Home Blog

Taskforce Launches Fundraising Campaign to Combat COVID-19

The Lao Government has opened a donation channel for all those looking to contribute financially to the fight against the outbreak of COVID-19.

Laos Signs Concession for 80MW Xekaman 4 Hydropower Project to Export Power to Vietnam

Xekaman-Xanxay Hydropower Dam (Photo used for representational purposes only)

Laos has formalized a build-operate-transfer (BOT) concession for the 80-megawatt Xekaman 4 Hydropower Project in Sekong province, with all electricity generated designated for export to Vietnam.

The agreement, signed on 15 March, involves the Viet-Laos Electricity Joint Stock Company and Vietnam’s Xekaman 4 Electric Power Company. Xekaman 4 is the latest development in the Xekaman cascade, which includes Xekaman 1, 2, and 3, collectively strengthening Laos’ hydropower output along the Sekong River.

Officials said the new plant will employ modern turbines and transmission systems to ensure efficient power delivery to Vietnam while supporting Laos’ goal of expanding renewable energy production.

The project also aligns with regional energy integration under the ASEAN Power Grid framework, enabling cross-border electricity exports and helping meet Vietnam’s growing electricity needs.

Construction and commissioning will follow standard BOT procedures, with electricity sales governed by the joint venture agreement.

More Exports

Electricity exports from Laos to Vietnam have surged in early 2026, with Hanoi importing around 2.92 billion kWh in the first quarter, almost double the volume from the same period last year.

Meanwhile, by the end of 2025, Vietnam had approved power imports from 47 Lao energy projects, totaling more than 8,260 MW, with 2,379 MW already flowing across the border.

Hydropower remains the backbone of Laos’ energy sector, accounting for most of the country’s 12.4 GW installed capacity in 2025. Investments in renewable energy are also rising, including the 1,000 MW Oudomxay solar plant and the Monsoon Wind Power Project in southern Laos, which directly exports electricity to Vietnam.

Cross-border energy trade has become a core part of Laos’ economy under its “Battery of Southeast Asia” strategy.

At the same time, the country is expanding transmission links with China and Thailand, with exports to Thailand reaching over USD 2.3 billion last year.

However, officials warn that domestic supply can be tight during the dry season, prompting plans for more transmission upgrades and renewable energy projects to maintain a stable supply for both local and regional consumers.

LITFINCON Asia 2026 Convenes June 3 – 4 at the Marina Bay Sands as Global Litigation Finance Leaders Gather in Singapore

The inaugural Asia edition of the global litigation finance conference series brings together leading litigation funders, law firms, general counsel, insurers, and institutional investors.

SINGAPORE, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LITFINCON, the global litigation finance conference series, today confirmed that LITFINCON Asia 2026 takes place on June 3-4, 2026 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The inaugural Asia edition convenes senior litigation funders, institutional investors, law firm partners, general counsel, insurers, and dispute resolution professionals for two days focused on the capital, risk transfer, and legal strategies shaping the future of litigation finance across Asia-Pacific.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel - Hosting LITFINCON Asia
Marina Bay Sands Hotel – Hosting LITFINCON Asia

Attendees are expected from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, reflecting the increasingly global and cross-border nature of litigation finance and legal private credit.

With limited seats remaining, LITFINCON Asia 2026 arrives at a defining moment for the industry. The event comes amid accelerating institutional adoption of legal finance globally, including increasing participation from private credit platforms, insurers, and sovereign-backed capital seeking differentiated, uncorrelated exposure. 

The broader legal finance market has also continued to institutionalize globally, with increasing participation from insurers, secondary buyers, and large alternative asset managers seeking exposure to structured legal credit and litigation-related cash flows.

Singapore and Hong Kong have emerged as two of the world’s most developed jurisdictions for litigation finance — deliberately opening their markets, recognizing funder participation in international arbitration, and avoiding some of the overregulation now emerging in Western jurisdictions. Cross-border commercial arbitration filings at SIAC, HKIAC, and ICC Asia continue to rise, while complex commercial disputes, IP enforcement campaigns, and infrastructure-related claims across Southeast Asia, India, China, and Australia represent a growing pipeline of opportunities for sophisticated legal finance providers. 

“The window in Asia is open right now,” said Jim Batson, CIO of Legal Finance at Siltstone Capital. “Singapore and Hong Kong have built the infrastructure. The deal flow is there. Institutional capital is looking for a home. What has been missing is a senior institutional forum dedicated to litigation finance in Asia. That is what LITFINCON Asia is.”

Conference Program: June 3–4, 2026 | Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

On June 3, 2026, the conference begins with an exclusive VIP evening reception at the renowned CÉ LA VI restaurant overlooking the Singapore skyline.

On June 4, 2026, following registration and a networking breakfast, Jim Batson will deliver the opening remarks on the globalization and institutionalization of litigation finance. The conference program will then feature six panels examining the capital, legal, and strategic dynamics shaping the industry globally:

  • Legal Finance in Asia-Pacific
    An analysis of dispute trends shaping Asia-Pacific, including restructuring claims, cross-border recoveries, regulatory developments, and insurance as a risk mitigation tool.
  • Intellectual Property as a Global Asset Class
    An examination of intellectual property as an investable asset class, including enforcement trends, valuation frameworks, and monetization strategies across major global jurisdictions.
  • International Arbitration & Enforcement
    A discussion of cross-border arbitration and enforcement trends, including developments at SIAC, ICC, and LCIA, sovereign disputes, asset tracing, and award monetization.
  • Risk Transfer in Legal Finance
    A discussion on the expanding role of insurance in legal finance, including judgment preservation insurance, portfolio wraps, reinsurance participation, and secondary risk transfer.
  • Cross-Border Capital Formation
    A discussion on capital formation in legal finance across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, including insurance solutions, underwriting innovation, and evolving LP demand.
  • Secondaries, Liquidity & Portfolio Monetization
    An examination of secondary markets in legal finance, including portfolio trades, liquidity solutions, valuation trends, and the growing role of secondary capital in portfolio management.

In addition to the panel discussions, Robert Le, Co-Founder of Siltstone Capital, will share perspectives as a capital allocator and discuss the growing importance of alternative investment strategies within institutional portfolios. 

The conference concludes with an evening networking reception at Marina Bay Sands.

Sponsors and Supporting Partners

LITFINCON Asia 2026 is proud to be supported by its Diamond Sponsor, HOZU Capital, alongside leading industry participants including Deminor, Omni Bridgeway, Bailey & Glasser, LLP, Cherry Johnson Siegmund James PC, and Vale IP. Their participation reflects the breadth and seniority of the litigation finance ecosystem gathering at Marina Bay Sands — spanning global institutional funders, specialist capital providers, plaintiff law firms, and IP-focused practices operating across Asia and internationally.

PR Newswire Asia serves as the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of LITFINCON Asia: The Premier Asian Litigation Finance Conference, helping ensure LITFINCON’s news reaches the global financial, legal, and business media community across Asia-Pacific and worldwide.

Register Now — Limited Places Remain

June 3 is fast approaching. If you are a senior practitioner in law, litigation finance, dispute resolution, or institutional capital allocation and are not yet registered for LITFINCON Asia 2026, now is the time to act. This is among the only dedicated institutional conferences in Asia focused exclusively on litigation finance, structured risk transfer, and legal private credit.

Do not miss the room where these conversations happen.

Full program and registration details are available at: www.litfinconasia.com

LITFINCON Asia 2026 has applied for 5.75 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, with approval expected shortly. Attendees who complete the full-day program at Marina Bay Sands on June 4 will be eligible to claim CPD credit toward their annual professional development requirements. CPD certification documentation will be provided to all qualifying registered attendees following the event.

About LITFINCON

LITFINCON is the global litigation finance conference series, convening the leading funders, law firms, institutional investors, insurers, and legal professionals at the forefront of the industry. Created by Siltstone Capital and operating across Asia, Europe and the United States, LITFINCON brings senior practitioners together for substantive dialogue on the capital, strategy, risk transfer, and legal frameworks shaping the global litigation finance industry.

LITFINCON Asia 2026 takes place June 3-4, 2026 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. LITFINCON Europe 2026 takes place October 7–8, 2026 at Rosewood Hotel in Amsterdam.

About PR Newswire Asia

PR Newswire Asia is the region’s leading press release distribution and content syndication platform, connecting organizations with journalists, media outlets, investors and audiences across Asia-Pacific and globally. As the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of LITFINCON Asia: The Premier Asian Litigation Finance Conference, PR Newswire Asia helps ensure LITFINCON’s news reaches the financial, legal and business media community at the scale and speed demanded by the modern litigation finance industry.

Lao Authorities Seize Suspected Rhino Horn at Wattay Airport

Lao authorities seized over 10 kilograms of rhino horn concealed inside souvenir statues at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. 15 May 2026. (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture and Environment).

Authorities at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane intercepted four pieces of suspected rhino horn, weighing a total of 10.1 kilograms, on the afternoon of 15 May during passenger screening. 

X-ray scans revealed suspicious objects concealed inside black decorative souvenir statues.

The cargo originated in Angola, Africa, on 12 May and passed through two transit countries before arriving in Vientiane, a complex routing designed to obscure the shipment’s origin. 

Physical inspection confirmed the items resembled rhino horn.

The authorities identified a Vietnamese male suspect, approximately 35 years old. A formal investigation is currently underway.

The Wattay seizure comes amid wider regional enforcement efforts targeting wildlife trafficking. 

On 16 May, Thai authorities discovered more than 159 kilograms of contraband along the Mekong riverside in Nong Khai, including 130.9 kilograms of cut ivory and 29 kilograms of animal skeletal remains. 

The same day, a Lao woman was found carrying a live monitor lizard and chopped wildlife meat, highlighting the continued challenges of cross-border wildlife smuggling in the region.

GameChange Solar Announces Partnership with First Solar to Support Next Phase of Utility-Scale Solar Growth in India

BENGALURU, India, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, today announced a strategic partnership with First Solar, Inc. to support the deployment of domestically manufactured thin-film solar modules in India.

GameChange Partners with First Solar
GameChange Partners with First Solar

The announcement builds on the successful execution of two utility-scale projects in India where First Solar’s modules have been deployed on GameChange Solar’s Genius Tracker™ systems. These projects have been operational for over a year, delivering uptime levels of approximately 99.8% and providing on-the-ground validation of the compatibility between First Solar’s modules and GameChange Solar’s tracker platform.

As India moves towards increased adoption of domestically manufactured solar modules under evolving regulatory frameworks such as the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and Approved List of Cell Manufacturers (ALCM), the availability of compliant suppliers becomes a critical factor for project execution. With a limited pool of manufacturers able to meet these requirements, First Solar’s established manufacturing presence in India provides a clear advantage, helping reduce compliance-related uncertainty and mitigate supply chain risk for developers.

Over the past year, GameChange Solar has invested in R&D and engineering to ensure compatibility between its tracker systems and First Solar’s modules manufactured in India, including the Series 7 platform. This work goes beyond standard integration, with design optimization carried out specifically for GameChange Solar’s tracker architecture.

In addition, both companies are working together to further enhance system performance. The combination of First Solar’s modules with GameChange Solar’s tracking systems supports improved generation profiles, and ongoing efforts are focused on optimizing the generation curve for end customers.

What we are seeing now is a shift in how projects are being designed. It is no longer just about module or tracker selection in isolation, but how the two work together to deliver consistent generation over the day. Our work with First Solar is focused on that integration, and the results we are seeing on operating projects reinforce the impact this can have on overall performance,” said Vikram Kenjale, Vice President – India, GameChange Solar.

“India has been an important market for First Solar for over a decade, and we continue to invest in building our manufacturing and supply capabilities here. As demand for domestically manufactured modules grows, collaborations like this help ensure that projects can be executed with greater certainty, backed by reliable supply and strong on-ground performance,” said Sujoy Ghosh, Vice President – Business Development, First Solar.

With both companies continuing to invest in the Indian market, this partnership is expected to play a key role in enabling the next phase of utility-scale solar deployment in the country.

About GameChange Solar

GameChange Solar is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 63 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun’s movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.

In India, GameChange Solar has been recognised as the leading solar tracker company in 2025, according to Mercom India’s Solar Market Leaderboard 2025.

For more information about GameChange Solar and its solar tracking solutions, visit www.gamechangesolar.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gamechange-solar/

Media Contact

Nisha Wadhwani

Lead – Marketing, GameChange Solar

nisha.wadhwani@gamechangesolar.com

Bridgespan Study Finds Systemic Constraints Limiting Nonprofit Effectiveness in Southeast Asia

Research outlines five shifts for funders and intermediaries to strengthen nonprofit impact.

SINGAPORE, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Seven in 10 nonprofit leaders surveyed across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore cite the lack of long-term, flexible funding as a critical challenge, leaving many organisations unable to invest in capacity or scale their impact, according to new research from The Bridgespan Group.

These findings come at a pivotal moment. While Southeast Asia has seen rapid growth in private wealth and philanthropic ambition, this has not translated into a stronger nonprofit sector equipped for sustained, scalable impact. At the same time, demand for nonprofit services is rising due to demographic shifts, climate pressures, and gaps in public systems.

Against this backdrop, Bridgespan’s research highlights the challenges nonprofits face on the ground as well as solutions.

“Nonprofits in Southeast Asia are a critical part of the region’s social fabric, serving as key partners in delivering essential services, informing policy, and catalysing social and climate innovation,” said Keeran Sivarajah, Bridgespan partner and co-author of the report. “Yet our research finds that many nonprofits operate with just enough resources to sustain day-to-day activities, but not enough to invest in innovation or develop the organisational strength needed to expand their impact.”

The report draws on a survey of more than 160 nonprofit leaders across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, alongside in-country workshops and interviews with sector stakeholders. It identifies systemic constraints that limit nonprofit effectiveness.

More than 40 percent reported having fewer than six months of operating reserves. Smaller nonprofits headquartered outside Java in Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia are three to five times more likely to have fewer than three months of reserves.

“Nonprofits across Southeast Asia are not short on ambition – they are constrained by how funding flows and how the system supports them,” said Keeran. “Many have enough to keep going, but not enough to grow.”

The report outlines five shifts for funders, nonprofits, and intermediaries to unlock greater impact across the region, combining a clear diagnosis with practical, actionable steps:

  1. Change the nature of funding to be long-term and flexible, enabling organisations to plan ahead and invest in core capabilities
  2. Target investments to develop nonprofit leaders, staff, and boards, strengthening governance, management, and organisational effectiveness
  3. Support smaller organisations and those based outside major cities, helping address geographic and structural inequities in funding and delivery
  4. Establish shared data and support services, improving coordination, learning, and operational efficiency across the sector
  5. Strengthen pathways for nonprofits and government to work together, enabling alignment on shared priorities and scaling impact 

“These shifts are practical and achievable,” said Ying Yap, manager at Bridgespan and co-author of the report. “They reflect what nonprofit leaders themselves are asking for – investments not only in programmes, but in the strength of nonprofit organisations and the ecosystems that support them.”

The report calls on funders to adopt more flexible, trust-based approaches; on nonprofits to continue strengthening organisational practices and transparency; and on intermediaries to expand access to shared services, talent development, and data infrastructure.

“The window of opportunity is now,” said Pritha Venkatachalam, co-author and co-head, Asia and Africa, for Bridgespan. “Strengthening nonprofits is critical to effectively channel the region’s growing philanthropic capital to the most vulnerable communities. Our research points to a high return on investment in these shifts.”

Read the full report: https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/strengthening-nonprofits-across-indonesia-malaysia-and-singapore

About Bridgespan

The Bridgespan Group (bridgespan.org) is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organisations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan’s services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Delhi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, DC.

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/the_bridgespan_group_logo-1.jpg

Bridgespan Study Finds Systemic Constraints Limiting Nonprofit Effectiveness in Southeast Asia

Research outlines five shifts for funders and intermediaries to strengthen nonprofit impact.

SINGAPORE, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Seven in 10 nonprofit leaders surveyed across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore cite the lack of long-term, flexible funding as a critical challenge, leaving many organisations unable to invest in capacity or scale their impact, according to new research from The Bridgespan Group.

These findings come at a pivotal moment. While Southeast Asia has seen rapid growth in private wealth and philanthropic ambition, this has not translated into a stronger nonprofit sector equipped for sustained, scalable impact. At the same time, demand for nonprofit services is rising due to demographic shifts, climate pressures, and gaps in public systems.

Against this backdrop, Bridgespan’s research highlights the challenges nonprofits face on the ground as well as solutions.

“Nonprofits in Southeast Asia are a critical part of the region’s social fabric, serving as key partners in delivering essential services, informing policy, and catalysing social and climate innovation,” said Keeran Sivarajah, Bridgespan partner and co-author of the report. “Yet our research finds that many nonprofits operate with just enough resources to sustain day-to-day activities, but not enough to invest in innovation or develop the organisational strength needed to expand their impact.”

The report draws on a survey of more than 160 nonprofit leaders across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, alongside in-country workshops and interviews with sector stakeholders. It identifies systemic constraints that limit nonprofit effectiveness.

More than 40 percent reported having fewer than six months of operating reserves. Smaller nonprofits headquartered outside Java in Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia are three to five times more likely to have fewer than three months of reserves.

“Nonprofits across Southeast Asia are not short on ambition – they are constrained by how funding flows and how the system supports them,” said Keeran. “Many have enough to keep going, but not enough to grow.”

The report outlines five shifts for funders, nonprofits, and intermediaries to unlock greater impact across the region, combining a clear diagnosis with practical, actionable steps:

  1. Change the nature of funding to be long-term and flexible, enabling organisations to plan ahead and invest in core capabilities
  2. Target investments to develop nonprofit leaders, staff, and boards, strengthening governance, management, and organisational effectiveness
  3. Support smaller organisations and those based outside major cities, helping address geographic and structural inequities in funding and delivery
  4. Establish shared data and support services, improving coordination, learning, and operational efficiency across the sector
  5. Strengthen pathways for nonprofits and government to work together, enabling alignment on shared priorities and scaling impact 

“These shifts are practical and achievable,” said Ying Yap, manager at Bridgespan and co-author of the report. “They reflect what nonprofit leaders themselves are asking for – investments not only in programmes, but in the strength of nonprofit organisations and the ecosystems that support them.”

The report calls on funders to adopt more flexible, trust-based approaches; on nonprofits to continue strengthening organisational practices and transparency; and on intermediaries to expand access to shared services, talent development, and data infrastructure.

“The window of opportunity is now,” said Pritha Venkatachalam, co-author and co-head, Asia and Africa, for Bridgespan. “Strengthening nonprofits is critical to effectively channel the region’s growing philanthropic capital to the most vulnerable communities. Our research points to a high return on investment in these shifts.”

Read the full report: https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/strengthening-nonprofits-across-indonesia-malaysia-and-singapore

About Bridgespan

The Bridgespan Group (bridgespan.org) is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organisations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan’s services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Delhi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, DC.

The World’s #1 Bestselling Robotic Window Cleaner: ECOVACS WINBOT Restores Crystal-Clear Views with Ease

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 May 2026 – The ECOVACS WINBOT is the world’s #1 bestselling robotic window cleaner, according to data from global market intelligence firm IDC. ECOVACS Robotics, a global leader in service robotics, pioneered this category in 2011 with the WINBOT 5 Series – the world’s first robotic window cleaner. ECOVACS’ “Created for Ease” philosophy led it to create the WINBOT to bring consumers a smarter, safer, and easier way to tackle window cleaning.

ECOVACS WINBOT

Keeping the large windows and expansive views in today’s modern homes crystal-clear can be risky, inconvenient, and labor-intensive. Windows are constantly exposed to dust, pollution, and severe weather. For those in high-rise buildings, cleaning exterior windows can be dangerous and requires expensive professional help. Manual cleaning often leaves streaks. Scrubbing large glass surfaces can be tiring. These challenges lead many to avoid cleaning their windows altogether.
Robotic window cleaners like the ECOVACS WINBOT help solve these pain points so users can enjoy clear views from edge to edge with ease. Consumer demand for them is surging, according to IDC, which found that the ECOVACS WINBOT was the world’s #1 selling robotic window cleaner in 2025.1 It has also been #1 in China for three consecutive years according to data from All View Cloud (AVC).
A Trusted Choice for Effortless Cleaning
ECOVACS is a pioneer in service robotics. Knowing that consumers want effortless smart home cleaning solutions beyond floor cleaning, it began developing robotic window cleaners 15 years ago. Since the first WINBOT, the line has undergone seven generations of core upgrades. Leveraging its R&D strengths, ECOVACS continually sets new industry benchmarks with innovative technologies that make window cleaning safer, faster and more convenient for users.

ECOVACS WINBOT’s innovations for enhanced cleaning performance are designed to effectively remove dust, rain stains, and pollution buildup. For example, ECOVACS’ TruEdge Technology is designed to clean edges and hard-to-reach corners — ensuring spotless, crystal-clear views — and its Three-nozzle Wide-angle Spray Technology enables a deeper clean.

Other innovations enhance convenience. The all-in-one OMNI Station is a control panel, charger, stabilizer, and portable storage space for the WINBOT and its accessories. It is also equipped with a safety rope with a tensile strength of up to 100KG. Other WINBOT safety features include optimized suction power, anti-drop protection, edge detection, smart navigation for obstacle avoidance, and insurance protection.
The ECOVACS WINBOT’s sales performance is also impressive. In 2025, its sales volume exceeded 1 million units, with cumulative global sales surpassing 2.6 million units.

From entry-level to premium models, ECOVACS offers a diverse WINBOT product portfolio across different markets to meet users’ needs for taking care of various glass surfaces, including glass panels, balcony glass, and shower screens. The ECOVACS WINBOT family revolutionizes window cleaning with cutting-edge technologies that bring users a high-performance, convenient and hassle-free experience that ensures crystal-clear views with absolute peace-of-mind.

1https://www.idc.com/resource-center/blog/global-home-cleaning-robot-market-2025/

Hashtag: #ECOVACS

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

World Gym Corporation (TWSE: 2762) Highlights Q1 2026 Results and Results Conference Invitation

Revenue expanded 9.4% YoY, EPS more than tripled, dividend yield increased substantially

TAIPEI, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Gym Corporation (TWSE: 2762) (“World Gym” or the “Company”), the owner of the iconic World Gym brand with more than 280 locations worldwide, highlights its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 and invites investors to attend its upcoming online results conference hosted by Fubon Securities.

Q1 2026 Financial Highlights

  • Net Profit: NT$219 million (US$6.93 million), up 31.3% QoQ and 344.7% YoY
  • Gross Margin: 21.78%, up 1 ppt QoQ and 6.2 ppts YoY
  • Operating Margin: 10.69%, up 2.1 ppts QoQ and 7 ppts YoY
  • Earnings Per Share: NT$2.01
  • Cash Dividend Approved: NT$3.64 per share

Total revenue increased 9.38% YoY to NT$2.81 billion (US$88.88 million), while net income rose 3.45x YoY, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of significant EPS growth and a new single-quarter record since the Company’s TWSE listing.

The Board approved a Q1 dividend consisting of NT$1.81 per share from earnings and NT$1.83 per share from capital reserve.

Chairman John Caraccio commented:

“World Gym delivered an exceptional start to 2026 with record EPS, significant margin expansion, and a strong shareholder return profile. Following the successful completion of our strategic transition last year, we remain highly confident in our growth momentum and are entering the summer season with strong demand and expanding profitability.”

Note: Based on a USD/TWD exchange rate of 31.63

2026 Q1 Financial Results Report (Unit: NT$ K)

Item

2026 Q1

2025 Q4

QoQ%

2025Q1

YoY%

Operating Revenues

2,811,384

2,878,482

(2.33)

2,570,357

9.38

Gross Profit

612,346

598,142

2.37

399,678

53.21

Income before tax

268,722

214,776

25.12

62,116

332.61

Net Income

219,155

166,896

31.31

49,281

344.70

Growth Outlook

World Gym expects continued momentum driven by:

• Plans to open 12–15 new locations in 2026 targeting high-return markets
• Nationwide rollout of one-on-one and small-group Pilates programs
• Launch of an AI-driven health management platform in Q3 2026

Investor Conference Details

Fubon Securities will host World Gym’s management on an online investor conference to discuss Q1 results and outlook.

Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 14:30 Taiwan Time (02:30 AM ET)
Host: Fubon Securities
Format: Online webcast

Registration details will be announced by Fubon Securities and materials and replay will be made available on World Gym’s investor relations website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding future growth, expansion plans, new product launches, expected performance, dividend policy, and management’s outlook. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may affect future results include economic conditions, market competition, regulatory developments, consumer demand, and the Company’s ability to execute its growth strategy. World Gym Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

About World Gym Corporation

World Gym Corporation is Taiwan’s largest fitness chain, operating 145 locations. In 2024, it acquired World Gym International, securing the iconic World Gym brand and global operating rights, establishing itself as a global fitness leader. With a franchise network spanning 10 countries and 286 locations, it serves 900,000 members. The company continues to empower individuals worldwide to achieve their fitness goals and live healthier lives through state-of-the-art facilities, innovative programs, and technology-driven solutions.