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Global Celebrities. Pro-Cowboys & Cowgirls. Supermodels. Equine Superstars & Crafty Cattle – A Night of Stars in Historic Western Arena

Icon Global & National Cutting Horse Assn. (NCHA) Announce 2026 Celebrity Cutting Event Benefiting UT Southwestern Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas. Nicole and Taylor Sheridan Lean into the Cowboy Cause Bringing A-Listers to Hometown.

DALLAS, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Icon Global and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) today officially announce the return of the NCHA Celebrity Cutting presented by Icon Global – Saturday April 11, 2026. Tickets on Sale February 27, 2026.

“There is no more important date on our calendar than this one,” said Icon Global Founder Australian Bernard (Bernie) Uechtritz. The inaugural event in 2024 was spectacular and a sellout. We skipped 2025 due to construction at the Historic Will Rogers Coliseum”.

Past riders and celebrities included competitive rides by Supermodel Model Bella Hadid and Landman’s Michelle Randolph, with attendance by Australian Film star Nicole Kidman who are also expected to return in 2026. Yellowstone actors/competitors were Jefferson White, Mo Brings Plenty, Ian Bohen, Jennifer Landon, and Forrie Smith. 1923’s Aminah Nieves and Brandon Sklenar also saddled up. Lioness’s actor La Monica Garrett competed. Musician and Yellowstone star Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton) played the private VIP meet and greet. Australian country music legend Keith Urban also showed his enthusiastic support in attendance. Yellowstone’s actor Ian Bohen (Ryan) and NCHA rider Elizabeth Quick won the evening in spectacular style.

This year’s night will feature additional stars from some of today’s most popular film and television projects, including talent from Taylor Sheridan productions such as Landman, Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown, The Madison, and others. The 2026 Celebrity Cutting line-up includes Dave Annable, Michael Kelly, Beau Garrett, Elle Chapman, Neal McDonough, Ian Bohen, Taylor Handley, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Jill Wagner, Robert Patrick, Caleb Plant, Matthew Rys, and C. Thomas Howell announced so far. Additional Film, Television, Music and Entertainment Celebrities, Participants and Sponsor announcements will follow in coming weeks.

The unique and highly anticipated event brings together A-List Celebrities, entertainers and personalities as well as professional horse trainers, breeders, equine athletes and others pairing with celebrity riders in sixteen highly competitive teams. This year, Celebrity Team Sponsorship opportunities are available, creating high visibility opportunities for individual support and corporate sponsors; packages include Saturday VIP Meet & Greet Passes and Box Seats, Friday Night’s Private Draw Party Invite, Photo Op’s, Announcer & Program recognition, Social Media exposure and Team logo placement.

The evening will also feature other exclusive hospitality experiences and opportunities and offers fans a rare opportunity to witness an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime night in the arena, all the while raising critical funds for life-saving cancer research, treatment, and patient care at UT Southwestern.

“This year is especially significant to us on a personal level, as Icon continues its support of UT Southwestern while their exceptional doctors and surgeons are providing care for my own family in real time. I can personally attest to their institutional expertise and compassionate care, each incredible and invaluable to all,” stated Icon Global’ s Uechtritz.

Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern said, “We are honored that UT Southwestern has again been selected as the beneficiary of the NCHA Celebrity Cutting presented by Icon Global.”

Jay Winborn, Executive Director of the National Cutting Horse Association added,” This night adds a powerful philanthropic dimension to the month-long show, reinforcing NCHA’s commitment to community impact and the future of the sport. We’re proud to continue growing the Celebrity Cutting and supporting UT Southwestern and their important work in cancer care and research.”- End

For more information about the NCHA Super Stakes and Celebrity Cutting www.Icon.Global

media package – NCHA Celebrity Cutting 2026 presented by Icon Global

Videos:
Icon Global presents NCHA Celebrity Cutting 2026 – 60 sec

Icon Global presents NCHA Celebrity Cutting 2026 – 40 sec

Icon Global presents NCHA Celebrity Cutting 2026 – 30 sec

About Celebrity Cutting.

Co-chaired By Nicole Sheridan, Sherri Patton and Kit Moncrief, the Celebrity Cutting is held inside Fort Worth’s Historic Will Rogers Coliseum during the month-long NCHA Super Stakes program—an event also presented by Icon Global—The Super Stakes is one of the premier events in the Western horse industry, drawing top competitors and fans from around the world.

About Icon Global

Icon Global designs and implements strategic, tactical, national and global marketing campaigns for Iconic real estate, and additionally provides specialty advisory and portfolio services for owners of unique assets across the USA, parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Icon represents banking and governmental institutions, and high net worth individuals’, as well as corporations and family offices globally in the acquisition, management and disposition of property in all asset classes. Icon Global was founded by complex deal maker and International real estate advisor, Bernard Uechtritz.

About the NCHA

The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is dedicated to promoting and preserving the western sport of cutting, supporting its members, and celebrating the Western heritage that defines the industry.

About UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern, one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution’s faculty members have received six Nobel Prizes and include 24 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 13 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 3,300 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians in more than 80 specialties care for more than 143,000 hospitalized patients, attend to more than 470,000 emergency room cases, and oversee nearly 5.3 million outpatient visits a year.

Blockchain.com Secures FCA Registration, Expands Regulated Crypto Services in the UK

A major milestone for Blockchain.com, a homegrown company that began in York and evolved into a global crypto leader headquartered in London

LONDON, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blockchain.com today announced that it has officially been registered with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate as a crypto asset business. Founded in the UK, Blockchain.com has spent over a decade at the heart of the British crypto ecosystem as both a service provider and an active investor. The registration cements the company’s presence in the UK and sets the foundation for a new chapter of institutional and retail growth.

This registration enables Blockchain.com to deliver brokerage, custodial, and institutional-grade crypto services across the UK in compliance with one of the world’s most respected financial regulations.

“Blockchain.com is a company with deep British roots. We started this journey in York and grew it in London,” said Peter Smith, CEO, Founder and Executive Chairman at Blockchain.com. “We’ve been part of the UK’s tech landscape for over a decade, and we’ve always believed in the importance of getting this right. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the FCA and UK policymakers as they shape the permanent regulatory framework, ensuring the UK remains a global leader in financial innovation.”

This comes on the heels of the company securing its MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) license last year, a major step that allows the company to provide crypto services across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries under one unified regulatory framework.

“As one of the longest-running crypto companies in the world, this registration reflects a long-term commitment to building responsibly within one of the world’s most respected regulatory environments,” said Nic Cary, Co-founder and Vice Chairman at Blockchain.com. “We’re proud of the talent we’ve built here and look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with UK regulators as the sector evolves.”

The registration comes at a pivotal time for the UK’s digital asset sector. As the government and the FCA develop their comprehensive regulatory regime, the company intends to apply for authorisation gateway opening later this year, with the goal of securing full authorisation under the new permanent regime when it takes effect in 2027.

This regulatory milestone builds on Blockchain.com’s presence across more than 70 jurisdictions worldwide. This solidifies the company’s UK operations in preparation for the next generation of financial innovation, including:

  • Offering digital asset custody and wallet services to UK customers
  • Supporting enterprise-grade compliance and treasury tools for institutions
  • Expanding access to brokerage services in alignment with FCA standards
  • Strengthening partnership potential with regulated financial entities in the UK

Since 2011, Blockchain.com has processed over $1.2 trillion in crypto transactions and served more than 90 million wallets globally. Its legacy of security, compliance, and innovation continues to define its leadership in the evolving digital asset space.

About Blockchain.com 
Blockchain.com is connecting the world to the future of finance. The global leader in crypto services helping millions across the globe access cryptocurrency. Since its inception in 2011, Blockchain.com has earned the trust of more than 90 million wallets and over 40 million verified users, and has facilitated over $1.2 trillion in crypto transactions. Visit Blockchain.com for more information.

Media Contact: press@blockchain.com

 

Sands China Unites for Chinese New Year Community Care Initiative

Senior management joins hands with team members to serve the Macao community through “Sands Cares” spirit

MACAO, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese New Year is one of the most cherished festivals across Chinese communities worldwide. Each year, as Sands China joins global visitors in celebrating the season, it is the company’s tradition to turn festive blessings into meaningful actions – bringing care, warmth, and goodwill into the community.

Senior management from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, together with team members and Sands China Cares Ambassadors — around 300 participants in total —take part in the “Sands Cares Spring Celebrations with the Community” volunteer activity Feb. 3.
Senior management from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, together with team members and Sands China Cares Ambassadors — around 300 participants in total —take part in the “Sands Cares Spring Celebrations with the Community” volunteer activity Feb. 3.

As the Year of the Horse draws close, senior management from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China gathered in Macao to lead by example, bringing the Sands Cares spirit of community service to life as they joined team members in the annual Sands Cares Spring Celebrations with the Community. The initiative underscores Sands’ long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility across its operating regions, not only translating festive joy into community support, but also reflecting its deep respect for Chinese culture.

During an activity on Feb. 3, Patrick Dumont, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, together with the senior management team, joined with 300 participants, including Sands China team members from across 20 departments and Sands Cares Ambassadors. Guided by the shared spirit of Sands Cares, participants prepared Lunar New Year gift packs and handwritten festive spring couplets. Together, they packaged more than 20,000 staple foods and essential items, assembling 2,000 Lunar New Year gift packs, each filled with care and well wishes for the community.

Sands China’s commitment to community also extends to supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Dumont and senior management paid a visit to Rua das Estalagens, offering early New Year greetings to enterprises participating in Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, engaging directly with business owners and wishing them continued success in the year ahead.

To further support the growth of local social service organisations, all items within the gift packs packaged on Feb. 3, including cooking oil, rice, healthy noodles, cleaning supplies, and handwritten spring couplets, were sourced from the local NGO Fuhong Society of Macau. The gift packs were delivered by Sands Cares Ambassadors to elderly users of the Peng On Tung service and individuals in need, ensuring that every gesture of “Sands Cares” truly reaches both hands and hearts.

Dumont and members of the senior management team also took part in local New Year customs by learning to write traditional spring couplets, gaining first-hand appreciation of the cultural significance and auspicious meanings associated with the Chinese character Fu (福). During the activity, they also extended festive greetings to team members and volunteers in both Cantonese and Mandarin, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter and warmth, while embracing Sands’ long-standing commitment to community and Macao’s rich Chinese cultural heritage.

Dumont and team expressed pride in Sands China’s role as a dedicated employer and responsible corporate citizen. They also commended Sands China’s volunteer team for its long-term dedication and enthusiasm, encouraging more team members to take part in volunteer programmes and help extend further care to the Macao community.

The Sands Cares Ambassador volunteer team was established as Macao’s first corporate volunteer team within the industry. To date, more than 4,000 team members have participated, contributing over 360,000 cumulative volunteer hours. In the past year alone, the team organised an average of up to four community care activities per week, building strong, long-term partnerships through consistent and heartfelt service.

Now a nearly two-decade tradition, the “Sands Cares Spring Celebrations with the Community” event features broader participation and richer cultural exchange this year. In collaboration with various social service partners including the Peng On Tung Tele-Assistance Service Centre under the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau, the Fuhong Society of Macau, the “Corner of Portuguese Cuisine” training restaurant, and the Everyone Stray Dogs Macau Volunteer Group, the initiative delivers a total of 2,000 Chinese New Year festive kits, 1,000 meal boxes, visits to 200 elderly individuals living alone, and provides employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through social enterprises — allowing care and blessings to circulate throughout the community.

Through thoughtful action, practical support, and genuine engagement, Sands China continues to live out the Sands Cares spirit, strengthening its partnership with Macao and working hand in hand with the community to build a more caring, inclusive society.

The Sands Cares Spring Celebration with the Community and other community initiatives are part of the Sands Cares global corporate citizenship programme. Over the years, the programme has introduced numerous initiatives to give back to society, actively collaborating with local charities and social service organisations to build a better, more harmonious, and inclusive Macao.

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner Macao®. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

Sands Cares

A firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Sands China Ltd. engages with the local Macao community as a part of Sands Cares – the charitable giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company’s philanthropic work worldwide in four key areas: financial giving, community problem solving and collaboration, in-kind donations, and team member volunteerism.

Key areas of Sands Cares in Macao include the Sands Cares Ambassador programme for volunteering in the local community; charitable contributions to NGOs and community organisations; and sponsorship of community events.

For more information, please visit www.sands.com/sands-cares/ 

Media contacts:

Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo 

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo

Patrick Dumont (second from left), president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, together with the company’s management team, participates in assembling Chinese New Year festive kits Feb. 3. The team worked together to assemble more than 20,000 staple foods and essential items.
Patrick Dumont (second from left), president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, together with the company’s management team, participates in assembling Chinese New Year festive kits Feb. 3. The team worked together to assemble more than 20,000 staple foods and essential items.

Sands shares Chinese New Year joy and blessings with the Macao community, celebrating Chinese cultural heritage in a warm and festive atmosphere Feb. 3.
Sands shares Chinese New Year joy and blessings with the Macao community, celebrating Chinese cultural heritage in a warm and festive atmosphere Feb. 3.

Patrick Dumont and executives walk through Rua das Estalagens Feb. 2. They offered early New Year greetings and visited the enterprises developed under Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens.
Patrick Dumont and executives walk through Rua das Estalagens Feb. 2. They offered early New Year greetings and visited the enterprises developed under Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens.

Robo.ai and DaBoss.AI Establish Joint Venture to Launch Distributed Embodied AI Data Platform

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Robo.ai Inc. (NASDAQ: AIIO), a Nasdaq-listed company, today announced the execution of a definitive joint venture agreement with DaBoss.AI Inc., an embodied intelligence data technology company based in Silicon Valley.

The parties will establish a Robo.ai-controlled joint venture in the UAE to create a distributed embodied intelligence data acquisition and annotation center. The center is designed to systematically address three core challenges—data scale, acquisition cost, and data compliance—faced by large AI models as they advance into the physical world, thereby accelerating the scaled deployment of the machine economy in real-world business scenarios.

The joint venture intends to integrate DaBoss.AI’s industry insights from Silicon Valley with its global distributed collaboration model. Its strategic objectives are to enable AI developers by 1) enhancing delivery efficiency for clients through a global collaborative network enabling cross-geography response to data acquisition tasks; 2) expanding access to diversified scenarios through a global node network providing multi-modal datasets across various environments and conditions; and 3) developing a standardized compliance framework, leveraging UAE’s strategic position to explore internationally aligned data processing protocols.

Technically, the venture will implement a validated “dual-engine” data acquisition methodology to build high-fidelity datasets. This encompasses embodied data, collected via standardized robotic terminals in controlled spaces for precise action trajectory and force feedback, as well as non-embodied data, captured at scale via VR and wearable devices to record first-person visual and motion data in complex operational scenarios.

Aiden Zhu, Co-founder and U.S. CEO of DaBoss.AI, stated: “Historically, acquiring embodied intelligence data involved capital-intensive and high-risk models. Through this collaboration, clients simply need to define the scope of the task. Our distributed network automates global deployment, hardware adaptation, data collection, and alignment. We are transforming robotic hardware into elastic, scalable global data infrastructure.”

Benjamin Zhai, CEO of Robo.ai, stated: “This partnership provides access to physical world data and introduces cutting-edge acquisition technology from Silicon Valley. It enables us to serve global clients with urgent needs for high-quality embodied intelligence data in a compliant and efficient manner, supporting a strategic transition from digital to physical.”

Under the agreement, Robo.ai will hold a 51% equity stake in the joint venture and appoint a majority of its board members. The venture’s financial results will be consolidated into Robo.ai’s financial statements under U.S. GAAP. The parties plan to complete the initial deployment of the distributed network and commence commercial operations within 90 days following the agreement’s execution.

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ materially from expectations — please refer to the company’s SEC filings for details.

 


Technical video preview

ECARX Announces Completion of the Final Tranche of US$100 million Convertible Notes

LONDON, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ECARX Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ECX) (“ECARX” or the “Company”), a global mobility tech provider, today announced that the aggregate US$100 million in convertible notes (the “2025 Notes”) contemplated by the convertible note purchase agreement entered into on November 3, 2025 (the “2025 Note Purchase Agreement”), as previously announced, have been fully subscribed as of February 9, 2026. 

Pursuant to the 2025 Note Purchase Agreement, US$35 million of the 2025 Notes was purchased by the Initial Investor on November 14, 2025, and was followed by the purchase of US$25 million of the 2025 Notes by another investor on November 26, 2025. The remaining US$40 million of the 2025 Notes was purchased by a consortium of investors on February 9, 2026. All of the issued 2025 Notes have an initial conversion price of US$2.62, subject to customary adjustments set forth therein.

The US$100 million offering was jointly purchased by SPDB International (Hong Kong) Limited, ICBC International Investment Management Limited, CNCB (Hong Kong) Investment Limited, and a global investment institution.

Mr. Ziyu Shen, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ECARX, commented: “In 2025, we secured two major projects from Volkswagen Group and established technology partnerships with several global luxury automotive brands. This strategic capital commitment serves as a powerful endorsement of our global expansion strategy. With the completion of this transaction, we successfully refinanced US$65 million of our previous convertible notes and obtained an additional US$35 million in funding, further strengthening our capital structure. Combined with the US$45.6 million strategic investment from Geely in January 2026, we now have ample liquidity to drive our vision of becoming a leading Automotive Physical AI technology innovator.”

About ECARX

ECARX (Nasdaq: ECX) is a global automotive technology provider with capabilities to deliver turnkey solutions for next–generation smart vehicles, from the system–on–a–chip (SoC) to central computing platforms and software. As automakers develop new vehicle architectures, ECARX is developing full–stack solutions to enhance the user experience while reducing complexity and cost.

Founded in 2017 and listed on Nasdaq in 2022, ECARX now has over 1,500 employees based in 13 major locations in China, UK, USA, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, Sweden and Germany. To date, ECARX products can be found in approximately 10 million vehicles worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s beliefs and expectations as well as on assumptions made by and data currently available to management, appear in a number of places throughout this document and include statements regarding, amongst other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which we operate. The use of words “expects”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “believes”, “should”, “potential”, “may”, “preliminary”, “forecast”, “objective”, “plan”, or “target”, and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies, future market conditions or economic performance and developments in the capital and credit markets and expected future financial performance, and the markets in which we operate.

For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, see ECARX’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ECARX undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law.

 

 

 

New global IKEA study finds nearly 1 in 5 people eat dinner on the sofa

MALMÖ, Sweden, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly 1 in 5 people now eat dinner on the sofa, according to a new global study by IKEA that reveals how screens, space, and shifting routines are quietly transforming one of our most human rituals.

TOP 10 trends based on IKEA Cooking & Eating Survey
TOP 10 trends based on IKEA Cooking & Eating Survey

The study, one of the largest Cooking & Eating surveys ever conducted with 31,339 respondents across 31 markets, found that fewer than half (44%) eat dinner at a kitchen table, while 18% dine on the sofa, 4% eat in bed, and another 4% stand in the kitchen. In the UK, nearly half (48%) now eat on the sofa, while 31% eat at a kitchen table.

The survey also shows that only 7% of people live in households with device‑free policies at the dining table. In contrast, 54% watch TV when eating alone, and 40% do so even when eating with people they live with. Lack of time remains the biggest barrier to cooking at home on weekdays, particularly among younger generations: 38% of Gen Z and 33% of Millennials cite it as one of their top challenges. People living with children and those in fast‑paced urban environments report even more obstacles, including limited space and insufficient kitchen equipment.

Lorena Lourido Gomez says: “Together, these findings reveal how modern life is reshaping one of our most human rituals, reflecting growing concerns about loneliness and digital distraction, even as 60% say connection through food matters to them. It’s clear that food remains one of the strongest love languages across cultures. That’s why we’re putting even more focus on Cooking & Eating this year to help bring people back together around food, and to design for real, meaningful moments in everyday life.”

Where, when, and how we eat 
Across the globe, eating has become more fragmented, informal, and mobile. Americans and Hungarians are also twice as likely to eat in bed compared to other nationalities (9% vs 4%), and Brits are nearly three times more likely than the global average not to have a dining table.

The average dinner time around the world is 6:44pm. As homes get smaller, the traditional notion of “sitting down to eat” is being replaced by more fluid, on-the-move behaviours.

For more information, visit IKEA Cooking & Eating Report 2026 and Ingka Newsroom.

VinDynamics unveils star leadership team with global ambitions for Vietnamese humanoid robots


Hanoi, Vietnam – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – With a high-quality team and the ambition to bring humanoid robots into everyday life, VinDynamics has officially introduced two key leaders, President La Manh Hung and Chief Technology Officer Nguyen Quang Vinh. Their partnership unites world-class research expertise and the ability to turn research into market-ready products, positioning the company for rapid progress in the near term.

VinDynamics unveils star leadership team with global ambitions for Vietnamese humanoid robots

In robotics, harmonizing cutting-edge research with real-world application remains a central challenge. VinDynamics addresses this by pairing Professor La Manh Hung, who shapes the vision through a rigorous scientific research foundation, with Nguyen Quang Vinh, who focuses on converting concepts into reliable systems used in real-world environments. Their shared objective is Robots for Everyone, where robots serve as practical assistants that make daily life easier, safer, and more efficient.

La Manh Hung, the chief architect bringing global expertise back to Vietnam

At the helm of VinDynamics is Mr. La Manh Hung, a robotics professor and Director of the Advanced Robotics and Automation Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno in the United States. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award and has received the Charles Pankow Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers twice. He also founded AIR Corp, a robotics startup backed by several major US-based investment funds.

With more than 20 years of experience, over 170 scientific publications, more than 9,000 citations, and research funding exceeding 12 million US dollars, Professor Hung serves as “chief architect” of VinDynamics long-term vision. He leads efforts to connect global research ecosystem and to establish advanced robotics standards for the company in Vietnam.

Explaining his decision to lead VinDynamics, President La Manh Hung said the move reflects both a technology opportunity and a commitment to contribute to his home country. “VinDynamics focuses on developing intelligent, safe, and versatile humanoid robots. We want robots not to remain distant technological achievements, but to become a natural, practical part of life that helps people live happier lives,” he emphasized.

CTO Nguyen Quang Vinh: Bringing robots from the lab to the real world

If Mr. La Manh Hung represents research depth, Chief Technology Officer Nguyen Quang Vinh represents execution-focused engineering.

After graduating as valedictorian of the Talented Engineer Program in Automatic Control at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, he completed five years of doctoral research on human locomotion and spent six years in the US-based robotics startup sector.

Before joining VinDynamics, he served as Head of Control and Behavior at Ghost Robotics, one of the world-leading developers of quadruped robots. He played a key role in designing control and behavior systems that enable robots to operate reliably in demanding real-world settings across security, industrial, and service applications.

At VinDynamics, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh focuses on system-architecture standardization, safety optimization, and scalable production. His thinking is very clear: “Robots only have real value when they operate reliably, safely, and deliver measurable results in everyday life.”

Under this leadership team and a highly-qualified group of international engineers and specialists, VinDynamics has already achieved notable milestones. Its first humanoid prototype, Dyno, reached stable walking capability after just four months of development, an accelerated timeline by global startup standards.

With a strong leadership foundation and a clearly-defined strategy, VinDynamics is positioned to advance Make-in-Vietnam humanoid robots into practical deployment, serving both domestic needs and international markets.

Hashtag: #VinDynamics

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

CooperVision Launches MiSight® 1 day in Japan; Becomes First Myopia Control Contact Lens in Leading Vision Care Market

CooperVision Strengthens Global Footprint with Expanded Access to Myopia Management in Asia-Pacific

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CooperVision today announced immediate availability of its MiSight® 1 day* myopia control contact lens in Japan, where as many as 77% of elementary school children are estimated to be myopic, equating to millions who could benefit from myopia control treatments.1 The country represents approximately 12% of the global contact lens marketplace.2

MiSight® 1 day
MiSight® 1 day

MiSight® 1 day is the first soft contact lens authorized by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for use by children to correct myopia and control its progression.†‡3

“This milestone underscores CooperVision’s deep commitment to improving the lives of children around the world with myopia by expanding access to proven solutions,” said Jennifer Lambert, Vice President, Myopia Management and Cornea Care, CooperVision. “The launch of MiSight® 1 day in Japan represents an enormous step forward in that mission. Partnering with Japan’s revered ophthalmology community, we are helping young patients see clearly today while protecting their vision for the future.”

Myopia affects nearly one in three children worldwide and is expected to rise dramatically over the next few years.§4,5 By 2050, it’s predicted that nearly five billion people will be myopic, with nearly one billion expected to have high levels of myopia.6 Also known as nearsightedness, myopia can significantly impact a child’s quality of life—making it harder to participate in school, sports, and other activities.7,8 Myopia can also worsen rapidly, especially in younger children, so early intervention is important.9

MiSight® 1 day is approved for myopia control in more than 40 countries around the world, and is the first and only soft contact lens approved for myopia control in Japan, the United States and China.†**††‡‡§§3,10 Worldwide, children wearing MiSight® 1 day contact lenses collectively account for more than half a billion hours annually.***11

Featuring CooperVision’s proprietary ActivControl® Technology—alternating correction and treatment zones that correct vision while creating myopia defocus to help slow myopia growth—the lenses have demonstrated an average 59% reduction in myopia progression after three years with 41% of eyes having no progression.†††3,10

“This is another significant step forward in our mission to take on myopia at a global scale,” said Debbie Olive, Chief Commercial Officer, CooperVision. “For children and families affected, myopia can impact more than vision—it can influence daily life, learning, and long‑term potential. Expanding access to proven myopia control solutions means families don’t have to face these challenges alone in Japan or other communities around the world.”

MiSight® 1 day is part of CooperVision’s comprehensive portfolio of myopia control and management solutions—the world’s largest evidence-based range of interventions. This includes daytime soft contact lenses, spectacles and overnight orthokeratology lenses, designed to meet the diverse needs and lifestyles of children with myopia. Last month, the company announced availability of its MyDay® MiSight® 1 day contact lenses in the United Kingdom plus select European and surrounding markets, further extending its portfolio and category leadership.

To find out more about CooperVision’s contact lens portfolio and evidence-based myopia management interventions, visit: www.coopervision.com/select-region.

About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.

About CooperCompanies
CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on helping people experience life’s beautiful moments through its two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, helping to improve the way people see each day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., CooperCompanies has a workforce of more than 15,000, sells products in over 130 countries, and positively impacts over fifty million lives each year. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements regarding the launch of MyDay® MiSight® 1 day. Forward-looking statements necessarily depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are risks relating to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new or alternative products; potential product performance, availability and quality issues; competition; launch delays; and other factors described in CooperCompanies’ Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the “Business”, “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections in Cooper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, as such Risk Factors may be updated in annual and quarterly filings. CooperCompanies cautions investors that forward-looking statements reflect the company’s analysis only on their stated date. CooperCompanies disclaims any intent to update them except as required by law.

Media Contact
Laura DiCaprio, APR
McDougall Communications for CooperVision
laura@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-434-2148

* Please consult your eyecare professional before using contact lenses.
† Intended purpose (purpose or effect of use): Correction and slowing the progression of nearsightedness.
‡ Compared to a single vision 1-day lens over a 24-month period.
§ Based on a comprehensive analysis of 276 studies, involving a total of 5,410,945 children and adolescents with spherical equivalent of -0.50D or less, aged 6-19 from across 50 countries, with notable variations in prevalence across different demographic groups.

** China Indications for Use: MiSight® 1 day is indicated for the correction of myopia for patients with non-diseased phakic eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 D to -4.00 D with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. It has the dual focal design with alternating multiple rings, which allows part of the light passing through the optical zone to focus in front of the retina, forming myopic defocus with the expectation to slow the change of axial length of the patients. Fitting and evaluation of the product should be in medical institutions by ophthalmologists with an intermediate title or above and with regular monitoring. It must be used in strict accordance with the IFU requirements.
†† U.S. Indications for Use: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal
‡‡ Compared to a single vision 1-day lens over a 3-year period.
§§ Intended purpose (purpose or effect of use): Correction and slowing the progression of nearsightedness.
*** Based on actual wearing hours as reported by study participants, plus estimated wearing hours for current total real-world wearers, assuming compliance with wearing times as per the indication.
††† Compared to single vision lens, no clinically meaningful change in refractive error (-0.25D or less from baseline). Fitted at 8-12 years of age.

1 Yotsukura E et al. Current prevalence of myopia and association of myopia with environmental factors among school children in Japan. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2019; 137(11): 1233-9.
2 Contact Lens Institute data, Q3 2025.
3 CVI data on file, 2025.
4 Liang J, Pu Y, Chen J, et al. Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
British Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;109:362-371.
5 James S. Wolffsohn, Monica Jong, Earl L. Smith, Serge R. Resnikoff, Jost B. Jonas, Nicola S. Logan, Ian Morgan, Padmaja Sankaridurg, Kyoko Ohno-Matsui; IMI 2021 Reports and Digest – Reflections on the Implications for Clinical Practice. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2021;62(5):1. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.62.5.1.
6 Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-1042.
7 E. L. Lamoureux et al. Myopia and Quality of Life: The Singapore Malay Eye Study (SiMES). IOVS 2008;49(13):4469.
8 Chua S.Y.L., Foster P.J. (2020) The Economic and Societal Impact of Myopia and High Myopia:53-63. In: Ang M., Wong T. (eds) Updates on Myopia. Springer, Singapore.
9 K. Zadnik et al. Factors Associated with Rapid Myopia Progression in School-aged Children. IOVS 2004;45(13):2306.
10 Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight® Lenses for Myopia Control. OVS 2019 Aug;96(8):556-567.
11 CVI data on file 2025. Internal global wearer modeling estimates for the 12-month period of October 2024 to September 2025.