MEXICO CITY, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ESENTIA Energy Development, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ESENTIA) (“ESENTIA” or the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of Energía Occidente de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“EOM”) for a gross purchase price of US$400 million (the “Acquisition” or the “Transaction”).

EOM owns and operates the approximately 313-km Guadalajara-Manzanillo natural gas pipeline system (the “Guadalajara-Manzanillo System”). The system runs from the Guadalajara area in Jalisco to Manzanillo, Colima, and is directly interconnected with ESENTIA’s existing pipeline Villa de Reyes-Aguascalientes-Guadalajara system operated by Esentia Pipeline de Occidente, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“VAG”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company.

Upon completion of the Transaction, the Guadalajara-Manzanillo System would extend ESENTIA’s integrated pipeline network to the Port of Manzanillo on Mexico’s Pacific coast. As a result, ESENTIA would become the only private company with an integrated natural gas pipeline system connecting the Permian Basin in Texas to the Mexican Pacific coast.

Esentia believes that the combination of the Guadalajara–Manzanillo System with its existing infrastructure will result in highly valuable operational synergies and cost savings over time and provide additional commercial flexibility across the combined corridor.

“The Acquisition is consistent with ESENTIA’s strategy to build a cohesive cross-border transportation system through disciplined M&A and low-risk opportunities that capitalize on our existing infrastructure” said Daniel Bustos, Chief Executive Officer. “The Acquisition would expand ESENTIA’s ability to serve existing and prospective customers within the combined system’s area of influence, including demand from power generation, industrial customers and potential LNG-related projects, and help reinforce ESENTIA’s position as one of Mexico’s leading natural gas transportation platforms.”

The Acquisition will be consummated pursuant to an equity purchase agreement entered into today with respect to 100% of the equity interests of EOM, among certain subsidiaries of ESENTIA as purchasers, and TC Energía Mexicana, S. de R.L. de C.V. and TCPL CentrOriente Ltd., as sellers.

The Company expects to fund the purchase price of the Acquisition through a combination of available liquidity and/or available borrowings under existing credit facilities, and the Transaction is not expected to increase the Company’s gross indebtedness. The consummation of the Acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals and consents.

Citigroup is acting as financial advisor to ESENTIA in connection with the Transaction.

The Acquisition constitutes a corporate restructuring pursuant to the “General Provisions Applicable to Securities Issuers and Other Securities Market Participants” (Disposiciones de carácter general aplicables a las emisoras de valores y a otros participantes del mercado de valores), published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (Diario Oficial de la Federación) on March 19, 2003 (as amended from time to time, the “Issuers’ Circular”). The Transaction was approved by ESENTIA’s Board of Directors on September 4, 2026. At such time, the potential Acquisition and the related negotiation process were confidential, as agreed with the sellers and EOM.

Pursuant to Article 35, Section I, of the Issuers’ Circular, the Company does not have the accounting information necessary to prepare the required information memorandum as of the date hereof. Accordingly, the Company will defer the publication of the information memorandum to no later than the business day immediately following the date on which the necessary information becomes available, which the Company expects will occur within no more than 80 (eighty) calendar days from the date hereof.

About the Guadalajara–Manzanillo System:

The Guadalajara–Manzanillo System is an approximately 313-kilometer natural gas transportation system extending between the Guadalajara area in Jalisco and Manzanillo, Colima.

The system is connected to the LNG Manzanillo regasification terminal, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, and consists of two principal segments:

• Segment 1 consists of an approximately 5.5-kilometer, 24-inch pipeline with transportation capacity of approximately 500 MMcf/d. The segment connects the LNG Manzanillo regasification terminal with Comisión Federal de Electricidad’s CT Manzanillo power generation facility.
• Segment 2 consists of an approximately 307.3-kilometer, 30-inch pipeline with transportation capacity of approximately 360 MMcf/d. The segment extends from the Manzanillo area toward Guadalajara and interconnects with the Sistema de Transporte y Almacenamiento Nacional Integrado de Gas Natural (“SISTRANGAS”) and Esentia’s VAG system near Guadalajara, Jalisco. 

About ESENTIA Energy Systems:

ESENTIA Energy Systems is a leading company in Mexico’s energy sector, specializing in the transportation and commercialization of natural gas. With more than 20 years of experience, we develop infrastructure projects that drive growth and expand access to energy, contributing to Mexico’s well-being and sustainable development. We operate Mexico’s largest interconnected natural gas system, supplying reliable, low-cost natural gas from Waha, Texas, through the center of the country to major industrial regions. At ESENTIA Energy Systems, we operate under the highest safety standards and maintain a firm commitment to sustainability and respect for the communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.esentiaenergy.com

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains statements that constitute estimates and forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Acquisition including (i) projections, predictions, expectations, estimates, or forecasts as to our business, our results of operations and financial condition, our future economic performance and the general economic conditions, (ii) plans, objectives or goals, including those related to financial, operational or service performance, and (iii) statements of assumptions underlying the aforementioned statements and any other similar statements concerning matters that are not historical facts. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “potential,” “will,” “would” and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions of future events and trends which affect, or may affect, our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Future events or circumstances could cause our actual business prospects, financial condition and results of operations to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions, as well as our actual business prospects, results of operations and financial condition, may be influenced by, among others, the following factors: risks and uncertainties relating to the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition, including the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the right of us or the sellers to terminate the equity purchase agreement the possibility that the Acquisition does not close when expected or at all because of required regulatory, stockholders’, or other approvals and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all (and the risk that seeking or obtaining such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the Acquisition); that efforts to complete the Acquisition may affect our business relationships with our existing and potential customers, suppliers, service providers and other business partners; the risk that the expected synergies from the Acquisition may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; any failure to promptly and effectively integrate our business and that of EOM; and that the diversion Acquisition may divert of management’s attention and time to the Acquisition from ongoing business operations and opportunities. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified in their entirety by these risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could affect our business and we cannot assess the impact of all such factors on our business.

SYDNEY, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TMGM and Chelsea Football Club today announced the extension of their partnership into a fourth year, with the collaboration expanding beyond Asia-Pacific into the Middle East.

Since 2023, TMGM has served as Chelsea FC’s Official Online Forex and CFD Trading Partner in Asia-Pacific. The extension advances a partnership spanning matchday visibility, original content and fan engagement.

Three Years of Shared Momentum

In 2026, the partnership reached a milestone when TMGM branding appeared on the back of Chelsea men’s match shirts during the FA Cup – a first in the club’s history. TMGM also joined Chelsea FC’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Pre-Season Tour as an Official Partner, with open training, pitch-side access and post-match tunnel experiences. The tour included a visit by Chelsea players Cole Palmer and João Pedro to TMGM’s Sydney headquarters.

Earlier in 2026, TMGM presented The Famous CFC in Bangkok, where hundreds of supporters attended a live match screening and an exclusive appearance by former Chelsea captain John Terry.

These milestones formed part of a wider programme of premium home-match hospitality, behind-the-scenes visits at Cobham and player-led content under TMGM’s “Trade like a lion” campaign.

A Broader Platform for Year Four

In year four, TMGM’s expanded regional rights will support brand visibility at Chelsea home fixtures, original content featuring players and legends, regional digital campaigns and a China-focused performance series. The programme will also continue through The Famous CFC in selected markets and offer TMGM clients further hospitality and behind-the-scenes access across Chelsea’s matchday, stadium and training environments.

“Over three years, our relationship with Chelsea FC has evolved from regional activations to high-profile moments, including visibility on the club’s FA Cup shirts and its Asia-Pacific tour,” said TMGM. “Entering our fourth year and extending into the Middle East creates opportunities to connect with more audiences through experiences that reflect the ambition of both organisations.”

Chelsea Football Club said: “TMGM has focused on bringing its clients and our supporters closer to the club through digital-first content and in-person events across Asia-Pacific to great effect. We are pleased to extend the partnership into a fourth year and look forward to building on its momentum across the region and also the Middle East.”

About TMGM

Founded in 2013 in Sydney, Australia, TMGM Group is the Official Regional Partner of Chelsea Football Club. As a broker providing global financial product trading, TMGM is regulated by ASIC (Australia), VFSC (Vanuatu), FSC Mauritius, and FSA (Seychelles).

Disclaimer: Investing in leveraged products carries high risks and is not suitable for all investors. You have no interest in the underlying asset. Read the Client Agreement and other disclosure documents set forth on our website. The above information is provided by TMGM Group (Trademax Australia Limited, ABN 76 162 331 311, AFSL 436416, Trademax Global Markets (SE) Limited, FSA licence number SD224, Trademax Global Limited, VFSC 40356 & Trademax Global Markets (International) Pty Ltd, Company No. 195323, Mauritius Investment Dealer Licence No. GB22201012). 

Helping Advance Industry Collaboration, Innovation and the Future of Global Supply Chains

SEOUL, South Korea and TEANECK, N.J., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LX Pantos Americas is proud to announce its Regional Sponsorship and participation in the VMA26 International Trade Symposium, a premier industry event that brings together business leaders, innovators and supply chain professionals to explore the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global trade and maritime commerce. The event will take place October 13-15 at the Hilton Norfolk The Main in Norfolk, Virginia.

LX Pantos Americas’ participation in VMA26 reflects the company’s deep commitment to maritime transportation and growing investment in Virginia as a strategic gateway for global trade. The company has strengthened its presence in the Commonwealth through recent Memorandums of Understanding with The Port of Virginia and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), reinforcing a shared focus on trade growth, supply chain innovation and economic development. These relationships position LX Pantos Americas to support customers with enhanced connectivity and logistics solutions while contributing to Virginia’s role as a leading hub for international commerce.

As economic ties between the United States and Korea continue to expand, LX Pantos Americas is closely aligned with the opportunities emerging from increased Korean investment across North American manufacturing, infrastructure and transportation networks. The company is actively evaluating opportunities related to the anticipated $150 billion shipbuilding collaboration initiative between the U.S. and Korea and the broader supply chain ecosystem it is expected to support. LX Pantos Americas will host a private executive roundtable during VMA26, bringing together business and supply chain leaders to explore how strategic investment, collaboration and resilient infrastructure can be leveraged to create long-term competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

LX Pantos Americas CEO David Bang will participate in Late Night Freight on Thursday, October 15, at 11:15 a.m. with host Eric Jehu, VP, Logistics for the VEDP, where he provides primary staff leadership for developing and implementing strategies to promote employment growth within Virginia’s logistics industry. The session will bring together leaders from the legal, pharmaceutical and logistics sectors to discuss the policy, infrastructure and investment priorities shaping the future of supply chains. Bang will share LX Pantos Americas’ “supply chain forward” perspective, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, strategic investment and policy alignment in building resilient supply chains and supporting sustainable industry growth.

Reflecting its commitment to fostering future industry talent, LX Pantos Americas will sponsor a student’s participation in VMA26 and welcome a student guest to its sponsored table at the Maritime Banquet, helping connect emerging professionals with industry leaders while supporting the next generation of maritime, logistics and international trade talent.

“Virginia continues to play an increasingly important role in global trade, making VMA26 an ideal forum to discuss the opportunities created by growing investment and collaboration across the supply chain ecosystem,” said David Bang, CEO of LX Pantos Americas. “As economic ties between the United States and Korea deepen, we see significant potential to strengthen maritime transportation, infrastructure and logistics networks. Through our partnerships in Virginia and engagement with industry leaders at VMA26, we look forward to contributing to conversations that help transform investment into long-term economic growth and supply chain resilience.”

• About LX Pantos Americas

LX Pantos Americas is the Americas regional organization of LX Pantos, a leadingglobal logistics company. With operations spanning across North and South America, LX Pantos Americas combines global scale and standards with deep regional expertise and local execution excellence. The company delivers optimized, end-to-end logistics solutions tailored to support business growth across a wide range of industries, while actively contributing to the communities it serves. LX Pantos Americas brings customers closer to their end markets faster, through all modes of transportation and contract logistics capabilities, including last mile delivery and installation services offered through InstallX, leveraging deep expertise and advanced technical knowledge. The company’s StarLinks service provides reliable and competitive ground transportation solutions across North America powered by its partners and BoxLinks – an innovative joint venture with a major ocean shipping line – enhancing intermodal transport solutions. Driven by a strong dedication to service excellence and client success, LX Pantos Americas helps customers move forward with confidence. Learn more about LX Pantos Americas online and follow it on LinkedIn.

• About LX Pantos

Established in 1977, LX Pantos is a leading global logistics provider headquartered in Korea. It delivers comprehensive logistics solutions across sea, air, rail, and contract logistics through a worldwide network spanning more than 40 countries.

Learn more about LX Pantos online and follow it on LinkedIn.

• CEER’s EXOBOT electric sedan and SUV embody Saudi innovation and national ambition, combining visionary design, advanced technologies, outstanding performance, and an exceptional driving experience.
• Designed, engineered, and manufactured in Saudi Arabia, as CEER’s flagship vehicles within a broader vehicle lineup to be launched over the next five years.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of PIF, revealed EXOBOT, the flagship electric vehicles from CEER, Saudi Arabia’s national automotive company. This national milestone reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic direction toward developing an advanced industrial sector aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in the global automotive industry.

Marking this occasion, His Royal Highness said: “The launch of CEER’s first vehicles represents another step forward in Saudi Arabia’s progression to build a sustainable and prosperous industrial ecosystem. It further enables the automotive sector as a key driver of economic growth, through attracting investments, empowering national talent, and expanding the private sector’s role to further position Saudi Arabia to become a leading regional and global hub for this industry.”

EXOBOT sedan and SUV vehicles represent part of a planned portfolio of seven models that will be launched over the next five years, including midsize and compact vehicles with various propulsion options to serve different customer needs. These vehicles will be manufactured at CEER Manufacturing Complex (CMC), the largest automotive production facility in the Middle East and one of the most technologically advanced in the world. Additionally, EXOBOT sedan and SUV feature a distinctive design inspired by Saudi Arabia’s landscape, rooted in its culture, and reflective of its vision. Designed and engineered locally, the vehicles have been developed according to the highest global standards, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising force in the global automotive industry.

By 2034 CEER is projected to contribute USD 8 billion (over SAR 30 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, USD 21 billion (over SAR 80 billion) to trade balance improvement, and create quality direct and indirect jobs.

The announcement aligns with PIF’s efforts to develop an integrated and competitive local automotive ecosystem, as part of PIF’s mandate as a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. PIF launched CEER in 2022 as the first Saudi vehicle brand, with the aim to support the development of the national industrial ecosystem, attract investments, create opportunities for the private sector, and increase Saudi GDP.

Follow the livestream of the CEER World Premiere on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXzjpmxFcPw

For all news and assets from the CEER World Premiere, head to: https://ceermotors.com/news/

CONTACT: Karolina.mizgalska@bursonglobal.com

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Global Compact today launched the Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework, a practical global resource designed to help companies place sustainability at the core of procurement and translate sustainability commitments and requirements into day-to-day business practice.

Launched during the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Procurement, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, the Framework responds to a critical implementation challenge for companies operating across increasingly complex global value chains. While governments around the world are advancing regulations and policies to promote more responsible and sustainable supply chains, companies also need practical guidance to translate these expectations into the decisions, processes and supplier relationships managed by procurement functions every day.

The Framework is designed to complement, rather than replace, existing regulations, standards and sustainability frameworks. Where regulations and standards can establish what companies are expected to achieve, the Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework focuses on the how: providing a practical pathway for companies to operationalize sustainability throughout the procurement lifecycle.

Developed by the UN Global Compact Coalition for Sustainable Procurement, with contributions from leading companies and expert organizations, the Framework provides a structured approach to integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into procurement. It helps companies assess their current maturity, establish the right governance and accountability, translate corporate sustainability priorities into sourcing and purchasing decisions, engage and strengthen suppliers, measure performance and continuously improve.

In doing so, the Framework aims to move sustainable procurement beyond a compliance exercise. It positions procurement as a strategic business function that can help companies manage supply chain risks, strengthen resilience, accelerate decarbonization, advance responsible business practices, foster supplier innovation and capabilities, and support long-term competitiveness.

“Our ambition is to make sustainable procurement the global norm and to give companies a practical pathway for turning that ambition into action,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “In the years ahead, we will work with governments, companies, business associations and other partners around the world to mobilize the private sector to adopt and implement this Framework. By placing sustainability at the core of procurement, we can help transform the purchasing decisions and supplier relationships of thousands of companies into a powerful force for more resilient, responsible and sustainable global value chains.”

Procurement represents one of the most significant areas of corporate influence, connecting companies with thousands of suppliers and shaping business decisions across global value chains. As companies respond to evolving expectations related to climate action, human rights, responsible sourcing, regulation and supply chain resilience, procurement teams are increasingly responsible for turning corporate sustainability ambitions into operational decisions.

Yet implementation remains a significant challenge. Procurement teams must determine how sustainability should influence supplier selection, contracting, supplier engagement, performance management and purchasing decisions often while navigating different regulatory environments, markets and levels of supplier capability.

The Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework is designed to help bridge this gap. Adaptable across industries, company sizes and geographies, it provides a common implementation approach while allowing organizations to apply the guidance according to their business context, sustainability maturity and supply chain realities. This flexibility is particularly important for global value chains, where large multinational companies and smaller suppliers may operate under very different market and regulatory conditions but increasingly need to work toward shared sustainability expectations.

“Companies increasingly understand the sustainability outcomes they are expected to deliver, including through evolving regulatory requirements. The challenge for procurement teams is translating those expectations into day-to-day decisions and supplier relationships. This Framework helps address that implementation gap by giving companies a practical approach they can apply within the procurement function,” said Pascal Vieilvoye, CEO of Concept 4

The launch marks the beginning of a broader effort to drive adoption and implementation of the Framework globally. Through the UN Global Compact’s global network and partnerships with companies, governments, business associations, public agencies and other organizations, the initiative will seek to build awareness, strengthen implementation capacity and encourage companies to embed the Framework into procurement practices and supplier engagement.

The ambition is not simply to introduce another sustainability resource, but to create a shared and practical approach to sustainable procurement that can be used across markets, industries and value chains. By connecting policy ambition with business implementation, the Framework can also support dialogue between governments and the private sector on how to accelerate more sustainable and resilient supply chains.

The 2026 High-Level Forum on Sustainable Procurement convened ministers, chief procurement officers, Heads of International Organizations and sustainability experts to discuss how procurement can accelerate sustainable development while strengthening competitiveness and supply chain resilience.

The Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework is publicly available and intended for organizations of all sizes seeking to integrate sustainability into procurement practices and supplier engagement.

About the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement

Established by the United Nations Global Compact in 2025, the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement brings together leading companies committed to advancing procurement as a strategic driver of sustainability, resilience and long-term business value.

Coalition members work collectively to address shared implementation challenges, exchange practical experience and develop solutions that can support companies and suppliers across global value chains. The Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework was developed through this collaborative effort, drawing on the experience of participating companies and expert partners.

The Coalition is working toward a vision of making sustainable procurement the global norm, with the ambition of enabling 100,000 companies to integrate sustainability into procurement by 2030.

About the United Nations Global Compact

As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is a call to companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our vision is clear: to mobilize business to transform sustainability ambition into action at the scale the world demands. With more than 25,000 participants and a presence in over 100 countries through 5 Regional Hubs and more than 70 Country Networks and expansion territories, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit the UN Global Compact website.

FRANKFURT, Germany and AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Creality today announces the launch of the multi-color 3D printer SPARKX i8 on Indiegogo, at a super early-bird price of $289 (MSRP $399) starting from Sept. 21. Designed for ultimate user experience, the SPARKX i8 features a single-toolhead, four-channel extrusion architecture that delivers fastest color printing, zero external purge waste, zero prime towers and CMYK full-color printing, bringing multi-color 3D printing to the next generation.

Fastest Four-Color Printing Powered by QuarTeks™

At the core of the SPARKX i8 is Creality’s QuarTeks™ Color Change System. The new architecture integrates four independent filament channels into one compact toolhead. Unlike systems that require multiple toolheads or external filament swapping, the i8 pre-loads filaments directly into the quad-channel toolhead to make color changes more efficient.

Near the nozzle tip, QuarTeks™ is equipped with an ultra-short shared filament path of less than 1 mm, or approximately 2 mm³. It is at least 30 times shorter than other shared paths widely used in the market. Powered by the ultra-short path, the i8 is able to switch color channels in less than 1 second, as it significantly reduces filament retraction, feeding and purging. Thus, switching between colors is made as quick and effortless as clicking a four-color ballpoint pen.

With no need to swap toolheads, nozzles, or motion platforms, the i8 greatly enhances the printing efficiency and cuts production time by simplifying the color change mechanism. According to Creality’s lab tests of building a four-color tower with 3,000 color switches, the i8 completed the test in around 18 hours, 500% faster than printers with an external feed system.

Zero External Purge Waste

The QuarTeks™ is also built for reducing material waste. The less-than-1-mm shared filament path minimizes the amount of purge waste. Under optimal slicing settings, color transitions can be flushed directly into the model’s infill or inner walls, bringing external purge waste down to 0 g*.

*0 g: No external purging during printing. Only a small amount of filament is flushed at the start.

Zero Prime Towers

SPARKX i8 eliminates prime towers by shifting color-change travel into the model’s infill paths, without the need to print a separate tower for each color change. This significantly cuts color-transition time under prime-tower-free settings. Meanwhile, a dedicated clean wall isolates infill colors to keep model surfaces impeccable.

CMYK Full-Color Printing

SPARKX i8 also supports full-spectrum layered color printing, capable of creating richer ranges of colors by combining and mixing four base-color filaments across different layers. The layered color mixing* forms intermediate tones, gradients, and variations in brightness through different layer thicknesses and mixing sequences. With just four filament colors, the i8 can produce 16 or even 32 color combinations in a single print, unlocking unlimited possibilities of creations.

*Layered color mixing is not equivalent to precise color matching and cannot perfectly reproduce all specified colors.

AI-Assisted Monitoring

The 13 sensors built into the printhead with AI vision camera monitor four filament channels, switching mechanisms, and key printing statuses, detecting issues in real time such as an empty spool, filament runout, and air printing for faster troubleshooting. In addition, the standalone i8 features automatic filament refill, which allows up to four loaded spools of the same material at once and automatically switches to another when one runs out, enabling larger and more continuous prints.

Crowdfunding Availability & Best Price Ever

Now is the time to get the SPARKX i8 at its best available price by backing the crowdfunding campaign starting from Sept. 21.

Key sales information includes:

• Crowdfunding page link: www.indiegogo.com
• Super early-bird price: $289, with very limited availability, increasing to $399 when super early-bird slots are sold out.
• Free shipping and taxes: The 1,000 backers who order in the first 24 hours will receive a full refund of shipping and taxes, up to $50, after the campaign. The offer is limited to one i8 per backer.
• Shipping time: Orders are scheduled to ship from factories in October, with delivery expected in November, varying by region and local logistics during the Q4 peak season.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SMARTIES™ Vietnam has officially announced its 2026 Shortlist, recognizing 187 entries that have distinguished themselves through this year’s rigorous judging process and moved one step closer to the coveted SMARTIES™ trophies. This year’s award brings together 150 senior marketing leaders and industry experts across judging panels, reinforcing the scale and professional rigor behind SMARTIES™ Vietnam 2026.

187 Entries Making Their Mark in 2026

The SMARTIES™ Vietnam 2026 Shortlist, presented by the Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA), brings together 187 entries spanning a wide range of industries, each offering a distinct response to the increasingly complex challenges facing marketers today. Across creativity, data, technology and consumer engagement, the shortlisted work captures how marketing is being applied to create tangible impact for businesses.

This year’s Shortlist features a strong showing from leading brands including Abbott, BYD, Coca-Cola, FPT Play, Google, Grab, Heineken, L’Oréal, MSD, Nestlé, Nutifood, Samsung, Suntory PepsiCo, Unilever and Vietnam Airlines, among many others. It also reflects the work of leading media and creative agencies including Dentsu Creative, Hakuhodo, LEO, MullenLowe Mishra, Omnicom Media, PMAX, Purpose.Ant, TMRW, WPP Media and Zenith.

Reflecting on the progress seen across this year’s entries, Rohit Dadwal, CEO of MMA APAC and Global Head of SMARTIES Worldwide, shared:

“Vietnam continues to distinguish itself within the global SMARTIES™ community through its ability to combine technology and data with a deep understanding of local culture and consumers. This year’s shortlisted work demonstrates how marketers are translating that combination into creative solutions that address real business challenges and deliver measurable impact.”

4 Channels – 25 Categories: A Broader View of Modern Marketing

The range of work represented across this year’s 187 shortlisted entries extends across 4 channels and 25 categories. From customer experience, technology and data to emerging platforms and new approaches to engagement, the awards offer a broader view of how marketing is adapting to a changing marketplace and rising consumer expectations.

Beyond the 25 award categories, SMARTIES™ Vietnam 2026 will also recognize excellence through 15 Industry Awards, extending recognition across campaigns, brands, agencies, technology enablers, publishers and other players that have made a notable mark on this year’s awards.

The broader scope of SMARTIES™ also reflects the expanding role of marketing and the many ways it creates value for brands, businesses and the wider market, capturing a more complete picture of marketing excellence today.

13 Years of Celebrating Excellence and Shaping the Standards of Marketing in Vietnam

Over 13 years in Vietnam, SMARTIES™ has established itself as one of the country’s leading international marketing awards, while growing alongside an industry undergoing profound transformation. Across each season, SMARTIES™ has witnessed the boundaries between creativity, media, data and commerce become increasingly interconnected, reshaping what marketing excellence means today.

Excellence is no longer defined by the ability to capture attention alone, but by the ability to turn ideas into solutions that contribute to sustainable business growth. This principle has remained at the heart of SMARTIES™ for more than a decade.

The credibility of the 2026 awards is further reinforced by 150 industry leaders and experts across the judging panels, comprising 100 Qualifying Jury members and 50 Grand Jury members. Their breadth of expertise and experience brings depth and perspective to the judging process, while ensuring that every campaign is assessed against the standards SMARTIES™ has upheld throughout its journey in Vietnam.

Each campaign is evaluated across strategy, creativity, execution and business impact, providing a comprehensive view of both the quality of the work and the impact it delivers.

Ms. Phan Bich Tam, Managing Director Vietnam and Cambodia & Board Member Vietnam, MMA Global – APAC, emphasized:

“For 13 years, SMARTIES™ Vietnam has celebrated marketing that turns creativity into measurable business value. This year’s Shortlist reflects the growing ambition and strategic maturity of Vietnam’s marketing community. It also shows how brands and agencies are applying innovation with greater discipline to address real business challenges. Congratulations to every team recognized.”

SMARTIES™ Awards Gala

On October 29, SMARTIES™ Vietnam 2026 Gala Night will reveal and celebrate the outstanding campaigns, brands and agencies of this year’s competition.

More than the moment when the SMARTIES™ trophies find their winners, Gala Night brings the marketing community together to celebrate the campaigns and teams that have transformed consumer understanding, strategic thinking and creativity into meaningful value for brands and businesses.

View the complete list of SMARTIES Vietnam 2026 Finalists

The industry will gather to celebrate the winners at the SMARTIES™ Vietnam 2026 Awards Gala on October 29, 2026, at GEM Center, Ho Chi Minh City.

Reserve your attendance at the Gala Night.

PR Newswire is the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of SMARTIES™ Vietnam 2026.

About the Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA)

The Marketing + Media Alliance is the global non-profit community of CMOs advancing marketers’ ability to create value, with 825+ members across 16 countries. mmaglobal.com

About SMARTIES™

SMARTIES™ is the prestigious marketing awards program hosted by MMA, recognizing excellence in marketing effectiveness and innovation. The SMARTIES Awards celebrate campaigns that push creative boundaries while delivering measurable business impact. With programs spanning local, regional, and global markets, SMARTIES has become the industry’s most respected benchmark for marketing that drives real growth.

Media Contact:
Ms. Ngoc Vu
Email: ngoc.vu@mmaglobal.com

MMA Vietnam
mmavn@mmaglobal.com