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SanegeneBio Announces RNAi Global Licensing Collaboration with Genentech

– SanegeneBio grants exclusive worldwide license to one of its RNAi programs to Genentech

– SanegeneBio to receive $200 million upfront payment and will be eligible to receive development and commercialization milestone payments, totaling up to $1.5 billion, plus tiered royalties

– Genentech will be responsible for the subsequent clinical development and commercialization globally

BOSTON, SHANGHAI and SUZHOU, China, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SanegeneBio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative RNAi therapeutics, today announced a global licensing agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to advance one of its RNAi programs based on its proprietary RNAi platform. Under the agreement, SanegeneBio grants Genentech exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the program. SanegeneBio will be responsible for early development activities and Genentech will subsequently lead all future clinical development and commercialization activities.

SanegeneBio’s proprietary RNAi platform includes novel chemistries and delivery technologies that can be utilized to generate potential breakthrough siRNA medicines for multiple disease areas.

“Entering into this agreement with Genentech marks another important milestone for our innovative and differentiated RNAi chemistry and delivery platforms,” said Weimin Wang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SanegeneBio. “We are delighted to work with a global scientific leader to continue delivering effective and life-changing therapies for patients worldwide.”

Under the terms of the agreement, SanegeneBio will receive an upfront payment of $200 million and will be eligible to receive development and commercialization milestone payments, totaling up to $1.5 billion, as well as tiered royalties on potential future product sales.

About SanegeneBio

SanegeneBio is a global, venture-backed, fully-integrated biotechnology company focused on developing RNAi-based therapeutics. Founded in 2021 and led by a team of RNAi veterans, the company has R&D operations in Boston, Shanghai and Suzhou. Their clear vision is that RNAi technology will power blockbuster medicines in diverse therapeutic areas, improving the quality and longevity of life for patients worldwide. This vision is being realized by advancing a fast-growing pipeline, which includes experimental medicines for autoimmune nephropathies, obesity, and cardiometabolic indications. SanegeneBio has initiated clinical trials for four experimental medicines to-date, and is committed to developing potential best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics which leverage our industry-leading and differentiated LEAD™ tissue-selective RNAi delivery technology. For more information, please visit: www.sanegenebio.com and engage on LinkedIn. 

TOWNPLACE, SHKP’s Premium Residential Leasing Brand – The First in Hong Kong to Reward You with The Point

HONG KONG, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TOWNPLACE, the largest residential leasing brand under Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) (0016), announces its official partnership with The Point, the largest integrated mall loyalty programme in Hong Kong, becoming the Group’s first premium residential leasing brand to introduce this initiative. This collaboration breaks traditional leasing boundaries as TOWNPLACE leverages The Point as a connector, seamlessly integrating living experiences with daily consumption through a digital platform. TOWNERs can now effortlessly access The Point network, encompassing nearly 30 SHKP shopping malls, almost 3,000 merchants, and 6 “Royal” hotels. This move strengthens TOWNERs’ sense of belonging to the brand and the Group, while transforming accommodation into a flexible, bespoke, and comprehensive premium lifestyle experience.


SHKP’s Latest Masterpiece in Luxury Leasing – The New Elite Residence Collection

TOWNPLACE represents SHKP’s latest in-house premium residential leasing brand, inheriting the Group’s esteemed reputation for luxury residential leasing while crafting quality living solutions tailored for global executives and professionals. As a modern evolution of SHKP’s luxury residential leasing portfolio, TOWNPLACE integrates the Group’s resources to elevate the high-end living experience for contemporary elites.

The brand’s portfolio is strategically situated in the prime districts of Mid-Levels Central, Kennedy Town, and West Kowloon, offering nearly 1,300 units collectively. The latest harbourfront flagship, TOWNPLACE WEST KOWLOON, exemplifies the brand’s positioning with its proximity to SHKP’s West Kowloon commercial cluster, and being just one station away from High Speed Rail Hong Kong West Kowloon Station#, offering strategic access to key cities in the Greater Bay Area.

This flagship project embraces the artistic ambiance of the West Kowloon Cultural District while seamlessly connects to SHKP’s International Commerce Centre (ICC), International Gateway Centre (IGC), Artist Square Towers, and the International Finance Centre (ifc) in Central CBD, providing premier business, shopping, and cultural experiences that reflect SHKP’s forward-looking vision for future premium residential living.

# “One station away” refers exclusively to the railway journey of one station distance from Nam Cheong MTR Station (near TOWNPLACE WEST KOWLOON) to Austin MTR Station (near High Speed Rail Hong Kong West Kowloon Station). Information is sourced from the MTR Corporation Limited website and is provided for reference only. Actual station counts may vary depending on the route taken. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the MTR Corporation Limited website.

Pioneering Industry Firsts: Three Innovative Breakthroughs Redefining Modern Luxury Residential Experience

1. A Digital Passport Upon Move-in: Seamless Access to the SHKP Ecosystem

Executive elites with refined tastes, despite their demanding work schedules, pursue the ultimate in efficiency and quality of life, requiring access to premium services anytime and anywhere. In response, TOWNPLACE actively digitalises the residential journey by offering TOWNERs an exclusive “Digital Passport” to SHKP’s extensive ecosystem from the moment they sign their lease. This innovation bridges previously separate “living spaces” and “consumption networks”, instantly integrating TOWNERs into SHKP’s comprehensive quality lifestyle network across Hong Kong. This includes nearly 30 SHKP shopping malls, almost 3,000 merchants, and 6 “Royal” hotels within The Point network. From Michelin-starred restaurants to international luxury boutiques, and five-star hotel dining and hospitality experiences, TOWNERs enjoy a top-tier lifestyle offering that transcends geographical boundaries.

Through full digitalisation of the rewards mechanism and direct integration with The Point App, TOWNPLACE ensures reward bonus points are credited directly to accounts, with every 250 points convertible to $1 Point Dollar for cash-equivalent use at designated mall merchants, translating into tangible lifestyle rewards. This streamlined process eliminates complex redemption procedures, transforming them into a “seamless” and “instant gratification” proactive lifestyle enjoyment, significantly enhancing TOWNERs’ sense of belonging to the brand and the Group.

Earn Up to 75,000 The Point Bonus Points | Unlimited Referral Rewards

From now on, new leases or renewals at the harbourfront flagship TOWNPLACE WEST KOWLOON earn corresponding one-time fixed The Point bonus points based on eligible reward categories. Specified eligible individuals receive additional bonus points, while The Point Gold members will enjoy exclusive privileges with extra bonus points on top of all rewards, totalling up to 75,000 points in value*. Furthermore, existing TOWNPLACE guests can earn unlimited bonus points by successfully referring friends and family to any project under the brand without a referral limit*, providing TOWNERs with the opportunity for endless rewards.

*Terms and conditions apply. For details, please visit https://bit.ly/45rZjqW.

Remarks: New guest, returning, and renewal rewards apply only to leases signed with TOWNPLACE WEST KOWLOON; The lease terms of signed agreements under new guest, returning and referral rewards has to be at least one month, while that of renewal rewards has to be at least three months; Referral rewards do not apply to referrals made by existing guests of TOWNPLACE SOHO or TOWNPLACE KENNEDY TOWN for leases signed with those two properties.

2. 15-Minute CBD Living Circle Connecting Hong Kong’s Prime Locations

TOWNPLACE is the exclusive brand in Hong Kong’s serviced apartment market to offer the TRIO clubhouse access experience. Unlike single-project clubhouse facilities available elsewhere, TOWNERs enjoy borderless access across TOWNPLACE’s three premium clubhouses spanning 83,000 square feet, located in Mid-Levels Central, Kennedy Town, and the West Kowloon harbourfront.

Each location is within walking distance of MTR stations, enabling a 15-minute commute to the CBDs of Central and West Kowloon^. This innovative model extends TOWNERs’ living space beyond their individual residences, offering them a distinctive “Citywide Pass” that establishes multiple lifestyle hubs across Hong Kong’s most iconic prime locations. This setup delivers ultimate flexibility in premium living for professionals while solidifying TOWNPLACE’s unparalleled leadership position in the high-end leasing market.

^The estimated travel time listed is for reference only; actual time required may vary depending on traffic conditions, routes, and weather

3. Empowering Space Through Bespoke Experiences to Cultivate an Exclusive High-Net-Worth Community

TOWNPLACE embraces the Community Architect philosophy prevalent in Silicon Valley’s tech circles, crafting personalised experiential journeys for each TOWNERs. Moving beyond traditional, passive clubhouse services, the dedicated TOWNPLACE Community Team proactively curated sophisticated social and wellness experiences that blend the latest lifestyle trends with strategic collaborations with internationally renowned brands. This approach revitalises clubhouse spaces and brings world-class mindfulness and wellness experiences right at TOWNERs’ doorsteps, elevating the prestige and uniqueness of the TOWNPLACE.

As SHKP’s first premium residential leasing brand to join The Point, this strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the Group’s residential leasing business. The future of luxury living transcends physical spaces — it is about “connection” and “empowerment”. TOWNPLACE orchestrates every life moment in harmony with SHKP’s premium ecosystem. Through seamless integration with The Point, TOWNPLACE connects TOWNERs to a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem encompassing residential living, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Looking ahead, TOWNPLACE will continue pioneering innovative collaborations and synergies across the Group’s portfolio to unlock unprecedented value for TOWNERs.

About TOWNPLACE

TOWNPLACE, Sun Hung Kai Properties’ premium residential leasing brand, is tailored for global executives and professionals. Animated by the core value of ‘High-Quality Connection’, fostering an exclusive TOWNPLACE elite collective and extending the concept of luxury living beyond the residence into the entire premium neighbourhood.

TOWNPLACE’s new elite collective portfolio of nearly 1,300 units spans three of Hong Kong’s prime locations. TOWNPLACE SOHO (Central and Hong Kong MTR Stations) embodies the timeless prestige of Mid-Levels Central, within walking distance of International Finance Centre (ifc) and Central’s CBD. TOWNPLACE KENNEDY TOWN (Kennedy Town MTR Station) is set in the sought-after Island West district, offering a perfect blend of waterfront tranquillity and urban convenience. The new harbourfront flagship, TOWNPLACE WEST KOWLOON (Nam Cheong MTR Station), is neighbouring the Sun Hung Kai Properties’ commercial cluster at West Kowloon, providing seamless access to the core business and luxury lifestyle circle. All three properties boast exceptional transport links near MTR stations, the High Speed Rail, and the Airport Express, ensuring effortless travel across Hong Kong and beyond.

As the exclusive premium residential leasing brand offering TRIO clubhouse access experience, TOWNPLACE connects top-tier networks across Victoria Harbour, enabling residents’ privileged access to 83,000 square feet of luxury clubhouse facilities spread across three locations. The comprehensive amenities range from a breathtaking infinity pool to world-class wellness facilities, basketball and pickleball court and commercial-grade work space. More importantly, the TOWNPLACE Community Team meticulously curates a series of bespoke social experiences and exclusive events, transforming these exceptional facilities into a platform for genuine, high-quality connections. The properties also feature dedicated pet-friendly floors and clubhouse areas, making it Hong Kong’s most outstanding waterfront lifestyle experience for pet-owning families.

About The Point

Sun Hung Kai Properties’ (SHKP) integrated loyalty programme for SHKP malls, The Point, has always sought to continuously enhance customer experience. Members of The Point can earn points by spending at almost 3,000 merchants across nearly 30 SHKP malls in Hong Kong. Accumulated points can be converted into Point Dollars for use as cash, or redeemed for complimentary parking or EV charging services in designated malls and carparks across 18 districts. Leveraging SHKP’s diverse business portfolio, The Point also partners with Go Royal, YATA, and SmarTone to provide more opportunities for members to earn points and to elevate their shopping experience with an expanded range of rewards. Additionally, members who spend a designated amount within 12 months can achieve VIP status – The Point Gold, unlocking exclusive privileges for a year. These include bonus point rewards, enhanced parking privileges, hotel and dining benefits, upgraded shopping advantages, merchant-exclusive rewards, and more.

Mantle Global Hackathon 2025: Over 2,000 Web3 Builders Worldwide Innovate in the Next Wave of RWA and AI

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mantle, the high-performance distribution and liquidity layer bridging traditional finance (TradFi), real-world assets (RWAs) and on-chain liquidity, has officially concluded the submission phase of its 2025 Global Hackathon, recording 519 project submissions from over 2,044 registered developers. Launched on October 22, 2025, the four-month initiative achieved a 25.4% conversion rate, significantly outperforming the industry average of 10–15%. This milestone underscores Mantle’s growing influence and the high execution capability of its developer community.

Mantle Global Hackathon 2025: Over 2,000 Web3 Builders Worldwide Innovate in the Next Wave of RWA and AI
Mantle Global Hackathon 2025: Over 2,000 Web3 Builders Worldwide Innovate in the Next Wave of RWA and AI

Ecosystem Growth and Global Integration

The success of Mantle Global Hackathon 2025 was driven by a solid collaboration between Mantle, OpenBuild, HackQuest, and a worldwide network of ecosystem partners. Strategic initiatives include:

Data-Driven Insights: A Diverse Builder Base

Analysis of the 2,000+ participants reveals a sophisticated, multi-chain talent pool:

  • Cross-Chain Inflow: While 550 participants were Ethereum-native, significant builder segments joined from Solana (274), Base (229), and Polygon (172).
  • Skill Distribution: A versatile developer base utilized JavaScript (62.05%), TypeScript (56.89%), and Solidity (32.34%).
  • Sector Innovation: Submissions were led by RWA/RealFi (22.21%) and DeFi (21.79%), followed by AI, Infrastructure, and GameFi.

Mantle Global Hackathon 2025: Over 2,000 Web3 Builders Worldwide Innovate in the Next Wave of RWA and AI
Mantle Global Hackathon 2025: Over 2,000 Web3 Builders Worldwide Innovate in the Next Wave of RWA and AI

Strategic Partnerships and Digital Identity

Core partner OpenBuild contributed 124 registrations and 45 high-quality projects, focusing on Mantle’s priority verticals like AI and RWA. Furthermore, the DevCard initiative—launched with Web3insight.AI—saw 196 developers activate on-chain identities, resulting in 47 teams receiving direct collaboration invitations.

The Road to Demo Day: $150,000 Prize Pool

From the 519 submissions, 30 finalists will advance to Demo Day on February 3 and 4, 2026. Projects will be evaluated on technical innovation, commercial viability, and ecosystem alignment.

Final winners will be officially revealed on February 10 at Consensus Hong Kong.

The $150,000 prize pool includes a $30,000 Grand Prize and track-specific awards. Beyond the financial rewards, winners will receive fast-track access to Mantle EcoFund grants and long-term incubation support.

About Mantle

Mantle positions itself as the premier distribution layer and gateway for institutions and TradFi to connect with on-chain liquidity and access real-world assets, powering how real-world finance flows.

With over $4B+ in community-owned assets, Mantle combines credibility, liquidity and scalability with institutional-grade infrastructure to support large-scale adoption. The ecosystem is anchored by $MNT within Bybit, and built out through core ecosystem projects like mETH, fBTC, MI4 and more. This is complemented by Mantle Network’s partnerships with leading issuers and protocols such as Ethena USDe, Ondo USDY, and OP-Succinct.

For more information about Mantle, please visit: mantle.xyz
For more social updates, please follow: Mantle Official X & Mantle Community Channel
For media enquiries, please contact: contact@mantle.xyz

Anniversary boost: Spielwarenmesse strengthens its global leadership

  • The industry platform with international appeal
  • A source of innovation and inspiration for the toy world

NUREMBERG, Germany, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 75th Spielwarenmesse will remain a milestone for the industry: The wintriest edition in years, filled with anniversary celebrations and a special atmosphere. From 27 to 31 January in Nuremberg, 2,313 exhibitors from 68 countries presented a vast array of products – including the growing “Kidults” segment. Around 58,900 trade visitors (+2.5%) from 121 nations explored new trends, fresh formats, and networking opportunities with enthusiasm.

Industry platform with international appeal: The 75th Spielwarenmesse thrilled the industry from 27 to 31 January in Nuremberg with numerous anniversary activities, a vibrant atmosphere, and pioneering innovations and trends.
Industry platform with international appeal: The 75th Spielwarenmesse thrilled the industry from 27 to 31 January in Nuremberg with numerous anniversary activities, a vibrant atmosphere, and pioneering innovations and trends.

Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, the industry mood was upbeat. 93% of exhibitors – 3% more than last year – rated their participation as successful. Mattel hosted several global launches, while the Simba Dickie Group praised the high quality of trade visitors. “No other fair matches the international significance of Spielwarenmesse,” said Florian Sieber. Visitor numbers from the USA remained strong, with mainland China and Hong Kong posting major gains thanks to a non-overlapping Chinese New Year. Growth was also recorded from Mexico, Turkey, the UK, and France, while Germany maintained its elevated level from last year. The event’s international spirit and festive mood were reflected in strong media coverage. “We were delighted by the tremendous media interest – lots of TV team, national press and content creators,” said Roger Kettler of Carrera Revell Europe.

Groundbreaking impulses were provided by the two ToyTrends “AI Loves (to) Play” and “Creative Mindfulness”. Through numerous product examples, they were brought to life at the Spielwarenmesse just as vividly as “Toys for Kidults”. The hype surrounding adults who play has enabled iDventure to make its breakthrough – and to win one of the six coveted ToyAward prizes. “Winning has led to more positive stress for us and contributed to greater attention at our booth,” says Christoph Kossendey with delight. Leonard Mieg from Tipp-Kick, one of the 14 original exhibitors, reports a higher frequency of specialist retailers from the DACH region. “Spielwarenmesse is a must-see for anyone in the toy business — a high-energy event with a diverse product selection,” says Kathy Trivsonno from the US-American trade association Astra.

The Spielwarenmesse is also impressive proof of the success and relevance of the licensing business. “This is evident not only in the exhibition areas, but also in the License Lounge and our neighboring Licensing International booth, which have become the licensing industry’s home base at the fair,” emphasizes Petra Strobl from Licensing International Germany. Valuable toy know-how was once again shared in the Toy Business Forum. The Value of Play Conference celebrated a successful premiere here. “The event offered high-quality, well-curated content, and the practical examples and concrete market figures significantly enriched my trade fair conversations,” says Polish publisher Dorota Mazurek. The Game Inventors Convention also met with great approval, with international games organizations represented for the first time. Mary Couzin from the Chicago Toy and Game Group was also present: “The atmosphere created a pull effect that benefited everyone – a great exchange for the game community.”

In addition to content-driven impulses, the fair also set new standards in the increasing networking of participants. “Spielwarenmesse is the best networking opportunity for the entire toy industry,” says Lucca Liv from Unique Baby in Denmark. The exclusive ToyNight united all exhibitors under the motto “Welcome to the Future,” while the RedNight on Thursday created a lively atmosphere in the exhibition halls. René Bleckmann from Party Factory emphasizes: “The event is very, very important for us to get into conversation with customers and potential business partners and to celebrate with them.” The illuminations of Kaiserburg and Frauentorturm underlined the festive mood in ToyCity Nuremberg, where some trade fair participants experienced snow for the first time.

The high level of exhibitor satisfaction is also reflected in the figures: 90% of companies plan to exhibit again in Nuremberg from 2 to 6 February 2027. “With this, Spielwarenmesse has once again confirmed its global leading position and underlined its role as the central meeting point for trade, industry and media, where inspiration, innovation and networking come together at the highest level,” summarizes Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

Spielwarenmesse®

The world’s leading event for the sector – that’s the Spielwarenmesse®. At this B2B event, key players as well as startups present their innovations and trends to retailers from all over the globe, live in Nuremberg. Alongside the extensive range of products, participants also gain a wealth of inspiration for day-to-day business together with valuable knowledge and useful guidance on the
market, at what is for them the most significant industry gathering. The event is complemented by year-round coverage of themes, analyses and insights from the multifunctional platform Spielwarenmesse Digital and the e-journal ‘Spirit of Play’. Since 2013, the term Spielwarenmesse® has been a protected word mark in Germany.
Fair date: Spielwarenmesse®, Tuesday to Saturday, 2 – 6 Feb 2027

 

Daniel Ho Honoured with the “Cyber Security Professional Awards 2025” – Silver Award in Telecommunications Services Sector

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 February 2026 – HGC Global Communications (“HGC” or “the Group”) is delighted to announce that Daniel Ho, Vice President, Unified Cyber Security and Digital Transformation Solutions of HGC, has been honoured with the “Cyber Security Professional Awards 2025” – Silver Award in the Telecommunications Services sector. This marks Daniel’s second consecutive win, reaffirming his exceptional leadership and continuous contribution to advancing cybersecurity capabilities in Hong Kong and beyond.

Photo 1_Daniel Ho, Vice President, Unified Cyber Security and Digital Transformation Solutions of HGC, has been honoured with the “Cyber Security Professional Awards 2025” – Silver Award in the Telecommunicatio
Photo 1_Daniel Ho, Vice President, Unified Cyber Security and Digital Transformation Solutions of HGC, has been honoured with the “Cyber Security Professional Awards 2025” – Silver Award in the Telecommunicatio

With cyber threats increasing in scale and sophistication, Daniel continues to play an important role in reinforcing Hong Kong’s broader cyber resilience. Beyond strengthening HGC’s defensive posture, he actively engages with industry partners, associations and public bodies to elevate governance standards and encourage threat intelligence sharing across the ecosystem. HGC further advanced its trust and compliance capabilities by attaining SOC 2 Type II certification, reflecting the Group’s ongoing commitment to robust security and operational excellence.

This year’s Cyber Security Professional Awards placed strong emphasis on the expertise of its judging panel, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring the credibility and integrity of the evaluation process. Among them was HGC’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Kwok, who served as one of judge for the 2025 awards. His participation reflects the strong standing of HGC within the telecommunications and ICT community and the Group’s continued commitment to supporting industry development and best practice standards.

Photo 2_Andrew Kwok, CEO of HGC, served as a judge for the “Cyber Security Professional Awards 2025 - Copy
Photo 2_Andrew Kwok, CEO of HGC, served as a judge for the “Cyber Security Professional Awards 2025 – Copy

Andrew Kwok, Chief Executive Officer of HGC, said, “Daniel’s achievement this year reflects the professionalism and innovation essential in today’s cybersecurity landscape. His work not only contributes to raising industry standards but also strengthens HGC’s commitment to delivering robust and futureready cybersecurity capabilities for businesses and communities.”

Daniel Ho, Vice President, Unified Cyber Security and Digital Transformation Solutions of HGC, said “It is a tremendous honour to receive the award again at the ‘Cyber Security Professional Awards.’ This recognition reflects not only my personal dedication but also the trust and support from HGC, which continues to invest in cybersecurity talent, technology, and innovation. I am deeply grateful to my team for their relentless efforts and to the Group for empowering us to deliver advanced protection solutions to clients across sectors. This award motivates me to continue contributing to the cybersecurity community and driving impactful initiatives that strengthen Hong Kong’s cyber resilience.”

The “Cyber Security Professional Awards,” established in 2016, recognises outstanding cybersecurity professionals across multiple industries and promotes knowledge-sharing, innovation, and corporate commitment to cyber resiliency. This year, awards were presented across eight sectors, including Banking and Finance, Telecommunications Services, Cyber Security Educations & Training, Government Departments and Public Bodies, Internet and Cloud Services, Cyber Security Startups & SMEs, Cyber Security Audit & Consulting, and Transportation & Public Utilities.

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

HGC Global Communications Limited

HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international telecom operator and ICT solution provider. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 20 global offices and staff presence in 33 cities worldwide. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data center services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate, SME and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fiber-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. In 2019, HGC Group completed the acquisition of Macroview Telecom Limited (Macroview), a leading digital technology solution and managed services provider. The addition of Macroview further accelerates HGC Group’s digital transformation path and positioning as a pioneering ICT and digital services leader. HGC is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, transport, social infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

To learn more, please visit HGC’s website at:

Pomegranate Flowers Meet with Azaleas: Guests from Hong Kong and Taiwan and Farmer Painters”Jointly Depict” a New Vision for Cross-Strait Relations

XI’AN, China, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A News Report form Shaanxi International Communication Center:

 

Recently, filmmakers, writers, and personal content creators from Hong Kong and Taiwan visited Huyi District of Xi’an City, known as “China’s Premier Hub of Painting Art”, to learn about the history and production process of Huxian Farmer Paintings.

Huxian Farmer Paintings originated in the 1950s. They are a unique type of painting derived from folk arts such as paper-cutting and embroidery.

It has gained global fame for its artistic characteristics of “exaggerated shapes, intense colors, and profound implications”.

During the visit, the group took the pomegranate (Xi’an’s city flower) and the azalea (Taipei’s city flower) as their creative themes and jointly created a themed painting titled “Pomegranate Flowers Meet Azaleas”.

They depicted the iconic landscapes of Shaanxi and Taiwan on the same scroll, vividly outlining a beautiful vision where people across the Taiwan Strait are heart-linked and hand-in-hand, jointly creating a shared future.

 

Yalla Group Announces Partnership with Saudi Esports Federation to Drive Growth of Local Esports Ecosystem

Appointment as Official Event Partner of Saudi eLeague 2026

Collaboration to drive the development of the Women’s Saudi eLeague and encourage greater female participation in esports

Joint talent development initiative supports inclusive growth of Saudi Arabia’s national esports ecosystem

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yalla Group Limited (“Yalla” or the “Company”) (NYSE: YALA), the largest Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based online social networking and gaming company, today announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation (“SEF”) to drive the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s national esports ecosystem, broaden opportunities for local talent, and promote greater inclusivity in competitive gaming. The partnership represents a key element of Yalla’s strategy to deepen engagement in Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s most important growth markets.

Supporting the aims of Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, SEF and Yalla Group signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to further develop esports within the Kingdom and establish new pathways for aspiring talent to develop key skills and experience.

Under the partnership agreements, Yalla has been appointed Official Event Partner of the Saudi eLeague (SEL) 2026, the Kingdom’s premier national esports competition. Support for the Women’s Saudi eLeague will be a key focus of the partnership, aligning with Yalla’s dedication to promote inclusion, community development and broader participation in digital entertainment. By cultivating female talent and establishing structured pathways for women’s participation in competitive esports, Yalla aims to contribute to the growth and vitality of Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector.

In addition, Yalla will launch a talent development program in collaboration with the SEF’s Saudi Esports Academy, designed to foster local esports talent through training, mentorship, and competitive experience. The initiative aims to strengthen foundational talent pipelines and improve the long-term competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s esports ecosystem.

Saifi Ismail, President of Yalla Group, said, “This partnership marks an important step in our engagement with Saudi Arabia’s esports sector. By supporting both national competitions and talent development, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem.”

“Partnering with a MENA leader like Yalla Group brings valuable regional expertise to the Saudi eLeague,” said Ibrahim Alsheddi, Chief Shared Services Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation. “This collaboration is crucial for amplifying the league’s prestige and ensuring it delivers a world-class experience for players and fans.”

Yalla believes this partnership positions the Company to propel growth and progress across Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports industry while delivering long-term value through disciplined market development and increased impacts in the region.

About Yalla Group Limited

Yalla Group Limited is the largest MENA-based online social networking and gaming company, in terms of revenues in 2022. The Company operates two flagship mobile applications, Yalla, a voice-centric group chat platform, and Yalla Ludo, a casual gaming application featuring online versions of board games, popular in MENA, with in-game voice chat and localized Majlis functionality. Building on the success of Yalla and Yalla Ludo, the Company continues to add engaging new content, creating a regionally-focused, integrated ecosystem dedicated to fulfilling MENA users’ evolving online social networking and gaming needs. Through its holding subsidiary, Yalla Game Limited, the Company has expanded its capabilities in mid-core and hard-core games in the MENA region, leveraging its local expertise to bring innovative gaming content to its users. In addition, the growing Yalla ecosystem includes YallaChat, an IM product tailored for Arabic users, WeMuslim, a product that supports Arabic users in observing their customs, and casual games such as Yalla Baloot and 101 Okey Yalla, developed to sustain vibrant local gaming communities in MENA. Yalla is also actively exploring outside of MENA with Yalla Parchis, a Ludo game designed for the South American markets. Yalla’s mobile applications deliver a seamless experience that fosters a sense of loyalty and belonging, establishing highly devoted and engaged user communities through close attention to detail and localized appeal that profoundly resonates with users. For more information, please visit: https://ir.yalla.com.

About Saudi Esports Federation

The Saudi Esports Federation is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia. The Federation’s activities are categorized into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming/esports value chain by catalyzing the industry and enabling talent. Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organized multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Yalla Group Limited’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Yalla Group Limited’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Yalla Group Limited does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Yalla Group Limited
Investor Relations
Kerry Gao – IR Director
Tel: +86-571-8980-7962
Email: ir@yalla.com 

Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com 

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com 

Makro PRO Ranked the #1 Thai E-Commerce Platform by Euromonitor International

  • Makro PRO is the #1 Thai e-commerce platform and Thailand’s #1 e-commerce platform by first-party (1P) sales
  • Today, e-commerce accounts for 27% of Thailand’s retail sector and is expected to grow to 32% by 2030, reflecting rapid structural transformation of the retail landscape.
  • Recognition reinforces CP AXTRA’s leadership in retail technology, omnichannel integration and scalable digital growth

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 February 2026 – CP AXTRA Public Company Limited (CP AXTRA), the operator of Asia’s leading wholesaler and retailer “Makro and Lotus’s,” announced that Makro PRO has been ranked Thailand’s No. 1 Thai e-commerce platform and No. 1 e-commerce platform by first-party (1P) sales value, according to independent research conducted by Euromonitor International between December 2025 and January 2026.

Makro PRO Ranked the #1 Thai E-Commerce Platform by Euromonitor International

The recognition marks a significant milestone in CP AXTRA’s transformation into a technology-driven retail ecosystem and underscores the Company’s leadership in Thailand’s fast-evolving digital commerce landscape. Makro Pro, CP AXTRA’s digital commerce platform connecting online ordering with nationwide wholesale distribution, plays a central role in this transformation.

Thailand’s retail sector is undergoing a profound structural shift. Total retail sales are predicted to grow from THB 4.95 trillion in 2025 to THB 6.0 trillion by 2030, while e-commerce penetration is expected to increase from 27% to over 32% during the same period, according to Euromonitor International. This reflects accelerating digital adoption, rising customer expectations and the rapid integration of online and offline retail channels. As competition intensifies, first-party e-commerce platforms have emerged as a critical engine of sustainable growth, enabling retailers to strengthen operational control, build deeper customer relationships and deliver stronger long-term economics.

Within this environment, CP AXTRA has continued to advance its omnichannel strategy, seamlessly integrating physical stores, digital platforms, data intelligence and nationwide logistics into a single ecosystem. Makro PRO plays a pivotal role in this strategy, serving as a scalable growth platform across both B2B and B2C segments while leveraging CP AXTRA’s extensive physical retail network.

“This recognition from Euromonitor International is an important milestone for CP AXTRA and a strong validation of the transformation journey we have been driving across the organization,” said Mr. Tanit Chearavanont, Group Chief Wholesale Business Officer, CP AXTRA. “Makro PRO has been ranked as the No. 1 Thai e-commerce platform overall and Thailand’s No. 1 e-commerce platform by first-party sales, reflects our disciplined focus on building scalable digital capabilities, deepening direct customer relationships and integrating online and offline retail into one seamless ecosystem. As Thailand’s retail market continues to evolve, we remain committed to investing in technology, data, and innovation to deliver long-term value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

Euromonitor International assessed Thailand’s first-party e-commerce market, defined as platforms that operate their own online storefronts and sell directly to customers. Based on this research, Euromonitor ranked Makro PRO No. 1 in Thailand by 1st party ecommerce brand-level sales value across both B2B and B2C segments in 2025 and is the leading e-commerce platform of Thai origin.

The achievement further reinforces Makro PRO’s distinctive position as the only Thai e-commerce platform combining large-scale digital commerce capabilities with one of the country’s most extensive physical retail networks. As the Company continues to execute its long-term growth strategy, CP AXTRA remains focused on advancing retail technology innovation, strengthening ecosystem partnerships and supporting the sustainable development of Thailand’s retail sector.

Hashtag: #CPAXTRA #ซีพีแอ็กซ์ตร้า #Makro #Lotuss #CPAXT #CPAXTRAxRetailTech

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

About CP AXTRA Public Company Limited

CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of CP Group, operates Asia’s leading wholesaler and retailer, “Makro” and “Lotus’s.’ The Company is based in Thailand, with operation across 10 countries. CP AXTRA is committed to fulfilling people’s lives with good health, love, joy, and well-being by providing solutions and meeting customers’ daily needs with technology, innovation, and operational excellence. With over 30 years of retail experience, CP AXTRA is a trusted partner for both B2B and B2C customers, offering a comprehensive range of products and services. Today, it manages over 2,700 offline stores in Thailand and Asia, with strong online presence.