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September 14, 2026

E-2 Investor Visa Trends to Watch in 2027

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Global Immigration Partners Forecasts Five E-2 Investor Visa Trends to Watch in 2027 International entrepreneurs are expected to face greater pressure to demonstrate credible business operations, traceable funds and a realistic path to U.S. growth Article Written By Alexander Jovy - Senior Immigration Specialist Article Written by Alexander Jovy, Co-Managing Partner at Global Immigration Partners. 15+ years in E2 Visa, L1 Visas, EB5 Green Cards & investor immigration. Reviewed By Ruairidh Campbell , Senior U.S. Attorney, Co-Managing Partner. Justia Profile California Bar #151846 Washington, D.C. Bar #90020424 WASHINGTON, D.C., September 8, 2026 — Global Immigration Partners PLLC, a global business and investor immigration law firm, today released its outlook for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa in 2027, identifying five developments likely to shape how international entrepreneurs plan, document and present investments in U.S. businesses. The E-2 visa enables eligible nationals of treaty countries to enter the United States to develop and direct a qualifying enterprise in which they have invested, or are actively investing, a substantial amount of capital. Although the category has no fixed minimum investment, every case turns on its individual facts, including the nature and cost of the business, ownership and control, the source and commitment of funds, the enterprise’s operating readiness and its capacity to become more than marginal. “For 2027, the strongest E-2 cases will be built around business reality, not simply a qualifying transaction,” said Alexander Jovy, Co-Managing Partner of Global Immigration Partners PLLC. “Applicants should be prepared to show where the money came from, how it has been placed at risk, why the investment is substantial for that particular enterprise and how the business will operate, generate revenue and support U.S. economic activity.” Global Immigration Partners forecasts five key E-2 trends for 2027: 1. Operating readiness will carry increasing practical importance Applicants should expect close attention to whether the enterprise is real, active and positioned to begin operations. Executed leases, equipment purchases, contracts, licences, payroll planning, a functioning U.S.-focused website and credible customer-acquisition activity can help demonstrate that an investment has moved beyond a preliminary idea. The appropriate evidence will depend on the business model and the timing of the application. 2. Source-of-funds documentation will require earlier planning As investments are increasingly funded through multiple accounts, business sales, gifts, loans, property transactions or cross-border transfers, applicants may face more complex tracing exercises. GIP expects successful planning in 2027 to begin before funds move, with a clear documentary chain connecting the lawful source of capital to the U.S. enterprise. 3. Business plans will be tested against execution A polished forecast alone is not enough. Consular officers may compare projections with the actual capital deployed, premises secured, staffing assumptions, market-entry strategy and evidence of commercial activity. Business plans that are specific, internally consistent and supported by third-party evidence will remain central to demonstrating that the enterprise is viable and not marginal. 4. Acquisitions and franchises will remain attractive—but demand careful diligence Buying an existing business or franchise can provide operating history, systems and a faster route to market. It can also introduce issues involving valuation, ownership, escrow, licensing, financial performance and the applicant’s ability to develop and direct the enterprise. GIP expects investors to place greater emphasis on coordinated immigration, corporate and commercial due diligence before committing capital. 5. Consular strategy will remain country- and post-specific The legal framework is federal, but procedures, document formats, appointment availability and visa validity can vary by consular post and nationality. With Portugal having joined the E-2 treaty-country framework in 2024, GIP expects continued interest from newer pools of eligible European investors alongside established demand from the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Germany, France and other treaty countries. Applicants should confirm the current reciprocity schedule and post-specific instructions before filing. “The E-2 category continues to offer a powerful route for qualified entrepreneurs who want to invest in, acquire and operate a U.S. business,” Jovy added. “But it is not a passive-investment visa, and approval is never automatic. The defining theme for 2027 will be preparation: a defensible investment structure, an independently supported business case and documentation that tells one coherent story.” Global Immigration Partners advises E-2 investors , business buyers, franchise purchasers, entrepreneurs, qualifying employees and families on eligibility, investment structuring, source-of-funds evidence, business plans, application packages and consular-interview preparation. The firm files numerous E-2 visa matters annually and supports clients through a network that includes Washington, D.C., London and locations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and North America. About Global Immigration Partners PLLC Global Immigration Partners PLLC is a business and investor immigration law firm advising companies, entrepreneurs, investors and families on U.S. and international immigration matters. Its lawyers assist clients with E-2, L-1, EB-5 and other business and investor visa strategies, combining immigration counsel with practical guidance on the evidence and planning required for cross-border expansion. For more information, visit Global Immigration Partners or arrange an initial consultation with the firm. Media Contact Global Immigration Partners PLLC Tel:USA +1 (267) 507-6078 Office | +1 (202) 359-5528 WhatsApp [email protected] https://globalimmigration.com/services/e2visa/ Legal Notice This release provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. E-2 eligibility and outcomes depend on the facts of each case, applicable law, consular procedures and government adjudication. No outcome is guaranteed.

September 14, 2026

Business

Velo Turf Launches Fully Permeable Woven Artificial Grass, Helping Contractors Address Pet Odors and Drainage Issues Worldwide

Velo Turf, a premier supplier of next-generation synthetic turf operating under Emu Health Australia Pty Ltd. , today announced the global expansion of its advanced woven turf portfolio. Engineered to resolve chronic drainage bottlenecks and odor retention caused by traditional latex or SBR backings, the new 100 percent permeable series enables instant water and pet urine run-off. By eliminating heavy glue bases, Velo Turf provides international contractors and distributors with a lighter, highly durable, and recyclable alternative that drastically reduces maintenance costs for end-users across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Key Facts & Technical Specifications Drainage Efficiency: The open-mesh woven backing provides 100 percent surface permeability, eliminating water pooling and preventing bacterial odor buildup in pet and residential zones. Global Compliance: Fully certified under RoHS, stringent SVHC (255 substances) testing, fire resistance, and advanced UV resistance benchmarks to meet international building codes. Manufacturing Scale: Operates a 10,000-square-meter automated manufacturing base yielding an annual production capacity exceeding 400,000 square meters. Localized Distribution: Maintains over 25,000 square meters of on-demand local stock in Melbourne, Australia, ensuring rapid sample dispatch and fast-tracked project supply for B2B partners. Core Technology and Material Innovations Unlike conventional tufted grass that relies on thick polyurethane or latex backings, Velo Turf engineers its products using a proprietary mechanical weaving process that binds the grass yarn directly into the base net. This integrated manufacturing method eliminates the need for heavy adhesives, resulting in a lighter, more flexible product that resists cracking in freezing conditions. The single-material construction not only enhances dimensional stability but also creates a fully recyclable, eco-friendly product lifecycle. Comprehensive Product Portfolio Serving over 50 major distribution enterprises across more than 10 countries—including the U.S., Ireland, the UAE, and the Philippines—the company's expanded matrix encompasses: Residential & Landscaping: Showcasing the flagship Premium Residential woven artificial grass, the lineup features High-density woven artificial grass optimized for a soft foot-feel and natural aesthetics on balconies and rooftops. Pet & Family Safe: The Velo PetFlow Pet-Friendly woven artificial grass utilizes a Fully Permeable woven artificial grass design to instantly drain fluids, while the Glue-Free woven artificial grass ensures a Low-VOC woven artificial grass environment ideal for childcare centers and backyards. Sports & Commercial: Offering the professional-grade Sports Hybrid woven artificial grass and the versatile Velo Mix Hybrid woven artificial grass for commercial putting greens, multi-use training facilities, and school grounds. Extreme Climate Adaptation: Developed to withstand harsh Australian climates, the UV-Resistant woven artificial grass pairs with High-temperature resistant woven artificial grass to prevent fiber degradation and fading in extreme sunbelt regions. Global Supply Chain and B2B Procurement Targeting global turf wholesalers, real estate developers, and sports facility contractors, Velo Turf integrates intelligent inventory management into its supply chain. The company accommodates flexible wholesale arrangements, offering tiered pricing, custom project quotes, and comprehensive installation accessories. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainable B2B partnerships, Velo Turf allows distributors to customize fiber shapes, Dtex, density, and pile heights to meet specific regional aesthetic and functional requirements. Management Quotes "Traditional artificial grass backings trap moisture and pet odors, turning backyards into high-maintenance liabilities," said Mitchell Wang, Technical Manager at Velo Turf. "By completely removing the latex backing and transitioning to a woven structure, we have eliminated these drainage issues at the source. Our partners receive a plug-and-play turf solution that actively protects their profit margins by minimizing post-installation callbacks and maximizing customer satisfaction." Industry Background and Future Plans Driven by stringent global environmental regulations and rising consumer demand for pet-safe outdoor living, the sustainable landscaping market is experiencing unprecedented expansion. Velo Turf's automated, glue-free manufacturing capabilities directly support this transition by offering scalable, standardized, and recyclable ground cover. Looking ahead, the company plans to deepen its investment in single-material recycling technologies and further expand its overseas distributor network, providing localized design support and rapid delivery to global partners. About Emu Health Australia Pty Ltd. (Velo Turf) Founded in 2016, Emu Health Australia Pty Ltd. (operating globally as Velo Turf) is a specialized manufacturer and distributor of advanced woven artificial grass solutions. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with a robust manufacturing base in China, the enterprise empowers the global landscaping, sports, and residential construction industries with efficient, durable, and eco-friendly turf modules. Velo Turf has successfully delivered extensive project volumes worldwide and is trusted by industry-leading landscaping contractors and distributors.

September 14, 2026

Business

“Tea Chat with Ambassadors in Shanxi” & International Dialogue on Energy and Low-carbon Development Successfully Held in Taiyuan.

On September 5, 2026, “Tea Chat with Ambassadors in Shanxi” & International Dialogue on Energy and Low-carbon Development was successfully held in Taiyuan. Guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee, the event was co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Shanxi Province and World Affairs Press. As a featured thematic event of the 10th Taiyuan Energy Low-carbon Development Forum, the dialogue was themed “Foster New Energy, Usher in a New Chapter”, convening former foreign political dignitaries, resident diplomatic envoys in China, heads of international organizations, and representatives from domestic universities, think tanks, and enterprises. During the keynote speech session, former Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr. Terbishdagva, noted that Mongolia’s wind, solar, and geographical advantages are highly complementary to Shanxi’s technologies, industrial capacity, and energy transition experience, highlighting vast potential for deeper cooperation in energy storage, smart grids, green hydrogen, and renewable energy to jointly advance green transformation across Northeast Asia. Dr. Juan Carlos Solís, Chair of Mexico’s National Energy Commission, stated that Mexico aims to raise the share of clean energy to 38% by 2030 and looks forward to strengthening collaboration with Shanxi in resource-based regional transition, coal mine methane utilization, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), ensuring energy transition better serves national development and public welfare. Jing Puqiu, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Shanxi Province, emphasized that over the past decade, Shanxi has remained steadfast in pursuing the Dual Carbon goals by continuously optimizing its energy mix, strengthening sci-tech innovation, upgrading low-carbon industries, and advocating green lifestyles. She affirmed Shanxi’s readiness to deepen cooperation in concepts, technologies, and industries with all partners to contribute to global low-carbon energy transition and sustainable development. Dong Xiaolin, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanxi Province, alongside other distinguished guests, delivered remarks sharing insights on energy transition and international cooperation. During the dialogue session, Chinese and foreign guests engaged in in-depth exchanges on addressing technology, financing, and governance capacity gaps in the global energy transition, aligning green development practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), defining Shanxi’s role amid evolving global energy dynamics, as well as advancing green standards, climate finance, and a just transition. Milad Raad, Ambassador of Lebanon to China, shared his country’s practices in driving energy transition through technological cooperation, digitalization, and diversified financing. Lounceny Conde, Ambassador of Guinea to China, outlined cooperation demands and development opportunities in renewable energy transition and green mining supply chains based on Guinea's national context. Dr. Stephen Jackson, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, underscored the bridging role of the UN system in channeling Shanxi’s green transition experience to better serve the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the realization of the UN SDGs. Ma Jianchun, President of the China Society for World Trade Organization Studies; Wang Fan, former President of China Foreign Affairs University; Cheng Fangqin, School of Outstanding Engineers, Shanxi University; and Li Chao, Head and Senior Engineer, National Key Laboratory of Coal and Coalbed Methane Co-Extraction, Jinneng Holding Group, shared insights from the perspectives of international economic and trade rules, energy geopolitics, ecological environment governance, and energy enterprise transition, respectively. Following the dialogue, panelists answered questions from the audience in an engaging Q&A session. During the event, Chinese and foreign guests experienced Shanxi’s intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, watched thematic promotional films and the artistic performance Dream of Yungang , and enjoyed local traditional tea art demonstrations. Through tea tasting and vibrant interactions, guests experienced firsthand the profound historical heritage and cultural charm of Shanxi. The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Taiyuan Energy Low-Carbon Development Forum. Under the theme “Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Leading Energy Transition, Innovation Accelerating a Green Future”, this year's forum fully showcases the fruitful achievements of the energy transition in Shanxi and across China over the past decade. Looking to the future, the forum facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge ideas on the global green and low-carbon energy transition, promotes the clustering and implementation of advanced technologies and demonstration projects, and contributes to building a global energy community with a shared future. “Tea Chat with Ambassadors” is a signature Sino-foreign people-to-people exchange brand created by World Affairs Press, dedicated to building an open, equal, and in-depth platform to foster mutual learning among civilizations using tea as a medium. By integrating international dialogue with cultural experiences, this event fully demonstrated Shanxi’s proactive practices in spearheading the energy revolution and green, low-carbon transformation, deepened foreign guests’ understanding of Shanxi, and established a new bridge of communication for Shanxi to expand international cooperation in energy, trade, science and technology, and cultural fields.

September 14, 2026

Bassel Haddad Assumes Leadership of ASMPT as Group Chief Executive Officer

Bassel Haddad Assumes Leadership of ASMPT as Group Chief Executive Officer Semiconductor technology and business executive to advance ASMPT’s transformation and growth strategy ASMPT (HKEX: 0522), the world’s leading provider of integrated hardware and software solutions for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, today announced that Bassel Haddad has assumed the roles of Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. The leadership transition, first announced in July, took effect today. Bassel Haddad succeeds Robin Ng, who retires after more than 20 years with ASMPT, including six years as Group CEO and Executive Director. John Lok, Chairman of the Board of ASMPT, said: “We are pleased to welcome Bassel Haddad as Group CEO. He assumes leadership of ASMPT with a clear corporate strategy, strong technology capabilities and an experienced global team already in place. Bassel’s deep industry expertise, business leadership and track record of driving innovation and customer success make him the right leader to guide ASMPT through its next phase of growth and deliver solutions to increasingly complex customer requirements.” “It is an honour to lead ASMPT, a company with a remarkable legacy and a strong foundation for future growth,” said Bassel Haddad, Group Chief Executive Officer of ASMPT. “We have an exceptional opportunity to accelerate and shape the industry´s evolution from traditional Moore´s Law scaling to the “more than Moore” era. I look forward to partnering with the Board of Directors and our talented global team to accelerate innovation, deepen our customer partnerships, and create lasting value for our employees, customers, and shareholders.” Bassel Haddad assumes leadership following ASMPT’s recently reported first-half 2026 results. Group revenue from continuing operations increased 42.5% year on year to US$1.14 billion, while Advanced Packaging delivered record half-year revenue. The performance reflected demand across multiple advanced packaging solutions, including Thermo-Compression Bonding, high-precision SMT and Photonics, alongside growth in mainstream applications. As semiconductor architectures become more complex, assembly and advanced packaging have become central to delivering system-level performance and manufacturing scalability. Bassel Haddad’s broad experience leading technology development, operations and global businesses positions ASMPT to extend its technology leadership and customer focus. Before joining ASMPT, Bassel Haddad was Senior Vice President and General Manager of Foundry Solutions and Technology Platforms at SkyWater Technology, where he led business strategy, go-to-market activities and profit-and-loss accountability for its foundry and advanced technology services. He previously led SkyWater’s Advanced Packaging business, with responsibility spanning technology development, engineering, marketing and fab operations. Earlier, Bassel spent 14 years at Intel Corporation in senior leadership roles across product, technology and business management, including edge computing, artificial intelligence and product architecture. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. About ASMPT Limited ASMPT Limited is a leading global supplier of hardware and software solutions for the manufacture of semiconductors and electronics. Headquartered in Singapore, ASMPT's offerings encompass the semiconductor assembly & packaging, and SMT (surface mount technology) industries, providing various solutions that organise, assemble and package delicate electronic components into a vast range of end-user devices. ASMPT partners with customers very closely, with continuous investment in R&D helping to provide cost-effective, industry-shaping solutions that achieve higher productivity, greater reliability, and enhanced quality. ASMPT is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX stock code: 0522) and is one of the constituent stocks of the HKEX Tech 100 Index, Hang Seng Composite MidCap Index under the Hang Seng Composite Size Indexes, the Hang Seng Composite Information Technology Industry Index under Hang Seng Composite Industry Indexes, the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index, and the Hang Seng HK 35 Index. To learn more about ASMPT, please visit us at www.asmpt.com . Forward-Looking Statements All statements included herein, other than statements of historical facts, are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect ASMPT’s current expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future and assumptions in light of currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, and ASMPT does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements. Save as otherwise referred to below, no statement herein is intended to be or may be construed as a profit forecast. For media enquiries: Global ASMPT Press Office ASMPT Ltd Lim Ee Guan Director, Corporate Communications E-Mail: [email protected]

September 13, 2026

Automotive

After the GSR II Deadline: What Buyers of Electric Commercial Vehicles Should Check Now

Since July 2026, the EU's GSR II regulation has applied in full to all newly registered N-category commercial vehicles. Safety systems such as ISA, DDAW, BSIS, and MOIS are no longer optional. For European logistics operators planning fleet renewals, this means three key implications: compliance is no longer avoidable, procurement checklists need revisiting, and vehicle selection logic is being rewritten. Beyond GSR II compliance, TCO remains the other critical factor in purchasing decisions. The 2026 Arval TCO Scope report, covering the French market, confirmed that electric light commercial vehicles are now generally more cost-competitive than their diesel counterparts. The driver is the divergence in operating costs: diesel energy costs continue to rise, while zero-emission commercial vehicles benefit from lower energy costs and expanding toll exemptions and incentives across European markets. The cost competitiveness of electric commercial vehicles is no longer in question. The question is no longer "whether it saves money", but "how much it costs to wait". A New Procurement Framework: Compliance, Cost, and Use-Case Fit With GSR II compliance now mandatory and the TCO tipping point reached, fleet procurement logic is being restructured. For operators evaluating options across the market, three dimensions deserve particular attention. Dimension 1: Are GSR II Compliance Requirements Met? Since July 2026, the EU's GSR II regulations have required all new vehicles to be equipped with ADDW and AEBS, along with other safety systems. JAC Motors' electric light trucks N90 EV and N42 EV, along with the SUNRAY PRO electric van, are equipped with core safety systems including AEBS, LDWS, BSIS, MOIS, DDAW, and ISA. These systems fully meet current GSR II requirements and satisfy Europe's strict market access standards for commercial vehicle safety. This means fleet operators can deploy these vehicles without compliance-related delays—making GSR II compliance a verifiable certainty at the point of purchase. Dimension 2: Can TCO Advantages Be Realised in Real-World Operations? The TCO advantages of electric commercial vehicles are moving from theory to practice, driven largely by technologies such as regenerative braking and range optimisation that directly address the key pain point of high operating costs. Taking two JAC electric light trucks as examples: the N90 EV delivers a range of over 180 km (WLTP) – well suited to regional and urban distribution routes – while its decoupled regenerative braking system delivers higher recovery efficiency than conventional integrated systems. The N42 EV is tailored for community delivery and last-mile urban distribution, where its energy recovery efficiency in frequent stop-and-go conditions translates directly into lower per-kilometre operating costs. Dimension 3: Does the After-Sales Network Deliver Long-Term Reliability? For European fleet operators, service network coverage and parts availability are often decisive factors. JAC Motors addresses this directly with a "1+N" sales and service network in Europe. Anchored by JAC Motors Italy as the central hub ("1") and supported by partners in Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and other European markets ("N"), the network is designed to deliver localised and integrated sales and after-sales support. This approach combines the resource integration capabilities of the regional hub with the proximity of local dealers to end users. To further meet fleet operators' critical need for reduced unplanned downtime and improved parts availability, JAC Motors also offers 100% genuine parts supply and a 24/7 emergency response service. For fleet operators, procurement decisions are becoming increasingly complex – but that also means vehicles that satisfy all three dimensions of compliance, cost, and use-case fit are emerging as the genuine "safe choices." September's IAA Transportation in Hanover will be a window for evaluating those options. At Hall 12, Stand C08, JAC Motors' four models – the N90 EV, N42 EV, SUNRAY PRO, and T9 PHEV – will be on display for European logistics professionals to assess against GSR II compliance and TCO performance. It will also be a showcase of JAC's "For Greener Cities, NOW" commitment in Europe—demonstrating how its pledge to green logistics is being translated into practical, purchasable solutions. For fleet managers looking for their next urban delivery vehicle, that is a reason to step inside the booth – to see how a vision becomes a product, and how a brand's promise responds to the real operational needs of end users. JAC Motors at IAA Transportation 2026 Dates: Press Day 14 September | Show Days 15–20 September Venue: Hanover Exhibition Grounds, Hall 12, Stand C08 The line-up: Electric Light-duty Truck N90 EV and N42 EV, Electric Van SUNRAY PRO, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Pickup T9 PHEV. All industry professionals, partners, and customers are welcome to visit the booth.

September 13, 2026

Business

ByteFuture Secures $55 Million to Expand Olares One and Olares OS

SINGAPORE, September 11, 2026 — ByteFuture , formerly known as Bytetrade, today announced that it completed a $55 million financing in June 2026, bringing its total funding to more than $100 million. The company did not disclose the participating investors, the structure of the round, or its current valuation. The capital will support production and commercialization of Olares One, accelerate development of Olares OS, and expand the Olares ecosystem for personal AI computing. Funding to Scale the Olares Platform ByteFuture said the funding will be allocated across three areas: scaling production and global commercialization of Olares One , expanding developer and manufacturer adoption of Olares OS , and building infrastructure that allows privately operated AI agents to connect and collaborate securely. A portion of the financing will support marketing and commercial expansion in North America. “This funding will help us expand production of Olares One and bring Olares OS to more developers, businesses, and device manufacturers,” said Peng Peng, founder of ByteFuture. “Our goal is to give users a practical way to run AI models and agents on hardware they control, with less dependence on centralized cloud infrastructure.” Early Market Traction for Olares One The financing follows early traction for Olares One, ByteFuture’s personal AI workstation. Designed to run large language models, AI agents, and AI frameworks locally, Olares One attracted 816 backers and more than $2.3 million in pledges during its 2026 Kickstarter campaign. The company has completed delivery of all Kickstarter orders. Olares One is currently available for purchase and delivery in the United States, with a broader U.S. market launch planned for Q4 2026. An Open-Source Platform for Personal AI At the core of the Olares ecosystem is Olares OS, ByteFuture’s open-source platform for personal AI computing. It is designed for local AI inference and enables AI models, agents, and applications to run directly on users’ own devices rather than relying entirely on remote public cloud infrastructure. Olares OS manages model inference, agent orchestration, application deployment, and perapplication sandboxing at the system level, while remaining open for developers and enterprises to build on and integrate with. Through Olares Market , users can deploy more than 200 applications with one click, with applications isolated from one another to help keep models, prompts, and personal data under the user’s control. Beyond Olares One, the operating system is designed to extend across AI PCs and other personal AI devices, providing a common software layer for locally deployed AI. Expanding the Olares Ecosystem The financing comes as more AI workloads move beyond centralized cloud infrastructure to local and edge devices. As more AI inference runs on personal hardware, the operating system layer must manage models, agents, applications, data, and computing resources across those devices. Through Olares, ByteFuture is building an integrated personal AI computing platform spanning operating system software, hardware, applications, and AI agents. ByteFuture describes its long-term vision through three related concepts: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Individuality, and the Agent Internet. In this framework, Artificial Individuality refers to AI systems that operate with a user’s context and data on hardware they control. The Agent Internet is intended to help privately operated AI agents connect and collaborate securely. Olares One provides a high-performance personal AI workstation, while Olares OS provides the open-source software layer designed to support a broader range of personal and edge AI devices. ByteFuture is also in discussions with developers and hardware manufacturers in North America about potential collaboration on Olares OS and compatible personal AI devices. ByteFuture calls the infrastructure intended to connect privately operated AI agents the Agent Internet. The company plans to develop it as a secure way for those agents to connect and collaborate. About ByteFuture and Olares Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, ByteFuture develops Olares, an opensource personal AI computing platform designed to help users run AI models, agents, and applications on privately controlled hardware. The Olares ecosystem includes Olares OS, Olares One, and Olares Market, supporting local AI inference, application deployment, and application-level isolation. For more information, visit: https://one.olares.com/.

September 13, 2026

Asia–US Clinical Data Collaboration Built on IHH's Clinical Data

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui", Head Office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Kenichi Hori) has entered a service agreement with Oncoshot Pte. Ltd. ("Oncoshot") on the utilization of Oncoshot's proprietary clinical data analysis technology. Oncoshot is a participant in the MSK iHub, a business accelerator program promoting digital healthcare innovation through industry collaborations with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ("MSK"), a leading global cancer center. Through its collaboration with MSK iHub and other related projects, Oncoshot and Mitsui aim to draw on real-world data (RWD)* to advance the standardization of oncology clinical data, promote international collaborative research, shorten clinical study timelines, and generate evidence based on diverse patient populations. Participants will include oncology specialists practicing within the IHH Healthcare Berhad ("IHH") network, a leading international healthcare provider whose largest shareholder is Mitsui, as well as other oncology specialists in the Asia-Pacific region. Demand for clinical data is rising across clinical research, drug discovery, and trial design. However, much of this valuable data remains fragmented and unstructured within individual healthcare institutions, while privacy regulations and institution-specific data governance requirements can restrict how data is transferred and used. As a result, access to high-quality clinical data, particularly from Asian patient populations, remains limited, reflecting not only challenges in data quality but also the lack of secure, sustainable, and practical mechanisms for data access. Oncoshot has developed an AI-powered technology that efficiently anonymizes and structures data within healthcare institutions, including electronic medical records and laboratory analysis results, and converts it into research-and drug development-ready datasets without having to move the data out of the institution. This technology has the potential to accelerate the utilization of clinical data while abiding by strict privacy, access and governance constraints. Through this initiative, Mitsui aims to enhance IHH's corporate value by further advancing the sophistication of its healthcare services, while also contributing to greater efficiency and effectiveness in the clinical development of pharmaceuticals through the utilization of clinical data. Under its Medium-term Management Plan 2029, Mitsui has identified "Wellness Ecosystem Creation 2.0" as one of its Key Strategic Initiatives. In line with this strategy, Mitsui is working to expand access to advanced healthcare through IHH and to contribute to pharmaceutical innovation through the utilization of clinical data. By utilizing Oncoshot's advanced clinical data platform, Mitsui aims to create an environment in which healthcare professionals across the IHH network can more readily access opportunities for knowledge exchange with leading international research institutions and participate in clinical research activities. Through these efforts, Mitsui seeks to support the continued development of medical expertise, expand access to innovative treatment opportunities for patients, and contribute to improving the quality of cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region. Yoichiro Endo, Chief Operating Officer, Wellness Business Unit, Mitsui, said, "As progress in pharmaceuticals and other medical technologies continues to drive greater personalization and complexity in healthcare, we are excited by the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of global healthcare by maximizing the value of RWD accumulated in clinical settings, including within IHH, together with technologies such as AI. Through the effective use of data, we aim not only to improve standards of care, but also to accelerate and enhance the efficiency of new drug development. Building on this initiative, Mitsui aims to expand data collaboration among IHH, our affiliated company, and leading medical institutions in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging these assets and partnerships, we also intend to develop new business opportunities in the United States and other markets at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation and new drug development. Through these efforts, Mitsui will further strengthen its support for IHH, a leading advanced healthcare platform, while enabling it to play an even greater role in advancing pharmaceutical innovation. We are committed to providing even stronger support for IHH as it expands its significance and role." Dr. Peter Chow, CEO, IHH Healthcare Singapore, said, "IHH Healthcare welcomes this partnership as an important step in advancing complex cancer care across our network. By connecting our specialists with world-leading cancer care institutions such as MSK through this initiative, we will deepen knowledge exchange and strengthen oncology research through the use of clinical data and technologies including AI. Together, and with our relationship with Mitsui, these efforts will enhance clinical excellence and support better outcomes for cancer patients." Neil J. Shah, MBBS, Assistant Attending Physician, MSK, said, "MSK is excited to partner with Oncoshot and its network of affiliated hospitals across the Asia-Pacific region. Cancer is a global disease, and advancing care requires a deeper understanding of treatment outcomes across diverse patient populations and healthcare systems. At MSK, we have developed a standardized pan-cancer data model—the Common Cancer Data Elements (CCDE)—which provides an ontology-driven framework for harmonizing and analyzing oncology outcomes data. This collaboration will help us integrate data across countries, support global oncology research, and generate insights to improve cancer care worldwide." *Real-world data (RWD): Medical data that is accumulated on a daily basis in actual clinical settings. While clinical trial data is used to demonstrate the efficacy of pharmaceutical products, real-world data is used to understand actual treatment practices and outcomes in real-world settings. In recent years, it has attracted increasing attention as an important foundation supporting drug discovery, the improvement of clinical trial efficiency, and other healthcare initiatives. Company Profile Collaboration framework of this initiative Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, one of the hospitals within the IHH Network (Singapore) Mitsui’s Materiality “Build brighter futures, everywhere” as our corporate mission, and to gain the trust and expectations of our stakeholders to realize a better tomorrow for earth and for people around the world, we have identified six material issues (“Materiality”) for Mitsui’s sustainable growth. We anticipate this particular project/ business to contribute especially to the realization of “Foster a well-being society” Establish a foundation for sustainable and stable supply Create a community coexisting with nature Foster a well-being society Cultivate societies that respect human rights Empower our people to build brighter futures Build an organization with integrity

September 12, 2026

Business

Houston Developer Pratik Gandhi Expands Platform Into Ohio Housing

Pratik Gandhi, a Houston, Texas-based entrepreneur and real estate operator, is extending his development activity beyond Texas through a portfolio-wide partnership covering residential, multifamily, commercial and development assets across ten Ohio markets. The Ohio position marks a shift in scale and in method. Earlier activity in the Houston region centered on land acquisition and ground-up development, including holdings in Friendswood assembled through Mpire Real Estate Group. The Ohio partnership instead brings an existing, occupied portfolio under a single operating plan, which places the emphasis on renovation, stabilization and long-term management rather than on entitlement and construction alone. The portfolio comprises 197 assets, representing 270 existing units alongside 33 buildable lots, spread across ten Ohio markets. The composition is deliberately mixed: single-family residences, duplexes, smaller multifamily buildings, three larger apartment communities that together account for 79 units, commercial space, and undeveloped land. That mix is the point. A portfolio weighted entirely toward one asset class rises and falls with one market, while a blend of single-family, multifamily and commercial assets across ten separate submarkets spreads both the operating risk and the tenant base. It also allows different assets to serve different purposes within the same plan. Renovate, stabilize, retain The operating approach separates the portfolio into two tracks. Selected residential assets are targeted for improvement and resale, returning capital and removing deferred-maintenance liabilities from the balance sheet. The remainder, planned as a retained core of 154 units following the improvement program, is intended to stay under long-term ownership as income-producing housing. The 33 buildable lots sit alongside both tracks as a ground-up development component, allowing new construction to proceed on owned land without further acquisition. Additional redevelopment concepts have been discussed for parts of the portfolio, though those remain subject to zoning, architectural, licensing and feasibility review and are not treated as committed plans. “The next phase is about building a real development and operating platform — acquiring the right assets, improving communities, creating housing, and holding quality real estate for the long term.” Pratik Gandhi Much of the Ohio housing stock in question is older, and the work involved is unglamorous: roofs, systems, unit turns and the sustained property management that keeps occupancy stable once the capital work is finished. That operating burden is the reason portfolios of this composition often trade below the sum of their parts, and it is the gap the improvement program is intended to close. From transactions to a platform For Gandhi, the expansion represents a move from individual acquisitions and Texas land development toward operating larger portfolios across multiple markets. The stated aim is a diversified platform capable of combining development, rehabilitation, stabilization and long-term ownership, rather than a single repeatable deal type. His path into development began outside real estate, moving through brokerage before shifting to acquisitions. He previously worked as a real estate agent with Keller Williams Metropolitan and studied economics, management and marketing at the University of Houston. He has also remained involved with community and charitable initiatives in the Houston area, including support for Gujarati Samaj of Houston, meal and blanket distribution efforts benefiting individuals experiencing homelessness, and support for Magic Bus, a nonprofit delivering education and life-skills programming to children living in poverty. “Real estate is ultimately about communities. Whether the work is developing land in Texas or improving existing housing in Ohio, the goal is to create something that has value well beyond the transaction.” Pratik Gandhi Further background is available at https://pratikgandhihouston.com . About Pratik Gandhi Pratik Gandhi is a Houston, Texas-based entrepreneur, real estate developer and operator whose work spans land acquisition, residential development, multifamily housing, redevelopment and real estate investment. His activity includes projects in Texas and a growing portfolio presence in Ohio, alongside continued involvement in charitable and community initiatives. More information is available at https://pratikgandhihouston.com . Media Contact Pratik Gandhi [email protected] Houston, Texas pratikgandhihouston.com

September 12, 2026

Food & Beverage

Dingdian Unveils Industry White Paper, Steering a New Era of Dry Pot Flavor

The “Dingdian Product Strategy Upgrade & Launch Ceremony of the White Paper on the Development of Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Category” was grandly held in Chengdu on September 3rd under the theme Tracing the Origins of Dry Pot · Forging a New Chapter for the Category . Guided by the China Cuisine Association and hosted by Dingdian Food, with support from universities and local authorities, the event gathered nearly 200 industry, academic, government, and media figures to explore opportunities and map out high‑quality development for dry pot seasonings. Origins: Tracing Flavors through Sand Art, 27 Years of Craftsmanship The ceremony kicked off with an immersive sand art light show, Searching for Dry Pot Origins, Savouring the Craftsmanship of Fire and Smoke . Amid flowing sand and light, the performance traced the culinary roots of dry pot flavors and unfolded the story of Chairman Ren Kang’s dedicated entrepreneurial journey. For 27 years, Dingdian pioneered dry pot seasonings with paste (2004) and sauce (2006). Now celebrating sauce's 20th anniversary, it stands as the category's founder, definer, and leader, having laid a solid industry foundation. Innovation: White Paper Released, Setting New Benchmarks for the Category Following the sand art show, Ren Kang, Chairman of Dingdian Food, delivered a keynote speech titled From One Bottle of Sauce to an Entire Category — Dingdian’s Pioneering Journey , recounting the brand’s extraordinary growth alongside the dry pot industry. Instead of grand rhetoric, he started his story in 1999, outlining the mutually rewarding journey of Dingdian Food and the dry pot category through four key development milestones. His remark, “You may not know me, but you must have tasted the flavor of Dingdian dry pot sauce,” drew warm applause from the audience. At the much-anticipated moment, the White Paper on the Development of Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Category was officially released. Guided by the China Cuisine Association, compiled under Dingdian’s leadership and co-developed by Xihua University and Sichuan Tourism University, this landmark industry document defines dry pot flavor seasonings as an independent product category for the first time. It clearly demarcates category boundaries, unifies industry understanding of flavor profiles, and fully explores application prospects across catering, household, and industrial scenarios. Yang Liu, President of the China Cuisine Association, and Cai Yu, Member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Pidu Hi-Tech Industrial Park, delivered speeches in succession. They highly recognized the release of the white paper and expressed high expectations for the future of the dry pot seasoning industry. Xiong Shuangli, Dean of the School of Cuisine and Food Science and Engineering at Sichuan Tourism University, analyzed the contemporary value of the white paper for the dry pot sector from multi-dimensional perspectives, including industry, academia and the market. During the roundtable dialogue, A New Era of Dry Pot Flavors , academic scholars, industry experts and catering leaders engaged in in-depth exchanges. They freely shared insights on product innovation, channel collaboration, and future trends, sparking new ideas for industrial development. After the dialogue, a signing ceremony for the group standard Technical Specifications for Dry Pot Flavors was held on site. This marks the joint establishment of an industrial standard system through university-enterprise cooperation, ushering the dry pot flavor industry into a new phase of standardized, high-quality development. Leading the Trend: Upgraded Product Matrix Empowers New Market Segments The product matrix showcase took the stage, unveiling Dingdian’s full range of dry pot flavor products in five forms: paste, sauce, oil, powder, and concentrate. The display intuitively demonstrated Dingdian’s full-scenario strategic layout covering catering, household, and food manufacturing clients. Zhao Licheng, Assistant to the Chairman and Marketing Director, presented the keynote Flavor and Ingredients from the Same Source — Leading the Dry Pot Era with Full-scenario Product Empowerment . He elaborated on the core logic and industrial empowerment value of this round of product strategy upgrade. “Flavor and ingredients from the same source” is not merely a product philosophy, but a full-cycle quality commitment from raw materials to the dining table. Dingdian sources quality from its 10,000-mu Hanyuan prickly ash farm, works with 30+ chefs for regional dishes, and ensures consistent quality via strict standards and smart production. Subsequently, an awarding ceremony for “Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Ambassadors” was held. Dozens of catering practitioners were appointed to jointly promote dry pot flavors and drive the category forward. Tasting: Return to Taste Buds, Witness Premium Quality at the Source Grand strategies are ultimately tested on the palate. In the tasting session of the launch event, innovative dry pot dishes were presented one after another, paired with cooking videos to vividly demonstrate the outstanding flavor performance of Dingdian dry pot seasonings and their capability to help restaurants achieve efficient dish output. Great flavors originate not only on the dining table but also in mountain fields. Prior to the conference, media representatives visited Dingdian’s nearly ten-thousand-mu tribute prickly ash planting base and intelligent modern factory to witness quality at the source. A complete quality chain stretches from the tribute prickly ash branches in the mountains of Hanyuan, through the modern factory, to the back kitchens of tens of thousands of catering stores nationwide. Over 20 mainstream media outlets asked Chairman Ren about the white paper's industry significance and Dingdian's future. His replies showcased the company's confidence and responsibility as a category definer. The launch event caps 20+ years of dry pot dedication while marking a new start for industry standardization. Going forward, rooted in premium Sichuan raw materials such as Hanyuan tribute prickly ash, Dingdian Food will uphold its responsibility as the founder and definer of the category. It will connect academic institutions, the catering industry, and channel partners to continuously unlock the unlimited potential of dry pot flavors, spreading the aroma of Sichuan dry pot across China and beyond.

September 12, 2026

Business

The 6th Forum of Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District Series Successfully Held

From September 7 to 8, a series of events was successfully held in Xiamen for the 6th Forum of Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District. The forum adopted the theme "Innovating Legal Services, Building a Legal Hub – Empowering High-Quality Development of the Maritime Silk Road through High-Standard Legal Services District Construction." It featured a main forum and three sub-forums, bringing together legal experts and scholars, representatives from domestic and international legal and quasi-legal institutions, and corporate representatives to discuss the future development of the Legal Services District. At the main forum, ten experts and scholars delivered keynote speeches. Lin Wei, Vice President of the China Law Society and President of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, proposed empowering the legal services district construction through high-level legal talent cultivation and regional and country studies. Li Zhongyuan, Chief Risk Officer of the Export-Import Bank of China, shared his reflections on strengthening cross-border compliance construction. Yu Weifeng, Vice Chair of the Belt and Road International Legal Services Association, suggested that the Association and the Legal Services District should work in coordinated alignment to jointly cultivate a full-lifecycle legal services ecosystem. Chin Malin, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice of Cambodia, advocated for deepening and upgrading international legal cooperation towards legal integration. Liu Xiaohong, Director of the Shanghai Arbitration Commission and Professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, proposed promoting the qualitative leap of legal services supply in the legal services district from quantitative accumulation. Xiao Yongping, a senior Professor at Wuhan University, offered insights on reshaping the institutional competitiveness of the Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, elaborated on the significance of cross-border legal cooperation for regional connectivity and sustainable development in his video speech. Sundra Rajoo, President of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution, discussed via video, from the perspective of international cooperation, the view that physical connectivity cannot be achieved without legal connectivity and interconnection. Liu Jingdong, Director of the Center for Foreign-related Rule of Law Studies at the Institute of International Law Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shared views on the new developments in global economic and trade rules and China's solutions. Fan Jiuli, Vice President of the China Law Society and President of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, focused on sharing ideas for cultivating need-oriented, practical foreign-related rule-of-law talent. On September 8, three sub-forums were held: "International Commercial and Maritime Dispute Resolution and High-Quality Development of the Marine Economy," "Integration of Law and Business for Innovative Services to Enterprises Going Global," and "Building an Innovative Ecosystem for Digital Construction of Political and Legal Work." Guests from domestic and international judicial, arbitration, and legal service institutions, universities, and enterprises engaged in discussions on topics such as international dispute resolution, cross-border operational risks for businesses, and digital rule of law. During this period, the Xiamen Maritime Court released two achievements in foreign-related judicial work: the "White Paper on Foreign-related Maritime Trials (1990-2026)" and "Maritime Legal Wisdom, Global Sharing – A Spotlight Tour of Representative Achievements in International Communication of Xiamen Maritime Court's Foreign-related Maritime Trials." Additionally, the "Political and Legal Innovation Joint Laboratory," jointly established by the Fujian Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission and Fujian Big Data Group, officially launched. This laboratory aims to become a source of technical innovation, a pilot test base for achievement transformation, and a training base for professional talents in digital political and legal affairs across the province. Scenes from the Sub-forums Following the forum, participating guests also visited the Xiamen International Expo Center to attend the 2026 China (Xiamen) International Public Security & Legal Technology Expo and the Going Global Legal & Business Service Exhibition.

September 12, 2026

Finance & Loan

BlackRidge Capital launches to fund the “first cheque” for business buyers

BlackRidge Capital , a new acquisition-finance business, has launched to fund the initial consideration: the first and often hardest cheque a buyer must write to acquire a business. BlackRidge has been launched by The Carling Group , a private family office chaired by Graeme Carling, which buys, builds and sells businesses internationally from its base in Dubai. Its principals bring decades of hands-on M&A experience. What sets BlackRidge apart from a traditional lender is that it is run by dealmakers. Its principals have spent decades completing acquisitions of their own and understand a transaction from the inside; how it is structured, where it stalls, and what it takes to reach completion. BlackRidge brings that judgement to the buyers it backs, assessing a deal on its commercial merits rather than against a lending checklist. The business focuses on the initial consideration, the first payment in an acquisition, and the most common point at which a promising deal stalls. A buyer who can commit capital of their own is more credible, more likely to be chosen by a seller, and more likely to complete. By funding that first payment, BlackRidge gives capable buyers the standing to compete for deals that would otherwise pass them by. Graeme Carling, Chairman of The Carling Group, said: “Every day, capable people find a business worth buying and fall at the first hurdle: the money it takes to get the deal moving. We’re not a bank working from a checklist, we’re dealmakers. We’ve spent decades buying, building and selling businesses of our own, so we understand what a good deal looks like and what it takes to complete one. BlackRidge is us putting real capital behind serious people, so they can walk into the room with something in their hand.” BlackRidge is inviting enquiries from buyers who have identified a business to acquire and need finance for the initial consideration. Further information is available at blackridge-capital.co.uk .

September 12, 2026

Business

New Data From People Insight Reveals Women Leaders Underrate Their Impact More Than Men

People Insight has announced the findings of new research that shows women leaders are more likely to underrate their impact than male leaders. Analysis of 2,120 leadership feedback (360 feedback) assessments across 105 organisations found that women and men rated themselves similarly. However, women received slightly higher ratings from others, creating a wider gap between how they saw themselves and how their leadership was experienced. This pattern appeared across every competency measured, from Strategy and Influencing to Performance and Agility. The findings suggest that many women are already having a strong leadership impact but may not fully recognise it. People Insight is therefore encouraging organisations to provide broader, evidence-based feedback that makes strengths as visible as development needs. Tom Debenham, Managing Director at People Insight, said: “So many women are already having a stronger impact than they realise, but bringing this down to confidence alone isn’t good enough. Organisations need to help leaders recognise their strengths, trust the evidence and use those strengths more deliberately.” People Insight cautions that conservative self-ratings are not necessarily a weakness. They may reflect high standards and a commitment to improvement, but without balanced feedback, they could also cause capable leaders to discount their achievements or hesitate over new opportunities. The full report, The numbers are in: women leaders may have a stronger impact than they realise, explores the findings and how 360 feedback, coaching and action planning can make hidden strengths more visible. Download the full report: https://peopleinsight.co.uk/women-leaders-self-perception-gap/ About People Insight People Insight partners with organisations across sectors to develop effective employee listening strategies and drive meaningful improvements to the employee experience through actionable surveys and 360 feedback. With industry-leading benchmark data spanning every sector, People Insight provides an unparalleled understanding of how employee experience varies across industries. By combining cutting-edge technology, generative AI and expert consultancy, People Insight supports the creation of outstanding workplace cultures rooted in evidence and insight.

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