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HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is taking place from March 17 to 20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day event gathers global film and entertainment industry leaders to showcase new productions and cutting-edge technologies, while fostering discussions on international market trends and opportunities.The Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, encompassing eight major entertainment events including FILMART and EntertainmentPulse, held its kick-off ceremony this afternoon at the FILMART venue. The ceremony was officiated by Chan Kwok Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of HKSAR, Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR, Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, Dr Peter Lam, Chairman, HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee, Dr Wilfred Wong, Chairman, Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, Qin Zhengui, Deputy Director General of Film Bureau and Managing Director of Screenplay Planning Center of the Publicity Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China, Yang Yong, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation (Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs), National Radio and Television Administration, and representatives from the Expo’s event organisers.The Expo is co-organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. This year's opening ceremony celebrates both the 30th edition of FILMART and the 50th milestone of the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), reaffirming their role in driving continuous growth for the city's entertainment industry.At the kick-off ceremony of the Hong Kong Entertainment Expo cum 30th FILMART and 50th HKIFF Celebration, Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, stated: “The HKTDC celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and FILMART has been around for half of the HKTDC’s existence, making 2026 a special year for us. Over the years, FILMART has grown to become the world-recognised leading entertainment content marketplace of Asia, as well as a must-join event for the global entertainment industry. For the 30th edition, FILMART is more international than ever, presenting productions of over 790 exhibitors across a record high participation of 38 countries and regions, connecting them with 7,700 business visitors from about 50 countries and regions.”Rising international participation with exhibitors driving cross-regional film and entertainment exchangeThis year’s FILMART has attracted a record number of participating countries and regions. Exhibitors from emerging markets such as Belgium, Myanmar, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan are joining for the first time. Other participating countries and regions include the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam, bringing broader international representation and further enhancing the event’s global reach. The Mainland contingent has expanded significantly, with a number of new provinces and municipalities participating, including Chongqing, Fujian, Guizhou, Shandong and Sichuan. Various leading mainland film and entertainment companies, including Tencent Video, Bilibili, iQIYI and Youku, are exhibiting at FILMART, leveraging the platform to expand their presence in overseas markets.Major Hong Kong film and entertainment companies are also participating this year. Sil-Metropole Organisation and Mei Ah Entertainment will showcase their latest productions created using virtual reality and AI, highlighting the distinctive appeal of Hong Kong’s culture. Other local exhibitors include Media Asia, Edko Films, Golden Scene, Entertaining Power, Muse Communication, RTHK, Television Broadcasts Limited, MakerVille, i-Cable Communications, and more, will unveil upcoming projects and productions, offering new partnership and investment opportunities for industry players worldwide.A total of 40 events will take place during FILMART. Highlights include the “Forum on International Communication Cooperation and Innovation for a New Vision”, organised by the International Cooperation Department of National Radio and Television Administration of China, and the “International Short Drama Association 2026 Asian Forum”. Major mainland production companies, such as Youhug Media and Linmon Picture Media, will also hold content showcases and launch events during the market. On the business front, multiple cooperation agreements will be signed at FILMART; the Sichuan Pavilion will host a project signing ceremony covering areas such as copyright trading and strategic collaboration. International participants are also actively engaging with the global industry. Thailand’s Ministry of Culture will present the country’s latest film and television projects, while activities organised by ICEX Spain Trade & Investment will explore creative collaboration and co-production opportunities between the Asian and European markets.Producers Connect draws broad international participation to foster cross-border co-productionProducers Connect, jointly organised by the HKSAR’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Hong Kong Film Development Council and the HKTDC, returns this year. Partnering with 10 international film institutions, including those from Chinese Mainland, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, the programme brings together more than 100 producers from Hong Kong and across the globe. Through a series of small group business matching sessions, Producers Connect designed to foster cross-cultural exchange and unlock new collaboration opportunities.To further discuss emerging co-production trends, a dedicated forum themed “International Coproductions in an Evolving Film Industry Landscape” will be held tomorrow afternoon. The session will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers sharing forward-looking perspectives, including Peter Chan, renowned Hong Kong director, Janet Yang, Golden Globe-winning producer, and Singaporean Cannes-winning director Anthony Chen, alongside other industry professionals with extensive international co-production experience. Together they will share the latest developments in co-production from multiple perspectives and explore how Hong Kong and Asia’s film industries can broaden their global development horizon.In addition, the fireside chats series will focus on business opportunities across key markets, including Asia, ASEAN and Europe, as well as the market strategies and commercial value associated with intellectual property expansion and the remaking of classic IP. A series of workshops will also be organised to enable industry professionals to better grasp emerging technologies and evolving market models while enhancing flexibility and possibilities for cross-regional collaboration.AI Hub returns with upgraded scale to support mainland enterprises going globalThe AI Hub, first introduced at last year’s FILMART to wide acclaim, returns this year with an expanded presence. Organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals, the AI Hub brings together leading mainland AI and technology companies, including Alibaba Cloud, Kling AI, MiniMax, Vidu, Nanjing Xuanjia Network Technology Co., Ltd., Daogu Culture Limited, and more. These exhibitors will present their latest applications and technological breakthroughs in areas such as AI generated content (AIGC), AI-generated short dramas and AI animation. Beyond showcasing cutting-edge technologies, the upgraded AI Hub also focuses on fostering commercial collaboration, supporting mainland technology enterprises as they go global and expand into new markets. Academic institutions, including The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Lingnan University, are also actively participating, contributing to the advancement of innovation in local film and entertainment production.To further strengthen industry capabilities in AI adoption, this year’s edition also introduces the AI Academy, newly established with support from the CCIDA and the Film Development Fund. Through 18 thematic workshops, industry experts will explain practical applications and emerging trends of AI technologies across the filmmaking process, helping practitioners navigate transformation and upgrading across multiple stages—from creative development and filming to post-production and content promotion.A dedicated panel session will be held tomorrow under the theme “Human-in-the-Loop: Balancing Cinematic Craft and Generative AI”. The panel will feature leading voices from the AI technology sector, including Yuhang Cheng, COO of the Midjourney China Club; Yunan Zhang, Vice President of MiniMax; and Fu Binxing, CEO of China Huace Film & TV Co., Ltd. Together they will explore the Human-in-the-Loop model of content creation, examining how filmmakers can effectively harness AI to enhance content quality while retaining creative leadership.EntertainmentPulse explores film financing and global opportunities for short dramasHeld alongside FILMART, the fifth edition of EntertainmentPulse examines some of the most pressing issues in today’s film and entertainment market, including the global expansion of short dramas, opportunities and future directions for international co-productions, emerging models of collaboration between AI and film production, and the creation and expansion of global animation IP. Through these discussions, the forum provides the industry with in-depth and forward-looking market insights.This year’s EntertainmentPulse also includes a dedicated session on film financing and investment. Industry leaders such as Justin Deimen, Managing Partner of Goldfinch International; Bennett Pozil, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking at East West Bank; and Catherine Ying, President of CMC Pictures and Pearl Studio, will share insights on financing trends and strategies in the Asian film industry, examining how film projects and co-productions can enter new markets while unlocking the commercial value derived from film and television IP. As the micro-short dramas boom continues to gain global momentum, the forum also features a dedicated seminar on this fast-growing format. Speakers include Wang Xiangbin, Founder and CEO of DataEye, a Mainland Chinese big-data company specialising in content marketing analytics, and Xiaoqian Chen, Vice President of Mansen (Shenzhen) Culture Media Co., Ltd, a major short dramas platform. They will examine the latest trends in the international expansion of Chinese mainland’s short dramas and explore emerging opportunities in overseas markets. Another highlight is a panel discussion featuring the production teams behind the Hong Kong Film Awards-nominated film Ciao UFO — including Amy Chin, Patrick Leung and Kong Ho Yan — alongside the team behind Unidentified Murder, represented by Kwok Ka Hei, Fung Wai Sze and Lee Chun Kit. Moderated by veteran Hong Kong film critic Thomas Shin, the discussion will explore how Hong Kong filmmakers preserve local cultural characteristics while responding flexibly to evolving market dynamics, opening up new possibilities for the development of the city’s film industry.HKIFF Industry Project Market provides platform for industry exchangeThe 24th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the core section of the HKIFF Industry Project Market, runs for three consecutive days from today (17–19 March 2026) within the FILMART venue. This year’s selection features 42 film projects from 22 countries and regions, representing a wide range of development stages. Among them, 13 are animation or genre projects spanning themes such as family-driven narratives, comedy, thriller, fantasy, action and science fiction, showcasing the diversity and creative vitality of Asian storytelling. All shortlisted projects will be presented alongside FILMART during the HKIFF Industry Project Market, providing opportunities for project teams to exchange ideas with industry professionals, present their latest development progress and creative direction, and foster collaboration across Asia and the wider international film community.FILMART and EntertainmentPulseDate:   17 – 20 March 2026Website:FILMART—  http://www.hktdc.com/hkfilmartEntertainementPulse — https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en/programmeEntertainment ExpoDate: 15 March – 19 April 2026Spectacular events: Three founding projects - Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA); and five core events: Asian Film Awards (AFA), Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), EntertainmentPulse (EP), Hong Kong - Asia Fim Financing Forum (HAF), Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music)Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4sPaX8qThe 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market exhibition (FILMART) opens today, attracting over 790 exhibitors from 38 countries and regionsThe Entertainment Expo kick-off ceremony (17 Mar) officiating guests include: Chan Kwok Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSAR (front row; center), Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR (front row; fifth from left), Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman, HKTDC (front row; sixth from right), Dr Peter Lam, Chairman, HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee (front row; sixth from left), Dr Wilfred Wong, Chairman, Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (front row; fifth from right), Qin Zhengui, Deputy Director General of Film Bureau and Managing Director of Screenplay Planning Center of the Publicity Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China (front row; fourth from left), Yang Yong, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation (Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs), National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) (front row; fourth from right), and representatives from the Expo’s event organisersChan Kwok Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, delivers an opening speech at the Entertainment Expo kick-off ceremony cum 30th FILMART and 50th HKIFF CelebrationProf Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, delivers welcome remarks during the Entertainment Expo kick-off ceremony cum 30th FILMART and 50th HKIFF Celebration The AI Hub, first introduced at FILMART last year to strong acclaim, returns this year on a larger scale. It brings together several leading AI and technology companies from Chinese Mainland, supporting their go global expansion and helping them explore new business opportunities overseas FILMART also brings back the Producers Connect, providing a networking platform for local and international producers to connect and fostering more cross-regional co-production opportunitiesMedia Enquiries:For enquiries, please contact:Raconteur PR AgencyBetsy TseTel: (852)  9742 7338Email: betsytse@raconteur.hkMolisa LauTel: (852)  6187 7786Email: molisalau@raconteur.hkHKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:Serena Cheung     Tel: (852) 2584 4272    Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org   HKTDC Mediaroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 2517.HK, “Guoquan”) recently released its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025. The company delivered a stellar performance, showcasing remarkable growth resilience within the community catering retail sector.The announcement reveals that while maintaining steady revenue growth, Guoquan has demonstrated a powerful surge in profitability. By adhering to its “community central kitchen” strategy, Guoquan has successfully converted its scale into a profit advantage through deep penetration of lower-tier markets, smart store upgrades, and the “one-product-one-factory” supply chain model.Strong Financial Performance Driven by Substantial Improvements in Earnings QualityIn 2025, Guoquan achieved synchronized growth in scale and efficiency, with financial performance exceeding market expectations. According to the annual results, for the year ended December 31, 2025, the company recorded total revenue of RMB 7.81 billion, a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 20.7%. Net profit reached RMB 454 million, representing a stunning YoY surge of 88.2%, marking a major milestone in the company’s profitability. The core operating profit (Non-IFRS measure), which excludes non-recurring items, amounted to RMB 461 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 48.2%. Notably, the profit growth rate significantly outpaced revenue growth, reflecting continuous optimization of earning efficiency. The core operating profit margin rose to 5.9%, further improving from 2024.In terms of profitability, the company maintained a stable gross margin of 21.6%. Cost control initiatives yielded significant results, as the growth rates of selling, distribution, and administrative expenses remained below the rate of revenue growth, allowing for the continuous release of economies of scale. Furthermore, the Board has proposed a final dividend of RMB 0.0381 per share (tax inclusive) for 2025. Total shareholder return via dividends and share repurchases for the full year amounted to approximately RMB 570 million.Elevating Network Scale and Quality Through Lower-tier Market Penetration and Intelligent EvolutionIn 2025, Guoquan further solidified its foundation as a ten-thousand-store enterprise, achieving dual breakthroughs in network scale and operational quality. As of December 31, 2025, the total store count rose to 11,566, with a net addition of 1,416 stores across 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The franchise-led network structure remained stable, supported by a mature and highly efficient operational system.Lower-tier markets functioned as a pivotal growth driver as the company accurately addressed consumption needs across counties and townships. In 2025, Guoquan achieved a net addition of 1,004 township stores, bringing the year-end total to 3,010 and representing 26.0% of the entire network. These township outlets have become a vital pillar of revenue growth by leveraging tailored product assortments and differentiated merchandising that align perfectly with the consumption patterns of lower-tier markets. Meanwhile, the company fast-tracked its intelligent transformation by completing smart and unmanned upgrades for over 3,000 retail stores during the year. The rollout of 24-hour unmanned outlets has successfully extended operating hours and reached a wider range of consumption scenarios, leading to a comprehensive elevation in both operational efficiency and service delivery.Enhancing Omni-channel Operations to Maximize Membership EcosystemGuoquan has built an instant retail network through the deep integration of online and offline channels, establishing the “Guoquan Instant Commerce” system to consistently enhance omni-channel conversion capabilities. The company’s social media and e-commerce performance was particularly strong, leveraging a multi-tiered TikTok (Douyin) account matrix to achieve over 9.41 billion platform exposures. This digital momentum drove store-level GMV on TikTok (Douyin) to RMB 1.49 billion, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 75.3%.The membership ecosystem reached a new milestone as registered members surged to 64.9 million by the end of 2025, up 57.1% year-on-year. The prepaid card program within this ecosystem yielded substantial results, with the year-end prepaid card balance reaching RMB 1.20 billion, a 22.3% increase from the previous year. This vast and highly engaged member base provides a robust foundation for maintaining stable store traffic and executing precision marketing strategies.Fortifying Competitive Moats through Integrated Product and Supply Chain ExcellenceGuided by its core product philosophy of “tasty, convenient and value-for-money”, Guoquan continued to diversify its product matrix in 2025 by launching 282 new SKUs in the hotpot and barbecue categories. The company upgraded its scenario-based offerings, including “Barbecue Camping Container Set”, “Crayfish Feast Set”, and “Six Popular Hot Pot Sets”, while expanding into the beverage segment with NFC fruit juices and craft beers to satisfy diverse consumer needs across all four daily meal occasions.The company also deepened its industrial footprint as the “one-product-one-factory” strategy yielded significant results. During the reporting period, Guoquan operated seven major food production facilities covering core categories such as seasonings, paste and aquatic products, and beef, creating a comprehensive production capacity matrix. The commencement of the Hainan Danzhou food production base further optimized the company’s supply chain radius. This integrated “production-supply-retail” closed-loop system has substantially enhanced upstream bargaining power and cost control, establishing an impenetrable supply chain moat.Scaling Innovative Formats and Unveiling the 2026 Four Stores Strategic BlueprintIn 2025, Guoquan actively explored new consumption scenarios with the successful rollout of innovative formats such as Guoquan Stir-fry and Guoquan Camping. These ventures have successfully extended the business from ingredient retail into freshly prepared meals and outdoor social dining, effectively unlocking a new growth curve for the company.Looking ahead to 2026, the company will focus on the synergistic development of four stores jointly advancing with concerted efforts—county and rural markets, community stores, Guoquan Stir-fry, and Guoquan Camping—to further penetrate lower-tier markets, upgrade community outlets, and expand innovative scenarios. Guoquan has set clear operational targets for 2026: total store count to exceed 14,500 with a net addition of over 2,934 outlets; maintaining a closure rate below 4%; expanding the registered member base to over 95 million; and ensuring that core operating profit growth significantly outpaces revenue growth. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - March 17, 2026) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces that it has been included in the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index ("MVGDXJ"), the underlying benchmark for the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF ("GDXJ"). Separately, the Company reports the commencement of diamond drilling at Antino North on its Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or "Project") in southeastern Suriname, with a second rig now being mobilized to the area (Figure 1).HighlightsGDXJ Index Inclusion: Founders Metals added to the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index in the Q1 2026 quarterly review, triggering passive buying from index-tracking ETFsMaiden Drilling at Antino North: First diamond drill rig now turning where field work has delineated ten parallel gold-bearing structures across a 4 km areaSecond Rig Mobilizing: A second diamond drill rig is being mobilized to test the multi-km historical auger gold anomaly in the east of Antino NorthSurface Results: Previously reported channel sampling at Antino North returned 20.0 m of 2.07 g/t Au including 7.0 m of 5.05 g/t AuAuger Sampling Progress: Founders has collected over 4000 auger samples to date in 2026Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, "Our inclusion in the GDXJ index is a meaningful milestone for Founders and reflects the market's growing recognition of what we are building in the Guiana Shield and brings new passive and institutional capital into the stock.""On the ground, we are equally excited to be now drilling at Antino North. The shear zones we've mapped in the northwest offer numerous compelling first drill targets where this year's surface work has returned high-grade grab and channel results in geology similar to Upper Antino. With the scale of the new Antino North targets, we are also mobilizing a second rig that will initially test the large historical auger anomaly in the east. We see Antino North as having the potential to become a second centre of gravity within our expanding gold camp."About Founders Metals Inc.Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company controls a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package in the Guiana Shield - the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the region. Founders is backed by strategic partnerships with Gold Fields and B2Gold and is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname's next major gold camp.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,Per: "Colin Padget"Colin PadgetPresident, Chief Executive Officer, and DirectorContact InformationKatie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate DevelopmentTel: +1 306 537 8903 | katiem@fdrmetals.comCautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding long term value creation and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved.Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.Quality Assurance and ControlSamples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.Qualified PersonsThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.Figure 1: Antino plan map showing progress of 2026 auger geochemical survey To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/288812_b62e33bd746b88f9_001full.jpgTo view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288812 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The real estate sector that is largely relationship-driven, asset-heavy in nature has traditionally been among the last industries to embrace advanced technological transformation.  However, as data becomes central to decision-making, digital transformation is rapidly redefining how real estate organisations operate. The Executive Centre (TEC) announces a pioneering leap forward, unveiling a comprehensive digital transformation strategy powered by Artificial Intelligence and advanced data analytics, poised to dramatically reshape how commercial real estate operates and delivers value.The Executive Centre is advancing a structured digital transformation strategy anchored on three pillars: enterprise AI integration, advanced data intelligence, and scalable automation architecture purpose-built for the real estate sector.At the forefront of this evolution is ECHO, TEC’s first internal AI agent, embedded within Microsoft Teams to support its global workforce. ECHO connects employees to a secure generative AI layer, enabling immediate access to institutional knowledge, operational playbooks, and market insights. By reducing information retrieval time and standardising best practices across markets, ECHO enhances productivity, shortens decision cycles, and improves execution consistency across Centres.Beyond ECHO, TEC has deployed a network of AI agents across customer service, marketing, digital engagement, and operational workflows. Built on a modular, API-driven automation framework, this ecosystem enables seamless orchestration across internal systems, CRM platforms, and performance data environments. AI agents support real-time enquiry routing, lead qualification, campaign optimisation, multilingual content localisation, reporting automation, and data enrichment, ensuring faster turnaround times and greater precision in execution.In parallel, TEC is strengthening its advanced data mining, scraping, and analytics capabilities to create a scalable digital backbone for real estate operations. By consolidating market signals, behavioural insights, and search intelligence, TEC can deliver hyper-personalised client solutions, forecast demand across cities, optimise space utilisation, and refine expansion strategies. Data is translated into actionable intelligence that directly enhances commercial performance and client experience.Paul Salnikoff, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at TEC, commented, “The future of real estate will be defined by how effectively we mine, analyse and interpret data. For an industry that has traditionally relied on relationships and experience, technology is now becoming a critical differentiator. AI is not about replacing human judgement, but about strengthening it with speed, accuracy and intelligence. Gen-AI will reshape how real estate decisions are made, from operations to long-term strategy.  We are proud to be pioneering this integration, crafting a future-forward platform that will not only redefine our operations but also elevate our client experiences and provide us with a strategic edge in a rapidly evolving market. ”Together, these initiatives position The Executive Centre at the forefront of technology-enabled real estate, where AI augments human expertise, drives measurable productivity gains, and serves as a strategic force multiplier across global markets. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

SINGAPORE, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Wintermar’s Operating Profit for FY2025 jumped by 31% YOY to US$23.3 million, reflecting margin expansion through a better fleet mix. Core Profit increased by 19.2% YOY to US$18.Owned Vessel DivisionOwned vessel revenue rose by 13.8% YOY to US$70.7 million as gross margins for Owned Vessels widened to 41.7% for FY2025 compared to 36.1% in FY2024 despite softer charter rates and lower offshore activity in 2025. Utillization in 2025 was lower than 2024 arising from geopolitical concerns and the early stage of most drilling projects which are shorter term in nature. However, this was compensated by higher revenue from having more Dynamic Positioning (DP) equipped vessels. The Company operated a larger number of units of higher value vessels in FY2025.                Chartering Division and Other ServicesGross Profit from the Chartering Division continued to decline with a drop in contribution to US$0.5 million in FY2025 compared to US$1.4 million in FY2024. Some of the declines resulted from a strategic decision to move the Company towards a management fee based ship management business model for better scalability, where the Company now receives fees for various services which are recorded in the Other Services Division. Contribution from Other Services Division has increased by 9.3% YOY by US$0.2 million to US$2.8 million in FY2025.Direct Expenses and Gross Profit                  With a larger number of DP vessels in operation and more overseas contracts, total crewing costs rose by 10.5%YOY to US$11.4 million for FY2025. Depreciation rose accordingly by 10.4% YOY to US$14.8 million for FY2025 from the full year impact of the additions to the fleet in 2024. One PSV completed reactivation and became operational in 4Q2025. Operation expenses were slightly higher (+2.2% YOY) at US$5.2 million while maintenance costs fell by 2.9% YOY to US$7.3 million. Fuel bunker was significantly lower (-26%YOY) as idle vessels were berthed in Batam on shore power.By December 2025, there were 7 units of PSVs in operation, as compared to 5 units of operational PSVs at end 2024.  The Company purchased an additional PSV in late 2025 and she is being delivered to Indonesia and expected to be operational by 2H2026.Total Gross Profit rose by 24.1% YOY to US$32.7 million.Indirect Expenses and Operating ProfitTotal Indirect Expenses rose by 10%YOY to US$9.4 million for FY2025. The largest increase in indirect expenses came from salary cost, in line with a building out of key technical and operations positions to prepare for scaling up the fleet. Salary expenses rose by 11.9% YOY to US$6.5 million for FY2025, as employee strength increased to 252 from 244. Marketing expenses rose by 17.2% YOY due to fees and commissions as well as bid bond expenses to participate in tenders. Investments in new subsidiaries added 12.6%YOY to office utility costs which amounted to US$0.6 million.As a result, Operating Profit for FY2025 jumped by 31% to US$23.3 million compared to US$17.8 million in FY2024.Other Income, Expenses and Core Net ProfitCash flow from operations have increased due to better revenues and receivables collections, and the Company has also taken on more debt to refinance vessels. As a result, interest expenses rose by 83.5% YOY to US$2.1 million, while interest income doubled to US$1.0 million. The Company is still in a strong financial position with net cash. Associated companies contributed US$4.1 million (+71.5% YOY) from better business conditions.The sale of 2 older mid-tier vessels recorded a gain of US$3.5 million in total. This is much lower than the gain on sale of vessels in the previous year of US$16.1 million as there was a windfall profit in FY2024 from the sale of an older PSV. Total other income was US$7.4 million for FY2025 compared to US$19 million in FY2024.EBITDA for FY2025 increased by 21.8% YOY to US$38.4 milllion, reflecting a significant improvement in operations and cash generation ability of the Company.Stripping out gains on vessel sale, the underlying Core Net Profit attributable to shareholders was US$18.0 million, a jump of 19.2% as compared to US$15.1 million in FY2024.The performance of the Company has contributed to EPS of Rp75.80 for FY2025 against Rp78.35 in FY2024.Industry OutlookThe heightened geopolitical risks in 2025 saw governments around the world prioritizing energy security over long term climate goals. The speed of adoption of Aritficial Inteligence (AI) in every field also accelerated the expansion of data centers, contributing significantly to the increasing demand for power. By late 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) revised up electricity demand growth to 3.7% in 2026, well in excess of average growth of 2.6% p.a. between 2015 to 2023.As a result of these changes, there has been an upward revision in total investment into oil and gas exploration in 2025 compared to 2024, in particular in deepwater drilling. This confirms our positive outlook for strong demand in OSV for the coming few years, particularly in DP equipped OSVs.In early 2026, the attacks on Iran and ensuing retaliation has disrupted oil and gas supplies coming from the Middle East, causing oil prices to spike. Should the Iran war escalate for a longer period, it is likely to trigger even more investment into exploration of new oil and gas reserves as energy nationalism becomes the new normal.Business ProspectsThe Company’s investment in additional fleet has improved the fleet composition and raised revenues and margins in the past year. Indonesia alone has 4 deepwater drilling projects which have been identified as strategic projects by the government and slated to start production between 2027 to 2030.  There will be longer term contracts awarded for these projects in the coming year as projects start to ramp up towards the second half of 2026.With stronger cash flow expected in 2026, management is looking to expand the dynamic positioning fleet, and cash will be deployed to fleet expansion, whether through direct purchases of vessels or corporate acquisitions. In 2025, total capex was US$41.7 million, while in FY2026, the Company is budgeting more than double that amount in anticipation of increased OSV demand. This will be funded by internal cash flow and bank loans.     Total contracts on hand at the end December 2025 amount to US$59.1 million.About Wintermar Offshore Marine GroupWintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over nearly 50 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, and sails a fleet of more than 48 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All vessels are operated by experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real-time by shore-based Vessel Teams.Wintermar is the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, and is currently certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO14001:2015 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com.For further information, please contact:Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFAInvestor RelationsPT Wintermar Offshore Marine TbkTel (62-21) 530 5201 Ext 401Email: investor_relations@wintermar.comDISCLAIMERCertain statements made in this publication involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Certain statements relating to business and operations of PT Wintermar Offshore Marine Tbk and Subsidiaries (the Company) are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Certain statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements. The Company makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update or revise any of these statements. This publication is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation or offering of securities in any jurisdiction. The information contained in this publication is not intended to qualify, supplement or amend information disclosed under corporate and securities legislation of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company and should not be relied upon for the purpose of making investment decisions concerning any securities of the Company. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On March 16 at GTC 2026, NVIDIA announced deep integration between its Omniverse NuRec and 51WORLD’s SimOne.Leveraging neural rendering technology, this collaboration solves the problem that real-world scenario data collected is non-interactive. This breakthrough accelerates the development of reasoning-based AV systems like VLA and World Models, empowering global L4 automotive partners. With a dominant 53.5% market share in China’s L3+ simulation sector, 51WORLD is set to further solidify its core position in the global Physical AI arena. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

San Jose, Costa Rica, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Zylo Ecosystem, a multi-product digital platform that combines trading, gaming products, and online services, has announced the launch of its native token ZYLO.The token will act as the crypto-economic layer of the Zylo ecosystem, connecting various platform products into a unified digital economy. At the same time, the project's primary focus remains the development of services for a broad audience, including users who are not part of the crypto community.Everyday Internet Users Remain at the Center of the EcosystemMany projects in the crypto industry are built around blockchain technologies from the start and primarily target the Web3 audience.This approach often limits growth, as such products tend to be understood mainly by users who are already familiar with cryptocurrencies.Zylo Ecosystem follows a different model.The ecosystem is designed so that its products are convenient and accessible for everyday internet users who use digital services, play mobile games, and interact with online platforms.Within this model, the ZYLO token becomes an additional crypto-economic tool that expands the ecosystem's capabilities without complicating the user experience.What the Zylo Ecosystem IncludesThe Zylo Ecosystem combines several directions that together form a unified digital and crypto economy.Trading InfrastructureOne of the key elements of the ecosystem is intrade.bar, a trading platform with many years of operational history and an established user community.Over time, the platform has built a strong presence in its niche within the CIS market and developed a stable user base.For most users, the platform remains a fully functional online service. The integration of the ZYLO token introduces additional opportunities within the trading infrastructure and expands the platform's economic model.Gaming Products and the GameFi DirectionGaming is also an important part of the Zylo ecosystem.Within the ecosystem, the CosmoFox project is being developed — a gaming universe that includes elements of collectibles and an in-game economy.At the same time, Fox Survivor is being developed as a mobile and web game in the roguelike survival / bullet-hell genre, where players fight waves of enemies, unlock characters, upgrade weapons, and progress through a meta-progression system.The games are designed as accessible products for a wide audience, while the ZYLO token introduces additional mechanics such as in-game rewards, rare items, premium features, and competitive modes between players.In certain gameplay scenarios, users will be able to participate in PvP battles, placing bets in ZYLO tokens. The winner receives the tokens staked in the match, creating an additional in-game economy and increasing player engagement.These mechanics generate additional token circulation within the gaming economy and create organic demand for the token from players.This approach forms a GameFi economy within the ecosystem, integrated into a broader digital platform.Digital ServicesIn addition to trading and gaming products, Zylo is also developing digital services, including VPN solutions and other online tools.These services add practical utility to the ecosystem and allow the ZYLO token to be used in real user scenarios.How the ZYLO Token WorksWithin the Zylo ecosystem, the token acts as a crypto-economic layer integrated into the platform's existing products.The token can be used for:purchases within the ecosystemgaming mechanics and rewardspremium featuresspecial conditions in trading servicespayments for digital servicesThe Zylo economy also includes deflationary mechanisms, where a portion of tokens is removed from circulation through various burn mechanisms.As the number of users and services within the ecosystem grows, demand for the token may increase alongside the expansion of its use cases.Cross-Product Ecosystem ModelOne of the key features of Zylo is its cross-product development model, where different products within the ecosystem strengthen each other.User activity in one service can create value in another. For example, gaming activity may unlock additional opportunities within the ecosystem, while participation in trading services may provide advantages in other products.This structure enables a more sustainable development model compared to projects built around a single product direction.Preparation for the First Exchange ListingZylo Ecosystem is currently in the final stage of preparation for the first exchange listing of the ZYLO token.The listing will represent an important step in integrating the ecosystem into the broader crypto market and expanding access to the token for the crypto community.At the same time, the project's strategy remains focused primarily on product development and user growth rather than on exchange activity alone.Founder's Comment"We are building products for a broad audience of internet users, not just for the crypto community," says Alex, founder of Zylo Ecosystem."The ZYLO token adds a crypto-economic layer to existing products and allows us to expand the ecosystem's capabilities without complicating the user experience."What's NextFollowing the token launch and the first exchange listing, the Zylo team continues developing the ecosystem, including:deeper integration of the token into trading infrastructureexpansion of the CosmoFox gaming economydevelopment of Fox Survivor gameplaylaunching new digital services and expanding them within the ecosystemAt the same time, Zylo is building an ecosystem accelerator, through which new startups will be able to connect to the project's infrastructure and integrate the ZYLO token into their products.About Zylo EcosystemZylo Ecosystem is a multi-product digital platform that combines trading services, gaming products, and online tools.The ecosystem is designed as a convenient digital environment for everyday users, while the ZYLO token forms a crypto-economic layer that connects different services and expands the platform's capabilities.This approach allows Zylo to combine the convenience of traditional online services with the possibilities of a Web3 economy.Social LinksX: https://x.com/Zylo_EcosystemTelegram Communication: https://x.com/cosmofoxgameTelegram Community: https://t.me/ZyloEcosystemCoinMarketCap: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/zylo-ecosystem/Medium: https://medium.com/zyloecosystemMedia contactBrand: ZyloContact: Media teamWebsite: http://zylo.io/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com