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Longbridge Securities Launches the World’s First Pre-Market U.S. Options Trading，Empowering Investors to Overcome Time Zone Barriers and Stay Ahead of the Market Movement

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Longbridge Securities today announced the launch of the world’s first pre-market U.S. options trading capability. This innovative feature allows users to trade options on major U.S. stocks and ETFs during the pre-market session, ahead of the regular market opening. It significantly extends the U.S. options trading window, enabling global investors to position themselves earlier and plan trading strategies in advance of key market developments.

At launch, this feature supports prominent underlying assets, including QQQ, SPY, AAPL, and TSLA. From the launch date until further notice, Longbridge Securities is offering zero commission^ and zero platform fees* for pre-market options trading.

Key Highlights: Industry-First Innovation with Clear Cost Advantages

World’s first pre-market U.S. options trading

Investors can participate in options trading before the U.S. market opens, without waiting for regular trading hours, extending trading hours and enabling more flexible responses to key market events.

Zero commissions^ and zero platform fees*

During the initial launch phase, Longbridge Securities offers industry-leading pricing for pre-market options trading, effectively lowering transaction costs for investors.

Coverage of major U.S. stocks and ETFs

The initial rollout includes highly liquid stocks such as QQQ, SPY, AAPL, AMD, AMZN, GOOGL, META, NVDA, MSFT, TSLA, INTC, PLTR, MSTR, GOOG, and UNH, with further expansion planned.

Fast, streamlined order execution

Users can view pre-market pricing and place order directly from the options chain with a simplified two-step workflow, enabling faster execution with minimal friction.

Breaking Time Constraints to Serve Global Investors

Traditionally, U.S. options trading has been limited to regular market hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This limitation often prevented investors in Asia and Europe from responding promptly to overnight developments. With the introduction of pre-market options trading, investors can now execute strategies between 4:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Singapore Time), significantly enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.

This launch positions Longbridge Securities as the first online brokerage globally to provide full-platform access to pre-market U.S. options trading. This represents a substantial extension of trading hours, offering investors in various time zones greater freedom and immediacy in participating in the market.

Driving the Global Shift Toward Extended and 5×24H Trading

As demand for more flexible trading strategies continues to grow worldwide, extended trading — including pre-market, after-hours, and round-the-clock access — is becoming a key competitive differentiator. Pre-market trading has historically been reserved for institutional and professional participants. By opening this window to retail investors, Longbridge Securities aims to enhance market liquidity while enabling individual investors to engage earlier with market information and adjust portfolios more proactively. Looking ahead, Longbridge Securities plans to further expand this capability toward 24-hour U.S. options trading, moving closer to a continuous global trading model.

Previously, Longbridge Securities introduced an AI-powered financial assistant built on large language models, making institutional-grade research and analytical capabilities accessible to all investors. The AI assistant helps users interpret market developments, identify potential opportunities, and make data-driven decisions, narrowing the information gap between retail investors and professional institutions.

Through continuous technological innovation, Longbridge Securities remains committed to removing traditional barriers in trading and advancing both user experience and investment efficiency. The launch of pre-market U.S. options trading further underscores the company’s forward-looking approach within the global fintech landscape. Additional details on Longbridge Securities’ pre-market U.S. options trading, including supported instruments, trading hours and fee structure, are available on the on Longbridge Securities’ official page for pre-market U.S. options trading.

^Other fees apply
*Terms and conditions apply

About Longbridge Securities Singapore

Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. (“Longbridge Securities Singapore” or “Longbridge Securities”, Co. Reg. No. 202111825D) is an AI-driven online brokerage dedicated to delivering best-in-class trading experiences through its global trading infrastructure and network. Founded in March 2019, Longbridge Securities holds a total of 22 financial licenses or regulatory approvals across markets including the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and has raised over US$150 million from leading financial and investment institutions. Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. is a licensed entity regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (Licence No. CMS 101211), holding a Capital Markets Services licence and operating as an Exempt Financial Adviser.

Risk Disclosure and Important Notice

Options are complex financial instruments and, due to their leveraged nature, involve a high degree of risk and the potential for rapid losses.

Before participating in options trading, investors should fully understand how options work, the nature of the contractual relationship, and the associated risks, and carefully assess whether they are able to bear losses that may exceed their initial investment.

In addition, pre-market U.S. options trading typically involves higher price volatility, and market liquidity may be lower than during regular trading hours. Such trading may not be suitable for all investors. Investors should make trading decisions prudently after considering their investment objectives, financial situation and risk tolerance.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Hikvision forecasts top 5 AIoT trends in 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As we enter 2026, the convergence of AI and IoT infrastructure is reshaping industries, unlocking unprecedented opportunities to optimize operations, enhance security, and improve sustainability. Here are Hikvision’s forecasts of the five key trends shaping the AIoT landscape in 2026.

Hikvision forecasts top 5 AIoT trends in 2026
Hikvision forecasts top 5 AIoT trends in 2026

1. Scenario-based AIoT solutions are rapidly unlocking new business value

Thanks to AIoT, we are witnessing a profound digital shift moving beyond basic IT informatization to deep integration with Operational Technology (OT). Business value is no longer created by fragmented data collection, but increasingly by harvesting insights naturally and continuously from daily operations. By embedding perception capabilities into specific real-world scenarios, AIoT enables automated agility and real-time decisions, rapidly generating new business value.

2. Large-scale AI models are evolving into new capabilities for “AI+”

Large-scale AI models are empowering the core analysis and processing flow through “AI+” integration. While large language models have revolutionized human-digital interaction, industry-specific models are now reshaping how IoT data interacts with the physical world. We can already see that by embedding AI into data analysis and signal processing, these models significantly enhance precision and efficiency. AI Agents are now bridging the gap between perception and human intent, enabling users to communicate naturally using everyday language.

3. Edge AI is transforming devices from data collectors to intelligent analyzers

Increasingly, the “Cloud + AI” model is no longer the only option for enterprise digitalization. By moving AI functions from the cloud to the edge, organizations can achieve millisecond-level response times, operate seamlessly offline, and maintain on-premises privacy.

This localized architecture extends its value by greatly optimizing storage efficiency. This is particularly significant for complex video analysis. Edge devices can now precisely identify key targets such as people or vehicles at the source. Then, the system applies differentiated encoding—preserving critical foreground details, while compressing background areas. This drastically reduces storage requirements without sacrificing visual clarity.

4. Responsible AI is embedding ethics into every stage of innovation

AI is transforming our lives, work, and business at an unprecedented pace. Yet, this revolution brings a critical responsibility: to ensure innovation unfolds safely, ethically, transparently, and beneficially for all. Responsible AI is no longer optional—it is both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity that builds trust, mitigates risk, and drives long-term innovation.

It should permeate the entire AI lifecycle—from research and development to deployment and real-world application.

5. AIoT is expanding technology’s role from business to society and environment 

AIoT is now being widely adopted for broader social and environmental applications, demonstrating how intelligent systems can serve humanity and nature. Specialized AIoT devices are revolutionizing conservation efforts, from wildlife monitoring to vegetation health tracking. For example, crop growth monitoring systems that leverage AIoT technologies for large-scale, real-time analysis are becoming increasingly widespread in agriculture, enabling precise management and optimizing yields through digitization.

To discover more about Hikvision’s insights and the latest trends in AIoT technologies, please visit Hikvision Blog.

 

Baidu to Report Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results on February 26, 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Baidu, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIDU; HKEX: 9888 (HKD Counter) and 89888 (RMB Counter)) (“Baidu” or the “Company”), a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, today announced that it will report its financial results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 ended December 31, 2025, before the U.S. market opens on February 26, 2026. Baidu’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:30 AM on February 26, 2026, U.S. Eastern Time (8:30 PM on February 26, 2026, Beijing Time).

Please register in advance of the conference call using the link provided below. It will automatically direct you to the registration page of “Baidu Inc. Q4 2025 Earnings Conference Call”. Please follow the steps to enter your registration details, then click “Register”. Upon registering, you will then be provided with the dial-in number, the passcode, and your unique access PIN. This information will also be emailed to you as a calendar invite.

For pre-registration, please click:
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10052617-fv4jhm.html

In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, you may use the conference access information (including dial-in number(s), the passcode and unique access PIN) provided in the calendar invite that you have received following your pre-registration.

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at https://ir.baidu.com.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until March 05, 2026:
US: 1 855 883 1031
Reply PIN: 10052617

About Baidu

Founded in 2000, Baidu’s mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, trading on Nasdaq under “BIDU” and the HKEX under “9888.” One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.

pixelRo to Showcase AI-Powered Digital Healthcare and Air Sterilization Solutions at CES 2026 and WHX Dubai

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 22. 2026 /PRNewswire/ — pixelRo, a Samsung Electronics spin-off digital healthcare company, is accelerating its global expansion by participating in CES 2026 and WHX Dubai 2026 (formerly Arab Health).

pixelRo develops and operates AI-based integrated self-diagnostic kiosk solutions for vision, eye health, and vital signs, all of which have obtained medical device approval. Leveraging proprietary eye-tracking technology and advanced diagnostic algorithms, the company enables fast and accurate on-site measurements of vision, macular degeneration, presbyopia accommodation, as well as key vital indicators such as blood pressure and muscle strength. Test results are provided through easy-to-understand reports and managed via a cloud-based platform, allowing flexible deployment across public health centers, schools, enterprises, and medical screening facilities.

Beyond digital healthcare, pixelRo is expanding its business into digital air care by independently developing plasma-based air purification and sterilization technology. Its air sterilization solution integrates air purification and hygiene management into a single system, reducing operational complexity while enabling continuous air hygiene in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

At CES 2026 and WHX Dubai 2026, pixelRo plans to highlight its flagship solution, MyEye Vital Plus, designed to measure eye health and multiple vital signs—including blood pressure, grip strength, and body composition—in a single session. The solution minimizes time and mobility burdens while offering a highly intuitive, user-friendly interface that allows anyone to easily perform self-health checks.

“Through CES 2026 and WHX Dubai 2026, we aim to demonstrate how our digital healthcare solutions can reduce healthcare costs through integrated measurement and management,” a pixelRo spokesperson said. “By focusing on buyer and partner meetings, we plan to secure strategic leads and establish one to two local partnerships initially, while gradually expanding into non-invasive healthcare services for the aging population.”

Lao Authorities Seize Nearly 50 Kilograms of Illegal Wildlife Products in Luang Prabang and Vientiane

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Laos authorities seized over 48 kilograms of wildlife products in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, cracking down on illegal trade and protecting endangered species. (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture and Environment)

In December 2025, the authorities confiscated wildlife products and parts totaling nearly 50 kilograms across multiple locations in Luang Prabang Province and Vientiane Capital, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Forest officers coordinated with Luang Prabang authorities to inspect six locations, including shops, restaurants, and other establishments suspected of illegal wildlife trade. The operation resulted in the seizure of 48.25 kilograms of wildlife products, parts, and similar items. These inspections are part of an ongoing enforcement effort that began in November 2025.

Also, authorities in Vientiane Capital inspected 11 locations, confiscating 13 different species of wildlife, and items resembling wildlife products.

All seized items are being preserved for DNA testing to confirm the species involved, while investigations and evidence collection continue.

Regional Context

The seizures come amid growing concerns over cross-border wildlife trafficking along the Mekong River. 

On 11 January, Thai authorities intercepted more than 160 kilograms of ivory smuggled from Laos in Bueng Kan Province. Two suspects, aged 21 and 18, were arrested while transporting 169 kilograms of ivory tusks hidden in nine blue plastic bags across the river.

Neusoft and Cerence AI Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement to Deliver an AI-Powered Automotive Cockpit Platform

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Advertorial Desk
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SHENYANG, China, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Neusoft Corporation, an industry-leading information technology, products and solutions company, and Cerence AI, a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the cutting–edge field of large language model-based voice AI. Through joint innovation and ecosystem integration, the two companies will work together to deliver pre–integrated, scenario–driven, intelligent interaction solutions for automotive partners worldwide.

As automotive technology continues to evolve toward greater intelligence and more natural engagement, user expectations for in–cabin interaction are rising. Drivers and passengers now seek more than basic voice responses—they want a companion that understands natural language, communicates smoothly, and resonates emotionally. The partnership between Neusoft and Cerence AI is designed to meet this rising demand, establishing humanlike intelligent interaction as the new standard for smart vehicles.

Through this collaboration, Neusoft will leverage its advanced intelligent cockpit software platform (NAGIC) as the core foundation, deeply integrating Cerence AI’s expertise in conversational AI, generative AI, and large language models. Together, the companies will explore innovative applications of intelligent voice interaction.

By combining Neusoft’s extensive global product development and delivery network with Cerence AI’s technological strengths and leadership in automotive, the two companies will jointly expand into global target markets.

Looking ahead, Neusoft will continue to uphold its philosophy of “open collaboration and shared ecosystem success”, working closely with more leading technology partners amid the accelerating trends of automotive intelligence and AI. Together, Neusoft and Cerence AI aim to help automakers break through market challenges and deliver safer, more natural and intelligent mobility experiences to users around the world. 

About Neusoft Corporation
Neusoft Corporation (SSE: 600718) is an industry-leading information technology, products and solutions company for the global market. Founded in 1991, Neusoft is the first listed software company in China. With insights into the latest market trends, Neusoft has always been exploring software technology innovation and applications, to help global customers achieve digital and intelligent transformation. Neusoft’s business focuses on the fields of intelligent vehicle connectivity, healthcare, smart city, enterprise digital transformation, digital services, as well as global software business. In the field of intelligent vehicle connectivity, Neusoft has more than 30 years of R&D experience in automotive software, and has participated in formulating over 60 national/international industry standards and established a global product R&D and delivery network centered in China, Germany, USA, Japan and Malaysia. Neusoft’s automotive products have been applied to 1800+ vehicle models, across 130+ countries and regions, for 50+ OEMs. For more information, visit www.neusoft.com

About Cerence Inc. 
Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 525 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai. 

  

Payment Asia Supports Integration of Art and Technology as AI Art Creation Competition “Words as Brushstrokes” ConcludesOver 2,000 Student Works Interpret Classical Poetry through AI

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The exhibition and awards ceremony for the 2nd Generative AI Art Creation Competition “Words as Brushstrokes – Poetry in Motion,” organized by DigiGear and honorably sponsored by Payment Asia, was successfully held today at the Leung Kwan Yick Yau Ma Tei Community Centre Hall. As the event sponsor, Payment Asia consistently upholds its long-term commitment to nurturing local innovation talent and fostering deep integration between art and technology through concrete actions, promoting the application of artificial intelligence and the development of STEM education. Ms. Tanya Yeung, Hong Kong Sales Director of Payment Asia, attended the ceremony to present awards, demonstrating support for the fusion of local innovation technology and arts education.

Tanya Yeung, Hong Kong Sales Director of Payment Asia, is at the event.
Tanya Yeung, Hong Kong Sales Director of Payment Asia, is at the event.

Building on the success and enthusiastic response of the inaugural competition, this year’s edition saw significant expansion in scale, attracting participation from over 240 primary and secondary schools and receiving more than 2,000 student submissions. This fully demonstrates the immense potential of generative AI in stimulating creativity, advancing interdisciplinary education, and promoting Chinese culture. The competition continued its theme of generating AI works based on classical Chinese poetry, using “Art-Tech” as a bridge to guide students in applying artificial intelligence technology. This year also introduced an AI video creation category for the first time, encouraging students to explore diverse expressions by combining dynamic imagery with poetry, thereby deepening the integration of technology and art.

During the event, numerous award-winning and outstanding works were exhibited, allowing the public to experience firsthand how students transformed the imagery, emotions, and imagination from poetry into vivid visual art through AI technology. The awards ceremony was conducted separately for primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary school categories, with public exhibition sessions attracting many educators, parents, and art-tech enthusiasts to appreciate the works and engage in exchanges.

The ceremony also featured other distinguished guests who presented awards and shared insights, including Dr. Tian Liang, Council Member of the Hong Kong STEAM Education Association, and Ms. Sharon Guan, Founder of LAFAVEUR and Deputy Director of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Textiles. The guests exchanged views with attending students, teachers, and the audience on trends in the integration of culture, creativity, and technology, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Ms. Tanya Yeung, stated, “Payment Asia has long been committed to supporting the development and application of artificial intelligence technology. We firmly believe that technology is a vital force driving social innovation. Our sponsorship of the ‘Words as Brushstrokes’ competition aims to encourage the younger generation to boldly embrace AI tools, combining profound cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology to create artistic expressions unique to this era. Seeing students vividly interpret the essence of classical poetry through AI is the best manifestation of the achievements in Art-Tech integrated education.”

Mr. Eric Suen, Founder of event organizer DigiGear, stated, “We launched the ‘Words as Brushstrokes’ competition to provide a platform for students to freely explore the creative potential of AI. By integrating classical poetry with generative AI, we have witnessed not only the new vitality technology brings to traditional culture but also the boundless creativity of Hong Kong students in merging humanities and technology. Moving forward, DigiGear will continue to promote more Art-Tech education initiatives to support the development of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem.”

The exhibition and awards ceremony featured a compact yet rich schedule: the primary school awards ceremony began at 10:30 AM, followed by an exhibition session. The junior secondary and senior secondary school ceremonies were held in the afternoon, with public viewings arranged in between, allowing attendees to appreciate the creative achievements of each category in detail.

As artificial intelligence technology becomes increasingly prevalent, the education sector is actively exploring its potential integration with traditional disciplines. This competition not only provided students with a platform to showcase their creativity but also opened new horizons for STEAM education and cultural arts education in Hong Kong, demonstrating the infinite possibilities arising from the convergence of technology and humanities.

BTL Announces Successful Enforcement of Patent Rights Relating to EMFACE® Against WonderFace Device

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PRAGUE, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BTL Group, a global leader in medical technologies, today announced the successful resolution of multiple patent infringement proceedings against Lexter Microelectronic Engineering Systems S.L. (“Lexter”), the manufacturer of the WonderFace device.

The settlement follows patent infringement litigation initiated by BTL in multiple jurisdictions to protect its proprietary EMFACE® technology. As a result of the settlement, Lexter has agreed to cease the manufacture, global marketing and distribution, and use of facial treatment technologies and associated disposables that simultaneously combine radiofrequency and electrical muscle stimulation.

As a leader in medical innovation, BTL owns a robust international patent portfolio protecting fundamental aspects of energy-based technologies.

“The global and definitive impact of this settlement testifies to our dedication to defending BTL’s intellectual property and protecting the investments of our customers,” said Tomas Schwarz, CEO of the BTL Group.

For more information about EMFACE®, visit www.emface.com.

About BTL
Founded in 1993, BTL is a global leader in medical device innovation, providing advanced solutions across aesthetic medicine, dermatology, plastic surgery, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, joint and spine care, dentistry, primary care, and OB/GYN. With more than 200 patents and over 600 in-house engineers, BTL leverages science and technology to advance non-invasive and therapeutic medical treatments worldwide. Its product portfolio includes EMFACE®, EXION®, EMSCULPT NEO®, EXOMIND®, EMSELLA®, EMVITAL®, and others.

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