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From textile waste to runway: Redress Design Award 2026 opens public vote for the next generation of sustainable fashion designers

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2026 – Redress, the Asia-focused environmental NGO dedicated to reducing clothing’s negative environmental impacts since 2007, is calling on consumers worldwide to vote online for their favourite Finalist in the Redress Design Award 2026, the world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition. Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open until 31 August 2026, with the winner to be announced at the Grand Final Fashion Show in Hong Kong on 2 September.

From textile waste to runway: Redress design award 2026 opens public vote for the next generation of sustainable fashion designers

The Finalists’ collections showcase innovative approaches to tackling textile waste, transforming discarded leather offcuts, secondhand hardware and industrial waste through reconstruction and upcycling techniques, while exploring next-generation materials such as biodegradable fruit leather and ethical non-livestock wool to reimagine raw materials for circular fashion.

Organised by Redress and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as Lead Sponsor, the Redress Design Award invites the public to discover the tactile beauty of circular fashion through its latest photoshoot and cast their votes to champion sustainable fashion while empowering the next generation of circular design talents.

The photoshoot: sensory storytelling

Photographed by acclaimed Hong Kong creative Paul Sunga with hair by Davines and makeup by MakeupBees, the photoshoot celebrates the creative decisions behind each Finalist’s collection, highlighting the unique textures, craftsmanship and natural imperfections of their materials while underscoring why design matters: 80% of a garment’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage[1].

“The Finalists of the Redress Design Award are proving that thoughtful design can transform textile waste into something beautiful. Getting up close to these garments, you see how every material choice, texture and technique tells a story, reminding us that the biggest opportunity to reduce fashion’s environmental impact begins at the design stage. I can’t wait for people to discover these collections through the photoshoot and vote for their favourite,” says photoshoot photographer Paul Sunga.

The Finalists’ collections are transported from overseas to Hong Kong for the photoshoot and upcoming Grand Final using DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus service. This service helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a Book & Claim mechanism, where the environmental attributes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are allocated to participating shipments. Made from alternative raw materials with a lower-emission energy profile, such as used cooking oil, waste and hydrogen, SAF can reduce the air transport shipments’ lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by around 80 percent compared with conventional jet fuel.

Find out who wins at the grand final show

The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at the Redress Design Award 2026 Grand Final Fashion Show, along with the coveted first prize including a week-long trip to the UK to connect with leading voices in sustainable fashion through a visit to Simple Approach’s Manchester operations to gain insight into responsible fashion design, development, and manufacturing, and an intensive experience with the team at luxury womenswear brand Roksanda to work on an upcycling design project.

The Redress Design Award 2026 Grand Final Fashion Show is open to an exclusive in-person audience and will be livestreamed globally on 2 September 2026 (Wednesday), at 5pm HKT / 11am CET via Facebook and WeChat. Save the date here.

Alumni showcase at centrestage open to public

Redress will also present a total of six Redress Alumni brands as part of both the Grand Final Fashion Show, and at a showcase of Alumni brands at CENTRESTAGE in Hong Kong from 2–5 September 2026 (Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–7pm) supported by DHL. Industry professionals and the public alike are all welcome to come, meet designers, and see up close their sustainable, waste-reducing collections.

The Redress Design Award 2026 Photoshoot Credits

  • Photographer: Paul Sunga
  • Models: Pak Yan Wong (Self Management Hong Kong), Max Holmström (Primo Management Ltd)
  • Creative Stylist: Matthieu Amelin
  • Hair: Henry Tse for Davines
  • Make-up: Cindy Lai for MakeupBees
  • Production: Katt Bidegain, Charly Cheung, Nancy Liu
  • Studio: Soho House Hong Kong
  • Lighting: Ming Suet
  • BTS videographer: Jimmy Yu
  • BTS photographer: Nicky Chan

[1] European Commission: Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry and Directorate-General for Energy, Ecodesign your future – How ecodesign can help the environment by making products smarter, European Commission, 2012

Hashtag: #Redress

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

Redress

Redress () is a Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO with a mission to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry by educating and empowering designers and consumers so as to reduce clothing’s negative environmental impacts.

The Redress Design Award

The Redress Design Award () is the world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition that educates and empowers emerging fashion designers about circular design techniques to reduce fashion’s negative environmental impacts. Organised by Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO Redress since 2011, the competition partners with academic institutions globally and attracts designer applicants from over 50 countries and regions to win prizes that connect them with global-leading fashion businesses to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry.

Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) (), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.


Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Lao AI Skills Dialogue 2026 Brings Stakeholders Together to Build an AI-Ready Workforce

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Advertorial Desk
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A picture of the Lao AI Skills Dialogue 2026 brings stakeholders together to discuss AI skills development. (Photo by XM technology)

XM Technovator collaborated with the Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC) and the ASEAN Foundation, hosted the Lao AI Skills Dialogue 2026 on 21 August at Amari Vientiane Hotel, bringing together policymakers, educators, businesses, international organizations and youth representatives to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) skills development in Laos.

Supported by Google.org through the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, the dialogue was held under the theme “Building an AI-Ready Lao PDR Through Skills and Collaboration.” The event focused on strengthening cooperation and identifying skills needed to prepare the country’s workforce for the growing use of AI.

The event featured a presentation on Laos’ draft National AI Strategy by the Department of Innovation and Technology (ARIST) under the Ministry of Technology and Communications. Participants also reviewed key achievements and lessons from the implementation of the AI Ready ASEAN project in Laos.

Expert panel discussions and interactive workshops provided opportunities for participants to discuss priority AI skills and develop recommendations for future training and capacity-building efforts.

Mr. Thanongdeuan Touliehong of ARIST said: “Artificial Intelligence is becoming an increasingly vital factor in economic development, education, public services, innovation, and the future of the labor market. As AI rapidly advances, equipping our people with proper knowledge, skills, and understanding is essential for Lao PDR to maximize the benefits of these technologies while addressing the challenges and responsibilities that come with AI adoption.”

The dialogue concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements in AI education and skills development across Laos. The program reached 44 institutions, five provinces and 8,149 individuals, supporting efforts to expand AI knowledge and develop future technology professionals.

Mr. Bounyong Phetvixay, Director of the Youth Media Department of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, said: “Artificial Intelligence is not simply a new technology — it is a transformation in how our young people learn, work, and prepare themselves for the future. Technology alone will not transform our country; people will. As Lao PDR develops its direction for AI, our most important investment must be in human resources.”

The Lao AI Skills Dialogue 2026 showed the importance of connecting national AI policy with education and workforce development, while encouraging greater collaboration among government, businesses, educators and young people as Laos prepares for an increasingly AI-driven future.

Huawei and HP Inc. Sign Global Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

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Advertorial Desk
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SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2026 – Today, Huawei and HP Inc. announced the signing of a multiyear global patent cross-licensing agreement, including license to HP Inc. for certain Huawei WiFi patents. This milestone agreement not only reflects the companies’ cooperation in the field of intellectual property licensing but also recognizes Huawei’s innovation capabilities and core technological strength as well as HP’s position as global leader in computers and peripheral equipment.

IPR交叉协议新闻网站封面.jpg

Alan Fan, Huawei’s Chief Intellectual Property Officer, stated, “Huawei is pleased to reach this patent cross-licensing agreement with HP Inc. This agreement is a strong testament to Huawei’s persistent independent innovation in cutting-edge fields in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Through patent licensing, Huawei shares its innovation with the industry, particularly in the area of standardized technologies, which brings leading technological experiences to consumers worldwide.”

Steven Geiszler, who represented Huawei in the negotiations, stated: “This is another successful licensing of Huawei patents, particularly in the area of standardized Wi-Fi technologies—while obtaining valuable reciprocal patent rights from HP Inc. I appreciate the professionalism and courteousness shown by HP’s negotiation team during this project.”

Wi-Fi has become one of the most widely used wireless technologies in the world, connecting homes, schools, hospitals, offices and public spaces. Each generation of the standard is developed openly, drawing on technical contributions from companies across the industry, and is then made broadly available to implementers.

Although lacking the speed and throughput of newer generations, Wi-Fi 4 and 5 are still widely used, providing reliable networking for less demanding applications.

High speed, large capacity and lower energy consumption enable Wi-Fi 6 to deliver multiple high-definition video streaming, gaming and AR/VR services alongside legacy broadband and IoT devices such as laptops, refrigerators, cameras, doorbells, thermostats, and lightbulbs—all with a single wireless router.

Wi-Fi 7, building on Wi-Fi 6, delivers higher throughput, lower latency, and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. These enhancements enable an exceptionally smooth experience for 8K video, gaming, AR/VR, remote work, online video conferencing, and cloud computing.

Together, these advances and applications have made reliable wireless connectivity part of the basic infrastructure of everyday life — supporting remote healthcare, digital education, and more energy-efficient homes and workplaces. Huawei has played a significant role in contributing to the development of Wi-Fi technologies over successive generations and makes the resulting technologies available publicly, so that innovation created in one place can benefit users everywhere.

Hashtag: #Huawei #HPInc #PatentCrossLicensing

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

THE HUNT IS ON: WILD TURKEY GOLD FOIL EDITION ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

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Advertorial Desk
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The highly anticipated Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil Edition lands in Australia as Bruce Russell arrives to share the story behind bourbon’s newest collector’s release

SYDNEY, Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — After months of anticipation from whiskey enthusiasts and collectors around the world, the Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil Edition has officially arrived in Australia.

The inaugural release in the new Austin Nichols Archives Collection, Gold Foil Edition is a highly collectable bourbon inspired by one of the most legendary and sought-after bottles in Wild Turkey’s history. Created by Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell, the limited release pays tribute to the iconic “Cheesy Gold Foil” bottlings that have achieved near-mythical status among bourbon collectors.

Long before whiskey collecting became a global phenomenon, the original Gold Foil earned a reputation as one of the most revered and fiercely hunted bottles in American whiskey. Decades later, that legacy continues to capture the imagination of collectors, inspiring a modern interpretation that honours the past while creating a new chapter for a new generation of bourbon fans.

The release offers a rare opportunity to celebrate the generations who share a love of bourbon. With Father’s Day just around the corner, Gold Foil Edition is the perfect gift for whiskey loving dads, collectors and connoisseurs alike.

As the first release in the Austin Nichols Archives Collection, Gold Foil Edition celebrates the stories, bottles and moments that have shaped Wild Turkey’s rich history. More than a decade in the making, the collection was conceived by Bruce Russell as a way to reintroduce some of Wild Turkey’s most iconic releases to modern whiskey drinkers, while celebrating the legacy of the generations who came before him.

Created from carefully selected 16-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon barrels sourced from Wild Turkey’s renowned Camp Nelson rickhouses and bottled at 120 proof, Gold Foil delivers rich notes of dark fruit, mature oak, cherry cola, clove and Wild Turkey’s signature character.

Designed for collectors as much as whiskey drinkers, Gold Foil Edition pairs exceptional bourbon with equally striking presentation. Inspired by Wild Turkey’s hunting heritage and vintage archive imagery, the bottle is housed in a premium canister featuring an autumn hunting scene, gold foil detailing and subtle references to the legendary original release. It’s a package that celebrates the spirit of discovery and gives whiskey hunters something worth displaying long after the final pour.

“Austin Nichols Archives has been a labour of love, and I’m excited to finally share it with bourbon lovers everywhere,” said Bruce Russell, Associate Master Blender at Wild Turkey.

“Gold Foil Edition was the perfect bourbon to launch the collection. Inspired by a personal favourite of mine and of many Wild Turkey fans, I drew on everything I’ve learned from my father and grandfather to create a whiskey that honours the Wild Turkey legacy.”

With Father’s Day approaching, Gold Foil is a reminder of how special it is to share stories, traditions and a great whiskey across generations.

To mark the Australian launch, Bruce Russell will visit Australia to meet collectors and whiskey enthusiasts, sharing the story behind Gold Foil, the legacy of the Russell family and the inspiration behind one of Wild Turkey’s most anticipated new releases.

For collectors, the release of Gold Foil is more than a bottle. It’s a rare opportunity to hunt and own a piece of bourbon history. A whiskey inspired by one of the great collector stories in American whiskey.

AUSTRALIAN AVAILABILITY

Australian collectors can begin their hunt from 20 August. With only 4,161 bottles released, this exclusive edition is set to become a highly sought-after collector’s item, reflecting the rarity and heritage of the Austin Nichols Archives collection.

Retailer information for the Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives Gold Foil Edition can be found on: https://promotions.wildturkeybourbon.com/archivespreorder/

RRP: $499 AUD

Australia’s Top Shelf Hunters are being called to the table. Submit a photo of your Wild Turkey collection for the chance to win an invitation for you and a guest to an exclusive whiskey tasting experience hosted by Associate Master Distiller Bruce Russell. Find out more here: https://promotions.wildturkeybourbon.com/wildturkeyhunt/

BRUCE RUSSELL MEET & GREET OPPORTUNITIES

Melbourne
Date: Sunday, 30 August
Location: Goodwater, 300 High St, Northcote VIC 3070
Time: 1:00pm–4:00pm
Register HERE
*Limited capacity

Queensland
Date: Thursday, 3 September
Location: Sense of Taste at Hotel West End, 10 Browning Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Time: 6:00pm–10:00pm
Register HERE

Sydney
VIP Event – Winners by Invite only
Date: Friday 4 September
Consumers will have a chance to win tickets to an exclusive Wild Turkey event via competition:  https://promotions.wildturkeybourbon.com/wildturkeyhunt/

Sydney Dan Murphy’s
Date: Sunday, 6 September
Location: Dan Murphy’s Narellan, Cnr The Northern Rd & The Old Northern Rd, Narellan NSW 2567
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Open to public 

ABOUT WILD TURKEY

The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery, and are now joined by the next generation, Associate Blender Bruce Russell.

The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthy took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for “some of that Wild Turkey whiskey” and the brand was born.

Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavour, as less is cooked out during the production process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 “alligator” char) imparts a smooth flavour and deep amber colour to the whiskey. The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Website: wildturkey.com.

ABOUT CAMPARI GROUP

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities.

The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas.

Campari Group’s growth strategy aims to combine organic growth through strong brand building and external growth via selective acquisitions of brands and businesses.

Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari Group operates in 23 production sites worldwide and has its own distribution network in 26 countries. Campari Group employs approximately 4,900 people.

The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com/en. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

Arrow Electronics brings AI, electrification, and intelligent power solutions to PCIM Asia

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Advertorial Desk
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Addressing AI’s growing power demands with greater efficiency and resilience


SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2026 – Arrow Electronics, a global provider of technology solutions, will showcase AI, electrification, and intelligent power solutions at PCIM Asia Shenzhen 2026, taking place from August 26-28 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center.

Arrow Electronics brings AI, electrification, and intelligent power solutions to PCIM Asia
Arrow Electronics brings AI, electrification, and intelligent power solutions to PCIM Asia

At Booth D20 in Hall 16, Arrow, together with Analog Devices, Molex, Nexperia, NXP, onsemi, STMicroelectronics, and Yageo, will demonstrate how advanced power electronics, intelligent control, and system-level design are helping address the growing energy and performance demands of AI infrastructure, industrial automation, renewable energy, and electrification.

As AI workloads continue to expand, engineers face increasing challenges related to energy efficiency, power density, thermal management, and system reliability. Arrow helps customers accelerate innovation by combining leading technologies with engineering expertise, power architecture design, and global supply chain capabilities.

Showcase highlights

A centerpiece of the exhibit is Arrow’s all-new “Next-Gen 800VDC Data Center Empowers AI Factory” showcase, demonstrating how renewable energy integration, intelligent power distribution, advanced cooling, and AI-driven automation can help reshape future digital infrastructure.

This end-to-end system architecture highlights a connected energy management ecosystem spanning solar energy harvesting, energy storage, 800VDC power distribution, high-density power conversion, GPU power delivery, cooling infrastructure, and AI robotics. Together, these technologies illustrate how next-generation AI data centers can achieve higher energy efficiency, greater power density, and improved sustainability.

Additional showcase highlights include:

  • Solid‑State Transformer (SST): High‑efficiency medium‑voltage direct step‑down, reshaping the power supply chain
  • HVDC to LVDC: The critical bridge connecting high‑voltage distribution to chip power delivery
  • Power to GPU: The “last mile” from 48V bus to GPU core
  • Cooling infrastructure and building automation: Liquid cooling and AI‑driven smart thermal management
  • AI Robotics: Autonomous inspection, dexterous manipulation, and intelligent operation and maintenance

Advancing AI Infrastructure with SiC and GaN Technologies

Featured demonstrations will highlight how SiC and GaN technologies are enabling more efficient and power-dense solutions across AI infrastructure, industrial automation, energy storage, and power delivery applications. Industry adoption of wide-bandgap semiconductors such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) is accelerating as AI-driven data center expansion increases demand for higher-efficiency, higher-density power architectures. As AI workloads continue to scale, GaN-based power systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in enabling next-generation data center infrastructure1.

“AI and electrification are driving new requirements for efficiency, power density, and system integration,” said Jacky Wan, vice president of sales components, China, at Arrow Electronics. “At PCIM Asia Shenzhen, we’re demonstrating how Arrow helps customers accelerate the development of next-generation AI, energy, and industrial solutions by bringing together leading technologies, engineering expertise, and global supply chain capabilities.”

¹ Source: Yole Group, Power GaN 2025.

Hashtag: #ArrowElectronics

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

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With 2025 sales of $31 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at .

Toku Secures New Banking Sector Win in Malaysia

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Advertorial Desk
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Second project with an established Malaysian banking group reinforces the Group’s momentum in regulated industries

SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Toku Ltd. (“Toku”, “投酷有限公司” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a Singapore-incorporated AI-powered customer experience (CX) platform, is pleased to announce that the Group has secured a new five-year engagement with a leading banking group in Malaysia (the “Bank”).

Secured in August 2026, this is the Group’s second project with the Bank and deepens its presence in Malaysia’s banking sector. It underlines the growing demand the Group continues to see from enterprises in regulated industries, where compliance, security and locally hosted infrastructure are increasingly important considerations. The identity of the Bank and the financial terms of the engagement are not disclosed for reasons of client confidentiality.

Thomas Laboulle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Toku, commented: “Enterprises in regulated industries choose partners they can trust, and a repeat mandate is the strongest form of that trust. It reflects the pattern behind our growth: clients who start with a single engagement and expand from there. We said at our half-year results that the first half of 2026 was about investment and the second half about conversion. This win is an early sign of exactly that.”

The contract adds to the commercial momentum reported at the Group’s 1H2026 results, where the order book grew 25% since the Offer Document to approximately US$29.3 million at 30 June 2026 and the number of Tier 1 customers (accounts generating annual revenue above US$500,000) more than doubled. It is consistent with management’s expectation of year-on-year organic revenue growth in 2H2026 exceeding the 13.0% recorded in 1H2026.

Further details of the Group’s commercial indicators and outlook are set out in the Company’s unaudited 1H2026 results announcement released on SGXNet on 27 July 2026.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Toku’s expansion plans and business strategy. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Toku undertakes no obligation to update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Sponsor’s Statement

Toku Ltd. (the “Company“) was listed on Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “Exchange“) on 22 January 2026. The initial public offering of the Company was sponsored by PrimePartners Corporate Finance Pte. Ltd. (the “Sponsor“).

This press release has been reviewed by the Sponsor. It has not been examined or approved by the Exchange and the Exchange assumes no responsibility for the contents of this press release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this press release.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Ms. Ng Shi Qing, 16 Collyer Quay, #10-00 Collyer Quay Centre, Singapore 049318, sponsorship@ppcf.com.sg.

Laos Steps Up Anti-Corruption Reforms, Deepens Cooperation With Vietnam

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture used for illustration purpose only.

Laos is ramping up efforts to strengthen transparency and public accountability, rolling out a new Party resolution alongside deeper cooperation with Vietnam on inspection and anti-corruption work.

At high-level talks in Hanoi on 25 August, Lao and Vietnamese officials agreed to strengthen ties between their inspection and anti-corruption agencies, exchanging experience on improving inspection mechanisms, resolving public complaints, and building shared digital databases to support oversight.

Both sides committed to regular consultation going forward, framing the cooperation as part of the countries’ broader, long-standing partnership.

Laos Tightens Anti-Corruption Measures

The push builds on a resolution issued by the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party on 20 August, aimed at strengthening oversight and reducing bureaucracy, corruption, and related issues across the Party-state apparatus and wider society.

The resolution calls for stronger inspection in key sectors, including land management, mining, forestry, public finance, banking, and state investment projects, and introduces mandatory asset and income declarations for managing officials, alongside greater public disclosure of audit findings and court rulings.

Digital transformation is a central pillar of the plan. By expanding e-government tools and online meetings, authorities aim to cut red tape and reduce the paper-based processes that can create openings for corruption.

Party Secretaries and provincial governors will be held directly accountable for oversight within their jurisdictions, while mass organizations, media, and the public are being encouraged to play a greater role in monitoring and reporting.

Recent Corruption Cases

The renewed anti-corruption drive follows a string of major sentences handed down by Lao courts in recent months, involving government officials, state enterprises, and businesspeople.

On 30 July, the Attapeu Provincial People’s Court sentenced 15 officials over a corruption scheme that caused confirmed state losses of roughly LAK 51.9 billion (about USD 2.4 million), USD 2.316 million, and THB 60,000 (about USD 1,650). Ten defendants received life sentences, while the remaining five were sentenced to between two and 20 years.

The court found that the scheme, which ran between 2021 and 2024, moved more than LAK 103.5 billion (about USD 4.8 million), USD 2.356 million, and VND 1.5 billion (about USD 59,000) through the defendants’ hands.

The Attapeu ruling followed four major corruption cases decided by the Vientiane Capital People’s Court on 1 July, involving 17 defendants from the State Inspection Authority, the Bank of the Lao PDR, the Agricultural Promotion Bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Electricity of Laos (EDL).

At least 10 defendants received life sentences for bribery, abuse of office, embezzlement, fraud, and document forgery. Courts also ordered asset confiscation and compensation, including more than USD 24.8 million in damages from an EDL hydropower case.

The renewed push comes after Laos climbed to 114th place in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index. Still, its score of 34 remains below the global benchmark of 50.

Silver Palace Nominated for gamescom Best Mobile Game Award as New Trailer Debuts at Opening Night Live

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Advertorial Desk
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Silver Palace makes its gamescom debut, inviting players to vote and embark on a mysterious detective adventure.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Elementa’s Unreal Engine 5-powered open-world action RPG Silver Palace, has been shortlisted for this year’s gamescom Best Mobile Game award. Currently in development for PC, mobile, and PlayStation, players can vote for Silver Palace through the official gamescom website and experience the game firsthand at Booth C021 in Hall 6 at the Cologne Exhibition Centre, Germany.

Silver Palace gamescom 2026 ONL
Silver Palace gamescom 2026 ONL

With the official opening of gamescom, Silver Palace also unveiled a brand-new promotional trailer during Opening Night Live (ONL). The trailer culminates in a 15-second post-credit teaser, offering players their first glimpse of the game’s new multiplayer gameplay and hinting at exciting new content to come.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/hDHFxsh02aE

From Mysterious Investigations to Brutal Battles

The new trailer opens in a dimly lit, atmospheric operating room. Beneath the muted glow of the lights, doctor Firtho carefully examines a mysterious corpse formed from Silverium. The scene then shifts to a sprawling city of winding streets and hidden corners, following the female Detective as she explores a neighbourhood filled with unknown dangers. As her investigation unfolds, glimpses of characters including Ashley, Gratia, and Red Rose appear alongside dynamic combat sequences and stylish finishing moves. Highlights from the Vita et Mors and Cinderella boss encounters are also woven throughout. The trailer repeatedly returns to the operating room between moments of action, where Firtho continues her examination with quiet focus. As the battle sequences come to a close, the camera once again pans back to the operating room. The Silverium corpse suddenly fractures, sending shimmering droplets scattering through the air until the silver substance spreads across the entire operating room.

After a brief freeze-frame, the trailer unveils a brand-new multiplayer combat experience. The female Detective and other characters are shown venturing deeper into mysterious rooms, each exploring alone as strange creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows. Drawing their weapons, they face the unexpected threats head-on and fight their way through a series of deadly encounters. The trailer concludes with the words “House of Greed” emerging in a deep crimson hue, bringing this mysterious and perilous adventure to an intriguing close, leaving players with plenty of questions about what awaits them next.

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