EQS Group

On April 27, Deutsche Bank released a research report on Xunce Technology (03317). It set a target price at HK$351, implying an upside of over 20% to the prevailing market price, and reaffirmed a "Buy" rating.Founded in 2016, Xunce Technology has completed seven financing rounds to date, with shareholders including Tencent, KKR, Yunfeng Fund, Taikang Life and SPD Bank. Its valuation has surged more than 530 times since the Series A round, marking a remarkable victory for long-term institutional investors that have backed Xunce for nearly a decade.Yet these top-tier institutions are betting on more than a single company. They are positioning for a fast-evolving megatrend - the token economy.The core of the token economy lies in shifting the billing basis from "software access" to "value consumption". Under the traditional SaaS model, as clients pay fixed subscription fees, vendor’s revenues are not linked to the actual value delivered. The token model bills based on usage: higher consumption and value creation amplify vendor’s revenue.Driven by the evolution of AI agents, token demand will grow exponentially. According to Frost & Sullivan, China’s real-time data infrastructure and analytics market reached RMB 18.7 billion in 2024 with a penetration rate of merely 3.6%, and is projected to hit RMB 50.5 billion by 2029 at a 22% CAGR. In this highly underpenetrated market with booming demand, Xunce secures a leading foothold in the AI real-time data infrastructure market.What role does Xunce play amid this trend? Deutsche Bank defines Xunce as a "data fuel supplier" and "billing center". Being a “data fuel supplier” suggests that, unlike general large language model developers, Xunce focuses on vertical sectors, leveraging domain-specific data expertise to deliver highly accurate data to support decision-making for enterprises. “Billing center” represents the core of Xunce’s business model: billing every AI call as a critical toll station in the token economy era.Deutsche Bank noted that this vertical Token-as-a-Service (TaaS) model grants Xunce a unique premium, decoupling its revenue from general computing costs and driving its non-linear growth alongside clients’ business workflow expansion. Xunce is building its token pricing system across three dimensions: data scarcity, call frequency and modular scalability.Xunce currently offers three monetization models: traditional subscription, transaction-based billing, and the fast-scaling token-based billing. Management revealed that token-driven revenue now accounts for roughly 5% of total revenue, with a target of 20%-30% by the end of 2026. In April 2026, annual recurring revenue (ARR) from token usage surged 300% quarter-on-quarter, proving token services have become Xunce’s new growth engine.Deutsche Bank forecasted that as the shift advances, Xunce’s adjusted net profit margin will rise from 6.9% to 24.4% between 2025 and 2028, with its revenue CAGR estimate being upgraded from 57% to 76%. The next three years will be a critical window for Xunce to unlock accelerated profit growth.Started with the asset management sector, Xunce has expanded into highly regulated sectors demanding strict data accuracy and compliance, including insurance, banking, energy and telecommunications. On the one hand, high switching costs sustain the stickiness of its existing clients. On the other hand, Xunce’s footprint extends to more than 10 sectors, such as finance, telecoms, power, energy and consumption. Compared with Palantir’s 17 vertical sectors in the U.S., Xunce still boasts substantial upside for expansion.Moving forward, Xunce is accelerating its expansion into key livelihood-related sectors including power, telecoms, healthcare, energy and robot training platforms. Starting from 2025, it further extends its AI infrastructure business into emerging sectors such as robotic data platforms and commercial aerospace.In the AI era, the real money is made not by the gold diggers, but by the shovel sellers. Those who upgrade basic shovels into "intelligent excavators" stand to earn the most reliable returns. And Xunce is emerging as one of them. As token becomes the fundamental currency of the AI world and every model call runs through billing centers, Xunce’s revenue will be deeply tied to the prosperity of the entire AI industry.29/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

【Immediate Release】 28 April 2026Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited(Stock Code: 8391.HK)Entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with XPeng ChargingEnhance Network Coverage, Utilization and Loyalty across APAC(Hong Kong – 28 April 2026) A leading electric vehicle charging solutions provider – Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited (“Cornerstone” or the “Company”, stock code: 8391.HK, together with its subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cornerstone EV Charging Service Limited, along with its associate company, Spark EV Company Limited (“Spark”), have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with XPeng Charging (Hong Kong) Limited (“XPeng”). Based on the agreement, the parties aim to jointly develop and promote its electric vehicle (“EV”) charging ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) region.A key element of this collaboration is XPeng co-investing with the Group and Spark in the APAC region to develop electric vehicle (“EV”) charging stations, while entrusting the management and operations of the stations to the Group and Spark. Leveraging the technical expertise of the Group, the broad customer base of XPeng, and the regional presence of Spark, the parties intend to accelerate the rollout of EV infrastructure to capture the growing charging demand in the region, further establishing itself as a leading player in the APAC market. XPeng is a subsidiary of XPeng Inc., a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets smart EVs. In addition to network expansion, the Group also intends to offer charging credits and other preferential services to XPeng users, which are designed to improve overall user experience, foster long-term loyalty, and drive network utilization. Mr. Yip Shiu Hong, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Cornerstone Technologies, said, “This partnership represents a strong vote of confidence from XPeng and serves as a clear recognition of the respective strengths, market expertise, and execution capabilities of the Group and Spark in the APAC region positioning both as trusted partners in XPeng's ongoing regional expansion. The cooperation with Spark and XPeng will allow us to further accelerate our penetration into the APAC market. While Spark has already established a solid foothold in Thailand, the addition of XPeng should bring extensive technical know-how and its loyal user base to our ecosystem, laying a solid foundation for network expansion and improved utilization. Together, we are committed to lowering the total cost of EV ownership and driving faster adoption of electric mobility across APAC, positioning ourselves as a key player in the evolving EV ecosystem, and creating sustainable value for our users and shareholders.”Xpeng & Cornerstone Technologies & Spark APAC Strategic Partnership Signing Ceremony-End-About Cornerstone TechnologiesCornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited (8391.HK) is a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions in Hong Kong, offering integrated charging systems, charging equipment, and related accessories, as well as consultancy, installation, maintenance, and leasing services for charging infrastructure. In Hong Kong, its comprehensive solutions include private residential charging subscription services (Cornerstone HOME) and public charging networks (Cornerstone GO), with the latter already in operation across more than 118 strategic car parks, totaling over 2,000 charging points and more than 92,000 members. The Company is also expanding beyond the Hong Kong market, entering Thailand under the brand name of Spark EV, and actively exploring high-potential markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Currently, Spark EV has more than 250 charging stations in operation with the number of members exceeding 222,500. This press release is issued by DLK Advisory Limited on behalf of Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited.For enquiries, please contact:DLK AdvisoryTel：+852 2857 7101Fex：+852 2857 710328/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

SHANGHAI, April 27, 2026 — Volant Aerotech, a leading pioneer in China’s commercial passenger eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) sector, today announced the closing of a $300 million Series C funding round. This transaction sets a new record as the largest single financing event in China’s low-altitude economy and the high-end commercial passenger eVTOL sector in recent years.The round was led by Stone (UAE), with participation from HSG and Fortera Capital. Existing shareholders Future Capital and Legend Capital also significantly increased their stakes. The capital injection is earmarked for the airworthiness certification of the VE25-100 model, accelerated large-scale commercial delivery, and the expansion of Volant’s global market footprint.Industry-Leading R&D and Safety MilestonesFounded in 2021, Volant Aerotech has strictly adhered to its "three types, three generations" product and technical roadmap. Its flagship composite-wing aircraft, the VE25-100, is purpose-built for commercial passenger transport. It offers a spacious, flexible cabin and safety standards comparable to civil airliners, designed to operate in diverse weather conditions with high dispatch rates.Key technical achievements include:Advanced Flight Testing: Completion of high-risk flight tests, including single-propeller failure and emergency landings. Manned Flight Success: The first successful manned flight for an aircraft in its class, validating superior handling and system stability. Certification Timeline: Airworthiness certification is progressing steadily, with completion projected for the first half of 2027.Global Commercial Traction and BacklogVolant’s commercial momentum has surged since securing its first firm order last year. Within just 12 months, the company has built a robust portfolio:Total Orders: Over 1,900 aircraft with a total value exceeding RMB 47.5 billion ($6.5B+ USD).Blue-Chip Clients: Confirmed orders and advanced payments (totaling nearly RMB 100 million) from major players including China Southern Airlines General Aviation, Asian Express, ABC Financial Leasing, and so on. International Record: Over 500 overseas orders from partners in Thailand (Pan Pacific), Dubai (IC Leasing), and Germany (DC Aviation). A single $1.75 billion deal with Pan Pacific remains the largest export order for a Chinese eVTOL to date.A New Era for the Low-Altitude EconomyWith 12 rounds of financing completed over five years totaling over RMB 4 billion, Volant stands as one of the most well-funded and frequently backed enterprises in the sector."The participation of global benchmarks like HSG and international players like Stone validates our technical prowess and R&D efficiency," the company stated. Industry observers note that this massive funding round signals a consolidation in the market, with Volant emerging as a "unicorn" representing China’s competitive strength in the global low-altitude economy.About Volant Aerotech Volant Aerotech is a premier developer of passenger-grade eVTOL aircraft. Its flagship VE25-100 model is designed for a wide range of applications, including commercial passenger transport, low-altitude sightseeing, emergency rescue and aerial logistics.Media Contact: marketing@volantaerotech.com28/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

Debut tableware collection developed in collaboration with Bernardaud, a renowned French porcelain maison expanding the brand’s luxury lifestyle universe(Hong Kong, 27 April 2026) Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited ("Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group", the "Group" or the "Company"; SEHK stock code: 1929), the global Chinese luxury group built on a nearly century-long legacy of trust and innovation, today announced its venture beyond jewellery - the launch of Chow Tai Fook Home, a new luxury home-décor line. The unveiling, ahead of the grand opening of the Group’s first global flagship store on Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui in mid-May, marks a milestone in the Group’s brand transformation journey.Since embarking on a holistic brand transformation in 2024, the Group has sharpened its focus on elevating customer experience through newly designed stores and a differentiated product portfolio. These dual launches deepen the Group’s commitment to enrich customer engagement and extend its relevance to a broader spectrum of discerning consumers worldwide. Ms Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, said, “The opening of our global flagship store and the debut of Chow Tai Fook Home mark a defining moment in our brand’s ongoing transformation. For nearly a century, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery has been a custodian of exceptional Chinese craftsmanship, and Chow Tai Fook Home represents a natural evolution of that heritage — bringing our artistry into the everyday lives of our customers. By entering the home-décor category, we are broadening the meaning of Chow Tai Fook and reinforcing our stature as a leader in the global luxury market.”Debut Chow Tai Fook Home Tableware Line in Collaboration with BernardaudChow Tai Fook Home represents a significant strategic extension of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery into elevated everyday living. As the first global Chinese luxury group to enter the luxury home category, the Group is bringing its mastery of fine craftsmanship to objects designed to enrich home décor. Developed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed brand, Bernardaud – the venerable French porcelain maison – Chow Tai Fook Home’s tableware collections, Rouge and Ginkgo, bring together world-class artisanal traditions with a contemporary design language. This expansion reinforces the Group’s positioning in the global luxury landscape, while integrating the brand more deeply into customers’ daily lives.Dazzled by Heritage Pavilion and Gold Ginkgo TreeThe Group’s first global flagship store, which soft-launched in February, occupies a prime location on Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong’s iconic luxury destination. Conceived as the Home of Chow Tai Fook, the concept frames the brand’s history and craft as the point of origin for the store. With the space harmonising the brand’s signature ‘Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red’ with the warmth of natural wood, it creates an ambience that is refined and welcoming. At the threshold of the store, a Heritage Pavilion chronicles the brand’s journey since its founding in 1929, celebrating Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s pioneering role in the industry and its dedication to preserving ancient gold crafting traditions – including chasing and filigree – developed in collaboration with leading cultural and academic institutions.Commanding over the entrance is the brand’s signature Gold Ginkgo Tree, which stands 2.1 metres tall and 2.3 metres wide, is adorned with approximately 3,500 pure gold leaves, weighs around 40 kilograms, handcrafted by nearly 50 master craftsmen in close to 60,000 hours, and completed in 2016. Enduring through the ages, the gingko tree stands as a symbol of resilience, grace and blessing. For nearly a century, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery has embodied the same spirit – constantly evolving, yet timeless in its craft.An Immersive Luxury ExperienceBeyond the Heritage Pavilion, the flagship store is thoughtfully zoned to present the Group’s iconic collections – including CTF Rouge, CTF Joie, Chow Tai Fook Palace Museum and HUÁ Collections – curated to reflect individual tastes and occasions. At the heart of the store, the brand introduces “Charm Your Path”, an interactive personalisation experience making its Hong Kong debut. Drawing on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types alongside Chinese zodiac symbolism, astrological meaning and personal style preferences, customers can create bespoke charm bracelets. The store also features High Jewellery, HEARTS ON FIRE collections, a dedicated bridal zone for couples, and a private VIP zone.By weaving together the brand history, spatial elegance and interactive discovery, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is redefining the luxury experience, setting a new benchmark for Chinese luxury on the global stage.###Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group LimitedSince its founding in 1929, CHOW TAI FOOK, the flagship brand of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, has been celebrated for its bold designs and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has made us synonymous with excellence, value, and authenticity.As the global Chinese luxury group, we blend contemporary designs with traditional techniques to create timeless pieces. Each collection reflects our customers' stories and lives, celebrating their special moments. We aspire to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into their own.Our brand portfolio includes the iconic CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, and MONOLOGUE, offering a wide variety of products that also includes an expanding range of cutting-edge IP collaborations. With over 5,000 stores worldwide, we offer a seamless client journey across all touchpoints that includes a network across China as well as a growing number of global locations.Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (SEHK: 1929) has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since December 2011. We are committed to delivering sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders by continually enhancing earnings quality and driving higher value growth.Media Enquiries:Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group LimitedHaide NgAssociate Director, Corporate Communications Tel: (852) 3115 4402Email: haideng@chowtaifook.comAcky ChanSenior Manager, Corporate Communications Tel: (852) 3115 4403Email: ackychan@chowtaifook.com27/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

Why China Hongqiao Is Hard to Sell as Aluminum Gets Repriced？Aluminum’s Supply Shock Rewrites the Trade, Making Hongqiao’s Pullbacks Look BuyableGlobal markets are repricing aluminum.For years, aluminum was traded largely as a cyclical commodity: prices rose when demand improved and fell when inventories built up. This year, that framework is changing. Aluminum is increasingly being viewed as a supply-security asset.Conflict in the Middle East has raised energy and shipping risks. Disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has complicated the flow of raw materials into overseas smelters and the shipment of finished metal out of them. Policy shifts in Guinea, meanwhile, have forced investors to take another look at the scarcity value of bauxite.For China Hongqiao Group Ltd., that points to a simple conclusion: as long as the aluminum market remains intact, the stock will be hard to sell down in any meaningful way.The macro logic is straightforward. China’s domestic electrolytic aluminum capacity is approaching the 45 million-ton ceiling, leaving limited room for new supply. Overseas capacity is constrained by power availability, natural gas costs, logistics and geopolitics. Demand may still move with the cycle, but electric vehicles, solar power, energy storage, grid investment, lightweight materials and AI-related infrastructure continue to raise the medium- and long-term floor for aluminum consumption.Guotai Haitong Securities has said in a research note that aluminum supply is likely to remain tight in 2026, and raised its target price for China Hongqiao to HK$43.2. Its reasoning included domestic operating capacity nearing the regulatory cap and a high copper-to-aluminum price ratio encouraging substitution demand. Separately, a CICC view cited by Futubull noted that after Qatar Aluminium and Aluminium Bahrain declared force majeure, LME aluminum once climbed to $3,418 a ton, creating room for a rerating as aluminum prices and per-ton profits rise.Hongqiao is different from a smelter that merely tracks aluminum prices. It has an integrated chain covering upstream bauxite resources, alumina, electrolytic aluminum and aluminum processing.Huayuan Securities said in an April 25 report that by the end of 2025 China Hongqiao had 21 million tons of alumina capacity at home and abroad, 6.46 million tons of compliant electrolytic aluminum capacity, and 970,000 tons of aluminum processing capacity. The report also said Hongqiao, as a member of the Winning Consortium, has exposure to bauxite resources in Guinea. In 2025, the consortium’s Boké bauxite exports exceeded 70 million wet metric tons, while Winning International expects shipments to surpass 90 million tons in 2026. Huayuan also estimated Hongqiao’s theoretical alumina self-sufficiency ratio at 171%.Those numbers matter. When aluminum prices rise, investors focus on earnings leverage. When supply chains tighten, they focus on resource certainty. Hongqiao has both.Guinea sits at the center of that logic. A previous report by Minmetals Futures showed that in the first 10 months of 2025, China imported 171.4 million tons of bauxite, up 30.11% from a year earlier. Imports from Guinea reached 127.43 million tons, up 38.37%. Guinea is no longer a marginal supplier. It is a core variable in China’s aluminum raw-material security. For ordinary aluminum producers, that dependence is a risk. For Hongqiao, with long-term mine access and logistics infrastructure, it is a moat.Huachuang Securities offered another angle in an April 3 report. China Hongqiao’s 2025 revenue rose 4.0% to 162.35 billion yuan, while net profit attributable to shareholders increased 1.2% to a record 22.64 billion yuan. Sales of aluminum alloy products reached 5.824 million tons, with the gross margin rising to 28.5%. Its debt-to-asset ratio fell to 42.25% from 48.24%. Huachuang set a HK$44 target price and maintained its “recommended” rating, while raising its 2026-2028 net profit forecasts to 32.15 billion yuan, 34.97 billion yuan and 38.29 billion yuan.Shareholder returns add another layer of support. Shenwan Hongyuan said in an April 2 report that China Hongqiao proposed a 2025 final dividend of HK$1.65 per share, implying a payout ratio of about 65.4%. During the year, the company spent HK$5.58 billion buying back 306 million shares, all of which were canceled. The broker maintained an “accumulate” rating and forecast net profit of 32.2 billion yuan, 34.4 billion yuan and 37.8 billion yuan for 2026-2028.Foreign brokers have also been constructive. According to an AASTOCKS summary, HSBC Research said Hongqiao’s 2025 results were solid, though slightly below expectations, and maintained a “buy” rating with a HK$41 target price. HSBC said aluminum looked more resilient than copper and gold within its coverage universe amid macro uncertainty. It also noted that Hongqiao was trading at about 7.7 times estimated 2026 earnings, with a dividend yield of roughly 9%, making the valuation attractive.That is the underlying reason Hongqiao is hard to push lower. In the short term, the stock will still move with Hong Kong market sentiment, capital flows and commodity-price volatility. But as long as aluminum’s price floor does not collapse, and as long as Guinea bauxite and overseas smelter disruptions remain live issues, the market will find it difficult to ignore Hongqiao’s earnings leverage, resource position and cash returns.Put more directly: aluminum prices give Hongqiao earnings upside; bauxite resources give it a valuation premium; dividends and buybacks give the stock a cushion.Cyclical stocks are most vulnerable when the pricing logic breaks. Hongqiao’s support now comes from more than aluminum prices. It comes from ore access, alumina self-sufficiency, its position on the cost curve and shareholder returns. As long as aluminum remains in demand, and as long as global supply chains continue to price in risks from energy, shipping and resource policy, every sentiment-driven pullback in Hongqiao looks less like the start of a reversal and more like another chance to buy.27/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

A natural-language tool that enables businesses to integrate payment functions with a single prompt, accelerating digital adoption and AI deploymentMacau - 27 Apr 2026 - Macau Pass has launched its self-developed AI-powered payment integration tool, theAI Payment Assistant, and is making it available to local merchants, developers and ecosystem partners. The tool enables users to complete payment integration through natural-language prompts, reducing technical barriers and shortening development cycles for commercial applications. The launch comes as payments evolve from basic interface functions into core infrastructure supporting AI-powered services.Macau Pass, one of Macao’s leading fintech platforms, has built its business around local payments and digital lifestyle services. ItsMPayapp has become one of the city’s main mobile payment tools and is widely used by merchants and residents in everyday transactions. Building on this foundation, Macau Pass is further integrating payment capabilities with AI technology, enabling payments to move beyond simple connectivity toward AI-driven execution and become a key building block for the next generation of digital commerce.Traditional payment integration typically requires manual coding and technical coordination, resulting in long development cycles and high costs. With the new AI payment tool, developers can simply enter a request in natural language. For example, they can ask to build an application with ordering and payment functions, and the system will automatically generate the relevant code and integration logic. This significantly improves development efficiency and enables more merchants and developers to accelerate their digital transformation with lower barriers.The tool supports major local payment methods including Simple Pay，MPay, Alipay and WeChat Pay, and is also compatible with multiple cross-border e-wallets. It helps move AI beyond conversation into executable business capabilities, while also supporting Macao’s diverse payment needs as an international tourism hub and a key city in the Greater Bay Area.Macau Pass said as AI becomes an increasingly important driver of business efficiency, the company aims to standardize and make payment functions more intelligent. This ensures AI does not remain confined to the technical layer but can more effectively support merchant operations and industry development, while injecting fresh momentum into the local digital economy.Zhao Hao, Chief Technology Officer of Macau Pass, said: “In the AI era, payments are no longer just a tool for completing transactions, but core infrastructure that powers business operations and innovation. Through AI technology, Macau Pass aims to lower the barriers to innovation for merchants and developers, enabling more applications to move from idea to deployment more quickly, and enhancing overall business efficiency and industry vitality.”Looking ahead,Macau Pass will continue integrating AI, payments and local lifestyle services to build a more efficient and intelligent digital commerce ecosystem. The company aims to enhance digital experiences for Macao residents, create a more efficient operating environment for merchants, and support the city’s smart-city development and broader economic diversification.Public Relations, Macau Pass Group Holdings Ltd.MayEmail: myt455242@alibaba-inc.com27/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

Hong Kong - April 27, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - As one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world, the linkage between Asia's core business hubs is becoming increasingly close. To adapt to this trend and help multinational enterprises achieve highly efficient cross-regional PR synergy, SeaPRwire (https://seaprwire.com) announced today that it has officially completed a comprehensive strategic upgrade of its "one-stop" PR communication links across Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore.Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as Asia's four major economic and financial engines, each possess unique media ecosystems and business cultures, yet they are simultaneously the preferred choices for many multinational enterprises setting up Asia-Pacific headquarters. In the past, when enterprises conducted PR placements in these regions, they often had to interface with different local agencies, which not only incurred high communication costs but also made it difficult to guarantee brand tonality consistency. The core of SeaPRwire's upgrade this time is to break down geographical barriers and integrate top-tier media resources from these four regions in a modular, one-stop manner.Through the upgraded full-featured workbench, corporate PR teams only need to use a single background to simultaneously assign and monitor news distribution tasks in these four countries and regions. Based on the communication goals set by the enterprise, the AI system automatically coordinates the distribution rhythm of media across the four regions. Whether releasing strategies in Singapore, synchronizing with capital markets in Hong Kong, or conducting localized product promotions in Japan and South Korea, millisecond-level cross-border synergy and voice resonance can be achieved."Business competition in Asia has long ceased to be a solo fight; it is a contest of regional synergy," emphasized SeaPRwire's VP of Product. "By opening up the links across Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore, we aim to provide enterprises with a 'PR highway network' covering Asia's core economic circles. Enterprises can easily leverage the attention of mainstream media across the entirety of Asia as simply as distributing drafts locally."About SeaPRwireSeaPRwire is Asia’s leading AI-driven earned media management platform, purpose-built to empower PR and communications professionals. Through its flagship Branding-Insight Program, the platform connects clients to over 80,000 journalists and an influencer matrix reaching 300 million followers. Leveraging advanced AI, SeaPRwire helps users identify media targets, personalize pitches, and measure PR impact across key APAC markets, including Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia.Media ContactCompany: SeaPRwireContact: Media Relations TeamEmail: cs@seaprwire.comWebsite: https://seaprwire.com27/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

The open-sourcing of DeepSeek V4 is triggering renewed market attention toward the large language model (LLM) value chain. Industry consensus holds that as open-source models continue to improve in capability and inference barriers keep falling, enterprise-grade AI application deployment is entering a phase of broad-based acceleration. Token consumption across scenarios including intelligent customer service, agent collaboration, knowledge base Q&A, and business process automation is poised to enter a new cycle of explosive growth.Market observers note that in this phase of accelerated LLM adoption, the primary beneficiaries are not limited to foundational model providers alone. AI application infrastructure companies capable of handling high-frequency enterprise-level calls, accumulating vertical domain data, and generating sustained subscription revenues also command significant revaluation potential.Xunce Technology stands as a paradigmatic example of this investment thesis. With over a decade of deep cultivation in high-barrier industries, the company has built end-to-end capabilities spanning data acquisition, cleansing, standardization, real-time computation, and model fine-tuning—refining raw, heterogeneous, non-standardized data into vertical tokens that LLMs can directly and efficiently consume. This capability stack is not only technically demanding but also critically dependent on the continuous accumulation of long-term industry know-how. Having become deeply embedded in core enterprise business workflows, it remains difficult to replicate.From the latest performance metrics, the company's operational improvements are beginning to manifest in financial results. Xunce's 2025 results show AI revenue growing 105% year-over-year, inaugurating a second growth curve. In April 2026, Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) related to token calls surged 300% quarter-over-quarter. Token-based paid revenue has already broken through 5% of total revenue, with a full-year target of lifting this to 20%–30%.Beyond revenue growth, the company's penetration across customer scenarios continues to deepen. Public disclosures indicate its services now span more than ten industries, including asset management, telecommunications, power, energy, robotics training platforms, commercial aerospace, and biotech. Market analysis suggests this diversified customer structure reflects deep integration with business workflows and real-time data processing demands, conferring stronger customer stickiness and commercialization certainty.More importantly, the impact of DeepSeek V4 is being reassessed. The core implication of open-source model iteration is not simple value compression across the industry, but rather increased model supply, reduced barriers to application development, and the embedding of AI into daily business operations for a growing number of enterprises. As model capabilities become universally accessible, enterprise focus is shifting from "whether we have a model" to "whether we have scenarios, whether we have data, whether we have stable access points."From this perspective, Xunce's investment logic is undergoing a fundamental transition.The market previously tended to categorize the company as a "LLM concept extension," leaving it vulnerable to sentiment volatility around foundation model competition, price wars, and open-source disruption. Yet as DeepSeek V4 drives further model proliferation, the enterprise-level inference calls, knowledge queries, customer service interactions, and agent execution demands that Xunce captures are instead seeing substantial volume expansion.In other words, the richer the model supply, the easier it becomes for enterprises to deploy AI; the more applications are deployed, the higher the value of vertical-domain calls. It is understood that Xunce's vertical token pricing has reached $10–$100 per million tokens—more than ten times that of Anthropic—and continues to rise based on specialized use cases.If the company continues to deliver positive signals on ARR and AI commercialization conversion rates, the market's valuation anchor for Xunce could shift from "model mapping" to "enterprise-grade AI application infrastructure."Overall, DeepSeek V4's open-source release represents not a simplistic model substitution narrative, but a systemic opportunity characterized by accelerated enterprise AI adoption, expanding token demand, and enhanced value in vertical scenarios.With AI revenue maintaining high growth, customer structures continuing to diversify, and application scenarios deepening, Xunce Technology is increasingly viewed as one of the most direct beneficiaries of enterprise-grade token demand growth in this wave of industry upgrading driven by open-source models.27/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

【FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE】23 April 2026 Yip’s Chemical Announces Official Opening of New Plant for its Coatings Business in VietnamSeizing the strong growth momentum of industrial coatings, building a high-end plastic coatings production base, and deepening the Southeast Asian supply chain layout（Hong Kong, 23 April 2026）Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited (SEHK: 00408) (“Yip’s Chemical” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the “Group”) is pleased to announce that the new plant of its coatings business in Vietnam, "Hang Cheung (Vietnam) Advanced Materials Company Limited"（CÔNG TY TNHH VẬT LIỆU CAO CẤP HANG CHEUNG (VIỆT NAM)）("Hang Cheung Vietnam"), officially opened on 22 April, 2026. This move marks a critical step for the Group in expanding into the Southeast Asian market and optimising its global supply chain layout. It further consolidates the Group's strategic initiatives for overseas expansion and strengthens its localised service capabilities for Southeast Asian and overseas customers.Yip’s Chemical Announces Official Opening of New Plant for its Coatings Business in VietnamEstablishing a Foothold in the Core Hub of Haiphong to Strengthen Southeast Asian Market LayoutThe new Hang Cheung Vietnam plant is located in the Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone in Haiphong City, Vietnam, covering an area of over 7,200 square meters with an annual production capacity of approximately 3,000 metric tonnes. It is equipped with a precise color matching system, rigorous quality control mechanisms, and a globally certified professional testing laboratory. Upon commencing production, the new plant will primarily serve high-end plastic coatings customers in Southeast Asia. Relying on the strong support of Hang Cheung Vietnam's local technical team and the domestic professional team of the coatings business, it will significantly improve supply chain efficiency and flexibly respond to the growing demand in the Southeast Asian market. With the reshaping of the global supply chain, Southeast Asia has become the production center for many industrial customers. The completion of the new plant not only strongly supports the Group's long-term development goal of "basing in China, looking to ASEAN", but will also further consolidate the coatings business's leading position in the high-end plastic coatings sector.Hang Cheung Vietnam held a grand opening ceremony at the new plant on April 22, 2026. Guests invited to attend the ceremony included Mr. Ip Chi Shing, Tony, Chairman of Yip’s Chemical; Mr. Ip Kwan, Francis, Chief Executive Officer of Yip’s Chemical; Mr. Chan Chuen Sang, Raymond, President of Bauhinia Advanced Materials Group, a subsidiary of the Group; along with management, employees, and business partners of the coatings business.Yip’s Chemical Announces Official Opening of New Plant for its Coatings Business in VietnamMr. Ip Kwan, Francis, Chief Executive Officer of Yip’s Chemical, remarked in a speech: "In the context of the current volatile and challenging global economic environment, we chose to take root in Vietnam because we firmly believe in its potential and resilience. This is not just an expansion of our production base, but an important milestone in our strategic blueprint. We will use this as a starting point to bring Yip's Chemical’s professional technology and services more directly to the Southeast Asian market. Looking ahead, this plant will become the core engine for our plastic coatings development. We will continue to leverage the Group's R&D advantages in the chemical sector, dedicating ourselves to providing high-quality, eco-friendly coating solutions for toys, electronics and various consumer goods. Through localised production, we can respond to customer needs more quickly and accurately capture opportunities in a highly unpredictable market, creating new business growth points."Mr. Chan Chuen Sang, Raymond, President of Bauhinia Advanced Materials Group, stated in a speech: "This is not only a milestone monument in the Company's overseas journey, but it also carries our steadfast dream of deepening our roots in overseas markets and making our business bigger and stronger. It highlights our original mission to always stay close to our customers and serve them with dedication, and reflects our company's entrepreneurial spirit of daring to explore and make breakthroughs in the face of a complex and ever-changing market environment. The Vietnam plant achieved the breakthrough from conception to completion in just one year, a result that stems from the close cooperation of all parties. In the future, the market expansion, efficient operation, and localisation of the Vietnam plant will require the unity and concerted efforts of every colleague on the frontlines and in the back office. I hope everyone will always uphold our original intentions, work together with one heart and mind, face challenges head-on, seize opportunities, and together build the Vietnam plant into a benchmark for the Company's overseas business, jointly writing a wonderful answer sheet for the Company's overseas development!"Yip’s Chemical Announces Official Opening of New Plant for its Coatings Business in VietnamAccelerating the Pace of Development by Riding the Growth Momentum of Industrial Coatings According to the 2025 annual results previously announced by Yip's Chemical, the Group's coatings business demonstrated strong resilience in a challenging market through product portfolio optimisation. The gross profit margin of the coatings segment increased by 3.6 percentage points to 29.8%, and the segment profit surged by 623% to HKD 52.2 million, with industrial coatings performing exceptionally well. The successful commencement of production at the new Hang Cheung Vietnam plant in the second quarter of 2026 is an important layout for the Group to realise its performance outlook, seize the growth momentum of industrial coatings, and focus resources on driving business development.Looking ahead, Yip's Chemical will continue to be committed to building "a leading development platform for chemical businesses". The official operation of the Vietnam coatings plant will directly enhance the Group's competitiveness in the Southeast Asian market while strengthening the global operational efficiency of its Chinese headquarters. The Group will also actively seek strategic investment and merger and acquisition opportunities with technological content to accelerate its pace of development, creating more robust and long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders. — End —About Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) Founded in 1971 and listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK: 00408) since 1991, Yip’s Chemical has been dedicated to the chemical industry for more than half a century. The Group’s long-term vision is to become “a leading development platform for chemical businesses” driven by green, innovative technology, professional services and highly respected brands that enrich people’s lives.The Group’s core businesses include inks, industrial and architectural coatings, specialty resins, lubricants and chemical vapour recovery and treatment. The core businesses have established leading positions in China in their respective sectors. “Bauhinia Variegata” is the largest inks manufacturer in China; “Hang Cheung” coatings holds a leading position in China’s high-end plastic coatings segment; Bauhinia Advanced Materials Group also operates well-known brands including “Bauhinia” and “Camel” paints as well as “Da Chang” polymers; “Hercules” and “Pacoil” lubricants rank among the market leaders; “Sino-Hypro” is recognised as a leading enterprise in chemical vapour recovery and treatment in China. The Group is also a core investor in “Handsome Chemical”, the world’s largest acetate solvents producer. Leveraging its stable shareholder structure, extensive nationwide manufacturing and sales network, and a dynamic portfolio of strong businesses, the Group has built a robust foundation in the domestic chemical industry. Going forward, the Group will drive sustainable innovation in chemical operations and accelerate the development of a more scalable and resilient platform.Learn more about Yip’s Chemical on: www.yipschemical.comMedia and Investor EnquiriesYip’s Chemical Holdings LimitedMs. Wing SoTel：(852) 2675 2385Email：wing.so@yipschemical.com Fax：(852) 2675 2345DLK Advisory LimitedMs. Michelle Shi Tel: (852) 2854 8711 Email: michelleshi@dlkadvisory.com Ms. Kathleen Mui Tel: (852) 2854 8727 Email: kathleenmui@dlkadvisory.com File: 408_Vietnam Plant Opening_Press Release_EN_20260423 FINAL23/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

[Hong Kong – 22 April 2026] Newborn Town Inc. (Newborn Town or the company, stock code: 09911.HK), a leading global social entertainment company, released its unaudited operating data for the first quarter of 2026. For the three months ended 31 March 2026, the company’s total revenue is estimated to reach RMB 2,030 million to RMB 2,130 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of approximately 33.0% to 39.6%. Revenue from social networking business amounted to approximately RMB 1,785 million to RMB 1,865 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 31.3% to 37.2%. Revenue from innovative business recorded approximately RMB 245 million to RMB 265 million, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 46.7% to 58.7%, maintaining strong growth momentum.Social Networking Business Deepened Its Competitive Moat as Flagship Products Continue to Strengthen Market LeadershipAccording to the announcement, the steady growth of social networking business revenue was driven by the company’s continued global expansion and the deep integration of AI across the entire business chain, supporting the sustained growth of its flagship products. In the first quarter of 2026, the company continued to advance its successful strategy of replicating its product operations and market expansion experiences, further strengthening its leadership in core markets such as the MENA region and Southeast Asia, while using flagship products as strategic pioneers to accelerate expansion into high-growth and high-value markets including Latin America, Europe, Japan, and South Korea, further enhancing its global social entertainment footprint.In 2026, the Company’s flagship products continued to deliver strong performance. The game-oriented social platform TopTop further improved its market position across GCC countries. According to data from Sensor Tower, in Q1, TopTop ranked 6th in the social apps category on the App Store's revenue rankings for the Middle East.In new markets, TopTop continued to expand its footprint. TopTop made solid progress in high-value markets such as Japan and Europe, ranking among the Top 10 free casual games on the Japanese App Store multiple times during the first quarter.Meanwhile, TopTop continues to leverage its UGC-driven ecosystem to expand into developed markets. It has grown into a widely adopted app in GCC markets such as Saudi Arabia and ranks among the leading products in its category globally.The company’s diverse-audience social networking business (LGBTQ) also maintained steady growth. HeeSay, the company’s global community platform for diverse audiences, further strengthened its presence in Southeast Asia, consistently ranking among the Top 10 grossing social apps on the App Store in countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.A research report by Huaxi Securities noted that social networking and gaming apps continue to outperform across downloads, user engagement, and monetization. With its expanding global footprint, Newborn Town is well positioned to continue benefiting from these long-term industry trends, further reinforcing the certainty of its long-term growth trajectory.Innovative Business Gained Strong Momentum, with AI Driving Rapid Revenue GrowthThe company’s innovative business also demonstrated strong growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026. According to the announcement, the growth in revenue from the innovative business segment was driven by the rapid expansion of the short drama business, supported by AI-powered content production and operations.During the period, the company’s short drama business progressed steadily across multiple overseas markets including Europe and North America, validating its full-chain capabilities in content creation and blockbuster content incubation. Building on this foundation, Newborn Town is actively expanding into AI short dramas, leveraging AI technology to amplify content production, diversify genres, and optimize production costs, positioning short drama as a new growth engine for the innovative business.Recently, the Company’s short-form drama business was officially integrated with Seedance 2.0, becoming one of its first partner platforms. At the same time, through joint operations with platforms such as TikTok, the global reach of its short-form content has continued to expand. According to TikTok’s first-quarter revenue-sharing report for short dramas, one of the Company’s hit titles ranked No. 2 on the platform by first-month revenue.In recent years, the company has continued to deepen the application of AI technologies across core business scenarios, comprehensively empowering R&D, operations, and commercialization efficiency. Its self-developed multimodal algorithm model, Boomiix, continues to upgrade, improving the accuracy of social matching and the intelligence of operations. The company’s Siyu AI, an internal data intelligence platform, significantly shortened turnaround times for data queries, anomaly analysis, and report generation. Its proprietary AI-powered design platform KIVI has also greatly enhanced both the efficiency and diversity of content production, including virtual gifts and marketing creatives. In addition, the company continued to expand into consumer-facing AI applications by launching Aippy, exploring new ways to create emotional value through AI. To date, Aippy has surpassed 2 million cumulative downloads. Beyond this, the Company has launched NUSD Pay, an AI agent-based payment solution, which has completed core system development and entered the commercialization stage.The company announced to allocate approximately HK$ 300 million over the next two years for share repurchases, which may be used for the company’s employee equity incentive plans or cancellation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and listing rules. The Board believes that implementing share repurchases under the current circumstances reflects confidence in the company’s long-term business outlook and will ultimately benefit the company while creating value for shareholders.On 6 March, Newborn Town was officially included in the list of eligible securities under the Stock Connect, broadening access for mainland investors. Since its inclusion, the company has seen significantly stronger market attention and trading activity. As of April 21, its average daily trading value exceeded HKD 180 million, approximately doubling compared to the three months prior to inclusion. Following its inclusion in Stock Connect, the Company’s shareholder base has continued to diversify, while its market presence has further strengthened, providing solid support for its long-term growth.About Newborn TownNewborn Town has grown into a leading technology company which was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) in 2019 under the stock code 9911.Committed to creating positive emotional value worldwide, Newborn Town has developed a diverse portfolio of applications in the social networking and entertainment sectors. Its social apps include MICO, YoHo, TopTop, SUGO and HeeSay, together with gaming products like Alice's Dream: Merge Games. These applications have achieved widespread acclaim, reaching over one billion users in over one hundred countries and regions.Newborn Town considers the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region a key market and has also extended its influence in Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The company aims to become the world's largest social entertainment company.For enquiries, please contactDLK Advisory pr@dlkadvisory.com22/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

(Hong Kong – 22 April 2026) Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited (“Trio Industrial” or the “Group”; stock code: 1710), aleadingmanufacturer and distributor of advanced industrial electronic components and products in Hong Kong, today announced its subsidiary, Trio New Energy (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. (“Trio New Energy”) and China Civil Group (Thailand) Limited (“China Civil Thailand”) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) in Thailand to establish a strategic collaboration framework for developing new energy projects in the Thai market.As Thailand accelerates its energy transition and transportation electrification, demand for green power, distributed energy storage and clean mobility solutions continues to grow. Trio New Energy brings strong capabilities in integrated new energy solutions and product manufacturing, while China Civil Thailand has an extensive track record and project pipeline in local green infrastructure and green industrial park development. The Parties will combine their respective strengths as soon as possible, capture the new energy opportunities in Thailand and surrounding countries. According to the MOU, the Parties are currently engaged in commercial discussions on new energy projects in Thailand, with a primary cooperation model of leveraging their combined quality resources to jointly develop the local new energy industry.Mr. Cecil Wong, the Chairman of Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited said, “China Civil Group (Thailand) has deep experience and strong execution capabilities in infrastructure and park development across Thailand, with an extensive portfolio of high-quality projects. Through this MOU, we aim to combine Trio New Energy’s expertise in integrated source-grid-load-storage solutions, new energy product development and localized manufacturing with China Civil Thailand’s project resources and local operating strengths. Together, we seek to develop flagship projects in green parks, green mobility and comprehensive energy solutions that can serve as showcases for Thailand’s low-carbon transition. Looking ahead, Trio New Energy will advance pilot and benchmark projects in a pragmatic and step-by-step manner to create long-term and sustainable value for both parties.”Mr. Bin Zheng, Spokesperson of China Civil Group (Thailand) Limited mentioned, “Trio New Energy brings proven technology and manufacturing capabilities in the new energy sector, enabling competitive green energy and e-mobility solutions tailored to the Thai market. The signing of this MOU marks an important starting point for our collaboration on new energy projects in Thailand. We look forward to working closely with Trio New Energy to achieve early breakthroughs in our three initial focus areas – green industrial park , green campuses and new energy support for benchmark transportation hubs. Over time, we hope to build scalable and replicable cooperation models in Thailand and explore broader collaboration opportunities along the ‘Belt and Road’ markets.”- End -About Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited (Stock Code: 1710.HK)Trio Group is a leading Hong Kong-based manufacturer and supplier of advanced industrial electronic components and products, with over 40 years of industry expertise. Specialising in power supply solutions, the group serves key sectors such as energy efficiency and medical electronics. As the first Hong Kong electronics supplier to achieve Industry 4.0 maturity certificate - industry 4.0 1i level. Trio Group integrates smart manufacturing and innovative technologies to deliver high-performance solutions, earning a strong reputation as a trusted partner for numerous globally recognised brands, primarily in Europe and North America.In response to the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and the urgent demand for decarbonisation, Trio Group is strategically expanding into the renewable energy sector through its proprietary brand, Deltrix. The company is actively developing solutions in:EV charging infrastructure Solar energy storage systems Smart power management Charging network deploymentWith a focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia, Trio Group is committed to advancing green technology innovation, positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition while driving sustainable business growth.By leveraging its technical expertise and forward-looking strategies, the group continues to reinforce its role in shaping a low-carbon future.This press release is issued by DLK Advisory Limited on behalf of Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited.For further information, please contact:DLK Advisory 金通策略Email: pr@dlkadvisory.comTel: +852 2857 710122/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

Hong Kong - April 17, 2026 - EQS Asia today shared how its EQS Newswire service helps companies send corporate news to media and key audiences in other countries.As more companies grow into overseas markets, their communications teams need to work with different media, audiences, and channels in each region.Companies that communicate across borders often face these challenges:• Getting noticed by media in new and unfamiliar markets.• Making sure news reaches the right investors, media, partners, and decision-makers.• Adapting content for local languages and market needs.To address these challenges, EQS Asia offers EQS Newswire — a service that helps companies send announcements or news to international financial and business media, as well as professional information platforms.It delivers corporate news through the channels that international financial and business audiences use most.1. International Media DistributionEQS Newswire sends news to major international financial and business media, including the Financial Times and Reuters.This helps companies build trust and raise awareness for their news in overseas markets.2. Financial Information Platform AccessNews can also appear on professional platforms such as Bloomberg, Dow Jones, and Refinitiv Eikon.This puts company news in front of fund managers, analysts, traders, and other professionals who use these systems daily.3. Multi-Market Coverage and Localized DistributionThe service covers major global markets including Europe, North America, Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Companies can choose to send news to a specific region or a single country and can also distribute in local languages to reach audiences more effectively.EQS Asia believes this service helps companies communicate more effectively across borders and become more visible in international markets.About EQS GroupAt EQS Group, we believe that integrity and transparency drive long-term business success. From compliance management and whistleblowing systems to ESG reporting, data privacy workflows, AI governance, and investor communications – our solutions simplify complexity and support companies in building a culture of accountability and transparency. Over 14,000 organizations across 80 countries rely on our technology and expertise to manage risk, build trust, and demonstrate compliance with confidence.Media Contact: Email: intersales.hk@eqs.comWebsite: https://www.eqs.com/zh-hans/ir-services/newswire/17/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

New York, NY - April 15, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - Automated Health Systems partners with governments to administer public health programs, guided by President Dr. Moses Haregewoyn's extensive business acumen, leadership, technical systems, and service ethos, aiming to make enrollment and access smoother for all underserved residents while supporting agencies facing complex coverage demands.As trusted partners , we elevate public service by empowering government agencies with advanced technology , infrastructure, and human-centric operational support. AHS is a national health services management and works with state and local governments to help residents access public health programs, especially those serving low-income families and underserved communities. Its president, Dr. Moses Haregewoyn, has described his leadership as influenced through years of professional experience and guided by faith-informed values that influence the organization's direction.In a press statement, AHS emphasized his incredible works in public health administration and highlighted Dr. Haregewoyn's book Leadership: An Incumbent of Faith, which addresses his belief in necessary leadership as an assignment rooted in faith and moral responsibility while also driving forward the needs of any business model for the success of that agency's singular vision - a theme that mirrors how he speaks about decisions that affect vulnerable populations.Company descriptions portray Dr. Haregewoyn as engaged in projects from procurement through day-to-day operations, accessible to both clients and staff. That presence has accompanied AHS's expansion from hundreds of employees to several thousand professionals working across multiple states on public health systems and other public health efforts. The company reports that structured systems, internal technical teams, and established platforms help manage eligibility, communication, and reporting while giving residents clearer information about their options.Present and future focused, AHS positions itself as a competitive leading support organization within the public health system, managing the administrative side of programs so that agencies can reach more people with fewer obstacles. Statements from and about the company suggest that future work will continue to balance contractual and advancing technological demands with values of service, mercy, and responsibility, reflecting a belief that overall comprehensive leadership can shape how large systems respond to those who rely on public coverage.About Automated Health SystemsAutomated Health Systems is a specific company, primarily known for government health program administration across all 50 states , with varying revenue estimated at $1.3 Billion annually. Through state of the art and emerging technologies, internal & online digital tools, personalized attention support, and education, AHS helps agencies serve more people with clear and effective healthcare programs.Contact InformationBrand: Automated Health SystemsContact: Media teamEmail: mosesh@automated-health.comWebsite: https://www.automated-health.com15/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

(14 April 2026, Hong Kong) One year ago, Waton Financial (NASDAQ: WTF) made its debut on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between AI innovation and regulated financial infrastructure. Today, as the company celebrates its first anniversary as a listed entity, it announces MOTA—Manager of Trading Agents—a platform that represents a new paradigm in human-AI investment collaboration.Building Infrastructure FirstWhile the AI trading space has been dominated by platforms racing to launch AI features, Waton Financial took a different path. Instead of prioritizing speed to market, the company spent its first year building what matters most in financial services: regulated infrastructure."We made a deliberate choice to build the foundation before the features," said the company in a statement. "Embedded compliance and transparent audit trails—these aren't optional add-ons. They're the foundation that makes sustainable AI-assisted trading possible."This infrastructure-first approach has positioned Waton Financial uniquely in a market where most AI trading platforms operate in regulatory gray zones. As an AI agents holding company, Waton Financial is building the ecosystem that enables sustainable, compliant AI-assisted trading. As global regulators increasingly scrutinize AI-driven financial services, companies building on solid infrastructure are poised to lead the next phase of industry evolution.Introducing MOTA: Manager of Trading AgentsMOTA represents the culmination of Waton Financial's first year of work—a trading agent orchestration platform built on the company's regulated infrastructure.Unlike conventional AI trading tools that promise to "beat the market for you," MOTA is designed around a fundamental principle: AI suggests, you decide.Key features of MOTA include:•Multi-Agent Orchestration: Multiple specialized AI agents work together—each focusing on sentiment analysis, technical signals, fundamental research, or execution optimization—while human investors maintain oversight of the entire system.•Human-in-the-Loop Architecture: Every trading decision flows through human judgment. MOTA aggregates signals, provides analysis, and offers recommendations, but the investor makes the final call.•Built on Solid Infrastructure: Operating with embedded compliance, audit trails, and risk controls—accountability is not an afterthought.•Professional-Grade Tools: Designed for professional investors with actual trading experience, not retail users seeking easy returns.The Missing Conversation in AI TradingThe AI trading industry has been built on a curious omission. Platforms tout model accuracy, backtest results, and alpha generation—but rarely discuss licensing, compliance frameworks, or accountability."When was the last time you asked if your AI trading platform is licensed?" the company asks. "We all want to know the Sharpe ratio and win rate. But questions about regulatory framework and audit trails? Those conversations are conspicuously absent."MOTA is designed to change that conversation. By building on solid infrastructure from day one, the platform offers what most AI trading tools cannot: transparency, accountability, and a clear answer to the question of who is responsible when AI makes a recommendation.Navigating the Evolving Regulatory LandscapeThe timing of MOTA's development aligns with significant shifts in global AI regulation:•United States: The SEC is increasing scrutiny on AI-driven trading decisions, with compliance costs rising for platforms operating without clear regulatory frameworks.•Europe: MiFID II requirements now mandate explainability for AI decisions in financial services, creating challenges for black-box trading systems.•Asia: Hong Kong and Singapore are proactively building AI finance regulatory frameworks, with sandbox programs for compliant tools."The easy money era for AI trading platforms is ending," observed industry analysts. "Companies building on solid infrastructure will have a significant head start. Everyone else will be playing catchup with regulators."What MOTA Is—and Isn'tIn a market saturated with "AI will make you rich" promises, Waton Financial is taking a different approach with clear positioning:MOTA IS:•An orchestration platform for multiple AI trading agents•A human-in-the-loop system where AI augments rather than replaces human judgment•Built with embedded compliance and transparent audit trails•Designed for professional investors with trading experienceMOTA IS NOT:•An "AI beats the market for you" tool•A replacement for human judgment and expertise•A retail trading app for beginners•An unregulated experiment in AI tradingLooking AheadMOTA is scheduled for launch in June 2026. As Waton Financial enters its second year as a listed company, the platform represents not just a product launch but a statement about how AI and finance should intersect."We're not claiming to have solved everything," the company noted. "But we're asking the right questions: What happens when AI makes a bad recommendation? Who's accountable? Can you audit the decision trail? These aren't philosophical questions—they're the foundation of sustainable AI-assisted trading."The boring stuff matters. Especially in finance. And that's exactly where Waton Financial is placing its bet.About Waton FinancialWaton Financial (NASDAQ: WTF) is an AI agents holding company specializing in developing and orchestrating AI-powered trading solutions. Listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in April 2025, the company is building the ecosystem for sustainable AI-assisted investing, serving professional investors across global markets.Media Contact:Email: ir@watonfinancial.comWebsite: www.watonfinancial.comDisclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. This is not investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.14/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

SOFIA, BULGARIA - April 13, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - nFuse, an AI-powered B2B ordering platform, founded jointly with Appolica, has recently raised an investment from two of Central and Eastern Europe's most active venture funds Eleven Ventures and LAUNCHub to accelerate expansion across Europe, the US, and emerging markets. The investment comes as rising energy costs continue to pressure physical touchpoints across the CPG distribution chain. nFuse replaces traditional B2B ordering apps with everyday messaging channels, enabling retailers to place orders via SMS, WhatsApp, and other messaging platforms without additional apps or logins, while helping sales teams and operators reclaim time for higher-value activities. The company reports retailer adoption rates exceeding 70%, compared to an industry average of approximately 15%.The funding arrives at a critical inflection point for the CPG industry. Energy costs and oil supply disruptions now ripple through up to a third of the CPG value chain - hitting manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and last-mile distribution simultaneously. At the same time, CPG companies face pressure from the other direction: weakening consumer confidence and declining disposable incomes are compressing top-line growth across key markets. Caught between rising operational costs and slowing revenue, the industry can no longer afford to run its most basic commercial process - reordering - the human effort-led way.The $5 Trillion Channel That Digital Solutions Keep FailingFragmented trade - the network of independent shops, kiosks, restaurants, and HoReCa operators that dominate commerce across emerging markets - represents over $5 trillion in annual value. In regions such as CESEE, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, these outlets account for the majority of FMCG sales. For CPG companies already navigating margin compression, this channel is both the largest growth opportunity and the most expensive to serve through traditional means.Despite more than a decade of investment in B2B eCommerce platforms, adoption in fragmented trade hovers around 15%. Industry analysts estimate 80–95% of B2B eCommerce projects underperform or fail outright. The platforms work technically. The retailers ignore them."The fundamental assumption was wrong. The industry built eB2B for headquarters - for the people who wanted dashboards and data. Not for the retailer standing behind a counter who just needs to reorder beer before the weekend rush." -Stoyan Ivanov, Co-Founder and CEO, nFuseThe Fix: Meet Retailers Where They Already ArenFuse was founded on a different observation. Across all markets, small retailers are already running their businesses through messaging apps - sending voice notes, photos of empty shelves, and handwritten lists via SMS, WhatsApp, or whatever app they use daily. nFuse turns that existing behavior into a confirmed order in seconds.No new app. No login. No training required. The results are materially different from what traditional platforms deliver: 70%+ retailer adoption with enterprise clients, versus an industry average of 10–15%. Revenue per outlet increases 15–30%. Deployment takes a month, not a year. Cost per order targets below $1 - a 5x to 20x reduction compared to traditional rep-based or call center ordering. For CPG brands under margin pressure, that cost delta is no longer just an efficiency gain. It is a route to profitability on outlets that were previously too expensive to serve.For brands managing distribution at scale, the model also changes the economics of reaching the long tail. Retailers who previously reordered monthly - when a sales rep happened to visit - now reorder weekly. New SKU launches reach outlets faster. And with every transaction flowing through a single channel, real-time demand signals become available across the entire network."These retailers aren't technology-averse. They're using technology constantly. Just not the technology we kept trying to give them. They don't want another app. They want to order the same way they message their family." - Stefan Radov, Co-Founder and COO, nFuseInvestor Perspective"Stoyan and Stefan know the FMCG industry inside out and have set out an ambitious task to solve the broken model of B2B e-commerce solutions. Instead of asking retailers to change their behaviour, the advancements in AI has opened a new frontier of intelligent solutions that speak their language via the channels they usually use. This unlocks enormous opportunities for brands, as the tail of the market can now be served efficiently and at scale." - Ivaylo Simov, Partner, Eleven Ventures"The B2B eCommerce graveyard is full of platforms that worked technically but failed commercially. Most portals force unnatural behavior - buyers do not want to click through SKUs and quantities. nFuse makes ordering natural again via voice, text, or image, just like speaking or texting to a sales rep. With 30 years in distribution, the founders have seen exactly where adoption fails. We backed the insight as much as the product." - Rumen Iliev, Partner, LAUNCHub VenturesWhat Comes NextThe funding will support nFuse's expansion across Europe, with plans extending into broader EMEA and Americas markets. The company currently serves category leaders in beverages, beer, snacks, frozen food, modern nicotine, dairy, pet food, and wholesale distribution, validating the model across FMCG verticals.Beyond ordering, nFuse is building toward payments and predictive demand intelligence - letting retailers pay through the same messaging thread where they place orders, and using aggregated shelf data to generate real-time supply signals for brands."The industry spent a decade trying to get retailers to come to us. We're just going to where they already are." - Stoyan Ivanov, Co-Founder and CEO, nFuseAbout nFusenFuse is an AI-powered B2B ordering platform that enables FMCG retailers and HoReCa operators to place orders and enable two-way conversational commerce through SMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, and other messaging apps using text, voice, or images. Founded by ex-Coca-Cola executives Stoyan Ivanov and Stefan Radov - with 30+ years of combined distribution experience - the company partners with leading FMCG production and distribution enterprises across Europe and emerging markets. nFuse is backed by Eleven Ventures and LAUNCHub, and was co-founded with Appolica.Media ContactCompany: nFuseContact: Stoyan Ivanov, Co-Founder and CEOTelephone: +44 7735 302755Email: stoyan.ivanov@nfuse.aiWebsite: https://nfuse.ai/13/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

As China's daily Token consumption surpasses 140 trillion, OpenAI processes 15 billion Tokens per minute. China's Token usage grows 1,400-fold in just two years—Token, a technical term still unfamiliar two years ago, is becoming the new "kilowatt-hour" of the AI era.On April 12, Shenzhen Xunce Technology Co., Ltd. (3317. HK)signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Shenzhen Data Exchange. At the inflection point where the Token economy is moving from concept to explosion, the signing of this agreement sends a clear signal: China's AI industry is shifting from a "model race" to a "data race", from "general-purpose Tokens" to "vertical Token refining."Xunce Technology is becoming the core "Vertical Token Factory" in this historic process.Token Economics: Why is Token the "Oil" of the AI Era?To understand the significance of this partnership, one must first understand what a Token is.A Token is the basic unit of information processed and generated by AI. You ask AI a question, consuming some Tokens; AI gives you an answer, generating some Tokens. One Token roughly corresponds to one or two Chinese characters. But the significance of Token goes far beyond being a mere "unit of measurement" ——it transforms AI into an economic resource that can be priced, traded, and even futures-traded, just as the "kilowatt-hour" gave electricity a price and the "barrel" gave oil a futures market.Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, deconstructed the AI industry into a "five-layer cake": energy, chips, infrastructure, models, and applications. The unified unit of measurement in all five layers is the Token. Huang's definition: Token is the fundamental unit of modern AI, and the language and currency of AI.Tokens are undergoing value stratification. The same Token used for casual chat is worth $0.01 per million; used for coding, it's worth $200; used for legal document review, it's worth $1,000—a difference of a hundred thousand times in value. Less than 5% of Token consumption creates over 80% of measurable value. The value of a Token is not determined by its production cost, but by what it is used for. This is the core logic of vertical Tokens.Token Supply-Demand Imbalance: General Tokens in Surplus, Vertical Tokens ScarceIn March 2026, Liu Liehong, Director of the National Data Administration, officially named the Token Ciyuan and disclosed a set of data: China's daily Ciyuan call volume has exceeded 140 trillion, an increase of over 1,400 times compared to 100 billion in early 2024. Nationwide, over 100,000 high-quality datasets have been established, with a total volume exceeding 890 PB—equivalent to about 310 times the total digital resources of the National Library of China.At the same time, global Token demand is undergoing a structural inflection point: shifting from humans using AI to AI using AI by itself. The emergence of Agents has completely changed the rules of the game—it is not a chatbot, but an AI program capable of autonomously executing tasks.If an enterprise deploys 1,000 Agents, each consuming 1 million Tokens per day, that amounts to 365 billion Tokens per year, equivalent to the total consumption of all human users in a medium-sized country. Agents don't just consume Tokens; there are already experimental projects where Agents have their own accounts, autonomously take on tasks, earn income, and then use that income to purchase more Tokens.The next surge in Token demand will no longer come from humans using more, but from machines starting to consume on their own.But a deep contradiction is emerging: general Tokens are experiencing inflation, while vertical Tokens are severely scarce. Large language models can converse fluently, but once they enter vertical scenarios such as financial risk control, medical diagnosis, power dispatch, or robot control, general Tokens fall short.What enterprises truly need are vertical Tokens refined through industry knowledge.The insufficient supply of high-quality vertical data has become the core bottleneck restricting the implementation of vertical large models.Vertical Token Factory: The Core Positioning of Xunce TechnologyAgainst this backdrop, Xunce Technology's positioning as a Vertical Token Factory has emerged.If a general-purpose large model is like a power plant, then Xunce Technology is the refinery—it does not produce basic Tokens but rather refines raw data from vertical industries such as finance, telecommunications, electric power, robotics, healthcare, and commercial aerospace into vertical Tokens that large models can directly and efficiently use.With AI Data Agent at its core, Xunce Technology has built a full-chain technical system covering data acquisition, cleansing, standardization, real-time computation, and model fine-tuning. It can transform the complex, heterogeneous private data within enterprises into standardized vertical Tokens that large models can understand, invoke, and measure, all within milliseconds.In 2025, the company's revenue increased by 103% year-on-year to RMB 1.283 billion, the share of non-asset management business revenue rose to 80%, revenue per employee reached RMB 2.9 million, and ARPU jumped from RMB 2.72 million to RMB 5.59 million—behind these figures lies enterprises' genuine willingness to pay for "vertical Tokens".General Tokens are crude oil; vertical Tokens are refined oil. Xunce Technology is that refinery.Strategic Partnership with Shenzhen Data Exchange: Co-building the Standard for Vertical TokensAccording to the announcement, this strategic cooperation between Xunce Technology and Shenzhen Data Exchange focuses on three main directions, essentially co-building the production standard for vertical Tokens:First, jointly expand data element and AI innovation businesses to promote enterprise digital and intelligent transformation.As a national-level data exchange, Shenzhen Data Exchange has leading expertise in data compliance circulation and assetization operations. The partnership will accelerate the journey for enterprises from data governance to AI applications.Second, co-build a data assetization and data asset entry service system.As the policy for including data assets on balance sheets is deeply implemented, enterprise data is transforming from cost to asset. Xunce's vertical Token refining capability, combined with Shenzhen Data Exchange's compliance expertise, will provide enterprises with a standardized path to turn data into assets.Third, establish a data specification system for Embodied Intelligence.This is the most forward-looking aspect. The demand for vertical Tokens from Embodied Intelligence (Physical AI) far exceeds that for large language models—robot training requires real physical interaction data; autonomous driving requires massive amounts of real-world driving data. The two parties will jointly develop a vertical Token specification system for scenarios such as intelligent robots, autonomous driving, and smart terminals, addressing the current industry bottleneck of insufficient supply of high-quality vertical Tokens for Physical AI training.The Vertical Token Factory Stands at the Center of the Next Major OpportunityThree distinct business models have emerged in the Token economy: pay-as-you-go (charge for Tokens used), monthly subscription (not charged per Token), and value-based pricing (charge based on the value created).Xunce Technology is advancing its Token-based billing model, which embodies the logic of value-based pricing. Customer Value = Price per Call × Number of Token Calls × Number of Modules Used. The price per call for vertical Tokens is much higher than for general Tokens due to their higher business value content. In 2025, the company's Token-based revenue accounted for 5%, with a target to increase it to 20%-30% in 2026.Conclusion: Xunce Technology's strategic partnership with Shenzhen Data Exchange is a micro-level manifestation of this macro-narrative.Where policy dividends, industrial demand, and technological capability converge, the Vertical Token Factory is no longer a cost center but a value engine.As the Vertical Token Factory, Xunce Technology's long-term value may have just begun to materialize.Because what is truly scarce is not the Token itself, but the ability to turn every Token into refined vertical oil.Enterprise-grade vertical Token factories and vertical models are standing at the center of the next major opportunity.13/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

As global population aging intensifies and consumers place greater emphasis on health management in the post-pandemic era, the convergence of AIoT with healthcare has emerged as a core pillar of the next technological wave. In this blue-ocean market, poised to surpass the trillion-dollar mark, the key question lies in extending professional medical services from hospitals into home, a critical focus for the industry. Against this backdrop, Home Control International Limited (1747.HK),a leading global provider of home control solutions, is executing a forward-looking strategic transformation. While continuing to deepen its core home control business, the Group has upgraded its brand to the "Omni Devices" brand, further expanding into the healthcare sector. Home Control is not merely following a trend; it is actively reshaping the global health management value chain through its deep technological expertise.The Company's latest 2025 annual results underscore its solid growth trajectory. Full-year revenue reached approximately US$109.4 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.8%, demonstrating operational resilience amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment. Regionally, while maintaining a strong presence in the Europe and the U.S. (which together accounted for approximately 70.2% of total revenue), the Company is strategically expanding into high-growth emerging markets, particularly India. Notably, revenue contribution from Asia increased from 13.0% in 2024 to 24.5% in 2025. This strategic shift not only optimizes the product mix but also provides diversified momentum for the Group's future growth. Driven by strong growth in higher-margin healthcare solutions and the absence of last year’s one-off impairment provision, profit attributable to owners of the Company surged 183.3% year-on-year to US$7.1 million.Rapid Smart Home Adoption in Europe and the U.S., as Whole-Home Automation Gains MomentumThe global smart home market is expanding rapidly. According to Global Market Insights, the European smart home market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.1% between 2026 and 2035, reaching US$150.1 billion by 2035. Meanwhile, North America, the world's largest and most mature market, accounts for nearly 40% of global growth and is rapidly shifting from standalone devices to whole-home automation. This trend is driven by two key factors. First, strong consumer demand for home security is accelerating the adoption of integrated smart security and mobile applications. Second, rising energy costs and stricter energy-efficiency regulations are significantly boosting demand for smart thermostats and lighting systems. Leveraging its extensive experience in high-quality home control solutions, Home Control upgraded its "Omni Remotes" brand to "Omni Devices" at the end of 2024. This strategic rebranding reflects the Company's evolution beyond traditional control solutions into a broader spectrum of offerings. By applying its long-established expertise in technology innovation, particularly in advanced sensing and wireless connectivity, the Company is developing tailored solutions for vertical segments, unlocking new growth drivers in the flourishing smart home market.Asia-Pacific Digital Health to Reach US$713 Billion, Strategically Targeting the Home Health Monitoring MegatrendIn contrast, the Asia-Pacific region is demonstrating even stronger momentum in the digital health. Market forecasts project the sector to grow at a CAGR of 22.98% from 2025 to 2035, surpassing US$713 billion. Remote patient monitoring and telehealth are among the fastest-growing segments, driven by the accelerating aging population across Asia and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. These trends are significantly boosting demand for home-based health monitoring devices—such as blood glucose and blood pressure monitors—as well as preventive care solutions. Simultaneously, high smartphone penetration rates and strong government support for digital health infrastructure (e.g., China's "Healthy China 2030" policy) are accelerating the adoption of medical-grade devices in the home.In 2025, Home Control broadened its presence in the healthcare sector by integrating resources with its shareholder, Meta-Wisdom Tech Limited. During the year, revenue from healthcare solutions increased from 14.4% in 2024 to 21.4% of total revenue, highlighting the initial success of its transformation strategy. To build on this momentum, the Company established Orbiva Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, dedicated to developing AIoT-enabled home healthcare platforms, ecosystems, and health management products.On the technology front, the Group has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to jointly develop a secure AIoT-powered healthcare platform. Additionally, Orbiva has secured an intellectual property license for an AI assisted trustworthy home-care intelligence agent system, actively promoting the development of digital twin applications and secure health management devices. By combining technology R&D, data security, and product innovation, Home Control is accelerating the development of an integrated health management solution encompassing "Devices + Platform + Services," while deepening its presence in the Southeast Asian market to capitalize on regional growth opportunities.Smart IoT Empowers Personal Health Management, Launching a Closed-Loop Ecosystem and Transforming ValuationOverall, Home Control is undergoing a profound strategic transformation. While leveraging its established smart home foundation to generate stable cash flow, the Group has also been rapidly expanding its high-growth, high-value healthcare business. Building on this foundation, the Company is constructing a comprehensive ecosystem spanning hardware, software, data, and services through strategic acquisitions, industry-academia collaborations, and diverse partnerships. As the convergence of AIoT and healthcare deepens, the Group is steadily advancing toward its goal of real-time personal health monitoring and seamless integration of online-offline healthcare management. It is also accelerating the deep integration of smart home and health & wellness scenarios. This transformation not only provides a clear and scalable path for future growth but is also expected to drive long-term value creation and a sustained re-rating of the Company's valuation.02/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

Cornerstone Technologies ’s JV Spark EVJoin Hands with China Southern Power Grid to Open Up New Chapter for Electric Vehicles Charging in Southeast AsiaSince late February 2026, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted logistics services through the Strait of Hormuz, severely impacting the global crude oil supply chain, with international oil prices remained volatile at relatively high levels. On March 9, WTI crude briefly touched USD119.48 per barrel, while Brent approached USD120 per barrel—marking the highest levels in nearly four years. Thailand’s retail fuel prices also saw a 20% increase last week. Rising fuel costs not only directly increase the usage cost for traditional ICE vehicles, but also accelerate the global transition toward electric vehicles. According to data from Mordor Intelligence, the ASEAN electric vehicle market is projected to reach USD5.99 billion in 2026, surpassing USD 23.5 billion by 2031 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 30%. Thailand, leveraging its robust manufacturing clusters and government incentive policies, saw domestic EV sales grow by 40% in 2025, capturing a remarkable 39% market share within the regional market. The upward momentum also continued in 2026, with EV sales reaching 38,000 units in the first two months alone. At this pace, annual sales could exceed 200,000 units in 2026, underscoring Thailand’s steadily rising EV penetration rate, which in turn, further drive the demand for corresponding charging infrastructure.Seeing the vast market opportunities in ASEAN, Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited’s joint venture, Spark EV Company Limited (“Spark EV”) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with China Southern Power Grid Lancang-Mekong International Co., Ltd (“CSG-LMI”) on March 25. The two parties will jointly advance Spark EV’s expansion in the Thailand market, aiming to install more than 1,000 charging stations nationwide to strengthen its competitive edge and enhance network efficiency.As a leading charging service provider, Cornerstone Technologies has established a comprehensive business presence in Hong Kong, covering private residential charging subscription services (Cornerstone HOME) and public charging networks (Cornerstone GO). The former provides monthly subscription-based private charging services for residential buildings, with more than 1,200 users currently enrolled; the latter operates Hong Kong’s largest and most utilized public EV charging network, already in operation across 120 car parks, totaling over 1,900 charging points with more than 87,000 members.Beyond the Hong Kong market, Cornerstone Technologies is also actively expanding its overseas business through Spark EV, with overseas revenue projected to increase by nearly 70% by 2025. Spark EV has already gained a significant first-mover advantage in Thailand, having partnered with Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited ("Bangchak") to operate over 240 charging stations with more than 175,000 members. Bangchak is one of Thailand's two largest energy companies, with 2,214 service stations across the country. Leveraging its nationwide energy retail network and strategic positioning in promoting green energy transformation, Bangchak provides strong support for Spark EV's charging business in Thailand.Meanwhile, CSG-LMI is a subsidiary of China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (“CSG”) As one of China's two largest power grid enterprises, CSG has an annual revenue exceeding RMB800 billion and operates over 100,000 charging stations nationwide. This partnership between Cornerstone Technologies and CSG-LMI is expected to further accelerate its business development in Thailand. CSG-LMI brings unparalleled technical expertise in grid stability and smart grid management. The partnership is expected to provide Spark EV with enhanced technical efficiency in connecting ultra-fast chargers to the local power grid, along with superior operational reliability. Driven by the introduction of the EV 3.5 incentive scheme and the “30@30” target (30% of domestic vehicle production to be zero-emission by 2030), Thailand is expected to become the fastest-growing EV market in Southeast Asia, generating substantial demand for charging infrastructure. Hencd, Spark EV will be well-positioned to further consolidate its market leadership by leveraging a more efficient network and greater cost-effectiveness, thereby attracting more users and increasing overall network utilization.According to the announcement, following their success in Thailand, the two parties also intend to expand cooperation to other countries within the Lancang-Mekong sub-region, particularly those with higher EV penetration rates and strong growth potential in charging infrastructure. These include Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam. As a result, the synergies between the two parties are expected to continue to unfold, injecting new momentum into the electric vehicle industry across Southeast Asia.With the steadily expanding scale of its charging business, Cornerstone Technologies is well-positioned to generate stable revenue and recurring cash flow from charging fees. Given the relatively high gross profit margin of the charging business, the Company’s revenue mix is expected to improve significantly, driving overall profitability and breakeven performance. This strategic partnership not only supports the wider adoption of EVs in the region but also provides Cornerstone Technologies with a solid foundation to enhance profitability and establish long-term growth drivers. Looking ahead, the collaboration is expected to become an important milestone in advancing regional energy transition and green mobility development, opening up a new chapter for the EV landscape in Southeast Asia.31/03/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com