SWITZERLAND TOPS HENLEY OPPORTUNITY INDEX 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Switzerland has been ranked the top destination in the newly released Henley Opportunity Index 2026, which evaluates how access to leading economies amplifies the long-term value of a top-tier education.

The index, published as part of the Henley Education Report 2026, measures jurisdictions based on earning potential, career prospects, education quality, economic mobility, and liveability, according to a statement.

Henley & Partners Group Head of Private Clients, Dominic Volek said the index identifies where “academic credentials and ambition translate most effectively into sustained career success and long-term economic advantage”.

Switzerland leads the 2026 ranking with a score of 86 out of 100, supported by its stable economy, world-class education system, and strong professional ecosystems in cities such as Zurich and Geneva.

Singapore ranks second with a score of 81, benefiting from its role as a global hub for trade, finance, and innovation, followed by Australia in third place with 80, driven by strong universities and high quality of life.

The United Kingdom and United States share fourth place with scores of 79, reflecting their concentration of top universities and global financial centres, while Canada ranks fifth with 78 due to its international labour market and respected education system.

Other jurisdictions in the top 15 include Austria, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, and Greece, each offering varying combinations of economic opportunity, mobility, and quality of life.

It ranks countries where residence or citizenship pathways—through investment or merit—enable graduates to convert academic credentials into sustained career success.

The report underscores that while degrees from leading institutions remain valuable, long-term outcomes depend heavily on graduates’ ability to live and work in top economies, positioning residence and citizenship planning as a strategic factor in education and career decisions.

-- BERNAMA

CGTN: XIONGAN EMERGES AS MODEL FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- China Global Television Network Corporation (CGTN) has published an article on the transformation of Xiongan New Area into a modern urban model, driven by the orderly relocation of Beijing’s non-capital functions and supported by large-scale investment and policy integration.

The article highlights how human-centric planning has reshaped daily life, with residents benefiting from a "15-minute life circle" that integrates healthcare, education, retail, and recreation. Infrastructure upgrades, including the restoration of waterways and community services, underscore efforts to create a liveable urban environment.

Momentum for development was reinforced by a recent visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who called for Xiongan to evolve into a national innovation hub and a model for high-quality growth, according to CGTN in a statement.

Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Xiongan recorded cumulative investment exceeding one trillion Chinese yuan (US$145.5 billion), alongside average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 17.1 per cent. The area has developed nearly 215 square kilometres and constructed more than 5,300 buildings, reflecting rapid urbanisation. (US$1=RM3.94)

Relocation remains central to its strategy, with major state-backed enterprises, including China Huaneng Group, successfully transitioning operations to the area. Policy frameworks ensure relocated entities and personnel maintain comparable living standards and access to public services.

Social infrastructure has also advanced, exemplified by the Xiongan campus of Beijing No. 4 High School, part of a broader initiative to replicate Beijing’s education and healthcare standards in the new area.

Looking ahead, Xiongan is accelerating innovation-driven growth through initiatives such as the Zhongguancun Science Park, development of data models, and expansion of cross-sector digital infrastructure. These efforts aim to cultivate “new quality productive forces” and strengthen the region’s role within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic cluster.

According to CGTN, Xiongan’s integrated approach—combining policy support, technological innovation, and liveability—positions it as a demonstration zone for balanced, high-quality development under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

-- BERNAMA

ROYAL MOROCCAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION ACKNOWLEDGES CAF APPEALS RULING, CLARIFIES APPEAL POSITION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has formally acknowledged the decision rendered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee.

In a statement, the federation stressed that its initial appeal was strictly intended to ensure the proper enforcement of competition regulations, emphasising it was never aimed at contesting the sporting merit or performance of the teams involved in the tournament.

The FRMF reaffirms its commitment to respecting the regulations, ensuring the clarity of the competitive framework and maintaining the stability of African football competitions.

The federation also commended all participating nations in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which served as a significant moment for African football.

The FRMF announced plans to issue a more comprehensive official statement in the coming days following a scheduled meeting of its governing bodies.

-- BERNAMA

EarthDaily Achieves CEOS Analysis Ready Data (CEOS-ARD) Compliance

 

Validation Confirms Science-Grade Integrity of the EarthDaily Constellation 


VANCOUVER, British Columbia and NEW YORK, March 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EarthDaily today announced that its data products have achieved CEOS Analysis Ready Data (CEOS-ARD) compliance, a globally recognized standard established by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).

CEOS-ARD compliance confirms that EarthDaily data meet rigorous international requirements for radiometric calibration and geometric correction approaches, metadata completeness, and interoperability across time and datasets, enabling immediate quantitative analysis with minimal additional user processing.

Importantly, EarthDaily achieved CEOS-ARD compliance prior to full commercial availability of its complete constellation, a rare milestone for a commercial Earth observation system.

“This achievement validates the scientific foundation of our data,” said Don Osborne, Chief Executive Officer of EarthDaily. “We built the EarthDaily Constellation as a measurement system first. Daily coverage only matters if the data are stable, comparable, and trustworthy over time. CEOS-ARD compliance confirms we are delivering science-grade data at commercial scale.”

CEOS Analysis Ready Data standards are important to science mission interoperability and include a range of public government missions, including Sentinel and Landsat products. The framework was developed to address a persistent challenge in Earth observation: as global data volumes grow, users often lack the infrastructure and expertise required to process raw imagery for scientific and operational applications. Systematic provision of CEOS-ARD reduces that burden and supports more effective decision-making.

EarthDaily’s architecture was intentionally designed to ensure continuity with established scientific archives. Its radiometric calibration approach, spectral configuration, and geometric correction standards enable comparability and compatibility with Landsat and Sentinel data records. This design allows users to integrate EarthDaily data seamlessly into existing time-series analyses while benefiting from enhanced spectral diversity and daily revisit.

Compliance signals that EarthDaily delivers:

• Science-grade radiometric and geometric correction
• Interoperable datasets structured for robust time-series analysis
• Immediate usability for advanced analytics and AI workflows
• Reduced preprocessing burden and improved analytical reliability

The EarthDaily constellation was engineered around measurement integrity from inception. As highlighted in recent SpaceNews coverage examining the system’s development and on-orbit performance, the EarthDaily Constellation incorporates:

• Rigorous radiometric calibration
• Thermal characterization for spectral stability
• Simultaneous collection across 22 spectral bands
• Consistent local acquisition timing
• Architecture aligned for interoperability with Landsat and Sentinel archives

These design principles ensure that EarthDaily data is globally consistent and scientifically reliable for long-term change detection.

With six additional satellites launching in May and continued expansion later this year, the EarthDaily Constellation will enter commercial operations in Summer 2026, delivering daily, consistent global coverage supported by CEOS-ARD compliant science-grade data.

This milestone reinforces EarthDaily’s position as a commercial provider bridging scientific rigor with scalable, AI-ready Earth observation infrastructure.

About EarthDaily

EarthDaily is a global Earth observation company focused on delivering science-grade data and analytics designed for broad-area change detection and decision-centric intelligence. With the upcoming launch of the EarthDaily Constellation, the company is building a foundation for daily, globally consistent Earth intelligence to support governments and enterprises operating in complex, high-impact environments.

To learn more, visit earthdaily.com and follow EarthDaily on LinkedIn (@EarthDaily) and X (@EarthDailyA).

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a00964c1-54f3-418d-800e-2c09394a2aa3


Contacts
Tanya Cross
Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications
EarthDaily
tanya.cross@earthdaily.com

Alliance Advisors IR
EarthDailyPR@allianceadvisors.com 


SOURCE: EarthDaily Analytics

Uni-Fuels Accelerates Global Growth with Nationwide Bunkering in Thailand

SINGAPORE, March 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: UFG) (“Uni-Fuels” or the “Company”), a global provider of marine fuel solutions headquartered in Singapore, today announced that its regional operating subsidiaries have expanded its bunkering operations across major and strategic marine fuel supply locations in Thailand, marking a significant milestone in the Company’s global growth strategy.

This development represents an important advancement in Uni-Fuels’ next phase of global expansion. It reinforces the Company’s commitment to strengthening its presence across key maritime hubs while continuing to scale its international operations platform in a disciplined and value-accretive manner. 

Uni-Fuels now offers customers access to a nationwide bunkering network in Thailand spanning both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The expanded network covers key commercial ports and strategic locations, including Bangkok, Sriracha, Koh Sichang, Laem Chabang, Sattahip, Maptaphut, Rayong, Ranong, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Songkhla, Phuket, Phang Nga, and the wider Gulf of Thailand. Uni-Fuels provides bunkering services to a diverse range of vessels, including bulk carriers, tankers, offshore support vessels, naval vessels, cruise ships, and yachts.

This comprehensive coverage positions Uni-Fuels as a reliable bunkering partner across Thailand’s strategic maritime corridors, supporting both international shipping lines and domestic operators with efficient, flexible, and high-quality fuel supply solutions. Underpinned by the Company’s physical supply and delivery capabilities in Thailand, integrated with its core trading-led business model, the expansion ensures disciplined execution across multiple locations while enhancing supply logistics visibility, strengthening margin resilience, and reinforcing Uni-Fuels’ scalable growth strategy.

“This milestone reflects the strength of our local execution capabilities and our commitment to building a comprehensive marine fuel platform in Thailand,” said Poomin Vichitchaisilp, Managing Director of Uni-Fuels (Thailand) Co., Ltd. “By extending our coverage nationwide, we are enhancing service reliability and operational responsiveness for customers operating across both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Our expanded footprint allows us to support a broader range of vessel movements while maintaining consistent supply standards and disciplined operational controls. We believe this positions Uni-Fuels as a trusted long-term marine fuel partner within Thailand’s maritime ecosystem.”

“Thailand is a strategically important market within our global growth framework,” said Alan Tan, Senior Vice President, Commercial of Uni-Fuels. “This expansion bolsters our regional supply network and enhances our ability to capture incremental fuel volumes across key shipping corridors. By integrating local physical supply capabilities with our global trading platform, we optimize operational control, support margin resilience, and reinforce our scalable growth model. We remain focused on calibrated, disciplined expansion initiatives that enhance revenue visibility, strengthen competitive positioning, and create sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

About Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited

Uni-Fuels is a fast-growing global provider of marine fuel solutions with a growing presence across major shipping hubs, including Singapore, Seoul, Dubai, Shanghai, and Limassol, and Bangkok. Established in 2021, Uni-Fuels has evolved into a dynamic, forward-thinking company delivering customer-centric, compliant, and reliable fuel solutions across global markets and time zones, supported by 24/7 operational support year-round. Backed by a globally integrated operating platform, experienced industry professionals, and an extensive global supply network, Uni-Fuels has built trusted partnerships with customers, supporting them in achieving their operational objectives and decarbonization goals amid the maritime industry’s ongoing energy transformation. 

For more information, visit www.uni-fuels.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements represent Uni-Fuels’ current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the Company’s ability to execute on the contemplated expansion plan in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner, its ability to continue its cross-border regulatory compliance, its ability to attract, evaluable and complete acquisitions with suitable candidates, and other risks and uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 22, 2025. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. 

Contact Information

For Investor Relations:

Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited
Email: investors@uni-fuels.com 

SOURCE: UNI-FUELS Holdings LTD.

--BERNAMA 

ImmunoScape Announces Memorandum of Understanding for Clinical Trial with Premier U.S. Cancer Center

 The company also announced a strategic investment from Leonardo DiCaprio

SINGAPORE & SAN DIEGO, March 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- ImmunoScape Pte. Ltd., an A*STAR spin-out backed by Amgen Ventures and EDBI that is developing next-generation TCR-based cancer immunotherapies, today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a premier NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the United States, renowned globally for its pioneering history in cellular immunotherapy. This partnership will fast-track ImmunoScape's “Seed and Boost” platform into the clinic. Concurrently, the company announced a strategic investment from Leonardo DiCaprio.

Accelerating the “Seed and Boost” Clinical Program

Under the terms of the MOU, ImmunoScape will partner with the cancer center to launch an investigator-initiated clinical trial targeting Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) positive solid tumors. The trial will focus on four difficult-to-treat indications: ovarian, mesothelioma, and other high-unmet need solid tumors such as pancreatic and colorectal cancers. The study is scheduled to dose its first patients by September 2026.

This program leverages ImmunoScape’s differentiated “Seed and Boost” strategy to solve the persistence and exhaustion challenges common in traditional cell therapies:

• The Seed: Autologous T-cells engineered with a high-affinity TCR targeting the intracellular antigen WT1.
• The Boost: A clinical stage fusion protein (Immuno-STAT™ technology) that selectively expands and activates the WT-1 targeting T-cells in the patient, mimicking the natural immune synapse while leaving all other T-cells untouched.

“We are honored that a major U.S. Cancer Center has agreed to partner with us to fast-track our Seed and Boost therapeutic approach into a clinical trial,” said Michael Fehlings, PhD, CEO of ImmunoScape. “Their experts see the potential that this novel new approach may bring to patients in need.”

The Chair of ImmunoScape’s Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Evan Newell, PhD, also commented, “Cancer patients need new innovative therapies, and this sense of urgency is driving our efforts to test patients before the end of 2026.”

Strategic Investment from Leonardo DiCaprio

Highlighting the global urgency for novel cancer interventions, Leonardo DiCaprio has joined ImmunoScape’s roster of investors to support the development of this platform.

“ImmunoScape is pioneering innovative cancer therapies, and its upcoming clinical trials targeting pancreatic, ovarian, and mesothelioma cancers are highly encouraging,” said Leonardo DiCaprio. “Through this investment, I hope to play a small role in helping accelerate their development.”

Scientific Validation and Leadership

The company also announced that its scientists have been selected to present their groundbreaking work at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in April 2026, underscoring the scientific community's interest in the “Seed and Boost” mechanism.

“ImmunoScape's Seed and Boost therapeutic approach has the potential to transform how we treat difficult solid tumor cancers,” said Adrian Bot, MD, PhD, ImmunoScape Board Member and former Chief Scientific Officer of both Kite Pharma and Capstan Therapeutics. “It may be able to simultaneously improve treatment efficacy, improve the patient experience, and lower therapeutic costs.”

Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Mr. Choon Peng Ng, Chairman and Co-founder of ImmunoScape, added, “From our company's origins as a spin-out of Singapore's A*STAR Research Agency to today, we are thrilled that the team's Singapore-based research has led us to this milestone of a major clinical trial against difficult cancers.”

About ImmunoScape
ImmunoScape is a premier, clinical-stage Singapore-headquartered biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of next-generation cell immunotherapies in oncology. With operations in Singapore and California, ImmunoScape drives innovation to deliver transformative treatments for solid tumors using its proprietary deep immunomics and high-throughput TCR discovery platforms. For more information, please visit immunoscape.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304395544/en/

Contact

ImmunoScape Media Contact
Kalyn Schieffer
Principal, Public Relations
Anzu Partners for ImmunoScape
kos@anzupartners.com 

Source : ImmunoScape Pte. Ltd.

Kao’s Laurier Launches New Brand Communication Initiative across Asia: Strengthening Global Integration as a Core Brand in Kao’s Asian Business

 

^{Laurier Campaign Key Visual}


TOKYO, March 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starting on International Women’s Day, March 8, Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) will launch new brand communication campaign in nine Asian countries and regions for its feminine sanitary product brand, Laurier, which is the core of its Asian business.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303996141/en/ 

Laurier aims to help create more supportive and understanding environments around menstruation, so that women can feel more at ease, both physically and emotionally, under the key message “Comfort, Made Together,” which will be implemented simultaneously across Asia. Kao aims to further develop Laurier as a global brand.

Laurier, one of the core brands supporting Kao’s consumer care business in Asia, has been promoting globally integrated operations since 2023. Across all nine Asian countries and regions including Japan, Laurier has been working to unify product specifications and consolidate production sites to improve asset turnover ratio. Moreover, Laurier has promoted discussions to unify interpretations of the brand purpose and worldview, which varied across regions, and has renewed the global guidelines.

Through these efforts, in order to simultaneously communicate its value throughout Asia, Laurier is currently initiating a new brand communication initiative. By returning to Kao’s founding principle of a consumer perspective, Laurier will further strengthen brand equity by offering products designed for long-term use and advancing empathy-driven marketing through consistent communication across regions.

Laurier conducted a survey on attitudes toward menstruation among 4,500 women across nine Asian countries and regions.* The findings revealed that across Asia, many women feel that menstrual symptoms, concerns, and the limitations associated with menstruation have an impact on their overall sense of comfort in daily life.
*An online survey on attitudes toward menstruation was conducted by Kao among women aged 15–44 in nine Asian countries and regions, including Japan, in November–December 2023 and October–November 2024 (valid responses: 4,500).

Through this initiative, Laurier will further its efforts toward creating an inclusive environment where women can live lives full of possibilities without feeling restricted by their periods.
As a global brand, Laurier not only provides products but also supports women throughout their lives by providing information and educational support, contributing to the creation of a society where each woman can continue to live in a way that feels true to herself.

About the Brand Communication Initiative

- Key Message
Comfort, Made Together ―Laurier is here to listen.
It’s natural to find it difficult to be your normal self while you’re on your period. A woman shouldn’t have to find menstrual comfort on her own. We may not be able to completely eliminate physical discomfort or pain. But by encouraging understanding from those around us and shaping more supportive environments, we believe periods can feel a little more comfortable.
- Overview
This campaign will unify the brand’s worldview across nine Asian countries and regions, and will implement the following initiatives:

• Development of a common key visual and message across Asia
• Release of anthem films (9 country/regional versions) conveying Laurier’s message of menstrual support
• Launch of a special campaign website

- Countries/Regions: Kao Corporation / Kao Commercial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. / Kao (Hong Kong) Ltd. / Kao (Taiwan) Corporation / Kao Vietnam Co., Ltd. / Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. / Kao (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. / Kao Singapore Pte. Ltd. / PT Kao Indonesia
- Start Date: March 4, 2026

Ongoing Social Initiatives

As a brand that supports women, Laurier is continuously engaged in the following activities in each country and region.

• Japan: “Laurier in Workplace” and “Laurier in School,” making sanitary napkins available as standard supplies at workplaces and schools
• Indonesia: “Dr. Laurier,” providing expert knowledge on menstrual concerns that are hard to discuss with others

In addition to the above, Laurier provides menarche education to deliver accurate knowledge to individual in all nine countries and regions. Through these activities, Laurier will continue to be more than just a feminine sanitary product brand; it will continue to be a presence that supports women at all stages of their lives and in their social environments.

Comment from Kazuya Miyashita, President of the Sanitary Business, Kao Corporation

Laurier has been striving to strengthen its globally integrated operations. The launch of this new brand communication across nine Asian countries and regions marks the next stage in building a consistent global brand―one that transcends borders, listens to the voices of individual, and shares Laurier’s vision and values across Asia. While menstrual concerns and feelings vary from person to person, there are many aspects of menstruation that have been discussed as something to be endured or a personal issue. Through this communication campaign, Laurier aims to elevate menstrual concerns beyond a personal issue, encourage understanding from others, and foster an environment in which women can live with greater peace of mind. As a core brand in Kao’s Asian business, Laurier will continue to contribute to sustainable growth and the realization of a society where women can live their lives with comfort, confidence, and fewer limitations—no matter the day.

About Kao

Kao, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care and household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its brands such as Attack laundry detergent, Bioré and Jergens skin care products, Laurier sanitary products, Curél, SENSAI, and MOLTON BROWN cosmetics, and Oribe hair care products, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,630 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 32,600 people worldwide and has more than 130 years of history in innovation. As an enterprise that provides products people use on a daily basis, the Kao Group takes responsibility to actively reduce the environmental footprint of its products throughout the product lifecycle. This is laid out in Kao’s ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, which launched in 2019.
Please visit the Kao Group website for additional information.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303996141/en/

Contact

Media inquiries should be directed to:
Public Relations
Kao Corporation
corporate_pr@kao.com

Source : Kao Corporation

Green Building Initiative Launches Ascent Building Certification™ for Global Markets

 

New portfolio-ready building certification delivers proven tools to achieve credible sustainability and performance outcomes worldwide


PORTLAND, Ore., March 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Green Building Initiative (GBI) announces the global launch of Ascent Building Certification™, a science-based whole building certification designed to evaluate sustainability, health, and resilience practices for all types of commercial real estate across regions and portfolios. Ascent will be used for new and existing projects in the EU, the UK, and elsewhere outside Canada and the United States to improve the built environment’s impact on climate and society.

Ascent Building Certification™ is a global expansion of GBI’s trusted third-party assessment and certification programs. GBI has certified over 93 million square meters (1 billion square feet) of commercial real estate, leading with its flagship certification, Green Globes^®. Strong adoption of Green Globes combined with market demand for a robust, proven, and transparent certification that delivers consistent methodology across borders and portfolios led GBI to expand its flagship certification globally under the Ascent™ brand.

Designed for owners and project teams managing assets in all lifecycle phases, Ascent provides a consensus-based framework, consistent with Green Globes, that adapts to local standards and regulatory requirements. The certification responds to growing market demand for certification systems that combine transparency, a trustworthy independent assessment, and practical usability—without unnecessary administrative burden.

“Building owners and investors are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable performance and return on investment across global portfolios,” said Vicki Worden, CEO of GBI. “GBI’s Ascent Building Certification answers that demand with a practical, transparent, and ESG-aligned approach.”

Ascent is designed to serve organizations seeking user-friendly, portfolio-ready certification. Key features include:

• Global consistency with local relevance through a unified framework adaptable to regional regulations and environmental conditions
• Transparent scoring and results that support credible reporting and stakeholder confidence
• Independent third-party assessment conducted through GBI’s established assessor network
• User-friendly software tools with centralized reporting dashboards and aggregated portfolio scoring
• Dedicated expert support from GBI’s team of green building specialists and project managers
   

Certification levels align with the Green Globes One through Four rating system, and performance categories address critical building outcomes and Environmental Assessment Areas, including project management and responsible business practices, site, energy, water, materials, and indoor environment.

By combining transparent scoring, independent certification, structured expert guidance, and user-friendly tools, Ascent reduces friction in the certification process while maintaining rigorous performance standards.

Organizations can learn more or begin the certification process at:
https://thegbi.org/assessment-certification/ascent-certification/

For media inquiries, contact megan@thegbi.org.

About GBI

GBI is an international nonprofit organization and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer dedicated to improving the built environment’s impact on climate and society. Founded in 2004, the organization is the global provider of the Green Globes^®, Journey to Net Zero™, Guiding Principles Compliance, and Ascent Building Certification™ and assessment programs. GBI also issues professional credentials, including the Green Globes Professional (GGP) and Guiding Principles Compliance Professional (GPCP). To learn more about opportunities to become involved with GBI, contact info@thegbi.org or visit the GBI website at www.thegbi.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Megan Baker, GBI Vice President of Engagement, megan@thegbi.org, (971) 256-7174

SOURCE: Green Building Initiative

Shanghai records growing tourist arrivals, spending during Spring Festival holiday

 

^{During the Spring Festival holiday, Shanghai launched more than 2,570 featured cultural and tourism activities.}


SHANGHAI, Feb. 26, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

During the nine-day Year of the Horse Spring Festival holiday, Shanghai launched more than 2,570 featured cultural and tourism activities to promote travel to the bustling city, fueling a robust boom in Spring Festival cultural and tourism consumption as both visitor numbers and consumption in the cultural and tourism market saw steady growth.

Big data from Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism shows the city received a total of 21.6721 million visitor arrivals, an 8.36% year-on-year increase. Total tourism consumption reached 25.614 billion yuan, surging 20.90% from the previous year.

The average room occupancy rate of local hotels and guesthouses rose to 50.60%, up 3.10 percentage points year-on-year.

The promotion campaign leveraged the outcomes of the first high-level competition to introduce Shanghai's tourism and integrated the city's cultural, tourism, commerce, sports and exhibition resources.

Product innovation and transformation drove Shanghai's Spring Festival cultural and tourism development this year, spawning a new trend of spending the Chinese New Year in the city.

Shanghai's cultural and tourism authorities rolled out over 130 in-depth Spring Festival tour routes under three themes, which became bestsellers on OTAs via live-stream sales on major platforms. Inbound tourists from niche markets like Greece and Slovenia doubled, experiencing the unique charm of Jiangnan and Shanghai culture immersively.

Shanghai also created premium IPs such as the themed tour routes. With joint efforts of multiple departments, 353 themed activities were launched on the "Hu Xiaoyou" smart travel service platform. At the same time, science popularization and industrial tourism also gained traction, making Shanghai the top choice for enjoying the Spring Festival elsewhere besides the hometown.

Key cultural and commercial landmarks, including West Bund GATE M, Panlong Ancient Town and Zhangyuan Garden, held Spring Festival fairs and garden parties, creating new urban Chinese New Year rituals. For the first time, Shanghai hosted large-scale concerts during the holiday, with Richie Jen's and Capper's concerts drawing numerous fans from across the country.

The blend of Shanghai-style Chinese New Year vibes and trendy Chinese cultural elements boosted the festive folk atmosphere in the city. Centering on experiencing the vibe of ordinary life, Shanghai launched a city-wide lantern show campaign. The lantern shows at Yuyuan Garden and the Inlet lit up the city's nights with stunning light displays.

Intangible cultural heritage fairs and master chefs' kitchens were set up in urban cultural and tourism complexes and suburban ancient towns. Some high-end hotels have integrated intangible cultural heritage into one-stop stays that integrate accommodation, dining, and travel experiences. Local traditional delicacies such as Shanghai cuisine and Nanxiang steamed buns offered visitors authentic Chinese New Year flavors.

Looking forward, Shanghai will further integrate cultural and tourism resources, pursue continuous product innovation, boost the upgrading of cultural and tourism consumption, and let more people feel the hospitality and vitality of Shanghai's cultural and tourism industry.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism

CHINA’S GUANGDONG PROVINCE LAUNCHES 2026 AGENDA TO INTEGRATE MANUFACTURING, SERVICES

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Guangdong province unveiled its 2026 economic agenda at a High-Quality Development Conference on Feb 24, outlining plans to more closely integrate its manufacturing base with its expanding services sector.

Provincial leaders said the strategy is designed to strengthen Guangdong’s role as one of China’s most dynamic economic regions by upgrading its industrial structure and building a “modern industrial system” in which advanced manufacturing and modern services reinforce each other.

Guangdong Party Secretary, Huang Kunming said closer integration is increasingly important as global industries become more digital, technology-driven and service-orientated, noting that the province is already a major manufacturing hub as well as a centre for finance, logistics, trade and technology services.

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence were identified as core drivers of the new agenda. Guangdong’s large industrial clusters, data resources and real-world application scenarios position it to lead in smart manufacturing, industrial internet platforms and integrated “manufacturing + services” solutions, while the real economy will remain the policy priority.

The province will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises, specialised manufacturers and innovation-focused firms, including highly specialised “little giant” companies, single-product manufacturing champions and leading service providers.

Guangdong aims to strengthen industrial ecosystems by fostering platform-based companies that link supply chains, research institutions and service providers, and by extending technological innovation into traditional industries, according to a statement.

Talent development and openness were highlighted as key enablers. Guangdong plans to further develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a high-level talent hub and continue its programme to attract one million professionals, while drawing more international resources into both manufacturing and services and supporting local companies’ overseas expansion.

Officials said the branding of “Guangdong Manufacturing” and “Guangdong Services” will be strengthened ahead of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).

-- BERNAMA

CGTN PARTNERS GLOBAL MEDIA OUTLETS TO BROADCAST 2026 SPRING FESTIVAL GALA LIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- China Global Television Network (CGTN) partnered its multilingual platforms in 85 languages with more than 3,500 media outlets across over 200 countries and regions to broadcast and report live on the 2026 Spring Festival Gala produced by China Media Group.

The annual gala, which aired on the eve of the Chinese New Year, was broadcast nationwide and globally, and remains a long-standing cultural tradition associated with family reunions in China.

As the Chinese New Year continues to evolve into a global celebration, the Spring Festival Gala has increasingly aimed to share the festive spirit and showcase the richness of Chinese culture to international audiences.

This year’s gala featured a wide range of performances, including music, comedy, traditional arts, magic and acrobatics, offering audiences a showcase of both classical and contemporary Chinese culture.

One of the highlights was a cross-cultural acrobatic performance that blended traditional Chinese techniques with international staging and choreography, symbolising dialogue and mutual appreciation among civilisations.

For many Chinese people, the Spring Festival Gala has become far more than a television programme, serving as an indispensable "cultural feast" and emotional bond for the Chinese people on the eve of the Chinese New Year, according to a statement.

Broadcast in multiple languages, the gala enabled overseas Chinese audiences to join the celebration with families in China, bridging geographical distances and reinforcing a shared cultural identity.

The production also incorporated advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR), transforming the stage into an immersive, multidimensional environment.

The Year of the Horse extravaganza marked one of the most technologically advanced galas in the event’s 43-year history, with AI applications and robotics integrated into the programme’s artistic presentation and storytelling.

-- BERNAMA

Jinjiang Culture & Tourism Group · 2026 "Samaranch Cup" Asian Basketball Masters Invitational Tournament Concludes in Fujian, SE China

 

^{Champions List for Youth Age Groups and Adult Men's 3x3 Event}


JINJIANG, China, Feb. 10, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

The Jinjiang Culture & Tourism Group · 2026 "Samaranch Cup" Asian Basketball Masters Invitational Tournament, co-hosted by the Samaranch Foundation and the Jinjiang Municipal People's Government, came to a successful close on Feb. 6 in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, following six days of intense competition.

A variety of supporting activities complemented the main event, such as an Asian Youth Basketball Salon, a cultural visit to Jinjiang's Wulin area for international athletes, a "Basketball Little Talents" outreach program, and a cultural-tourism consumption fair. These initiatives leveraged the tournament to foster innovation in the integration of sports, culture, and tourism.

This event represents the Samaranch Foundation's inaugural comprehensive Asian basketball tournament in China. Its objectives are to promote basketball throughout Asia, advance public fitness campaigns, spread the Olympic spirit, and facilitate international cultural exchanges.

Source: Organizing Committee of the Jinjiang Culture & Tourism Group · 2026 "Samaranch Cup" Asian Basketball Masters Invitational Tournament

INTERSYSTEMS WINS FOUR GLOBAL 2026 BEST IN KLAS AWARDS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- InterSystems, a creative data technology provider, has received four Global 2026 Best in KLAS awards, including top rankings for Acute Care EHR in Asia, Oceania and France, and for Shared Care Records in Europe.

InterSystems earns four Best in KLAS awards for 2026

The Global Best in KLAS awards, presented by KLAS Research, form part of its annual assessment of healthcare software and services and are based on independent feedback from healthcare organisations across multiple international markets.


The awards recognise top-performing healthcare technology solutions solely on feedback from healthcare provider organisations outside the United States, using a standardised KLAS Research evaluation methodology.


"At InterSystems, our mission has always been to build solutions as a joint effort with real end users on their real problems and opportunities in their world," said InterSystems President, Don Woodlock in a statement.


He said the four awards reflected direct feedback from clinicians and healthcare leaders using the company’s technology.


Meanwhile, KLAS Research Chief Executive Officer, Adam Gale said the Best in KLAS awards recognise vendors that consistently deliver value through strong partnerships with healthcare organisations and help providers improve patient care, outcomes and return on investment.


InterSystems TrakCare was ranked number one for Acute Care EHR in France, Asia and Oceania, reflecting feedback from healthcare organisations in each market.


InterSystems HealthShare was recognised as the leading solution for Shared Care Records in Europe, marking its third consecutive Best in KLAS award in this category, following wins in 2024 and 2025.


-- BERNAMA

CGTN: CHINA’S 2026 SPRING FESTIVAL TRAVEL RUSH SET TO BREAK RECORDS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- China’s annual Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, is set to begin on Feb 2 and run for 40 days, with an estimated 9.5 billion inter-regional passenger trips, according to China Global Television Network (CGTN).

In a statement, CGTN said the migration, the largest human movement on the planet, coincides with a nine-day holiday and reflects broader social changes in China.

Officials project that private vehicles will account for roughly 80 per cent of trips, while rail and air travel are expected to hit historic highs of 540 million and 95 million passengers, respectively.

Expanded highway charging networks, high-speed rail infrastructure exceeding 50,000 kilometres, and advanced emergency services are all in place to support the surge.

In addition to logistics, "heartwarming services" are being introduced to improve passenger experience. Quiet carriages on over 8,000 high-speed trains will provide calm spaces, and staff will offer disposable earplugs and children’s activity packs.

Seniors will benefit from priority check-ins at airports, while pet owners can use "Pet Rail" services across multiple stations.

The travel rush culminates with the Spring Festival on Feb 17, China’s Lunar New Year, celebrated with family reunions, festive meals, decorations, and traditional crafts.

Cultural programming, including the "Spring Festival Gala" and CGTN’s "Super Night" broadcast, highlights the country’s heritage to billions of viewers worldwide.

CGTN reported that chunyun is more than a transportation event; it offers a lens into China’s evolving society, reflecting both technological advancements and a growing focus on inclusivity and passenger comfort.

-- BERNAMA

EF launches search for strategic partner in bid to become world’s best cycling team

Additional investment builds on EF’s existing commitment and will go towards building Tour de France Femmes winning squad and long-term talent development on men’s and U23 squads

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb 3 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EF (Education First) is launching an unprecedented and unique opportunity, opening the first naming rights for EF Pro Cycling to an additional partner ready to shape the next era of professional cycling together with EF.

EF will remain the team’s owner and long-term anchor partner at an unchanged level of investment. The opening of a title partner position is designed to add resources on top of EF’s existing commitment, enabling the team to compete with the largest budgets in the sport and accelerate its ambitions. This opportunity gives a partner the chance to help build the team of the future alongside EF, while gaining visibility in front of millions of fans worldwide.

EF’s long-term vision is focused on three clear outcomes:

• Win the Tour de France Femmes within the next three years
• Continue building the world leading development pathway in professional cycling
• Win both men’s and women’s Tours de France within the next decade with riders developed through the EF Pro Cycling system

“It’s rare in professional sport, and nearly unheard of in cycling, for an owner and anchor partner to commit long-term at EF’s current level and still invite an additional title partner to invest purely to make the team stronger,” says team CEO Jonathan Vaughters. “We owe a great deal to EF. They recognize the incredible opportunity we have to keep building something truly special.”

Founded in 2003 on the belief that fans deserved a team they could trust, the team has won monuments, Olympic medals, world championships, and a grand tour while also broadening the horizons of the sport with victories at gravel events like Unbound. EF acquired the team in 2017, recognizing the parallels between cycling’s global spirit and the company’s mission of opening the world through education and cultural exchange.

“Our sport has changed dramatically over the past two decades,” says Vaughters. “WorldTour budgets have risen at an unprecedented pace, and we see this as an opportunity to partner with a brand that shares our vision of winning at the highest level while staying true to who we are.”

The team will keep building around key riders such as Ben Healy, Magdeleine Vallieres, Kristen Faulkner, Richard Carapaz and Neilson Powless – who have all signed long-term contract extensions with the team – while also developing the exciting young talents already proving themselves on the world stage.

“This is a unique opportunity for an organization to partner with a global team and organization such as EF. Together, we can build a team that extends far beyond traditional sponsorship, creating lasting value and impact for years to come,” says EF Education First Global Chief of Staff and EF Pro Cycling President Maria Norrman.

On-bike success has always been the foundation of EF Pro Cycling, complemented by one of the strongest and most engaged digital platforms in professional cycling. Since 2017, the team has consistently ranked among the top teams in the sport for social media impressions and engagement, while delivering one of the strongest returns on investment for a title partner across professional sports, according to Nielsen Analytics.

Just as importantly, EF Pro Cycling is defined by the longevity and consistency of its partnerships with brands such as EasyPost, Cannondale, Wahoo and POC. These long-term partners have helped build EF Pro Cycling into what it is today, remaining committed far longer than is typical in professional sport. This reflects a shared belief in the team’s values, spirit, and long-term vision.

“Title sponsorship amplifies the reach to the cycling audience, and EF Pro Cycling is well positioned to benefit from the trends and growth in the cycling audience and viewership,” says Nielsen Sports Commercial Director and Head of Cycling Jerome Bouchat. “This team cultivates its own image to stand out and understands that to attract brands, it must be as visible as possible and offer powerful storytelling.”

Join us and enter the next chapter of our 23-year history as we build the world’s best team.
Interested in partnering with us? Email: hello@efprocycling.com

About EF
Founded in 1965, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that shares a common mission of opening the world through education, offering language, academic, cultural exchange, and educational travel programs.

About EF Pro Cycling
At EF Pro Cycling (division of EF), we believe the world is better when people push boundaries together. Our men’s WorldTeam squad, EF Education-EasyPost; our women’s WorldTeam squad, EF Education-Oatly; and our development squad, EF Education-Aevolo; compete in the biggest events around the world both on and off-road. From the Tours de France to Unbound Gravel, we race, explore, and push the boundaries of what pro cycling can be. Since our founding in 2003, we have championed ethical competition and sought to disrupt the status quo. Our mission is to become the world’s most-loved team.


CONTACT
Johannes Manson
Marketing and Communication Director
EF Pro Cycling
johannes.manson@ef.com
efprocycling.com

MEDIA RESOURCES
Assets available to use
and download HERE

PASSWORD: Press2026


SOURCE: EF Pro Cycling

--BERNAMA

Bitget Releases January 2026 Proof of Reserves, Demonstrating Strength Through Market Volatility

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has published its January 2026 Proof of Reserves (PoR), reaffirming full backing of user assets during a month marked by heightened market volatility and shifting investor sentiment. The snapshot covers BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC, with user balances and reserve coverage published on the PoR transparency page alongside wallet attestations and a self-check tool that lets account holders verify inclusion using anonymized identifiers.

Despite turbulence across global crypto markets over the past several weeks, Bitget continues to maintain a total reserve ratio well above the 1:1 benchmark, ensuring that all user balances across core assets are fully covered. The January snapshot shows user assets of 14,189 BTC, 179,941 ETH, 1,682,952,107 USDT and 133,804,760 USDC. The reserve ratios are 254% for BTC, 100% for USDT, 161% for ETH, and 113% for USDC, each marked well-above sufficient reserves, with an average reserve ratio of 163%.

“Transparency matters most when markets are unsettled,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “January tested the industry with volatility and fast-moving sentiment. What stands out is that Bitget remained fully backed while users continued to engage, rebalance, and grow their holdings. Proof of Reserves is not a marketing moment, it is our operational standard that has to hold up when conditions are unpredictable.”

Even as markets reacted to macro uncertainty and rapid price swings, Bitget’s reserve structure remained resilient, ensuring uninterrupted access and asset security for its global user base. Bitget’s Proof of Reserves operates alongside its Protection Fund and monthly disclosures as part of a broader security framework. Through Merkle root verification, users can confirm their individual balances without exposing personal data, combining cryptographic assurance with user privacy.

As Bitget advances its Universal Exchange vision, bringing crypto, tokenized assets and onchain markets into a single trading environment, ongoing transparency remains foundational. Regular PoR reporting provides users with a clear, verifiable view into platform health, reinforcing trust at scale even as market cycles move.

To view the updated Proof of Reserves, please visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6052ffa2-8340-473b-b109-6fad0f407be7

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA​