach toward Israel, it stressed that Slovenia's core foreign policy principles haven't changed. It said Slovenia remained fully committed to international law and the protection of civilians.

"Today's decision reflects the belief that Slovenia pursues its interests, values, and foreign policy goals more effectively through dialogue and active cooperation," the government statement read, "rather than through actions that close off channels for direct communication."

UA Finance Fully Supports the 2026 Global Football Event

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:24:37 +0200

Chrissie Chau Unleashes Her "Superpower" to Help You Get Instant Loans

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - The world's biggest football extravaganza, held once every four years, is reaching a fever pitch. As the largest money lender in Hong Kong, UA Finance (UA) proudly announces its unwavering support for this year's tournament. Partnering once again with iconic brand ambassador Chrissie Chau ("Super Chrissie"), UA is excited to launch the "GRAB A GOLD FOOTBALL EVERYDAY" campaign from June 12 to July 20.

With most matches taking place late at night, UA is committed to being a reliable resource for football fans and the community by offering 24/7 cash services. To celebrate the football excitement with everyone in Hong Kong, UA is rolling out an extraordinary "Daily 999.9 Gold Ball" mega reward. UA will also debut Hong Kong's first-ever "UA 'Chrissie Super Shot' 3D Mobile Truck" to travel throughout the city, driving local enthusiasm to its absolute peak.

Daily Grab at 12:00PM; Grand Finale Features Ultimate "Heavy-Cup" Gold Ball
During this 39-day event, UA will be giving away a "999.9 Gold Ball" (valued at ~HKD 5,700) every day at 12:00PM, totaling 38 footballs. For the highly anticipated Final Match Day on July 20, UA is escalating the excitement with the ultimate "Heavy-Cup" Gold Ball, crafted from 999.9 pure gold and valued at ~HKD 53,500.

Every day, the first new or existing customer who successfully applies for a loan of HKD 50,000 or above and meets the eligibility criteria will take this collectible prize home. Additionally, customers can also receive a cash reward of up to HKD 18,000.

Hong Kong's First 3D Mobile Truck: Football Themed Games with "3D Chrissie"
UA proudly introduces Hong Kong's first-ever "UA 'Chrissie Super Shot' 3D Mobile Truck", which will embark on a 30-day journey across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories from June 20 to July 19. The innovative truck will showcase ultra-realistic 3D visual videos featuring Chrissie, who will appear in lifelike 3D to energize the football festivities. The truck's screens will also provide fans with daily match reminders and top scorers standings, ensuring that everyone stays connected to the excitement of the tournament.

Every Saturday and Sunday, the mobile truck will transform into a gift truck, inviting the public to participate in engaging football-themed games. Participants stand a chance to win a limited-edition "GOAL For Success 2" player card (blind pack, 10 styles in total) or a specially designed "UA Tournament Guide". The truck will distribute gold ball paper fans and other delightful gifts to help everyone beat the summer heat.

Through a comprehensive marketing campaign spanning TV commercial, online platforms, major newspapers and the city-wide 3D mobile truck, UA will cheer alongside the people of Hong Kong. With exciting gold rewards and robust financial support, UA is here UA is here to lend a helping hand and ensure everyone enjoys this once-in-four-years football extravaganza.

Hashtag: #UAFinance #Worldcup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

AIVA Launches a Pioneering, New Model for AI Vehicle Industry

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:04:30 +0200

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - AIVA, an AI-native mobility brand, was officially unveiled in Beijing on 9 June 2026.

AIVA will collaborate with Volcano Engine, ByteDance's cloud and AI platform, to jointly define, design, and develop a new generation of AI vehicles. Volcano Engine will provide AIVA with advanced capabilities, including the Doubao AI Foundation Model and intelligent cockpit, enabling smarter in-vehicle interactions.

At the launch event, AIVA unveiled its brand name and logo, introducing a development philosophy centered on "AI-first vehicle creation"-where AI comes before the car itself. It is believed that AI-native vehicles will fundamentally redefine the relationship between people and automobiles. AIVA also showcased the AIVA Origin Concept, while AIVA ME7, its first mass-production model, is scheduled to debut in 2026. The AIVA lineup will target the mainstream market segment priced above RMB 200,000.

AIVA, short for Artificial Intelligence Voyage Ahead, reflects the brand's vision of AI accompanying users on every journey toward the future. Built around AI-native mobility, AIVA aims to create embodied AI companions powered by advanced intelligence, transforming vehicles from mere transportation tools into trusted partners that understand, accompany, and serve their users.

When AI is deeply integrated into the vehicle, users no longer need to navigate complex menus. Instead, AI operates around human intent, making the interaction intuitive and direct. By understanding real-time context and user preferences, it can proactively anticipate needs and coordinate vehicle capabilities, delivering a more natural, personalized mobility experience.

As an independently operated company backed by a powerful alliance of strategic shareholders, AIVA will oversee brand development, product strategy, and business operations. SERES Group, as a key shareholder and industrial partner, will provide expertise in vehicle manufacturing and supply chain management. CATL will contribute comprehensive battery solutions. Shaci Zhiyuan, a strategic institutional investor, will provide industrial resource support.

Looking ahead, AIVA will broaden its product lineup through rapid innovation and iteration. By focusing on AI-powered interaction, intelligent experiences, emotional companionship, and safety-centered care, AIVA is committed to creating vehicles that not only move people, but understand them, unlocking a new era of intelligent mobility.
Hashtag: #AIVA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Severe storms lash Slovenia

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:26:15 +0200

A severe summer storm swept across Slovenia on the evening of 10 June, packing destructive winds, torrential rains, and hail that severely damaged over 150 buildings, triggered widespread power outages, and devastated crops.

The supercell moved from west to east, affecting the entire northern part of the country. The Gorenjska region in the north bore the brunt of the devastation, while eastern agricultural heartlands suffered critical losses to crops.

Map of communities hit by the 10 June storm. Image credit: SPIN

Widespread destruction in Komenda

The municipality of Komenda was identified as the hardest-hit area, with over 100 buildings sustaining severe structural damage. Fierce winds tore roofs from residential and public structures, collapsed walls, and downed power lines.

Emergency services installed power generators to provide power to local schools, kindergartens, and public buildings, while specialized vehicles and aerial drones were deployed to assess the damage.

Damaged house in Komenda. Photo: Sergeja Kotnik Zavrl/STA

"The damage is enormous, especially in the villages of Nasovče, Breg, Klanec, Potok, and part of Komenda," said Komenda Mayor Jurij Kern. "It's not just the roofs that were damaged, but there are also a large number of walls on houses that are near collapse, and the repairs needed will be very extensive."

The municipality believes the damage will run into tens of millions of euros, and the government has already promised to help, not just financially but also by simplifying procedures for delivering aid.

While no human casualties were reported, local officials confirmed livestock losses, particularly poultry, due to collapsed commercial barns.

Crops devastated in the east

As the system moved east, a heavy barrage of hail pounded the Lower Podravje and Štajerska regions. In Ptuj, the Infrastructure Center managed by the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia reported catastrophic losses to the seed bank.

"Hail destroyed a large part of the seed crop of Slovenian indigenous varieties of vegetables and field crops," warned Blaž Germšek, head of infrastructure and research at the Agricultural Institute.

Hail destroyed the Agriculture Institute's seed bank in the Ptuj Area. Photo: Blaž Germšek

"Garlic suffered the most... We have been warning the state for several years that we urgently need additional netting. It showed again this time that where we had them, the crop remained untouched."

The system also dumped huge amounts of hail in Haloze, a wine growing region in the east. While the hail stones were not large, the sheer amount of them wreaked havoc on crops. "We're already done with the grape harvest for the year," said NLB bank chief executive Blaž Brodnjak, whose family have a vineyard in the region.

A vineyard in Haloze, east Slovenia, destroyed by hail. Photo: Blaž Brodnjak/Facebook

Flash floods and landslides in Savinja Valley and Koroška

The storm front further triggered flash flooding and landslides across the Savinja Valley and Koroška regions, leaving hundreds of homes without electricity.

Landslides forced the complete closure of the Podlehnik-Rogatec regional road at Žetale, which had already been badly hit the day before as a storm cell dumped more than 100 litres of rain on the community in just hours, triggering 50 landslides.

Meanwhile, in Koprivna, emergency personnel evacuated residents living directly beneath a clogged mountain stream barrier feared to be on the verge of collapse.

Civil protection units deployed thousands of sandbags to protect residential areas and critical infrastructure, including a local pharmacy in Slovenj Gradec.

HKPC's first "E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026" Expanding Brand Horizons with Cross-border E-commerce, AI, and more

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:04:26 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - As e-commerce continues to surge, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are seeking effective pathways for business development and transformation. To support the HKSAR Government's e-commerce policy initiatives "Creativity * E-commerce - Beyond Limits", the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), with support of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), and in partnership with the Trade and Industry Department, will co-organise the inaugural "E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026" (Expo). Held on 25 and 26 June at the HKPC Building, the annual flagship event spotlighting cross-border e-commerce will bring together tech innovation, brand and IP licensing, global platform support, and market expansion strategies. Hang Seng Bank is the Expo's Diamond Partner, with support from over 240 supporting organisations. Featuring 80+ booths alongside a series of seminars, LIVE workshops, business matching sessions, and instant one-on-one consultations, the Expo aims to assist SMEs in expanding brand horizons from local to global.

In the 2026-27 Budget, the Government allocated additional funding to schemes such as the "BUD Fund" to help enterprises strengthen competitiveness and expand into new markets through technologies like AI. Various initiatives will also be rolled out to support upgrading and development of enterprises. However, amid rapid market changes, many SMEs are unsure where to start. HKPC's "SME ReachOut" bridges policy resources with practical business needs, providing comprehensive, tailored support to address SMEs' challenges. This Expo is a key initiative by the team, offering a one-stop platform that guides SMEs step by step, from strategy formulation to execution, empowering brands to achieve borderless expansion through e-commerce.

5 Thematic Zones to Help SME's Going Global in One-stop

The Expo will feature 5 thematic exhibition zones, including Cross-border E-commerce Experience, New Retail Tech Application, Brand x IP Value-added, Smart Operations, and E-commerce Go-Global Support. Gathering 80+ exhibitors, the zones bring together e-commerce platforms, technology and business service providers, IP licensors, and Government funding booths. From platform selection and brand building to smart operations and worldwide expansion, all the key pillars of going global are precisely addressed.

10+ workshops and live showcases will be held, offering expert insights, success stories, practical examples, innovative solutions, instant consultations, and business matching opportunities to help SMEs develop effective plans for going global.

A dedicated Government funding zone will also guide SMEs on Government funding to accelerate their upgrade and expansion. To cater to the needs of relevant groups and stakeholders, exclusive guided tours will be arranged. Led by specialists, the tours will cover all five zones and help SMEs identify the most suitable support.

10 Seminars with Valuable Expertise Experiences for SMEs to Learn, Apply, and Go Global

To assist SMEs in grasping opportunities to go global, a total of 10 seminars will be hosted with various industry experts sharing insights on cross-border strategies, market trends, technology innovation, and inspiring IP brand collaboration stories. Details of the seminars can be found in Appendix I.

The sessions will cover key e-commerce topics, with highlights including:

Cross-border E-commerce: How to convert online traffic into orders
New Retail Technology: Utilising AI to save time and increase sales
Brand x IP Value-added: Enhancing brand value and expanding into overseas markets through IP collaborations
Smart Operations: Unlocking global payments and green supply chains, and leveraging logistics technology
Go-Global Strategies: Avoiding cross-border trade pitfalls and opening up business opportunities with relevant Government funding schemes

HKPC cordially invites all SMEs to participate in this Expo, leveraging the rich cross-border e-commerce and funding information available on-site to capture opportunities for expanding brands and markets through e-commerce. SMEs are welcome to register and participate in the event with free admission.

[E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026]
Date: 25-26 June 2026 (Thursday to Friday)
Time: 10:00 - 18:00
Address: HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon
Admission Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
Registration Link: https://ecommexpo2026.com
Enquires: SME ReachOut Hotline: (852) 2788 6868; Email: sme_reachout@hkpc.org

Hashtag: #HKPC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience inkey areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC's world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong's strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC's website: www.hkpc.org/en.

Volcano Engine and Bingo Group Launch In-depth AI+IP Partnership, AI Features Roll Out Across Multiple Chinese Platforms on June 10

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:04:17 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - Volcano Engine has officially entered into an in-depth strategic partnership around "AI+IP" with Bingo Group, a client of Data Hash. Leveraging the video generation capabilities of the Seedance 2.0 large model and Stephen Chow's classic film and television IP resources, the two sides have launched brand-new AI content creation features and pioneered a new model for compliant IP commercialization in the AI industry. The series of interactive AI features has been progressively launched on major domestic AI content creation platforms starting June 10, 2026.

The relevant AI functions from this collaboration debuted first on two official platforms: Volcano Ark Experience Center and Volcano Engine Kickart. Meanwhile, they have been adapted and rolled out simultaneously on a host of mainstream AI creation tool platforms, including LibTV, Reelgen Engine by Kuaizi.ai, Wondershare Filmora, Wondershare Pixmax, NamiVideo, Kuaijianji, Qingjianji and Qushuiyin_kjj. Follow-up launch plans are also in place, with the features set to land on Douyin, Jimeng, Jianying and Xiaoyunqi in due course, further expanding user access and extending the boundaries of IP commercialization.

Centered on the Volcano Ark Copyright Commercialization Platform and the advanced video generation technology of Seedance 2.0, the partnership grants official authorization for three iconic film IPs of Stephen Chow: The King of Comedy, CJ7 and The God of Cookery. General users can create compliant AI content using officially licensed IP materials. This initiative fundamentally addresses long-standing pain points in the AIGC industry, including ambiguous content copyrights, rampant IP infringement and the inability to monetize derivative creations. It builds a full-chain compliant monetization system for IPs in the AI era, empowering content creators and film and television enterprises, and fully unlocking the commercial value of classic intellectual properties.

While the popularization of AI technology has greatly boosted content creation efficiency, unauthorized AI derivative works, IP theft and unclear ownership have continued to disrupt the order of the industry. The new business model jointly developed by the two parties integrates core resources from technology, IP and distribution channels. It not only fully safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of IP owners, but also provides creators with legal and compliant paths for content creation and commercial monetization. Additionally, it brings fans closer to classic film and television IPs, helping timeless classic works break through audience boundaries and achieve youthful influence and sustainable long-term communication.

Barbie Man, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Data Hash, stated that Data Hash has been supporting Bingo Group with its business transformation since September 2022. After the rise of AI technology, the team further assisted Bingo Group in exploring new business opportunities in the field of AI-generated content (AIGC). We are delighted to see Bingo Group gain a firm foothold in the AI entertainment sector and successfully complete industrial upgrading and innovative layout.

Ignious Yong, Spokesperson of Bingo Group, expressed great honor to forge this in-depth partnership with Volcano Engine, one of the world's leading technology companies. As an enterprise focusing on the "AI + Content + IP" track, Bingo Group believes this collaboration will build a long-term and sustainable monetization model for premium IPs, celebrities and content creators. The two companies are currently conducting in-depth discussions on further expanding their AI+IP cooperation. They aim to jointly build a larger and more valuable industrial ecosystem to create greater value and monetization opportunities for the entire entertainment industry. With the support of Mr. Stephen Chow and partners, we hold high expectations for the long-term development of this collaboration.

Starting June 10, 2026, users across the country can experience the AI interactive creation functions based on the three classic film IPs of Stephen Chow. Detailed gameplay rules will be released successively by each cooperating platform. Project organizers invite content creators, film and television practitioners and art enthusiasts to explore new opportunities arising from the integration of AI and classic IPs. Users may follow official updates from each platform for the latest information.

Hashtag: #BingoGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Data Hash Group Limited

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Data Hash Group Limited is a diversified commercial service enterprise. Its core businesses cover professional consulting, enterprise accelerator programs and project management services. The company also develops AI content creation and media brand promotion businesses, committed to helping clients produce high-quality AIGC content and realize efficient brand promotion and sustainable growth via digital platforms.

About Bingo Group Holdings Limited

Bingo Group Holdings Limited is an entertainment technology company listed on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 8220). Majority-owned by renowned actor and director Stephen Chow, the company focuses on the "AI + Content + IP" track and devotes itself to innovative integration of classic IP commercialization and AI technology.

DP World Launches First Global Seagrass Restoration Initiative In South Korea

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:04:17 +0200

Partnership with Korea Green Foundation and FIRA will help restore seagrass meadows off Geoje Island, supporting marine biodiversity, blue carbon habitats and local communities

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - DP World has launched its first global seagrass restoration initiative on Geoje Island in South Korea, supporting efforts to restore 2.4 hectares of coastal marine habitat over the next four years and enhancing marine biodiversity.

DP WORLD Seagrass restoration South Korea

The initiative in South Korea was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DP World, Korea Green Foundation and the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA). The MOU establishes a long-term collaboration focused on ongoing monitoring of seagrass meadows, the development of restoration approaches informed by scientific research, and continued cooperation between public, private and community stakeholders in the coastal waters of Dadae Village on Geoje Island.

The partnership was launched on World Ocean Day, with representatives from DP World, Korea Green Foundation, FIRA and the local fishing community helping to transplant approximately 6,000 seagrass shoots along the Dadae coastline. The project aims to restore up to 2.4 hectares of seabed over the next four years and is expected to benefit local communities by supporting marine productivity and fish catch potential.

Glen Hilton, CEO & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, DP World, said: "Healthy oceans are essential to sustainable trade and thriving coastal communities. By restoring seagrass meadows in Geoje, we are helping protect one of nature's most effective blue-carbon ecosystems while supporting marine biodiversity and local livelihoods. Together with the Korea Green Foundation and FIRA, we are supporting research, restoration and community engagement efforts that can deepen our understanding of these valuable marine ecosystems to strengthen the resilience of our coasts for future generations."

Jung Tae-yong, Secretary General, Korea Green Foundation, said: "Seagrass meadows are an invaluable presence in supporting coastal ecosystems. They store carbon, help prevent coastal erosion and act as a breakwater for the ecosystem. This project goes beyond simple environmental protection, bringing together businesses, public institutions and local communities to expand practical marine-conservation models and public awareness of the importance of climate action."

Seagrass meadows provide habitat for a wide range of marine species and contribute to the health of coastal ecosystems. They are recognised as an important blue carbon ecosystem because of their ability to absorb and store carbon naturally, making their protection and restoration an area of growing interest among researchers and conservation organisations.

The project will include ongoing monitoring and evaluation activities led by FIRA, alongside community engagement initiatives designed to support long-term stewardship of the restoration site. The partners also intend to build on the Geoje initiative through continued research, community engagement and public awareness activities that support understanding of marine ecosystems and coastal conservation.

This initiative builds on DP World's broader sustainability efforts to support environmental stewardship and community resilience across Asia Pacific. From our flagship mangrove ecosystem restoration programme in Indonesia - aligned with DP World's global commitment to restore and protect 280 hectares of mangroves by 2030 - to watershed rehabilitation initiatives in the Philippines and coral reef restoration in Australia, these efforts reflect a regional commitment to protecting the natural environments that are most critical to local communities.

Through partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations and local communities, DP World continues to explore practical ways to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the environments in which it operates.
Hashtag: #DPWORLD

https://www.dpworld.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dp-world
https://twitter.com/DP_World

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer's door.

In Asia Pacific, DP World employs over 11,000 people across 22 geographies. We operate 17 ports and terminals, complemented by a comprehensive suite of end-to-end supply chain solutions - to connect the region to the rest of the world.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

Agoda: Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Singapore among Asia's most affordable summer flight routes

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:44:14 +0200

Kuala Lumpur also appears as a destination on affordable routes from Pekanbaru and Ho Chi Minh City

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed some of Asia's most affordable domestic and international flight routes for the summer travel period, with Malaysia-linked routes appearing across both rankings.

Based on one-way bookings made on Agoda between March and May for flights departing between June and August 2026, Kuala Lumpur to Penang ranked second among the most affordable domestic routes in the list, with fares booked from USD 10. For international travel, Kuala Lumpur to Singapore ranked third, with fares booked from USD 17.

The findings reflect Kuala Lumpur's role as a practical travel base for Malaysian travellers, offering access to both domestic getaways and nearby regional destinations. With Penang continuing to appeal as a food, culture and short-break destination, and Singapore remaining a popular option for quick cross-border travel, the affordable fares give travellers more flexibility when planning mid-year trips around convenience, cost and travel time.

The data also shows Kuala Lumpur as a destination on two other affordable international routes. Pekanbaru to Kuala Lumpur ranked second among the most affordable international routes, with fares booked from USD 16, while Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur ranked seventh, with fares booked from USD 34. This points to Kuala Lumpur's continued appeal as an accessible city destination for regional travellers, whether for a short urban break, onward travel, or visiting friends and family.

Across Asia, South Korea's Busan to Jeju route was the most affordable domestic flight route recorded in Agoda's data, with fares booked from USD 8. Other affordable domestic routes included Kuala Lumpur to Penang at USD 10, Phuket to Hat Yai at USD 10, Bangalore to Goa at USD 22, Ho Chi Minh City to Tuy Hòa (Phú Yên) at USD 24, Fukuoka to Tokyo at USD 25, Jakarta to Bandar Lampung at USD 31, and Taichung to Penghu at USD 42.

For international routes, Tokyo to Taipei ranked first, with fares booked from USD 6. Other affordable international routes included Pekanbaru to Kuala Lumpur at USD 16, Kuala Lumpur to Singapore at USD 17, Phuket to Singapore at USD 23, Taipei to Osaka at USD 33, Busan to Fukuoka at USD 34, Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur at USD 34, and New Delhi to Dhaka at USD 53.

"Affordable flights to nearby destinations are more accessible than many travellers might expect - routes like Kuala Lumpur to Penang or Singapore show that a short getaway doesn't have to stretch the budget," said Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda. "On Agoda, travellers can search flights alongside accommodation and activities in one place, which makes it easier to plan a trip that fits both their plans and their wallet."

With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda helps travellers combine their bookings in one platform. Travellers can discover deals on Agoda's mobile app and Agoda.com.

Hashtag: #agoda #agodamalaysia

https://www.agoda.com/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG), employs over 7,500 people globally, and is dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel easy and affordable.

GWM TANK 700 Hi4-T Wins 11 of 13 Stages at 2026 Taklimakan Rally

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:44:14 +0200

URUMQI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - When the 2026 Taklimakan Rally ended on June 1, GWM had done more than just finish the 2026 Taklimakan Rally. It swept every T2 production title: T2.E New-Energy Manufacturers'Cup, T2.1 Fuel Manufacturers'Cup, T2.3 Club Production Cup.

Across 13 special stages, the GWM TANK 700 Hi4-T took 11 stage wins; GWM club entries took 11. Zero mechanical retirements across the entire factory lineup. GWM delivered a dominant performance across all three categories

Over 17 days, competitors covered 7,500 total kilometers, including 3,400 kilometers of special stages - the longest special-stage distance in the event's history.

SS3 stretched 468 kilometers, making it the longest single stage in six years. SS5 and SS6, known as the "Devil Double," have historically seen completion rates fall below 20 percent. SS8, through the Keriya River corridor, demanded precise navigation, where a single wrong turn could cost teams hours. SS9 featured a 353-kilometer crossing of the N39 desert, with soft sand and hidden drop-offs creating constant risks for drivers and vehicles.

While many competitors failed to finish or crossed the line with significant damage, GWM's lineup delivered consistent performance throughout the rally, turning extreme conditions into a demonstration of strength and reliability.

GWM TANK 700 Hi4-T race cars were modified strictly to FIA international standards, with the original production chassis and body structure left completely untouched, no internal engine components altered, and all core production hardware retained throughout. That is what "production-based" means here: the race car and the showroom car share the same engineering backbone.

Across 13 stages and three categories, GWM completed the 2026 Taklimakan Rally with zero mechanical retirements. It happens because every cooling circuit, every torque vectoring command, every suspension joint is designed for the same extreme durability

This year GWM brought co-creation partners K-MAN and Dongli into a shared garage: shared parts, shared technicians, shared strategy. The result was not just wins - it was a lower barrier for the entire Chinese off-road industry to step up. When suppliers race alongside the manufacturer, everyone learns faster. Lessons from the desert are already feeding back into production development.

World-class drivers including Nicolas Cavigliasso and Pau Navarro raced alongside Chinese champions, trading lines, data, and pit lane experience. That kind of exchange raises the level of every driver and team on the grid.

At the finish line, GWM Vice President Liu Yanzhao draped traditional Atlas silk sashes over returning drivers - a gesture honoring not just the champions, but every mechanic, navigator, and support crew who made the run possible.

From the Taklimakan to global stages. From race cars to showrooms. From champions to the next generation of off-road enthusiasts. GWM's clean sweep is not a finish line. It is a starting point. And the message is clear: what survives the desert earns the right to lead the road ahead.

Hashtag: #GWM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Etiqa Insurance Singapore Brings Everyday Readiness to Public Spaces through "When Life Spins, Stay Ready" Campaign

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:24:07 +0200

Interactive out-of-home activation across Mind, Body and Money aims to generate more than 10,000 readiness responses from Singaporeans

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - Etiqa Insurance Singapore is bringing the conversation on everyday readiness into public spaces with 'When Life Spins, Stay Ready', an interactive out-of-home activation that invites Singaporeans to reflect on their sense of readiness across three everyday dimensions: Mind, Body and Money, while challenging the notion that being prepared is not solely reserved for moments of crisis, but built in small, everyday choices we make.

This light-hearted and reflective activation encourages Singaporeans to consider everyday preparedness in a new light. It aims to kickstart conversations around readiness in life while reinforcing Etiqa's commitment to helping customers navigate life with greater confidence and support.

Rolling out across selected high-traffic locations from June 2026, 'When Life Spins, Stay Ready' is designed to make readiness simple, engaging and relatable. Participants can register onsite, answer a short set of quiz questions, and stand a chance to win exciting prizes through a prize-wheel spin.

Across 42 activation days, participants will answer six questions across three readiness pillars: Mind, Body and Money, with at least four correct answers required to stand a chance at winning a spin-and-win prize. Up to 4,000 prizes will be available for redemption, subject to qualifying criteria, campaign terms and verification.

The quiz questions are mapped to practical everyday behaviours. The Mind pillar explores how Singaporeans manage stress and prioritise rest, the oft-overlooked foundations of mental resilience. Body examines the small physical habits that sustain us, from how much we move to whether we stay adequately hydrated. Money spotlights the budgeting instincts and saving behaviours that determine how well-prepared we are when life takes an unexpected turn.

By exploring these themes, Etiqa aims to help Singaporeans see readiness not as something reserved for major life events or moments of crisis, but as something shaped by the choices they make every day.

"Readiness is only about preparing for the unexpected but is also about the everyday habits and decisions that help people feel more confident about what lies ahead," said Claudia Soh, Acting CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore. "Through When Life Spins, Stay Ready, we hope to inspire Singaporeans to adopt readiness as a lifelong mindset - one that empowers them to face life with greater assurance and resilience."

The initiative builds on Etiqa's broader brand platform, Live Ready With You, which reflects our commitment to helping customers navigate life with greater confidence and support. The activation also sets the stage for the upcoming Etiqa Life Preparedness Survey, released in the second half of 2026. The research, conducted by Kantar, will offer a deeper look into how Singaporeans approach preparedness across financial security, physical wellbeing and mental resilience.

For the latest activation details, follow Etiqa Singapore on Instagram and TikTok at @etiqasg, or visit www.etiqa.com.sg/stayready.

Activation Locations and Dates

The activation will run for a total of 6 weeks, starting with City Hall MRT on 11 June 2026. For details on other locations, pls visit https://www.etiqa.com.sg/stayready/

Hashtag: #Etiqa #WhenLifeSpinsStayReady

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)

Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is a licensed life and general insurance company regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. The local insurer is the Singapore operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group - a leading insurance and Takaful business in ASEAN offering life and general insurance and family and general Takaful products through its agents, branches, offices and bancassurance network in the region. Etiqa Insurance Singapore is rated 'A' by credit rating agency Fitch for the group's 'Favorable' business profile and 'Very Strong' capitalisation.

Etiqa Insurance Singapore is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture company that combines local market knowledge with international insurance expertise. The company is 69% owned by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group with footprints across 13 countries and a heritage that spans over 190 years.

DeRAMA, Singapore's First Korean Confinement Centre Managed by Sserenity, Reaches Full Capacity

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:44:02 +0200

The first Singapore outpost of the Korean postpartum brand has filled every suite, mirroring its Seoul flagship, which sold out six months ahead.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - DeRAMA Singapore, the first Korean confinement centre to open in the country and operated by Sserenity, is now fully booked. It offers residential postpartum stays within Artyzen Singapore on Orchard Road, where newborns are looked after by registered and enrolled nurses. A two-week stay is priced from S$35,000 in the standard suite and S$50,000 in the Garden Suite.

DeRAMA, Singapore's First Korean Confinement Centre Managed by Sserenity, Reaches Full Capacity

Demand That Crosses Borders

In South Korea, postpartum confinement is a long-standing tradition, and booking a stay well before the birth is common. The brand's Seoul flagship is reserved months in advance, with a waitlist that continues to grow. A similar shift is underway locally, where confinement centres have grown as an alternative to live-in nannies, offering parents a team of trained staff to support them and their newborns. DeRAMA sits at the premium end of that shift, with its suites gradually filling after opening.

A Reputation Built Over Decades
The brand itself is far from new. DeRAMA has cared for more than 10,000 mothers and newborns over nearly two decades, and Singapore is its first location beyond South Korea. Its clientele there has included couples such as actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, singer Taeyang and actor Min Hyo-rin, and actors Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung.

Inside the Centre
The residential floor of the luxury confinement centre in Singapore is self-contained, with no public access. The nurses are on site around the clock, and meals are prepared fresh by Artyzen's chefs and adjusted to each stage of recovery. DeRAMA also offers prenatal massage and postnatal massage as part of its postpartum care services in Singapore.

"What we are seeing is a change in how recovery is understood," said Danny Woo, Chief Financial Officer of Sserenity (DeRAMA Singapore). "Mothers here are no longer treating the weeks after birth as time to simply get through. They are choosing to plan for them with the care they would give any important decision, and that is reflected in the demand."

Families considering DeRAMA's programmes can enquire about availability at derama.sg.
Hashtag: #DeRAMA #koreanconfinementcentre #luxuryconfinementcentre #postpartumcareservices

https://www.derama.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Derama-Singapore/61577219054775/
https://www.instagram.com/derama_singapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About DeRAMA

DeRAMA Singapore is the first international expansion of Her Garden DeRAMA, South Korea's leading ultra-luxury postpartum care brand established in 2008, brought to the market and managed by Sserenity. Located inside Artyzen Hotel on Orchard Road, DeRAMA Singapore offers medically-informed, bespoke postpartum recovery programmes for high-net-worth mothers seeking the highest standard of postnatal care. With 20 years of clinical protocol development and a Seoul clientele that includes globally recognised K-celebrity families, Sserenity brings an uncompromising standard of care to Singapore's most discerning mothers.

Singapore company Hydrantula develops a modular way to build coastal protection faster and at a lower cost, solution to be launched during SIWW 2026.

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:23:31 +0200

The method assembles most of a structure on land before it is filled with concrete at sea and is designed to double as a habitat for marine life.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - Singapore-based Hydrantula, will unveil the solution over Singapore International Water Week 2026.

Singapore company Hydrantula develops a modular way to build coastal protection faster and at a lower cost.

As Singapore and its neighbours plan decades of investment to defend low-lying coasts against rising seas, a local company is proposing a different way to build the structures that do the work − assembling most of the structures on land and finishing the final works in the water.

A coastline problem with no single answer

Singapore has more than 300km of coastline, and no single solution fits all of it. About 70 to 80 per cent is currently protected by seawalls and stone embankments, and the national water agency PUB has said the country needs solutions that are both cost-effective and multifunctional, given its limited land. Sea levels around Singapore could rise by up to about 1m by 2100, and higher still when combined with high tides and storm surges.

Conventional marine construction is slow and expensive, largely because much of the work is done in the water, using heavy equipment, divers and processes such as pile driving that disturb the seabed. Hydrantula, a Singapore-based company, has been developing a method intended to move most of that work back onto land

Building on land, finishing at sea

The system uses a lightweight, permanent formwork built from standard HDPE pipes joined by moulded plastic nodes. The frame is assembled onshore − the company estimates around 90 per cent of the work is done on land − then lowered into position and filled with reinforced concrete pumped from the bottom up, displacing the water inside. Once the concrete hardens, the result is a monolithic reinforced-concrete structure within a plastic shell.

Because the geometry is set by the pipework rather than by custom moulds, the company says the same family of parts can form a range of structures, from floating breakwaters and seawalls to jetty foundations, mooring ramps and terraced, beach-retaining shoreline structures.

Hydrantula says the approach can cut construction time by roughly two to three times, and cost to around a third of conventional methods, for equivalent reinforced-concrete structures. It also estimates the life-cycle carbon of its structures at about 5 tonnes of CO₂ per metre over 60 years, against roughly 25 tonnes for conventional reinforced concrete, based on the company's own assessment to ISO 14040/14044. These are design targets and company estimates rather than independently certified figures.

Designed to host marine life

The open frame is intended to let wave energy pass through rather than reflect it and does not seal the seabed beneath a solid foundation. Over time, the submerged plastic surfaces are colonised by marine organisms, so the structure can also function as an artificial reef − an approach in line with the "hybrid" coastal solutions, combining hard structures with nature, that researchers in Singapore are actively studying. The company targets a service life of more than 60 years.

"Most of the cost, the risk and the environmental disturbance in marine construction comes from working in the water. If you can do the bulk of the work on land and keep the disturbance at sea short, the economics and the footprint both change. We are not trying to out-build nature − we are trying to build with it."

− Nikita Shcherbina, Co-Founder of Hydrantula PTE Ltd

Still to be proven at scale

The technology is at an early commercial stage. Hydrantula has proposals and pilot discussions under way in Singapore, elsewhere in Southeast Asia and in California, and is pursuing research collaboration with Singapore academic partners to test its structural performance and ecological behaviour under local conditions. Its performance and durability claims have yet to be verified in long-term field use.

The company will present the system at Singapore International Water Week 2026 (SIWW2026 booth number: L1-A23), which runs from 15 to 18 June at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.

Hashtag: #Hydrantula #CoastalProtection #Marineconstruction #SIWW2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hydrantula

Hydrantula PTE LTD (Singapore, UEN 202600937R) is a coastal-resilience technology company developing a modular marine construction platform based on permanent HDPE formwork filled with reinforced concrete and GFRP reinforcement. The technology is designed for the marine environment and spans applications from breakwaters and seawalls to foundations, terraced shoreline structures and artificial reefs.

For more information, please visit: www.hydrantula.com

Industry expert Jason Gerlis has been appointed as the Chief Revenue Officer at GoGlobal

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:03:20 +0200

TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2026 - Industry expert Jason Gerlis has been appointed as the Chief Revenue Officer at GoGlobal - the global expansion business - bolstering the leadership team's strength and depth at a time of accelerated growth.

With more than 15 years' experience in helping businesses to scale internationally, his role will be to drive revenue growth at GoGlobal, align this to delivery excellence and add long-term value to those companies looking to expand and operate overseas.

"I'm delighted to welcome Jason into the fold," states Jeremy Wastall, CEO at GoGlobal. "His extensive industry knowledge and global corporate services background support our strategy to deliver best-in-class business expansion and operational solutions to clients looking to enter new markets compliantly, and at speed."

His appointment is also in-line with the company's aim to build a business where cultural fit and mindset are just as important as experience.

"Alongside his impressive experience, Jason's approach to leadership aligns with our brand values. I have full confidence in his ability to create a world-class environment where his teams will grow and excel," adds Jeremy.

The move follows a series of recent senior hires and strategic investments designed to enhance GoGlobal's ambitious growth plans, which include greater geographic reach, deeper technology capabilities and the continued development of market-winning solutions for clients.

Independence and long-term focus

Explaining what drew him to GoGlobal, Jason points to the company's independence and investment strategy.

"GoGlobal's independence is a real strength," he states. "It gives the business the freedom to invest in what genuinely matters to clients and focus on building sustainable, future growth. That long-term perspective leads to better client outcomes, stronger partnerships and a more engaged, motivated workforce."

Jason also highlights the company's culture which is deeply grounded in servicing clients' needs as a reason to join the business. He notes: "Understanding, consistency, collaboration and responsiveness are at the foundation of GoGlobal's approach to client service, all of which resonate with me.

"And it's these values and business ethics that truly set GoGlobal apart," he concludes.

Strengthening global networks

Based in Charlotte, USA, Jason will spend his first months in the role engaging closely with GoGlobal's global clients and partner ecosystem, while helping shape the company's long-term commercial strategy.

"I'm excited to work with clients across the full spectrum - from fast-growing start-ups and venture / private equity-backed businesses to large multinationals - as we continue to build GoGlobal's future roadmap," he states.

Prior to joining GoGlobal, Jason spent five years as Global Head of Corporate Services at Ocorian and held several senior leadership roles at TMF Group over seven years, including Global Head of Consulting and Regional Director for North America and the Caribbean.

Hashtag: #GoGlobal

https://goglobal.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/goglobalgeo/
Wechat: GoGlobal环瑀

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

GoGlobal

GoGlobal - the global expansion business - helps companies set up and manage global operations compliantly and confidently. By combining global expertise with local execution, GoGlobal supports market entry, M&A activity and vendor consolidation through a single point of accountability.

Founded eight years ago in 2018, GoGlobal has grown from a startup into a fully decentralized global organization, supporting thousands of clients with their own growth stories.

It now has over 450 internal employees, operating across 85+ countries, and has enabled more than 1,000 clients to establish and manage their global operations across 145 markets.

Services include entity setup, compliance and management; accounting and tax services; HR and payroll support; Employer of Record (EOR); and Independent Contractor Solutions (ICS).

GoGlobal is headquartered in Tokyo but the leadership and operational teams are worldwide, enabling seamless support across time zones.

Slovenia among top five most peaceful countries

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:36:26 +0200

Slovenia has gained two spots in the annual Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace, making it to the top five for the first time since the report was first compiled twenty years ago.

Iceland remains at the top of the ranking for the 19th consecutive year, having further improved its score over last year. New Zealand is in second place and Switzerland in third. Slovenia follows in fourth place and Ireland in fifth.

The index looks at several security aspects, with the most peaceful countries ranking at the top.

In terms of ongoing domestic and international conflicts, Slovenia is in the top 20, in societal safety and security it is in ninth place, and in militarisation it ranks sixth.

The situation has deteriorated in 99 countries out of the 163 included in the index, which is the largest number ever recorded.

The report finds that armed conflicts were the main driver of the decline last year. "There are now more active state-based conflicts than at any point since the end of the Second World War, while the number of countries involved in external conflict has nearly doubled since 2008."

Western and Central Europe remained the most peaceful region, while the Middle East and North Africa were the least peaceful, the report said.

Korean Liquor (K-SUUL), Raises Its First Flag for Globalization on Asia's Largest Stage

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:59:54 +0200

"K-SUUL Pavilion" to Open for the First Time at the HKCEC on May 26-28

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - The National Tax Service of Korea (Commissioner: Lim Kwang-hyun), for the first time, opened the "K-SUUL Pavilion" at Vinexpo Asia[1], which was held for three days from May 26 to 28 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

[Photo] Korean Liquor (K-SUUL) Raises Its First Flag for Globalization on Asias Largest Stage

The opening of the "K-SUUL Pavilion" was served as a key milestone in raising the global profile of Korean alcoholic beverages and expanding overseas exports.

At the inaugural "K-SUUL AWARDS" held by National Tax Service of Korea last December, 175 small and medium-sized liquor producers from across Korea submitted a total of 366 products. Following document screening and blind testing, 12 products were selected.

The award-winning liquors, selected through a fair judging process with the participation of Korean citizens, was introduced to the global market through this exhibition, marking their first step toward overseas expansion.

The "K-SUUL Pavilion" was operated through cooperation between the National Tax Service of Korea and the liquor industry and association (the Korea Alcohol and Liquor Industry Association). It was designed as an integrated promotional platform to strengthen the export competitiveness of Korean alcoholic beverages and develop overseas sales channels.

The "K-SUUL Pavilion" was operated with a total of 16 booths (display and tasting booths), and 12 companies - including winners of the K-SUUL AWARDS - participated to hold consultations with overseas buyers.

Participating companies ranged from traditional liquor breweries to regional soju producers and major liquor companies, showcasing the diverse spectrum of Korea's alcoholic beverage industry on a single stage.

In addition to the booths operated by the 12 participating companies, a dedicated booth was set up exclusively to showcase the award-winning liquors, further highlighting the significance of the K-SUUL AWARDS.

At the venue, promotional videos of the award-winning liquors were screened, while English-language brochures and souvenirs were distributed to attract local buyers and visitors to raise awareness of Korean alcoholic beverages.

In addition, meetings with the organizers of Vinexpo Asia, overseas buyers, and distribution industry officials were also held to identify rapidly changing global liquor market trends and assess the overseas expansion potential of Korean alcoholic beverages.

Han Yeong-seok Fermentation Research Institute expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to participate in the exhibition, saying, "It was meaningful to showcase our award-winning liquor, 'Dohan Cheongmyeongju,' on the same stage as liquors from around the world through this exhibition. We did our best to promote Korea's unique fermentation culture and the value of Korean liquor to the world."

Going forward, the National Tax Service of Korea will continue to enhance the substance of the K-SUUL AWARDS, continuously discover outstanding liquors from promising small and medium-sized enterprises, and will actively support the globalization of Korean liquor (K-SUUL) by promoting it both domestically and internationally and helping these businesses expand their sales channels.

[1] Vinexpo Asia is Asia's largest B2B wine and spirits exhibition, attracting approximately 9,000 industry professionals from 60 countries last year.

Hashtag: #K-SUUL

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HEIDELBERG forges ahead with transformation - foundations laid for medium-term growth

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:39:43 +0200

Dual-use technology approach on target - establishing new areas of business based on core expertise boosts strategic diversification
Strong partnerships - new Memorandum of Understanding to be announced at ILA between ONBERG and Ukrainian company
Core business stable - global positioning ensures robust development and underlines market leadership
Focus on efficiency - cost base streamlined and competitiveness strengthened
Financial year 2025/2026 - EBITDA margin down on previous year, while sales and net result after taxes improve
Outlook for financial year 2026/2027 - challenging geopolitical environment, systematic expansion of HEIDELBERG Technology growth segment

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY - News Aktuell - 10 June 2026 - Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has made full use of financial year 2025/2026 to significantly accelerate its transformation into a more broadly based technology company, despite a challenging environment. Based on its strong industry and systems expertise, HEIDELBERG has adopted an approach centered on dual-use technologies to systematically tap into additional markets in the areas of defense, security, energy, charging infrastructure, and industrial system solutions. One key aspect of this strategy is combining all relevant activities under the umbrella of HD Advanced Technologies GmbH. In this way, HEIDELBERG is making itself more future-proof and laying the foundations for long-term attractive and profitable growth.

HEIDELBERG is expanding its position as a system integrator in the growing packaging market.

Strong partnerships - new Memorandum of Understanding to be announced at ILA between ONBERG and Ukrainian company

By systematically building up its defense business, HEIDELBERG has established a further new mainstay alongside its e-mobility subsidiary Amperfied. One example of this strategy in action is ONBERG, a joint venture with the US-Israeli technology company Ondas that is focusing on autonomous anti-drone defense and security systems. The plan under this collaboration is to initially use the Brandenburg site for the sale and distribution of state-of-the-art anti-drone systems and subsequently industrialize these systems and put them into series production at the site. This strategy is drawing attention to the technological strength of HEIDELBERG in new markets, too. The next step is envisaged within the week - a new Memorandum of Understanding between ONBERG and a Ukrainian drone business regarding a potential partnership is set to be announced at the ILA Berlin Air Show.

"In recent months, we have significantly accelerated the strategic development of HEIDELBERG and further raised our profile as a technology-oriented high-tech business," says Jürgen Otto, CEO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. "We are one of the world's top companies when it comes to complex, high-precision mechanical engineering. With HD Advanced Technologies and our focus on dual-use technologies, we are leveraging this expertise and capacity to create additional, attractive areas of business alongside our core business in printing and packaging. Thanks to our broad technology base, we are successfully establishing partnerships in attractive growth areas, including service and software. Our goal is clear - to position HEIDELBERG as a high-performance, high-tech company with sustainable growth in profitability," he adds.

Focus on core business - expanding digital business and becoming a systems integrator in packaging printing

HEIDELBERG is continuously expanding its portfolio in the growth area of digital printing. One particular driver of this development is the digital print ramp-up in the inkjet market. In parallel with this, HEIDELBERG is building on its position as a systems integrator and increasingly covering the entire packaging production value chain on an end-to-end basis. One key focus is on processes upstream and downstream of actual printing. For example, HEIDELBERG has substantially extended its strategic postpress packaging partnership with the Chinese manufacturer Masterwork, moving beyond the previous sales and distribution collaboration. At the same time, the company is pressing ahead with the technological development of its core business portfolio and systematically expanding its activities in growth regions such as Latin America, Vietnam, and India. In addition to this, focused strategic M&A measures such as acquiring the brand rights of Polar are further strengthening the portfolio.

"The packaging market is a key growth engine for HEIDELBERG, because it is being driven by global trends such as population growth, urbanization, and the necessity for sustainable business practices. We are systematically extending our solutions to cover the entire manufacturing process in packaging production - from substrate selection, printing, postpress operations, and logistics all the way through to digital integration," explains Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG.

Focus on efficiency - cost base streamlined and competitiveness strengthened

Effective efficiency measures such as completely relocating production of the Speedmaster CX104 to China and opening a new site in North Macedonia to reduce future manufacturing costs for individual product groups are helping to further optimize the cost structure. Overall, important progress has been made with key cost and efficiency targets. For example, the plan for the future at the company's German sites is exceeding expectations and playing a key role in adjusting the personnel cost structure and strengthening competitiveness.

Financial year 2025/2026 - EBITDA margin down on previous year, while sales and net result after taxes improve

HEIDELBERG has held its own in a difficult environment, keeping its operational performance stable and even significantly improving its net result after taxes. The audited business figures for financial year 2025/2026 confirm the preliminary figures already published. For example, sales in the reporting period were slightly up on the previous year's figure of € 2,280 million at € 2,293 million. Sales adjusted for exchange rate movements amounted to around € 2,362 million. Sales increased in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and Americas regions. The positive trend for incoming orders in the final quarters of previous years continued. The figure of € 619 million for the fourth quarter was the highest during the reporting year and also higher than in the previous year. Over the year as a whole, however, the current geopolitical tensions had an adverse effect on incoming orders, which totaled € 2,246 million (previous year: € 2,433 million). In the year under review, incoming orders were also affected by negative exchange rate effects amounting to some € 71 million.

During the reporting period, the HEIDELBERG Technology segment's incoming orders and sales were both up on the previous year. EBITDA improved slightly compared with the previous year but remained negative. In the Print & Packaging Equipment segment, incoming orders fell in financial year 2025/2026, but sales increased slightly. The adjusted EBITDA figure was down on the previous year. The Digital Solutions & Lifecycle segment recorded lower incoming orders than in the previous year and sales fell slightly. The adjusted EBITDA figure for financial year 2025/2026 was also slightly down on the previous year's level.

The overall adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.6 percent for financial year 2025/2026 was in line with the adjusted forecast and therefore below the previous year's figure (7.1 percent). This was due to bringing forward investments and expenditure for new, promising activities outside of the company's core business (especially in the area of security and defense). Further factors in addition to another sudden drop in investment demand due to the onset of the war in the Middle East - and the associated supply bottlenecks, order delays, and increases in energy prices - included tariffs, continuing negative exchange rate effects (reducing EBITDA by € 20 million), and a less favorable product mix than in the previous year. Key positive aspects were the improvement in the cost structure (personnel costs, for instance), efficiency and structural measures, and the visible successes of the measures established in the plan for the future.

Before adjustment for special items, EBITDA increased from € 137 million in the previous year to € 145 million in the reporting year. The net result after taxes in the reporting period tripled to € 15 million (previous year: € 5 million). The free cash flow in the year under review totaled € -19 million (previous year: € 51 million). The equity ratio improved to 27 percent (previous year: 25 percent).

Outlook for financial year 2026/2027 -challenging geopolitical environment, systematic expansion of HEIDELBERG Technology growth segment

Forecast planning for financial year 2026/2027 (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027) is based on the underlying economic and sector-specific conditions in the markets that are relevant to HEIDELBERG. Forecasts are also conditional on the global economy growing at least to the extent currently anticipated by economic research institutions.

Based on the above assumptions, the company forecasts stable Group sales matching the previous year's level in financial year 2026/2027 and a noticeable improvement in the adjusted EBITDA margin compared with the previous year. It is assumed that there will be no substantial changes in relevant exchange rates for business activities.

Important note:

This release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Even though the management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, the actual future development and results may deviate substantially from these forward-looking statements due to various factors, such as changes in the overall economic situation, in exchange and interest rates, and within the print media industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft provides no guarantee and assumes no liability for future developments and results deviating from the assumptions and estimates made in this press release.

Hashtag: #HEIDELBERGDruckmaschinenAG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About HEIDELBERG

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has been standing for innovation, quality, and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for more than 175 years. With a clear focus on growth and as a total solution provider and system integrator, HEIDELBERG is driving further development in the core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions, and lifecycle business with service and consumables so that customers can achieve maximum productivity and efficiency. Building on decades of industry and system expertise, the company is also systematically tapping into new markets in the areas of security, energy, charging infrastructure, and industrial system solutions-with a clear scaling expertise and attractive growth prospects. With its strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creative power and expertise of its roughly 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China, and the USA, and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is globally well positioned.

Image material and further information about the company are available in the Investor Relations portal and Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com.

YesAsia Holdings Advances Dual-Engine Strategy with First YesStyle Concept Store in the US

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:39:42 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - YesStyle, the global online beauty retailer under YesAsia Holdings Limited ("YesAsia Holdings", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (02209.HK), has announced the launch of its new physical retail store in the US. Located on the main level of Great Mall in Milpitas, in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, the new concept store not only marks a significant step in bringing the latest K-beauty trends to a broader US audience, but also represents a major strategic milestone in advancing the Group's B2C-B2B dual-engine strategy to expand market share in North America.

Driving O2O Synergy: Expanding Offline Reach to Complement B2C Strategy
Celebrating 20 years of delivering trending Asian products worldwide, YesStyle has transformed 1,500 square feet into an immersive retail fantasy. Serving as a strategic extension of the Group's core B2C business, this new physical footprint enhances offline visibility and reaches a wider demographic of consumers who value hands-on product discovery and immediate purchase. The store offers a "Yesful playground" where beauty lovers can connect with over 60 Asian brands, featuring interactive makeup stations with beloved K-beauty labels like UNLEASHIA, dasique, fwee, and rom&nd, alongside a customizable mask bar. This experiential retail environment functions as a powerful, culturally rich marketing engine, generating offline brand awareness and foot traffic that seamlessly feeds into the digital platform, creating a complementary offline-to-online (O2O) loop that supports repeat purchases and maximizes customer lifetime value (LTV).

Mr. Joshua Lau, Founder, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of YesAsia Holdings said: "The launch of YesStyle's retail store marks a significant milestone for our brand, as we bring our top-tier and bestselling K-beauty products, along with advanced skin care innovation, into an offline setting for customers in the Bay Area. The Bay Area holds a special place in our history as the city where the Group was founded and where our first office was established. Opening our first YesStyle beauty retail store here feels like coming home and reinforces our commitment to continue innovating and delivering exceptional experiences to our customers, both online and offline."

Empowering the B2B Wholesale Business AsiaBeautyWholesale (ABW) Growth
This physical retail expansion also creates substantial value for YesAsia Holdings' B2B operations, ABW. By physically showcasing a curated yet expansive selection of bestselling Korean beauty brands, including SKIN1004, Medicube, Anua, Dr. Althea, Beauty of Joseon, COSRX, and more, in a premium US retail environment, YesStyle acts as an effective market-testing ground. The elevated brand awareness and consumer validation generated at the retail level will bolster confidence among other local US retailers and distributors, effectively catalyzing B2B orders and driving synergistic growth across both of the Group's core business modules.

Hashtag: #YesAsia #YesStyle

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About YesAsia Holdings Limited (02209.HK)

Established in 1997, YesAsia Holdings is a leading e-commerce platform operator recognized for its expertise in identifying and procuring quality Asian beauty, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment products. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Group deliver products promptly and efficiently to a global audience through its strong ties with over 400 leading Asian beauty brand and supplier partners. The Group operates three major platforms: YesStyle, an e-commerce B2C platform for serving the increasingly popular Asian beauty, fashion and lifestyle products, particularly Korean beauty products; AsianBeautyWholesale, a B2B platform for Asian beauty products; and YesAsia, an e-commerce retail platform for entertainment products. YesAsia Holdings is a constituent of the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index.

For more information, please visit the Group's official website: https://www.yesasiaholdings.com/

About YesStyle

YesStyle, a global B2C online retailer under YesAsia Holdings Limited. (02209.HK), is the go-to destination for the largest selection of authentic Asian beauty, fashion, and lifestyle products. As an authorized retailer of 400+ premium K-beauty brands, YesStyle aims to help everyone find their 'yes!' through innovative beauty inspired by Asia, friendly guidance and smart prices since 2006.

Tenchijin to Showcase "KnoWaterleak" and Speak as a Panelist at SIWW2026 Water Expo

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:39:41 +0200

16-18 June 2026, at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - Tenchijin Inc., a space-tech innovator transforming sustainable water infrastructure management, is pleased to announce its participation in Singapore International Water Week 2026 (SIWW), one of the world's premier platforms to share and co-create innovative water, coastal, and flood solutions to meet urban water and associated climate challenges.

Organized by Singapore International Water Week Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency, SIWW is Asia's premier global platform for co-creating innovative water solutions. Held biennially, the event is expected to gather over 2,500 global leaders, experts, and practitioners from governments, utilities, academia, and industry to share best practices, showcase the latest technologies, and harness business opportunities.

As a cornerstone of the event, the SIWW2026 Water Expo serves as the pre-eminent marketplace for urban water technologies, innovations, and solutions tailored for municipal and industrial water users across Southeast Asia. Organized by Messe München in cooperation with IFAT, the Expo connects the full water value chain-from advanced treatment, reuse, and desalination to digital solutions and climate-resilient coastal protection. Taking place from 16-18 June 2026 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the Expo is expected to welcome over 24,000 trade visits, making it Asia's leading business platform for sustainable water management.

Tenchijin will showcase "KnoWaterleak," our water leakage assessment and management platform, at the exhibition booth. Additionally, Yohei Nishiyama, VP of Business Development, will speak as a guest panelist in the Technology Forum, sharing insights on sustainable water management solutions driven by AI and space technology.

Event Overview
■ Organizer: SIWW: Singapore International Water Week Pte Ltd／Water Expo: Messe München
■ Date: SIWW: 15-18 June 2026 / Water Expo: 16-18 June 2026
■ Venue: Sands Expo & Convention Centre Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
■ Event URL: https://www.siww.com.sg/

Tenchijin-SIWW Water Expo
■ Date: Water Expo: 16-18 June 2026

[Exhibition Booth]
■ Booth Number: B2-N08PIC

[Panel Discussion]
■ Tenchijin's Panelist: Yohei Nishiyama, VP of Business Development
■ Date: 16 June, 1:00pm - 2:00pm (Technology Forum)
■ Venue: Hall E, Level B2
■ Discussion Theme: "Reactive to Predictive: AI Applications in Managing Aging Water Infrastructure"

With much of the world's water infrastructure aging rapidly, the cost of reactive management is no longer sustainable. This panel examines real-world AI applications-from predictive leak detection to asset performance modeling-that help utilities anticipate failures, prioritize investments, and transition toward proactive, data-driven operations that improve efficiency and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Moderated by: Kim Demeyer, Science & Technology Counsellor, Flanders Investment & Trade

Panelists:
・Shanmugavel Subramaniam, Water and Wastewater Segment Leader, Schneider Electric
・Yohei Nishiyama, VP of Business Development, Tenchijin Inc.

https://siww2026-app.siww.com.sg/agenda/?agid=fe6fc21d07c8452c8e29

Hashtag: #Tenchijin #SIWW #KnoWaterleak #SatelliteTechnology #WaterLeakage #Sustainability #LeakageDetection #SpaceTech #Startup

https://tenchijin.co.jp/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenchijin/
https://x.com/tenchijin_pr
https://www.facebook.com/tenchijin.pr

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Tenchijin Inc.

About Tenchijin KnoWaterleak
KnoWaterleak is an innovative platform that harnesses satellite data and AI to predict and prevent water infrastructure risks. The system analyzes space-derived data to identify potential leaks within 100-meter square zones, providing unprecedented insights through a 5-level risk evaluation system.

Through continuous AI learning and data collection, the platform demonstrates efficiency in sustainable water management. This technology has earned recognition from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare at the 7th Infrastructure Maintenance Grand Prize.

About Tenchijin Inc.
Tenchijin Inc. is a space-tech innovator leveraging satellite data and AI to detect hidden water infrastructure risks, predict potential leaks, and drive more sustainable, efficient water management through space-derived insights. Our flagship product, KnoWaterleak, combines satellite technology with advanced AI algorithms to proactively identify and prevent costly infrastructure failures, enabling organizations to manage their water systems more sustainably.

Company Overview:

Company Name: Tenchijin Inc.
Address: 5F, Nihonbashi 1-chome Mitsui Building, 1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Yasuhito Sakuraba, CEO
Business Content: Land evaluation consulting using satellite data
Website: https://knowaterleak.space/

For inquiries regarding the expansion of Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak globally: Asia Business Development Representative: asia-t@tenchijin.co.jp

For media inquiries: Satomi, Kiki pr@tenchijin.co.jp

Astronaut of Slovenian roots picked to command Artemis III

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:54:42 +0200

Randy Bresnik, an American astronaut of Slovenian ancestry, has been picked to command the four-member crew of Artemis III, a spaceflight mission that will test lunar landing modules in Earth orbit next year, US space agency NASA has announced

In addition to Bresnik, the Artemis III mission crew includes pilot Luca Parmitano and mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas. Robert Hines has been picked as the backup astronaut, NASA announced at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

"So grateful and appreciative to be a part of the crew that will be "Carrying the Fire" through the next @NASAArtemis mission!" Bresnik said on X.

Artemis III will be the second crewed mission in the NASA-led Artemis programme, aimed at returning humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo programme.

Artemis I, carried out in late-2022, involved the uncrewed Orion spacecraft orbiting the Moon, while Artemis II was a crewed flyby of the moon.

With a targeted launch from the Kennedy Space Center in late 2027, Artemis III will test rendezvous and docking operations between the Orion spacecraft and vehicles such as SpaceX's Starship HLS and Blue Origin's Blue Moon, commercially developed human landing systems (HLS).

Bresnik, a retired officer in the US Marine Corps, flew aboard a Space Shuttle in 2009, was launched aboard Soyuz MS-05 to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2017, and served as ISS commander for Expedition 53 in the same year.

He was born in 1967 in Kentucky, and after school he began his career as a military pilot, following the footsteps of his father Albert Bresnik. His grandfather Al Bresnik was the photographer of American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart.

Bresnik, whose ancestry traces back to the Upper Savinja Valley, has visited the homeland of his ancestors several times, most recently in October 2024.

In April of the same year, he and his spouse Rebecca, who also works for NASA as associate general counsel for international and space law, participated in the signing of an agreement between Slovenia and the US on cooperation in the Artemis programme.

Red Bull Malaysia Announces Red Bull Next Generation To Discover And Support The Next Generation Of Athletes

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:39:27 +0200

Red Bull Malaysia announces Red Bull Next Generation, a new athlete development platform focused on emerging talent across Southeast Asia
Applications open for Malaysian athletes aged 18-25 across all sports and disciplines
Selected athletes will receive support including mentorship, workshops, media visibility and tailored development opportunities
The programme focuses on identifying athletes before mainstream recognition, spotlighting the journey behind progression and performance
Red Bull Next Generation forms part of a long-term commitment to supporting the future of youth sport and athlete storytelling in the region

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - Red Bull Malaysia, the No.1 energy drink brand in the nation, today announced Red Bull Next Generation, a regional athlete development platform under TCP Group, committed to supporting emerging young athletes in Southeast Asia.

Red Bull Next Generation empowers aspiring athletes with the platform, visibility and opportunities to take their next step in sport.

Launching first in Malaysia and Indonesia, Red Bull Next Generation's mission is to spotlight athletes on the rise across all sports and disciplines. From established competitive sports to emerging disciplines and growing sporting communities, the programme is open to athletes aged 18-25 who are actively progressing and ready to take the next step in their journey.

Part of TCP Group's long-term commitment to supporting the future of sporting talents, Red Bull Next Generation is more than a traditional sponsorship programme. Designed as a long-term platform focused on athlete development, visibility and progression, it supports athletes at a stage where the right backing can change their trajectory.

"At TCP Group, we believe Southeast Asia has an incredible future generation of athletes, creators and communities shaping the future of sport and culture," said Supasita Kraisri, Chief Global Marketing Officer, TCP Group.

"Red Bull Next Generation reflects our long-term commitment to supporting that future by creating opportunities, building visibility and giving emerging athletes access to the kind of support that can help accelerate their journey," she said.

"We want this programme to become more than an athlete initiative. We want it to become a platform that inspires ambition, progression and belief across the region."

Selection goes beyond results and influences - athletes are evaluated based on mindset, potential, level of support and commitment to their sport. The Red Bull Next Generation programme combines performance support, expert guidance and athlete storytelling, helping selected athletes develop both competitively and personally. Athletes chosen for the programme will receive tailored support that includes workshops, mentorship, media training, financial assistance and content visibility across Red Bull channels.

Adelene Tay, Head of Marketing, TCP Red Bull Malaysia, shared, "Red Bull Malaysia has always been committed to energising the local sporting community, from supporting grassroots motorsports talent to providing platforms that inspire ambition, growth, and belief among the next generation of Malaysian athletes."

"With Malaysia being one of the first markets to lead Red Bull Next Generation, we see this as an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on promising athletes and provide them with greater visibility and opportunities. At Red Bull Malaysia, we remain committed to building a stronger sporting community for the future, and we are excited to play a role in helping more Malaysian athletes realise their potential."

The programme will also include guidance from Martin Pfeifenberger, a Performance Expert specialising in athlete training, recovery and human performance. With more than 20 years of experience, Martin has worked with elite athletes across over 100 sports disciplines, ranging from Formula 1 drivers and Olympic champions to top-performing teams in football, triathlon, and endurance sports.

"Across Southeast Asia, there are young athletes putting in the work every day, often before anyone is paying attention," said Sigurd Meiche, Program Director for Red Bull Next Generation, who has extensive experience developing athlete-focused sports initiatives globally.

"Some athletes may already be competing at a high level, while others are building momentum within their local scenes, communities or cities. What matters to us is not whether someone is already famous or fully professional, it is their mindset, ambition and commitment to progressing in their sport," he said.

"Red Bull Next Generation is about finding those athletes early, supporting them at the moment it matters most, and helping them unlock what's possible both in sport and beyond it."

Unlike many traditional, one-size-fits-all athlete programmes, Red Bull Next Generation is intentionally designed to be inclusive across all sports and disciplines, including esports, and welcomes both individual and team athletes. Whether competing nationally, building recognition within a city or hometown, or becoming influential figures within local sports communities, the programme is focused on identifying athletes with the ambition and potential to progress.

Centred around the belief that the next generation of athletes already exists, they just have not been seen yet, Red Bull Next Generation aims to spotlight the training, progression, setbacks and breakthroughs that happen long before mainstream recognition.

Applications are now officially open to Malaysian athletes aged 18-25 across all sports and disciplines from June 2026 via the Red Bull Next Generation website here: https://www.redbullsport.com/my/next-generation/2026. The first group of Red Bull Next Generation athletes is slated to be announced from August 2026 onwards.

To learn more about Red Bull Next Generation, visit and follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redbullsportmy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbullsport_my/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redbullsports

Hashtag: #RedBullNextGen

https://www.redbullsport.com/my/next-generation/2026
https://www.facebook.com/redbullsportmy/
https://www.instagram.com/redbullsport_my/
https://www.tiktok.com/@redbullsports

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Red Bull Malaysia

Energising Malaysians since 1993, Red Bull Malaysia is the No.1 energy drink brand in the nation, fuelling individuals of all lifestyles to live their purpose through a range of effective and delicious energy drinks. A firm believer in the special combination of "Energy" and "Passion", the brand aims to give drinkers a boost they need to overcome everything and anything.

About TCP Group
TCP Group is a leading beverage and food company in Thailand and the owner of the world's most iconic energy drink brand "Red Bull" with the Yoovidhya family. Also known as the "House of Great Brands," the company has a diverse product portfolio and is active in 15 markets in Asia, employing more than 5,000 people globally. In Thailand, the company also enjoys success from its distribution, OEM, vending machine business and market activation service.

VinFast launches early booking program for battery-swapping e-motorcycles in the Philippines, accelerating its expansion across Southeast Asia

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:59:22 +0200

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - VinFast has officially launched the Early Booking Program for three (3) e-motorcycle models in the Philippines, including the VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper, less than one month after opening bookings for the same lineup in Indonesia. The launch expands VinFast's all-electric product portfolio in the Philippines while demonstrating the Company's ability to rapidly advance its strategy of developing a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem across Southeast Asia.

From June 10 to July 18, customers in the Philippines can place early orders for VinFast e-motorcycles through the official website at vinfastauto.ph or VinFast dealerships nationwide, with a non-refundable booking fee of only PHP 3,000. During the Early Booking Program period, customers will receive incentives valued at PHP 5,600.

All three e-motorcycle models offer accessible pricing and are accompanied by VinFast's flexible ownership model, allowing customers to choose between battery subscription (with battery swapping privilege), or purchasing vehicles with batteries included, depending on their preferences and usage needs.

Accordingly, the VinFast Evo is priced at PHP 70,000 (with battery subscription), PHP 82,700 (including 1 battery), and PHP 95,400 (including 2 batteries). The VinFast Feliz II is priced at PHP 72,400 (with battery subscription), PHP 85,100 (including 1 battery), and PHP 97,800 (including 2 batteries).

Meanwhile, the VinFast Viper is priced at PHP 81,900 (with battery subscription), PHP 94,600 (including 1 battery), and PHP 107,300 (including 2 batteries).

The first deliveries to customers in the Philippines are expected to begin from July 2026.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-motorcycles Overseas Market, said: "The Philippines is one of the key markets in VinFast's international electric two-wheeler expansion strategy. The introduction of three battery-swapping e-motorcycle models further expands our product ecosystem in the country while offering more green mobility options tailored to the diverse needs of local consumers. We will continue investing comprehensively in products, infrastructure, and services to make the transition to electric mobility the most natural choice for all Filipinos."

The three new models have been developed to meet the diverse mobility needs of consumers in the Philippines, ranging from daily urban commuting and business purposes to modern and dynamic lifestyle aspirations.

Among them, the VinFast Viper is designed for young customers who favor sporty styling and modern technology. The vehicle is equipped with a range of advanced features, including a Smart Key system with remote vehicle tracking and locating functions, a TFT display, projector headlights, and dual rear shock absorbers with external reservoirs.

Meanwhile, the VinFast Evo and VinFast Feliz II are optimized for practical everyday use, combining agile performance, affordable operating costs, and driving ranges well suited to urban mobility needs.

All three models are equipped with a 5,200W BLDC in-wheel motor. The VinFast Viper and VinFast Feliz II support top speeds of up to 90 km/h, while the VinFast Evo reaches up to 80 km/h.

VinFast e-motorcycles are also developed to global quality standards. The frame is constructed using high-strength steel that meets Japanese standards. The motor and controller system are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, while the battery complies with the European ECE-R136 safety standard and is covered by a warranty of up to 6 years or 72,000 km.

Each e-motorcycle features two battery compartments positioned beneath the seat, allowing the use of up to two 1.5 kWh LFP batteries. With two fully-charged batteries, the vehicle can travel up to 150 km under standard conditions.

Customers may choose to subscribe to two batteries at a monthly fee of PHP 439 per battery, or purchase vehicles with batteries included, depending on their needs. Battery swapping fees are set at PHP 35 per battery per swap.

In addition to battery swapping, users can also charge batteries directly at home. Through a strategic partnership with global charging infrastructure developer V-Green, VinFast is actively deploying battery-swapping stations across the Philippines to provide customers with a convenient, fast, and optimized ownership experience.

The Philippines is currently one of Southeast Asia's largest two-wheeler markets. Combined with increasingly visible trends toward green transportation solutions, the market is considered well-positioned for the growth of electric motorcycles in the coming years. It is also one of the five key international markets in VinFast's electric two-wheeler expansion plan this year, alongside Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia.

In recent years, VinFast has gradually established a green mobility ecosystem in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and other markets through partnerships with local companies, alongside ecosystem partners such as Green GSM and V-Green. In addition to e-motorcycles, VinFast is also developing a diverse portfolio that includes electric vehicles, e-bikes, and e-buses, further expanding consumer choices in the transition toward sustainable transportation on a global scale.

Hashtag: #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Dance Without Borders: BYU Ballroom Dance Gives Historic Performances in India

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:38:41 +0200

NEW DELHI / BENGALURU, INDIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - The BYU Ballroom Dance Company lit up stages in India for the first time, enchanting over 1,000 audience members with show-stopping performances held on 4 and 6 June 2026 in the nation's capital and a grand finale in Bengaluru on 9 June. Distinguished guests, including government, interfaith, and community leaders, were among the crowd, dazzled by the performances.

Audiences in New Delhi and Bengaluru were mesmerized by the elegance and precision of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company's performances.

"It was superb," said India Foundation Executive Vice President Alok Bansal. "Not only the performance, but everything was so well-coordinated. Here, the whole team was in synchronization. It actually was amazing. It requires immense practice and confidence in one another, and that was very clearly visible. I think audience reaction was superb."

For their performances in India, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company seamlessly blended ballroom dance with Indian cultural elements, drawing an effusive response from the audience.

The three shows were presented shortly after the Company's success at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, where they swept the British Championships again in both Ballroom and Latin Formations. Whether competing in London or performing in India, the internationally acclaimed ensemble consistently wowed audiences with its creative blend of standard ballroom and Latin styles. From the Waltz, Tango, and Quickstep to the Lindyhop and Samba, the student dancers surpassed cultural boundaries on the dance floor, show after show.

"It was truly spectacular. Every movement was executed beautifully, and the storytelling was so powerful that it kept me completely engaged throughout," said media consultant Poonam Kashyap from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, who partnered the performances.

Every performance by the BYU Ballroom Dance Company in India concluded with a standing ovation. Their respect for the country and genuine desire to connect were evident as the student dancers embraced the people and culture.

As the Company's premiere performances in India, the shows filled theaters with standing ovations. Attendees left feeling mesmerized by the dedication and pure passion of the performances, with a newfound love for the art form. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enjoy high-caliber performing arts with such cultural heritage at no cost.

Beyond the stage, the 32 dancers participated in meaningful cultural exchanges with classical Indian dancers from the illustrious Triveni Kala Sangam, and heartfelt interactions with mentally challenged patients at the Missionaries of Charity home in Old Delhi. These experiences fostered mutual understanding and strengthened connections between the visiting students and the people they met.

"All of us tried to coordinate and learn each other's culture and traditions," shared Acharya Jayalakshmi Eshwar, renowned head of the Bharatanatyam department at the dance institution. "It was like one family then we came together, exchanging our artistic ideas. It was very, very beautiful - a great experience."

"India's rich cultural heritage and extraordinary hospitality have made a lasting impression on our students and faculty," said Curt Holman, artistic director of the Company. "The arts create connections that transcend language, reminding us that we have far more in common than we often realize."

He added, "Our time in India has been life-changing for the students. Not only have they been able to share their dance talents, but they have gained a new perspective on life as they have personally connected with audience members. This will be a memory never to forget."

Follow them on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/byuballroom
https://www.instagram.com/byuballroom/

Hashtag: #byuballroom

https://pam.byu.edu/performance-groups/ballroom-dance-company/
https://www.facebook.com/byuballroom
https://www.instagram.com/byuballroom/
https://www.youtube.com/@byuballroomdancecompany2994

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

OOm Institute Calls for AI Fluency to Close Human Critical Thinking Gap

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:18:34 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - OOm Institute, a Singapore-based AI and digital skills training provider, is calling for greater AI fluency as businesses adopt Generative AI and concerns grow over declining critical thinking and verification skills.

The rapid adoption of AI tools without sufficient verification, contextual understanding, or critical oversight is contributing to a growing "Human Critical Thinking Gap".

Recent research from Professors Rick Dakan and Joseph Feller also corroborates this; only 8.7% of participants consistently verified high-stakes AI-generated claims before accepting them.

Beyond the Prompt: The Human-Centric Shift

While prompt engineering remains a foundational skill for today's workforce, OOm Institute suggests the discipline must evolve beyond simple input mechanics.

"We are entering a false competence trap," says Ian Cheow, CEO at OOm Institute. "People are learning how to prompt, but they aren't learning how to make the right decisions. If you cannot spot when an AI's logic fails, you aren't using a tool, you are delegating your intelligence."

The Warning: If You Let AI Think for You, You "De-skill"

Professionals who rely heavily on AI without developing critical evaluation skills risk "de-skilling", where domain expertise erodes over time due to over-dependence on automated systems.

The concept of AI Fluency is built around three core capabilities:

Decision to Correct: The ability to determine when AI-generated output is sufficient and when it poses a risk that requires human revision or rejection.

Contextual Sovereignty: Ensuring human oversight remains central so AI outputs align with Singapore's cultural, commercial, and ethical contexts.

Critical Inquiry: Moving beyond prompting to actively question assumptions, logic, accuracy, and completeness in AI-generated responses.

Real-World Practice vs Theory

As AI tools evolve rapidly, practitioners argue that effective AI capability cannot rely solely on static classroom theory. Real-world usage often involves changing workflows, unpredictable outputs, and context-specific decision-making that require continuous practical application and human judgment.

Maintaining AI fluency increasingly requires learning from practitioners actively applying these tools in commercial environments.

"At OOm Institute, our focus is on building practical decision-making in AI usage," Mr Cheow added. "Our goal is to help professionals use AI with stronger critical thinking, clearer accountability, and practical business understanding."
Hashtag: #aicourse #wsqaicourse #aisingapore #aifluency #aiskills

https://www.oom.com.sg/institute/
https://linkedin.com/company/oominstitute
https://www.facebook.com/oominstitute/
https://www.instagram.com/oominstitute/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

OOm Institute

OOm Institute is a WSQ course provider in Singapore, supporting workforce upskilling in AI, Digital Marketing, and Soft Skills, backed by expert trainers and over 20 years of digital expertise. They deliver industry-oriented learning programmes designed to help organisations apply digital tools effectively in real-world business environments.

OOm Institute is operated by the approved entity, OOm Pte Ltd.

Suanova, a Subsidiary of Yeebo, Signs Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement with InfiX.ai

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 03:18:30 +0200

Advancing Deployment of Training and Inference Integrated AI Platforms in Healthcare Applications, Powered by Domestic High-Density Computing Infrastructure

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited ("Yeebo"; Stock Code: 00259.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Suanova Technology Limited ("Suanova"), has entered into a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with InfiX.ai, a global leader in enterprise-grade generative AI (GenAI) infrastructure solutions. Leveraging Suanova's Shanghai Cube, a domestically developed high-density computing infrastructure, the two parties will jointly advance the deployment of training and inference integrated AI platforms with continuous self-learning capabilities in healthcare applicatoins. As part of this collaboration, Suanova will contribute its expertise in domestic computing infrastructure by providing the core computing power and foundational support.

With healthcare as the initial focus, the two parties have already collaborated with leading medical institutions to conduct clinical validation in areas such as cancer GenAI, foundational medical Large Language Models (LLMs) and personalized cancer treatment planning.

Building Integrated Infrastructure for Medical AI with Shanghai Cube as the Foundation

The training and inference integrated AI platforms deployed under this collaboration are powered by Shanghai Cube, combined with InfiX.ai's training, inference and multimodal AI capabilities. This integration delivers a truly unified hardware-software infrastructure tailored for medical AI applications.

Shanghai Cube, developed with the participation of Suanova, was among the earliest of its kind in China and is currently the highest-density domestically developed GPU supernode product. It adopts a high-density deployment architecture featuring 128 GPUs per rack with liquid cooling, enabling compact and efficient deployment of large-scale computing clusters. Shanghai Cube integrates a range of domestically produced core components, including liquid-cooling systems, high-performance parallel storage systems, retimers and motherboard capacitors. It provides a one-stop, highly efficient solution for the large-scale deployment of domestic computing systems and models.

Partnering with InfiX.ai to Build Enterprise-Grade AI Infrastructure

InfiX.ai is a research-driven AI infrastructure company serving global markets, with capabilities spanning IaaS, PaaS and MaaS. The company is building a Decentralized Co-GenAI Network that connects computing power, models, platforms and intelligent applications, with the aim of helping enterprises and organizations train, deploy and own their domain-specific AI based on proprietary data, expertise and business workflows.

InfiX.ai brings together world-class talent in AI research and industry deployment. The company is led by its Founder and Chief Scientist, Prof. Hongxia Yang, with Co-Founder and Vice President Haiqing Chen and Chief AI Architect Jianmin Wu forming the core management and technology team. Prof. Yang is also a Chair Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and is a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, with extensive experience spanning both academia and industry. She previously served as Head of LLMs in the at ByteDance (U.S.), AI Scientist and Director at Alibaba Group, Chief Data Scientist at Yahoo!, and Research Staff Member at IBM T.J. Watson Research Center. Prof. Yang has published more than 150 papers and holds over 50 patents. She has also received numerous international honors, including the WAIC SAIL Award, the National Scientific and Technological Progress Award, and recognition as one of the AI 2000 Most Influential Scholars worldwide.

By integrating InfiX.ai's training and inference algorithms with Suanova's high-performance computing platform, the solution significantly reduces memory usage and computing resource requirements. This enables higher throughput and supports training and deployment of larger-scale models under equivalent hardware configurations. The system is also capable of continuously capturing data for incremental training, integrating user feedback for fine-tuning and reinforcement learning, thereby ensuring that model performance evolves alongside changing business needs. Furthermore, the infrastructure supports local execution of the entire AI workflow - from training and fine-tuning to inference - thereby ensuring data security by design and meeting the stringent security requirements of sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government.

Mr. Daliang Chen, CEO of Suanova, said: "This partnership with InfiX.ai represents an important milestone in Suanova's expansion into medical AI. Leveraging the Shanghai Cube high-density domestic computing platform, we aim to accelerate the adoption of medical AI in real-world clinical settings. This collaboration not only brings together the complementary strengths of both companies from a technological perspective, but also serves as a key step in advancing the domestic computing ecosystem. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with our partners to drive the deep integration of artificial intelligence across diverse industries."

Hashtag: #Yeebo

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited

Founded in 1988, Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited is a diversified electronic component company with a well-established presence in the global market. The Company's core business spans flat panel displays, computing power and capacitors, serving a broad spectrum of industrial and consumer applications. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Yeebo operates its manufacturing operations primarily in the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, supporting a global sales network that ensures localized service and support for its international clientele.

In alignment with its long-term strategic vision, Yeebo is leveraging its robust operational foundation to expand into the Artificial Intelligence ("AI") compute and related sectors. This initiative reflects the Company's commitment to innovation and technological advancement, with the objective of positioning Yeebo as a leading and influential participant in the rapidly evolving AI industry across mainland China and Hong Kong.

About Suanova Technology Limited

Suanova, under Yeebo, is an innovative technology company focused on delivering independent, efficient, and accessible domestic AI computing services. Its business spans three core areas: computing power and cloud operations, computing technology development and computing industry investment. With branches in Hong Kong and Shanghai, it provides customers with better localized services. It is committed to transforming complex AI infrastructure into simple, efficient, and cost-effective services through continuous technological innovation, with the goal of becoming a leading "infrastructure operator" in the AI era.

KAST chooses Elliptic digital asset decisioning for global AML and sanctions compliance

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:18:18 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2026 - Elliptic, the global leader in digital asset decisioning, has equipped KAST, the global financial platform built on stablecoin rails , with the blockchain intelligence necessary to strengthen anti-money laundering and sanctions controls across its products and global footprint.

KAST has used Elliptic's solutions since 2024 to screen wallets and monitor crypto transactions for indicators of financial crime as customers fund and use their KAST accounts. By integrating Elliptic's blockchain intelligence into its risk and compliance stack, KAST has been able to identify high-risk activity in real-time, reduce exposure to sanctioned or illicit wallets and demonstrate robust controls to regulators and partners.

Founded in July 2024 by former Circle executive Raagulan Pathy, KAST provides USD-denominated accounts, global pay-ins and payouts to more than 170 countries, and a growing suite of consumer and business financial tools built on stablecoin rails rather than legacy settlement networks. With KAST, people can hold, send, and spend instantly while transacting with merchants and ATMs around the world.

Since launch, KAST has scaled to more than one million users and is processing about $5 billion in annualized transaction volume, reflecting the growing adoption of stablecoin-based financial services beyond trading and crypto-native use cases. In March, KAST announced a record $80 million Series A funding round, which is being deployed to expand across North America, Latin America and the Middle East. Elliptic's analytics help KAST manage risk, applying a consistent, data-driven approach to AML and sanctions screening as the platform scales into new markets.

"Every time customers tap their card, send or receive transactions, they need to trust it's safe," said Pathy, Founder & CEO at KAST. "Our users rely on us for institution-grade security everywhere in the world. Elliptic is a key part of that promise. Their blockchain intelligence helps us detect fraud patterns, sanctioned activity and other red flags behind the scenes so that our customers feel safe and secure."

"As stablecoin financial platforms like KAST reach more users, regulators and partners expect the same standard of financial crime controls that apply in traditional finance," said James Smith, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Elliptic. "KAST has been building with compliance in mind from day one. Through this partnership, we are helping to ensure the platform can scale while meeting regulatory expectations for AML and sanctions risk."

Elliptic's analytics now underpin KAST's financial crime controls. Working alongside the platform's identity, fraud and transaction monitoring solutions, Elliptic supports a consistent, risk-based approach to onboarding, funding and card usage as the platform scales.

Hashtag: #Elliptic

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Elliptic

Elliptic is the leader in digital asset decisioning, we have built the most comprehensive platform for efficiently extracting cryptoasset data and intelligence across blockchains with the greatest accuracy.

Our platform's unrivalled uptime, scalability, depth and breadth of our data and intelligence means exacting organizations choose Elliptic for their compliance, risk management, intelligence operations and blockchain infrastructure needs.

Founded in 2013, Elliptic is headquartered in London with offices in New York, Washington D.C., Miami, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. To learn more, visit www.elliptic.co and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About KAST

KAST is a stablecoin-powered financial platform that connects digital assets with traditional finance, enabling 1 million+ people to send, receive and convert funds across borders, currencies and payment rails through a single app. The company focuses on helping individuals and businesses earn globally and spend locally by combining instant peer-to-peer transfers with compliant access to local bank payouts in supported markets. Visit www.kast.xyz.

Former police chief indicted on corruption charges

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 18:25:15 +0200

Prosecutors have filed an indictment against former Police Commissioner Senad Jušić on suspicion of corruption and attempt to unlawfully influence a high-profile state prosecutor who had been in the public spotlight in 2024 after airing accusations that police-provided security guards were spying on her.

The specialised department of the Specialised State Prosecutor's Office, which investigates crimes committed by police officers, filed the indictment with the Ljubljana District Court in early June.

The indictment follows a judicial investigation launched last October. According to the newspaper Večer, the prosecution's case rests on allegations originally made by state prosecutor Mateja Gončin.

The charges stem from a meeting at the General Police Directorate in January 2025. Gončin, a prosecutor handling high-profile organised crime cases, had met with Jušić to discuss severe irregularities regarding her personal protection detail, having alleged that her police security guards were spying on her.

During the meeting, Jušić allegedly overstepped his authority by bringing up a criminal complaint he had personally filed against his predecessor, Boštjan Lindav. Jušić reportedly expected Gončin to intervene in his favour with a colleague at the Specialised State Prosecutor's Office to influence the case.

According to the indictment, Jušić made it clear he wanted her help and purportedly hinted at treating her to a "candlelight dinner" in exchange. Viewing this as an inadmissible attempt to interfere with prosecutorial independence, Gončin pressed charges.

The indictment comes against the backdrop of a broader fallout concerning the police's handling of Gončin's security. In late January 2025, she filed criminal complaints against a dozen police officials, including Jušić and senior figures at the Security and Protection Centre.

While the Specialised State Prosecutor's Office dismissed the charges against 11 of those officials last March, Gončin exercised her right to personally assume their criminal prosecution.

She subsequently filed a motion for specific investigative measures against several police employees. According to Večer, the court is expected to begin investigating those specific actions shortly.

Jušić stepped down as police commissioner in January 2025 after the Administrative Court ruled that the procedure for his appointment was flawed. He has since retired.

Umm Al Qura bets on a platform model as it launches a five-year strategy and unveils Makkah's next urban frontier

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 17:17:41 +0200

Developer of Masar Destination announces 2026-2030 roadmap and secures 1.2mn sq m Masar Gardens award - signaling a structural shift from single-asset operator to multi-city development platform in the western region

MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 June 2026 - Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction has drawn a sharp line under one chapter of its corporate history and opened another, announcing a new five-year strategy and, in the same breath, securing the development rights to a 1.2 million square metre site adjacent to its flagship Masar Destination in Makkah - a juxtaposition that appeared carefully choreographed to demonstrate that the new plan was already in motion before the ink on it had dried.

Masar Gardens

The company, which owns, develops, and operates Masar Destination and has been listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) since completing its institutional transformation over the previous strategy cycle, said on Tuesday that its 2026-2030 plan marks a transition from managing a single flagship project to operating what it described as a "multi-destination urban development platform" across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

The new site - awarded to a consortium of Umm Al Qura, Makkah Construction and Development Company, and Rajhi United Real Estate Company - will be developed under the name Masar Gardens and encompass the Hindawiya West and Hindawiya South plots. The choice of branding is deliberate: by extending the Masar name to an adjacent precinct rather than launching a standalone product, the company is signaling that its expansion logic begins with deepening what already exists before it spreads outward.

KEY NUMBERS

>60% compound annual revenue growth, 2021-2026
>45% compound annual net profit growth
SAR 2bn+ operating cash flow, most recent fiscal year
SAR 40bn development investment attracted to Masar Destination
30+ strategic partnerships forged
SAR 50bn+ targeted new development pipeline, 2026-2030
SAR 3-5bn incremental capital to be deployed over the strategy period

The financial backdrop to the announcement is striking. Over the five years to 2026, Umm Al Qura posted compound annual revenue growth of more than 60 per cent and net profit growth exceeding 45 per cent, while generating operating cash flows of over SAR 2 billion in its most recent fiscal year. Those are numbers that, in most markets, would attract a longer queue of investors than the company would need - and indeed, it reports attracting approximately SAR 40 billion in total development investment to Masar Destination over the period, alongside more than 30 strategic partnerships.

The question that the 2026-2030 strategy must answer is whether a management team that built one destination on time and on budget can simultaneously direct a portfolio of projects across three cities while maintaining the operational discipline that generated those returns. It is, by any measure, a more complex undertaking - and the company's chosen answer is structural.

'The achievements of the past years have provided us with the confidence, expertise, and readiness to advance toward managing a fully integrated portfolio of urban destinations.' - Yasser Abdulaziz Abuateek, Chief Executive

The strategy adopts what the company terms a "flexible operating model," enabling it to function either as master developer or as partner and development manager depending on project-specific investment criteria. This architecture - in which Umm Al Qura deploys expertise and brand as much as balance-sheet capital - is central to understanding why it believes it can manage a SAR 50 billion-plus development portfolio while committing only SAR 3-5 billion of incremental capital over the strategy period. The mathematics only work if co-investors and consortium partners carry a substantial share of project-level financing, which places premium value on the company's governance framework, track record, and institutional relationships.

Yasser Abdulaziz Abuateek, chief executive, framed the moment in terms of sequencing rather than scale alone. "The launch of our new strategy represents a pivotal turning point," he said, "as we move from a phase of capability building to one of considered expansion." The word "considered" appeared to be doing some deliberate work: a reminder, perhaps, that the strategy is explicitly not designed to maximize the number of projects, but to concentrate development activity within a geographically coherent and operationally integrated footprint.

That geographic logic - a tight focus on the western region - is one of the strategy's more analytically interesting features. Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah together constitute a demand catchment unlike any other in the Kingdom: structurally underpinned by the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage economy, the subject of sustained Vision 2030-aligned public investment, and the locus of the country's most significant cultural and commercial infrastructure. For a company whose institutional identity is inseparable from Makkah, the western region is not a constraint but a concentration of competitive advantage.

The company also reaffirmed that Masar Destination would remain the "central cornerstone" of its portfolio, with development of approved extensions continuing in parallel with new initiatives. For investors, that commitment matters: it confirms that the platform expansion is additive rather than a dilution of the asset that underpins the company's listed value, and that management is not proposing to harvest the flagship in order to fund growth elsewhere.

The strategy's formal alignment with Vision 2030 objectives - which the company cited explicitly in connection with enhancing quality of life, stimulating investment, and strengthening economic integration - positions Umm Al Qura as a natural counterparty for government-adjacent development mandates across its target cities. In a market where the allocation of major urban development sites is closely connected to institutional credibility and track record, that positioning carries tangible commercial value.

What the strategy does not offer, at least in its public articulation, is a timeline for when the new destinations beyond Masar Gardens will be identified, announced, or initiated. The company's language - "planned and selective expansion" in the service of "sustainable value" - suggests a deliberate pace that prioritizes return quality over speed of deployment. Whether that restraint holds as opportunities emerge will be among the more closely watched questions in Saudi real estate development over the coming years.

Further information: www.ummalqura.com.sa/en/new-strategy-2030

Hashtag: #Development #SaudiArabia

https://www.ummalqura.com.sa/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Umm Al Qura Unveils SAR 50 Billion Growth Strategy and Launches SAR 6 Billion Masar Gardens Project in Makkah

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 17:17:40 +0200

MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 June 2026 - Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction has announced its 2026-2030 growth strategy, marking a significant step in its transformation from a single-destination developer into a diversified urban destination and investment platform across Saudi Arabia's Western Region.

Masar Gardens

As part of this strategy, the company unveiled Masar Gardens, a new mixed-use urban destination in Makkah with an initial infrastructure and land investment of approximately SAR 6 billion. The project spans 1.2 million square meters and is expected to be developed over a five-year period.

The new strategy targets expanding Umm Al Qura's development portfolio beyond its flagship Masar Destination, with future projects planned across Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah. The company aims to create a diversified portfolio of urban destinations valued at exceeding SAR 50 billion while attracting new investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Yasser Abuateek, Chief Executive Officer of Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction, said the company is leveraging its proven development expertise and institutional capabilities to deliver long-term value for investors, communities, and the wider economy.

Masar Gardens will feature residential, commercial, hospitality, and public-use components supported by extensive infrastructure, green spaces, pedestrian pathways, and modern mobility solutions. The project is designed to contribute to Makkah's long-term urban development objectives while enhancing quality of life and strengthening the city's attractiveness as an investment destination.

The announcement reflects the company's broader vision of developing scalable urban destinations that support Saudi Arabia's economic diversification ambitions and create sustainable growth opportunities for local and international investors.

Hashtag: #Development #SaudiArabia

https://www.ummalqura.com.sa/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Night crews deployed to ease motorway bottlenecks

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 16:54:13 +0200

Overnight construction work has begun on one of Slovenia's busiest motorway corridors in a high-profile push to reduce chronic traffic jams that have become a major public frustration ahead of the summer travel season.

On 8 June, contractors started round-the-clock works near the south-western town of Postojna on the A1 motorway, the main route linking the Adriatic port of Koper with Ljubljana and Central Europe.

Motorway operator DARS and contractors say night shifts could shave 20 to 30 days off the project timeline on the heavily congested section of the A1, where daily tailbacks have stretched for kilometres in recent weeks and almost daily accidents have made things even worse.

Marko Vihtelič of Kolektor CPG, the contractor working on the Postojna section, said a 30-member night crew had been redeployed from other sites after the project reached a phase where overnight work could safely proceed.

"We estimate that we will save 20 to 30 days overall," he told reporters, adding that no additional contract amendments would be needed.

Early win for the government

The months-long disruptions have fuelled public anger across Slovenia, particularly as roadworks coincide with the start of the budy tourist season on one of the main transit routes between western Europe and the Croatian coast.

Slovenian media have closely followed the issue, with daily traffic reports from motorway bottlenecks and angry comments by drivers becoming a staple of domestic news.

The issue has become politically sensitive after months of criticism from motorists and lorry drivers over congestion on the A1 network, particularly near Postojna and on another major work zone near Domžale north of Ljubljana.

Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec, who took office last week, has made faster motorway construction and expanded night work a central political message since entering government. During coalition talks, the incoming administration pledged to accelerate infrastructure projects and improve traffic flow on the ageing motorway network.

"Tonight nigh work starts on the motorway near Postojna. I will do everything I can to reduce congestion on our motorways," Vrtovec wrote on social media.

Vrtovec has publicly pressed DARS and contractors to intensify works before the peak holiday season and has suggested environmental noise rules may need reviewing on some projects to allow faster construction.

Pushback from DARS

DARS, however, has pushed back against claims that motorway works are typically carried out only during daytime hours. It says night operations have already been steadily increasing for years, with the share of overnight work by its own staff rising from 15.7% of total hours in 2021 to more than 28% projected for next year.

The company says tunnel maintenance, bridge works, traffic management operations and some large-scale upgrades are already routinely performed at night whenever technically feasible.

Moreover, officials and industry representatives caution that continuous construction cannot simply be rolled out nationwide. Slovenia's construction sector faces persistent labour shortages, while strict environmental and safety rules limit the scope of overnight works in populated areas