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Hong Kong Design Summit cum BDA Brand Award 2026 Celebrates Design Excellence, AI Innovation, and Cross-Sector Collaboration

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HONG KONG SAR– Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2026 – The Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) hosted the Hong Kong Design Summit cum BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony Gala Dinner at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, bringing together an elite audience of 180 leading professional designers, creative industry pioneers, and corporate executives, this year’s flagship event serves as an authoritative platform celebrating excellence in design application, cross-sector matching, and strategic design-tech partnerships.

HKDA image

The Summit was honored to have Miss Yvonne Ip, Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, as the Guest of Honour. In her address, Miss Ip highlighted the power of design to drive business growth and emphasized that the Hong Kong Design Summit, now in its third year, has become a key platform for industry exchange and collaboration, bringing design talent and enterprises together through flagship initiatives like DesignMatch, to turn creative ideas into commercial results. The Hong Kong Designers Association has been a pioneering force in the local design ecosystem for half a century, and CCIDA is proud to partner with HKDA to nurture design professionals, accelerate industrialization, and help local enterprises expand into international markets — advancing Hong Kong’s creative economy together.

Chairman’s Welcome: Driving Real Impact Through Strategic Focus

Opening the evening gala, Ms. Mui Kinoshita, Chairman of HKDA, delivered a heartfelt welcoming address reflecting on the Association’s post-pandemic transformation and strategic vision.

Reflecting on the Association’s post-pandemic vision, Ms. Kinoshita highlighted HKDA’s core strategy—”Two Awards, One Summit, One Platform“—designed to deliver tangible benefits by recognising individual design excellence, honoring corporate design investment, and driving commercial partnerships through DesignMatch. She celebrated HKDA’s expansion from 900 to over 1,300 members, calling it a testament to industry trust. Honoring the Association’s 50-year legacy, she paid tribute to founding pioneers whose dedication laid the foundation for Hong Kong’s creative sector. She concluded with a passionate call for open dialogue and unified collaboration to build a stronger, more caring design industry for the next generation.

Star-Studded Gathering of Design Icons and Industry Leaders

The Gala Dinner was anchored by an extraordinary gathering of creative heavyweights, founding pioneers, and distinguished guests across the design, creative sectors, and corporate leaders. Joining Guest of Honour Miss Yvonne Ip and Officiating Guests, including Dr. Kan Tai-Keung, SBS, BBS, Former Chairman of HKDA (Tenure: 1986, 1987, 1988), ⁠Mr. Steve Leung, BBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre, ⁠Mr. Alan Cheung, MH, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Council, Federation of Hong Kong Industries, ⁠Mr. Kevin Yeung, Chairman of Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, were celebrated global design icons and industry leaders who attended in strong support of the Summit, including Ms. Vivienne Tam, Designer and Founder, Vivienne Tam Fashion House, Mr. Tino Kwan, Founder and Principal Consultant of the Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants Limited, and Mr. Gu Wei, Head of AIGC Design Business, Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group. The evening was further graced by prominent design masters, industry executives, and organisational representatives. Their presence, alongside premier corporate partners and judging leaders, underscored the unified strength and collective vision of Hong Kong’s creative community.

The annual event unfolds in two key segments: the Hong Kong Design Summit, featuring the Kick-off Ceremony, DesignMatch business matching, and a landmark MOU signing; followed by the BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony.

Hong Kong Design Summit 2026

The opening segment convenes industry leaders and creative professionals to foster commercial growth and educational innovation:

1. DesignMatch Business Matching Sessions: An exclusive, high-impact B2B networking initiative designed to bridge corporations and design professionals, driving immediate business opportunities and accelerating the translation of creative capital into commercial success.

2. Award-Winning Brands Showcase: A curated, high-visibility showcase where outstanding design firms and corporate awardees demonstrate successful project outcomes and share strategic market insights.

3. Strategic Tripartite MOU Signing: A milestone collaboration between School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Alibaba International Design, and Hong Kong Designers Association. The parties intend to explore opportunities for collaborative initiatives in design and AI-related education in the creative industry, as well as strategic collaboration for industry development across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Key potential areas of collaboration include:
A) Joint development and delivery of academic and professional training courses (with AI courses as the initial program collaboration);
B) Industry–academia partnerships to foster design-tech innovation and applied research;
C) Co-organisation of training courses, flagship events, forums, and summits to promote design excellence and cross-sector collaboration.

BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony

The second part of the event highlights design leadership and commercial results through an elite evening program, the BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony. An elite gathering celebrating outstanding brand design applications and recognizing excellence across diverse industries. This year’s competition attracted 150 brand entries from diverse industries, further solidifying BDA’s authoritative position as one of Hong Kong’s top brand awards. The BDA Brand Award invites nominations from professional designers or organizations, with submissions evaluated by a panel of experts based on three aspects: brand story, development, and achievements. Additionally, five assessment criteria are considered: 1) Environmental & Social Impact, 2) Cultural Impact, 3) Innovation & Technology, 4) Brand Image, Identity & User Experience and 5) Market Performance & Value.

The awards celebrated winners across multiple categories, including 1) Best Branding Image Award, 2) Best Cultural & Heritage Award, 3) Best ESG Award, 4) Best Innovation & Technology Award, 5) Best Media & Communication Award, as well as Best Award, Grand Award, and the prestigious Best of the Best Award.

A professional jury panel comprised of esteemed first-round judges—Prof Anthony Kong (Assistant Professor, School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Mr. Kirin Leung (Founder, Kirin+lab), Mr. Joe Wong (Founder, Joe Wong Design), Mr. Kenny Li (Founder, FM+ Concepts & FAVEbyKennyLi), and Mr. Jay Leung (Founder, Starz Group) as well as final-round judges—Ms. Mui Kinoshita (Chairman, HKDA), Prof. Viveca Chan (Founder and Chairman, WE Marketing Group), Ms. Hilda Chan (Chief Marketing Officer, HKSTP), Mr. Bosco Leung (Social Responsibility Lead, MTR Corporation Limited), and Mr. Jimmy Li (Head of Brand Partnership, Harvey Nichols Hong Kong). The judges meticulously assessed submissions through a rigorous process, including an initial online evaluation and live presentations.

From a pool of 150 exceptional brand entries, the jury evaluated each brand’s overall excellence, market impact, and alignment with the selection criteria in their respective fields. It is with great pleasure that we announce Sino Group「GoCircular」as the winner of the Best of the Best Award and fwah! as the winner of the Best of the Best Award (Startups). These brands have demonstrated unparalleled excellence, and their selection as winners is a testament to their outstanding achievements.

Additionally, 14 outstanding brands have been recognized with the Grand Award, including (in alphabetical order)

1. a²CIRCLE x TENKA TAIHEI

2. Bone Studio骨子裡

3. BrainX

4. Cohere Design柏納遨天

5. DCH Living 大昌行生活

6. Gridword Communications Ltd

7. HKUST International Summer Campus

8. ISABELLE.C 伊裳

9. Leo Paper Group 利奧紙品集團

10. LOUDER

11. Mini Greeny Heroes

12. Jumbo Kingdom – Tai Pak Floating Restaurant 珍寶王國 – 太白海鮮舫

13. The Living Art

14. Tiger Circle

The full winner list of BDA Brand Award 2026 is listed on Appendix A.

Fostering Strategic Synergies and Future Growth

The 2026 Summit reinforces HKDA’s commitment to elevating design as a core commercial driver while empowering the next generation of designers through AI-driven education and regional integration. Through structured business matching, strategic academia-industry partnerships, and award recognition, the event continues to solidify Hong Kong’s position as a premier global hub for commercial design innovation.

For more details on the event and program updates, please visit the official website at https://www.hkda.hk/

Appendix A – BDA Brand Award 2026 Winners (*in Alphabetical order)

Corporate – Best of the Best

1. Sino Group「GoCircular」

Corporate – Grand Award of the Year

1. a²CIRCLE x TENKA TAIHEI 2. 骨子裡 Bone Studio
3. BrainX 4. Cohere Design 柏納遨天
5. Gridword Communications Ltd 6. HKUST International Summer Campus
7. Jumbo Kingdom – Tai Pak Floating Restaurant 8. Leo Paper Group
9. LOUDER 10. Mini Greeny Heroes
11. Tiger Circle

Corporate – Best Award

1. Broken Fingers+ 2. Dance Nefertiti
3. LYYH Studio 4. Medium.Asia
5. Valta Pro

Corporate – Best Innovation & Technology Award

1. Mercury Technology Solution

Corporate – Best ESG Award

1. Shanghai Industrial Holdings Limited 上海實業控股有限公司 2. Surplus Pork Belly Upcycling by Tam Jai Int’l

Corporate – Best Media & Communication Award

1. Gridword Communications Ltd

Corporate – Best Cultural & Heritage Award

1. Artrio

Corporate – Best Branding Image Award

1. CAMEL 駱駝牌 2. 广州白云站

Startups – Best of the Best

1. Fwah!

Startups – Grand Award of the Year

1. DCH Living大昌行生活 2. 伊裳ISABELLE.C
3. The Living Art

Startups – Best Award

1. ALPHA WORKS 2. EAMUS
3. JLE Creative Limited 4. PARTYDAY
5. Queenie’s Studio by Queenie Jia 6. 睿合思盛文化傳媒有限公司
7. Seehow Design

Startups – Best Innovation & Technology Award

1. ALPHA WORKS 2. Dr. Onycure 灰甲博士
3. ESG VISA – The Global Passport for Sustainable Business 4. PARTYDAY
5. Silver Innovation 6. Starry Learning
7. Xinera by FoodTrack

Startups – Best ESG Award

1. ESG Visa

Startups – Best Cultural & Heritage Award

1. Tu by Tu

Startups – Best Branding Image Award

1. Excelsior interior design limited 2. EyeComfi
3. LegalOne Global Limited 4. 非遺美食 INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE FOOD
5. Renovation Guide Consultant Limited 6. Ripple & Co.


Hashtag: #HKDA #BDABrandAward #BDA品牌大獎

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

About Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA)

Established in 1972, the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) was the first of its kind in Hong Kong and is a founding member of the Hong Kong Design Centre. Its core mission is to promote design’s public interest, cultivate young designers, and elevate the professional status of practising designers across sectors.

HKDA’s flagship programmes include the Global Design Award (GDA) (formerly known as Asia Design Awards), which has been celebrating outstanding global designs biennially since 1975; the Hong Kong International Poster Triennial (HKIPT), which has been documented the development of local and international poster design through competition, exhibition and symposium since 2000; the Sponsorship for International Design Awards (SIDA), a distinguished funding scheme for local designers and design-applying enterprises who are winners of international design awards, which has been running since 2011; Design X Technology (DXT), a progressive programme that integrates design and technology as core components in business strategy to drive innovation and competitive advantage since 2020; and BDA Brand Award (BDA) (formerly known as BDA Brand Design Awards), this award evaluates outstanding brand performance through a professional design lens, honoring long-term strategic commitment to design excellence, and was debuted in 2023, also other strategic initiatives including the Hong Kong Design Summit and the DesignMatch business matching programme connect design professionals directly with market demand across government, commercial, and industrial sectors.

With over 1,300 individuals and corporations in its diverse membership base, HKDA offers a wide range of membership options for professionals, associates, affiliates, students, and corporations that cover six design disciplines: Graphics, Spatial, Product, Digital, Fashion, and Education. Prioritising design excellence, education, technology integration, sustainability, business support, diversity, and inclusivity, HKDA has established itself as a vital platform for its members, as well as designers, businesses, and organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Through its commitment to advancing these key areas, HKDA provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and expert guidance to its members while also serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the design industry.

HKDA is committed to raising public awareness of the value and importance of design in society. It partners and collaborates with other design organisations and institutions worldwide, such as the World Design Organization (WDO) and International Council of Design (ico-D), to promote global design excellence, cultural diversity, and international design exchanges. By working with other design organisations on a global scale, HKDA aims to contribute to the development and advancement of the design industry, both locally and internationally.

Chunghwa Telecom Earns Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 Recognitions for Telecom Market Leadership and 5G Technology Innovation

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Advertorial Desk
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Taiwan’s leading telecom provider is recognized for advancing 5G innovation, AI-driven digital transformation, and resilient digital infrastructure.

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to recognize Chunghwa Telecom with the 2026 Taiwanese Telecoms Company of the Year Recognition in the telecom industry and the 2026 Taiwanese 5G Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for its strong performance in 5G innovation, commercialization, strategic execution, and customer impact.

The recognitions highlight Chunghwa Telecom’s continued leadership in Taiwan’s telecommunications market and its evolution from a traditional mobile operator into an end-to-end digital transformation partner. Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Chunghwa Telecom demonstrated strength across both dimensions through sustained investment in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise solutions, resilient digital infrastructure, and customer-centric innovation.

“As Taiwan’s premier 5G service provider, Chunghwa Telecom is proactively translating technological innovation into practical 5G services and solutions, raising the benchmark for connectivity and enterprise applications in the market,” said Mei Lee Quah, Senior Director, ICT Research at Frost & Sullivan.

Chunghwa Telecom’s growth strategy is anchored in 5G-Advanced, AI, enterprise solutions, and network expansion. Its integration of 5G, multi-access edge computing, and AI enables localized data processing with millisecond-level latency, supporting private 5G networks, smart applications, and stronger security resilience. The company is also advancing network slicing, edge computing, autonomous networks, and AI-RAN capabilities to strengthen 5G monetization and create new enterprise use cases.

Commercialization remains a key strength. Chunghwa Telecom is developing tailored private 5G and campus networks for manufacturing, logistics, and universities while combining connectivity with AI and advanced computing. Its 5G AIoT solution export project demonstrates how these capabilities can support smart transportation and smart environments in international markets. The company has also expanded into smart healthcare, smart buildings, AI data centers, and enterprise AI applications.

The company’s technology portfolio supports diverse applications across smart manufacturing, smart cities, transportation, healthcare, environmental monitoring, and enterprise AI. Its 5G private network service revenue grew 88% year over year in 2025, while recurring ICT revenue increased 15%. Chunghwa Telecom is also expanding its AI Factory platform, which brings together computing power, AI models, intelligent agents, and applications to accelerate enterprise AI adoption.

Chunghwa Telecom’s growth momentum is reinforced by strong market performance. In 2025, revenue reached TWD 236.11 billion, representing 2.7% year-over-year growth, while operating income increased 3.6% and net income attributable to shareholders increased 4%. Mobile revenue and subscriber market share reached 40.8% and 39.7%, respectively, reflecting continued strength in Taiwan’s telecommunications market.

Frost & Sullivan commends Chunghwa Telecom for combining technological innovation with disciplined execution and customer-focused growth. Investments in 5G, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, satellite connectivity, and resilient digital infrastructure position the company to address emerging enterprise and consumer needs while strengthening Taiwan’s digital ecosystem.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents its Best Practices Recognitions to organizations demonstrating exceptional strategy development and execution, technological innovation, customer value, and market leadership. The recognitions are based on comprehensive benchmarking and analysis conducted by Frost & Sullivan industry experts.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.

Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:
Tarini Singh
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com 

Classys Nears 50,000 Devices Sold Globally as Full-Lineup Growth Accelerates

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Classys Inc. (KOSDAQ: 214150) expects device sales worldwide to surpass 50,000 units this year.


As of the end of June, Classys had a cumulative global installed base of more than 22,000 units for its flagship HIFU line and more than 4,000 units for its MRF line. Its MNRF and dermabrasion product lines have also each surpassed 6,000 cumulative global installations. Classys plans to leverage this established footprint to introduce next-generation platforms and create additional avenues for growth through the global rollout of Quadessy and the planned European launch of Viclara later this year.

A well-established sales infrastructure underpins this global expansion. The domestic Korean market, which accounts for approximately 25% of total revenue, serves as a key test market for validating new products and clinical treatment protocols while strengthening the company’s global brand competitiveness. The ability to introduce next-generation devices through this existing distribution infrastructure is expected to serve as a key driver of future growth.

This expanding commercial foundation continues to translate into strong financial performance. Classys reported consolidated revenue of KRW 192.7 billion for the first half of the year, representing a 20% year-over-year increase. Even excluding the impact of consolidating its Brazilian subsidiary, growth across existing international markets remained robust. Excluding shipments from Classys headquarters to its Brazilian subsidiary, 1H26 export sales increased 29% year over year, demonstrating that demand for Classys products continues to grow across its existing global markets beyond the impact of the transition to direct sales in Brazil.

In Europe, market diversification delivered tangible results, driven by expansion into new countries—including the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Hungary, and Bulgaria—as well as sales growth in existing European markets. Despite continued investments in global commercialization and market expansion, Classys maintained strong profitability, achieving a standalone operating margin of 50.8% in the first half of the year.

The expansion of the installed base is also significant, as it supports recurring consumables revenue and the adoption of multi-device combination treatments. In the first half of the year, consumables revenue reached KRW 80.2 billion, up 5.3% year over year and 52.7% from the first half of 2024. As cumulative global device installations continue to grow, the foundation for stable, recurring consumables revenue is expanding accordingly.

View Full Article: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/classys-nears-50-000-devices-sold-globally-as-full-lineup-growth-accelerates-302858977

Kehua Launches New-Generation 40kW & 80kW VPFC and Power Modules to Drive High-Efficiency, Reliable EV Charging Infrastructure

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Advertorial Desk
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Power Modules Evolve for the Era of Ultra-Fast Charging

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As 800V platforms, electric heavy-duty vehicles, and megawatt charging technologies accelerate, EV charging infrastructure is evolving toward higher power, greater efficiency, and enhanced reliability. To meet the growing demand for commercial fleets, and future megawatt-scale applications, Kehua has launched its new-generation 40kW power module and 80kW VPFC high-power module.


New-Generation 40kW Module: Higher Efficiency, Greater Power Density

As a core power conversion unit in DC fast chargers, the 40kW module is widely used in public charging stations and commercial charging sites. The upgraded Kehua 40kW module delivers up to 97.5% peak efficiency and 97% weighted charging efficiency, reducing conversion losses and improving energy utilization. Its volume is approximately 7.5% smaller than the previous generation, enabling higher power density and more flexible system integration. Standby power consumption is reduced from 7.5W to 0W, with zero reactive power consumption, minimizing idle energy losses and improving overall system efficiency.

All-New 80kW VPFC Module: Built for High-Power and Megawatt Charging

Designed for ultra-fast and megawatt-scale charging applications, the all-new 80kW VPFC module features SiC devices, achieving up to 97.5% peak efficiency and 97% weighted charging efficiency. It supports 0W standby and zero reactive power consumption, while VPFC technology helps optimize power quality. The module operates from -40°C to +75°C and maintains full-power output at 55°C without derating. It also meets EMC Class B and IEC 61851-23:2023, making it suitable for highway fast-charging stations, commercial charging hubs, and fleet charging depots. With dual-side potting and silent operation down to 55dB, it delivers reliable performance in demanding environments.

Powering the Next Generation of EV Infrastructure

Backed by 38 years of power electronics expertise, Kehua offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning power modules, DC chargers, high-power charging systems, megawatt charging solutions, and integrated PV-ESS-charging solutions. Kehua continues to advance high-efficiency, high-power-density, and high-reliability technologies to support the global transition to electric mobility.

CONTACT: Cherry Li, cherry@kehuasz.com

Binance TradFi Perpetuals Gain Greater Traction as Multi-Asset Strategy Takes Hold

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Advertorial Desk
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10 of 15 perpetual futures on Binance are TradFi perpetuals ranging from equities to commodities

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Binance’s push to bring traditional finance (TradFi) assets onto its crypto-native platform is showing clear signs of traction, according to real-time derivatives data. A snapshot of the top 15 perpetual contracts on Binance by 24-hour volume shows that roughly two-thirds are now linked to traditional assets (equities, ETFs, and commodities) with the crypto perpetuals led by BTC, ETH and SOL.

Binance TradFi Perpetuals Gain Greater Traction as Multi-Asset Strategy Takes Hold
Binance TradFi Perpetuals Gain Greater Traction as Multi-Asset Strategy Takes Hold

The top 15 list is led by SANDUSDT (SanDisk) perpetual contract with ~$6.87 bn 24-hour trading volume on Binance as of 19 August, 9:00am UTC. This was approximately 22% of the 24-hour SanDisk trading volume on Nasdaq.[1]

The other top perpetual contracts by current trading volume includes other single-name equities, equity-linked products, and commodity contracts such as XAGUSDT (Silver) (~$826 mil trading vol on Binance), alongside established crypto perps.

“The shift validates Binance’s stated mission to make its platform a multi-asset financial super app where users can access crypto and traditional asset classes within a single account. By offering USDT-margined perpetual contracts on ETFs, commodities and more, Binance has effectively extended crypto-style round-the-clock trading to assets that were previously confined to traditional market hours,” said Shunyet Jan, Head of Exchange and Trading at Binance.

Recent industry data supports this trend. Weekly stock-linked perpetual volume on centralized exchanges has surged roughly 79x since the start of 2026, with Binance identified as the dominant venue for equity perps. In July alone, Binance accounted for about 76% of equity perpetual volume across tracked exchanges, highlighting its central role in the convergence of crypto and TradFi trading.

Disclaimer: Products and services referred to here may not be available in your region. Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. TradFi Perps are subject to high market risk and price volatility (particularly outside traditional market hours). You may be called upon at short notice to make additional margin deposits or interest payments. If the required margin deposits or interest payments are not made within the prescribed time, your collateral may be liquidated. Moreover, you will remain liable for any resulting deficit in your account and interest charged on your account. All of your margin balance may be liquidated in the event of adverse price movement. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. TradFi Perps do not represent ownership of the relevant underlying asset. Before trading, you should make an independent assessment of the appropriateness of the transaction in light of your own objectives and circumstances, including the risks and potential benefits. Consult your own advisers, where appropriate. This information should not be construed as financial or investment advice. TradFi Perps are not associated or affiliated with, or sponsored or endorsed by, the issuer of the relevant underlying shares or the exchange on which they are listed. Futures trading is restricted in certain countries and to certain users. This content is not intended for users/countries to which restrictions apply. To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page. For more information, see our Terms of Use, Clearing Rules, Clearing Procedures, Contract Specifications and Risk Warning.

About Binance

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 320 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means. For more information, visit: https://www.binance.com.

[1] This is an approximation of Nasdaq SNDK trading volume. Nasdaq provides data for share volume, the approximation of dollar volume is based on shares × price https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/sndk/historical

https://nasdaqtrader.com/Trader.aspx?id=DailyMarketSummaryDefs 

Laos Economy Grows 5% in Year’s First Half, Government Holds to 6% Target

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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This photo is used for representational purpose only.

Laos’ economy expanded 5 percent in the first half of 2026, helped by a strong tourism season and growth in services, but slowed in the second quarter as the government works to meet its 6 percent target for the year.

Growth reached 5.5 percent in the first quarter before easing to 4.6 percent in the second, according to figures released by the Ministry of Finance at its mid-year review meeting on 24 August.

Tourism has been one of the brighter spots. Nearly 2.6 million international visitors arrived in Laos during the first six months of the year, a 9.9 percent increase from the same period in 2025. The government is hoping to attract between 5 million and 6 million visitors by the end of the year.

The services sector is expected to grow 7.1 percent this year, making it the fastest-growing part of the economy, followed by industry at 5.7 percent and agriculture at 4.1 percent.

The government collected LAK 44,956 billion (USD 2.01 billion) in revenue during the first half, up 19 percent from the same period last year and putting it more than halfway toward its annual target.

For Laos, however, the 6 percent growth goal is about more than this year’s economic performance. The country is preparing to graduate from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country category at the end of 2026, while the government has set a broader goal of maintaining at least 6 percent annual growth through 2030.

Officials project that GDP per capita will reach USD 3,104 and gross national income per capita USD 2,914 by 2030.

The first-half figures put Laos behind several of its regional neighbors.

Vietnam’s economy grew 8.2 percent during the same period, while Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia recorded growth of 6.1 percent, 5.7 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively. Thailand and the Philippines grew more slowly, at 2.4 percent and 2.6 percent.

The Finance Ministry said the economy generated LAK 199,987 billion (USD 8.92 billion) in the first six months, equivalent to 48 percent of the government’s full-year output target of LAK 417,523 billion (USD 18.62 billion).

Classys Nears 50,000 Devices Sold Globally as Full-Lineup Growth Accelerates

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Expands global portfolio beyond HIFU and MRF to include MNRF, laser, and dermabrasion devices, strengthening its medium- to long-term growth foundation
  • 1H26 Exports, excluding shipments to its Brazilian subsidiary, grew 29% year over year, underscoring continued growth across global markets

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Classys Inc. (KOSDAQ: 214150), a global medical aesthetics company, announced today that, supported by its robust global commercial infrastructure, it expects device sales worldwide to surpass 50,000 units this year.


This milestone reflects the company’s successful expansion into new device categories, including microneedle radiofrequency (MNRF) and laser systems, beyond its traditional core portfolio of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and monopolar radiofrequency (MRF). By offering a comprehensive aesthetic portfolio designed to address diverse customer needs and leveraging its large global installed base, Classys is strengthening the foundation for sustainable medium- to long-term growth.

As of the end of June, Classys had a cumulative global installed base of more than 22,000 units for its flagship HIFU line and more than 4,000 units for its MRF line. Its MNRF and dermabrasion product lines have also each surpassed 6,000 cumulative global installations. Classys plans to leverage this established footprint to introduce next-generation platforms and create additional avenues for growth through the global rollout of Quadessy and the planned European launch of Viclara later this year.

A well-established sales infrastructure underpins this global expansion. The domestic Korean market, which accounts for approximately 25% of total revenue, serves as a key test market for validating new products and clinical treatment protocols while strengthening the company’s global brand competitiveness. Internationally, Classys has established end-to-end commercial capabilities—from initial market entry and product launches to procedure adoption—supported by a global distributor network, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and a broad network of clinic customers. The ability to introduce next-generation devices through this existing distribution infrastructure is expected to serve as a key driver of future growth.

This expanding commercial foundation continues to translate into strong financial performance. Classys reported consolidated revenue of KRW 192.7 billion for the first half of the year, representing a 20% year-over-year increase. Even excluding the impact of consolidating its Brazilian subsidiary, growth across existing international markets remained robust. Excluding shipments from Classys headquarters to its Brazilian subsidiary, 1H26 export sales increased 29% year over year, demonstrating that demand for Classys products continues to grow across its existing global markets beyond the impact of the transition to direct sales in Brazil.

In Europe, market diversification delivered tangible results, driven by expansion into new countries—including the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Hungary, and Bulgaria—as well as sales growth in existing European markets. Despite continued investments in global commercialization and market expansion, Classys maintained strong profitability, achieving a standalone operating margin of 50.8% in the first half of the year.

The expansion of the installed base is also significant, as it supports recurring consumables revenue and the adoption of multi-device combination treatments. In the first half of the year, consumables revenue reached KRW 80.2 billion, up 5.3% year over year and 52.7% from the first half of 2024. As cumulative global device installations continue to grow, the foundation for stable, recurring consumables revenue is expanding accordingly.

Portfolio diversification through new products is also accelerating, particularly in the dermabrasion category. The previous-generation Aquapure has already built a track record of global sales and established customer relationships, helping to lower barriers to market entry. Set to launch in Europe under the brand name “Viclara” by the end of this year, Classys plans to drive cross-selling and increase utilization by leveraging its existing HIFU, MRF, and MNRF customer base and global distribution network.

Moving forward, Classys plans to expand device distribution in line with regional regulatory approvals and launch timelines, while introducing combination treatment protocols to existing customers to increase device utilization and revenue per customer. The company will also intensify localized marketing efforts through global medical congresses, clinical education programs, and KOL collaborations tailored to regional skin characteristics, treatment preferences, and practitioner needs.

“The continued growth in cumulative global device sales demonstrates that Classys is steadily expanding its reach among medical professionals and patients worldwide,” said Yugene Choi, Head of Investor Relations at Classys. “By continuously introducing new platforms and clinical treatment protocols to our established installed base, distribution channels, and clinical networks, we aim to drive continued growth in both device and consumables sales and sustain our long-term growth in the global medical aesthetics market.”

ISCA and GDUFS Strengthen Singapore–Guangdong Talent Links

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Partnership creates new pathways for accountancy students in Guangdong to pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification and gain professional exposure in Singapore


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Singapore–Guangdong collaboration in accountancy education and talent development, creating greater opportunities for GDUFS students in Guangdong to connect with the accountancy profession and pursue international professional pathways.

The MOU was signed in Singapore in conjunction with the 16th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) Meeting, underscoring the strategic significance of the partnership and the growing links between Singapore and Guangdong in education, professional services and talent development.

Under the partnership, GDUFS’ Accounting, Auditing and Financial Management programmes will apply for accreditation under the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) programme. Once accredited, graduates of these programmes will be eligible for fee waivers relating to five SCAQ Foundation Programme modules, providing a more streamlined pathway towards attaining the Chartered Accountant of Singapore, or CA (Singapore) designation upon fulfilling the remaining SCAQ requirements.

The partnership will also provide GDUFS students with opportunities to connect with ISCA and the wider accountancy profession, which includes industry and professional networks, events and activities. Students will have access to relevant ISCA membership opportunities and the relevant benefits, while those pursuing the SCAQ pathway will receive study support and opportunities such as internship and job-matching recommendations, SCAQ scholarships and access to ISCA’s publications.

Developing Internationally Connected Accountancy Talent

The partnership reflects ISCA and GDUFS’s shared commitment to developing the next generation of accountancy professionals with the capabilities, professional networks and international exposure to contribute across markets.

The two institutions will also collaborate on professional learning and development, including guest lectures, workshops and seminars for GDUFS faculty, students and alumni, as well as access to ISCA publications and online resources. Continuous professional development collaboration via ISCA’s specialisation programmes in financial forensics, sustainability and subscription-based online learning platforms for accounting professionals will ensure GDUFS graduates remain updated on evolving industry standards and best practices.

ISCA President Mr Lee Boon Teck said: “Our partnership with GDUFS is about building stronger links between Singapore and Guangdong in accountancy education and talent development. By connecting students with professional pathways, networks and industry exposure and opportunities in Singapore, we hope to equip the next generation of accountancy professionals with the capabilities and international exposure ready to contribute in an increasingly interconnected business environment.”

Professor Yu Pengyi, Dean of the School of Accountancy at GDUFS, said: “This partnership with ISCA marks an important milestone in our internationalisation journey, creating new professional pathways and opportunities for our students. By combining our strengths in language and accounting education with ISCA’s professional expertise and networks, we look forward to developing globally minded accounting professionals who can contribute across markets.”

The five-year partnership provides a framework for ISCA and GDUFS to further develop cooperation in accountancy education, professional development and engagement with the accountancy profession.
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 46,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit .

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