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Shilla Stay Signs Accommodation Partnership for World Youth Day Seoul 2027

Partnership underscores Shilla Stay’s standardized service capabilities and large-scale hospitality expertise

  • Shilla Stay will provide accommodations and dedicated guest services for key participants attending World Youth Day Seoul 2027.
  • Dedicated check-in arrangements, information desks and coordinated guest services will support a comfortable and efficient stay for participants from around the world.
  • Shilla Stay will draw on its standardized operating system and experience across 17 properties in South Korea and China.

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shilla Stay, the premium business hotel brand of Hotel Shilla, South Korea’s leading luxury hospitality company and an affiliate of Samsung Group, will provide accommodations and dedicated hospitality services for key participants attending World Youth Day Seoul 2027 to be held in Seoul, South Korea.

Representatives of Shilla Stay and the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee pose for a commemorative photo following the signing of an agreement to provide accommodations and guest services for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. Pictured are Fr. Simone Nam-kyun Kim, Executive Secretary of the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee (left) and Sang-oh Park, CEO of Shilla HM (right).
Representatives of Shilla Stay and the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee pose for a commemorative photo following the signing of an agreement to provide accommodations and guest services for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. Pictured are Fr. Simone Nam-kyun Kim, Executive Secretary of the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee (left) and Sang-oh Park, CEO of Shilla HM (right).

Shilla Stay and WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee signed a memorandum of understanding at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul on July 30 to support accommodations and hospitality services for the international gathering.

World Youth Day is an international gathering of young people organized by the Catholic Church and led by the Pope. First held in Rome in 1986, the event has since taken place every three to four years in major cities around the world. World Youth Day Seoul 2027 will be the edition hosted by South Korea and the second held in Asia, following the 1995 gathering in Manila, the Philippines.

Under the agreement, dignitaries from South Korea and around the world, including international delegations of bishops, are expected to stay at Shilla Stay properties during the event. The partnership aims to provide participants traveling to South Korea with a comfortable and reliable stay throughout their visit.

In addition to guest rooms, Shilla Stay plans to operate dedicated check-in arrangements and information desks for event participants. The brand will also manage guest movement within participating hotels to support convenient access for World Youth Day participants while maintaining a comfortable experience for regular hotel guests.

The partnership underscores Shilla Stay’s ability to support a large-scale international event involving guests from diverse countries and backgrounds. By applying consistent operating procedures across multiple properties, the brand aims to provide reliable hospitality while responding to the specific requirements of the event and its participants.

Shilla Stay is a premium business hotel brand built around the concept of a “Smarter Stay.” The brand focuses on the services and amenities most important to business and leisure travelers, combining efficient operations, practical comfort, contemporary design and The Shilla’s service standards.

The brand currently operates 17 properties across South Korea and China. Its network enables Shilla Stay to provide a consistent guest experience across major business and travel destinations while responding to the different needs of each location and guest profile.

In April 2026, Shilla Stay opened Shilla Stay Yancheng in Jiangsu Province, China, marking the brand’s first overseas expansion. The opening extended Shilla Stay’s standardized operating model beyond South Korea and represented a further step in the international growth of Hotel Shilla’s hospitality business.

Shilla Stay has also demonstrated its ability to serve guests at scale. The brand has ranked first in the business hotel category of the Korea Brand Power Index (K-BPI) for seven consecutive years, underscoring the strength of its extensive hotel network and its ability to deliver consistent service.

“World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is a meaningful international event that offers an opportunity to showcase South Korea’s culture, tourism and hospitality capabilities to the world,” said a representative from Shilla Stay. “We will support the successful operation of the event by providing exceptional accommodation services and a differentiated guest experience, ensuring that key participants and official delegations from around the world enjoy a comfortable and safe stay in South Korea.”

As South Korea prepares to welcome participants from around the world for World Youth Day Seoul 2027, Shilla Stay’s role in accommodating key participants reflects the brand’s position as a reliable hospitality partner, supported by its extensive hotel network, standardized operating system and consistent service standards.

About Shilla Stay
Shilla Stay is the premium business hotel brand of Hotel Shilla, South Korea’s leading luxury hospitality company and an affiliate of Samsung Group. Built around the concept of a “Smarter Stay,” the brand provides efficient, comfortable and contemporary accommodations for business and leisure travelers. Shilla Stay currently operates 17 properties across South Korea and China, including Shilla Stay Yancheng, which opened in April 2026 as the brand’s first overseas property. Through its standardized operating system and The Shilla’s service standards, Shilla Stay aims to deliver a reliable and consistent hospitality experience across its growing hotel network.

About Hotel Shilla
Hotel Shilla, an affiliate of the Samsung Group, is a leading hospitality and travel retail operator based in South Korea, committed to delivering outstanding customer experiences through innovation and service excellence. Its hospitality division, The Shilla Hotels & Resorts, includes three hotel brands: The Shilla, Shilla Monogram, and Shilla Stay, with 22 properties across South Korea, China and Vietnam. The Shilla Seoul, the company’s flagship luxury property, is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) and an APAC Regional Program Partner of Virtuoso, recognized globally for excellence in service and sophistication. In its travel retail division, The Shilla Duty Free is a leading duty-free powerhouse, operating three domestic stores, two overseas branches, and an online platform. Drawing on decades of expertise, Hotel Shilla continues to pursue new opportunities for growth, aiming to become a world-class service distribution leader.

For more information visit: www.shilla.net/seoul, Instagram at @theshillaseoul, LinkedIn at @theshillaprteam

GSMA: Mobile Industry to Contribute US$1.4 Trillion to APAC Economy by 2030 as Digital Trust, AI, Digital Sovereignty and Resilience Take Centre Stage at M360 ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mobile technologies and services are projected to contribute US$1.4 trillion to the Asia Pacific economy by 2030, a 40% increase from the US$1 trillion generated today, according to the GSMA’s new Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2026 report.

Released today in Kuala Lumpur ahead of next month’s M360 ASEAN 2026, the report finds that the next phase of digital growth will be shaped not only by connectivity, but by how governments, operators and technology providers respond to four converging priorities: the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), declining digital trust, demand for more resilient digital infrastructure, and growing interest in digital sovereignty.

Key findings:

  • 5G connections are forecast to reach 1.5 billion by 2030, representing 50% of all mobile connections in Asia Pacific.
  • Operators are expected to invest more than US$200 billion in capital expenditure between 2025 and 2030.
  • The mobile ecosystem supported 18 million jobs across the region in 2025.
  • More than 700 million adults remain offline despite being covered by mobile broadband networks.

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said: “The mobile industry is playing an increasingly important role in shaping Asia Pacific’s digital future. As this report shows, economies and societies across the region are becoming increasingly digital, with mobile networks serving as the foundation for AI adoption, digital trust and resilient digital infrastructure. As governments place greater emphasis on digital sovereignty and citizens expect stronger protection from scams, fraud and cyber threats, the responsibilities placed on our industry continue to grow. M360 ASEAN brings together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to address these challenges, strengthen trust and ensure digital transformation delivers long-term economic and social benefits for everyone.”

Many of the issues highlighted in the report, including AI adoption, digital trust, digital sovereignty, network resilience and digital inclusion, will be explored in depth at M360 ASEAN, taking place in Kuala Lumpur on 9-10 September 2026.

Register now

Registration for M360 ASEAN 2026 is now open here. Members of the press can apply for a complimentary Media Pass here.

Registration is also now open for MWC26 Doha, which returns to DECC from 8-10 November 2026. Find out more here.

Read full press release here.

Frost & Sullivan Marks 20th GIL Summit in China with Landmark Shanghai Gathering

Business leaders, policymakers and innovators explore AI, industrial transformation and global growth as Frost & Sullivan celebrates its 65th anniversary

SHANGHAI, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan welcomed more than 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, investors, academics and innovators to the 20th Growth, Innovation and Leadership (GIL) Summit in China, held August 4–5 at the Jing An Shangri-La in Shanghai.

Frost & Sullivan's GIL Global: China 2026
Frost & Sullivan’s GIL Global: China 2026

Coinciding with Frost & Sullivan’s 65th anniversary, the summit featured more than 300 speakers and 150 keynote presentations and panel discussions. Topics included artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, life sciences, consumer markets and investment – highlighting the forces reshaping global competitiveness and transformational growth.

The event combined a flagship plenary programme with 10 parallel forums and the fifth edition of Frost & Sullivan’s New Investment Event, fostering collaboration across business, finance, government, academia and research.

Leadership Perspectives on Transformational Growth

David Frigstad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Frost & Sullivan, highlighted the opportunity for Chinese companies to build global brands, teams and market presence.

“The next great chapter of China’s economy will belong to world-class enterprises with global brands, global footprints and compelling narratives,” Frigstad said. “Through Frost & Sullivan’s Transformational Growth Platform, we are helping ambitious companies turn local expertise into sustainable global leadership.”

Aroop Zutshi, Global Managing Partner and Executive Board Member, examined how organisations can embed AI across strategy, brand development and operations to create lasting business capabilities.

Dr Neil Wang, Global Senior Vice President, Co-Chairman of Asia Pacific and Chairman of China, introduced the Resilience Triangle – Mission, Innovation and Trust – and the principle “AI + HI = CI,” combining artificial and human intelligence to create collaborative intelligence.

“Frost & Sullivan’s mission is to communicate China’s growth, innovation and leadership to the world while helping Chinese companies embrace global opportunities,” Wang said.

More than 20 industry reports, three professional publications and several research initiatives were unveiled. Flagship releases included “White Paper on China’s Industrial Development Trends for the Next 50 Years (5th Edition)”, covering opportunities in AI, intelligent manufacturing, consumer markets, healthcare and semiconductors.

Other releases addressed biotechnology, consumer intelligent technology, brand building and the application of AI in research and investment management – reflecting the summit’s focus on turning technological progress into resilient, commercially viable growth.

Strengthening the Growth Ecosystem

Frost & Sullivan announced collaborations with organisations spanning industry, academia and research, while launching a Professional Institution Expert Committee to deepen cooperation across capital markets, auditing, legal services and consulting.

The summit concluded with a gala celebrating Frost & Sullivan’s 65th anniversary and two decades of GIL programming in China. The 2026 Frost & Sullivan GIL Awards recognised organisations demonstrating innovation, customer impact and leadership.

Since launching in China in 2008, the GIL Summit has become an influential platform for identifying growth opportunities and connecting China’s innovation ecosystem with international markets.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Pipeline Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Pipeline as a Service provides the CEO’s Growth Team with transformational strategies and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. For over 60 years, Frost & Sullivan has partnered with investors, corporate leaders, and governments to identify, prioritize, and execute transformational growth strategies.

Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog™ with the Frost & Sullivan team.

Contact:
Rachel Zhang
Frost & Sullivan China
E: rachel.zhang@frostchina.com
T: +86 021-3209-6800

“Boundless Creativity, Connecting Youth” China–Indonesia Youth Cultural Exchange Series Held in Jakarta


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 August 2026 – On August 6, the “Boundless Creativity, Connecting Youth” China–Indonesia Youth Cultural Exchange Series was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was jointly hosted by the China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC) and Indonesia’s GARUDA TV, with co-organized by Luoyang Radio and Television Media Group Co., Ltd. and Coocaa, a brand under Skyworth Group. More than 800 people attended the opening ceremony. Among them were representatives from government agencies, cultural circles, news media, and creative industries, as well as youth delegates from higher education institutions across both nations.

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At the event, the exhibitions Her Bloom: A Digital Cultural Heritage Exhibition on Luoyang, the Divine Capital and the Indonesian leg of Emerging Forces, Boundless Horizons: A Global Touring Exhibition Series Featuring Young Chinese Artists officially opened. The event also launched a China–Indonesia media organization, FAST Media Alliance, the Indonesian broadcast of the micro-drama Her Bloom, and the China–Indonesia Visual Project—Nanyang Film Festival, among other collaborative initiatives.

In her remarks, Anindita Kusuma Listya, Special Advisor to the Minister of Culture for Cultural Diplomacy and Cultural Industries at Ministry of Culture of Indonesia, expressed her strong appreciation for the event’s focus on youth connectivity, digital innovation, and media co-creation. She noted that Indonesia has consistently attached great importance to cultural exchanges and cooperation with China, encouraging young people, arts professionals, media organizations, and cultural and creative enterprises from both countries to engage in regular, in-depth, and multidimensional collaboration. As nations with diverse civilizations, Indonesia and China enjoy vast potential for cooperation and closely aligned development needs in cultural heritage preservation, digital cultural and creative industries, film and television production, and youth innovation.

Wang Siping, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, said in his remarks that cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Indonesia have yielded fruitful results in recent years, while people-to-people exchanges have continued to gain momentum. He expressed the hope that young people from both countries would engage more frequently and that more events such as “Boundless Creativity, Connecting Youth” would be organized and widely attended. China is ready to pursue more cooperation with Indonesia and share more opportunities. China also stands ready to work hand in hand with Indonesia to cultivate the fertile ground of people-to-people exchanges, expand channels for youth engagement, strengthen the “people-to-people pillar” of bilateral relations, and advance the high-quality building of a China–Indonesia community with a shared future.

Al Busyra Basnur, Chairman of the Indonesia–China Friendship Association, noted in his remarks that both China and Indonesia possess abundant pools of young talent. Cooperation among outstanding young people from the two countries, he said, will not only deepen bilateral relations but also inject fresh momentum into regional prosperity, technological progress, and the building of a more peaceful and closely connected world. He expressed his hope of holding in-depth discussions with all parties during the subsequent activities on such issues as advancing China–Indonesia relations, talent development, and educational exchanges, with a view to identifying practical avenues for cooperation.

Arianto Surojo, Consul General of Indonesia in Guangzhou, said that the event was innovative in concept and far-reaching in significance, providing a high-level platform for cultural exchanges between Indonesia and China in the new era. Youth-oriented, digital, and innovative forms of exchange such as this, he noted, enable people—especially young people—in both countries to gain a more direct understanding of one another and forge deeper connections. They also help elevate cultural exchanges between Indonesia and China from the superficial to the substantive, enriching the content of bilateral people-to-people cooperation. “When young people thrive, nations thrive; when young people are strong, nations are strong,” he said. “Let us embrace the spirit of exploration and innovation and jointly write a new chapter in the friendship between our two countries.”

Li Mian, Deputy President of CICC, said that CICC has long worked with media organizations in Southeast Asia to promote cultural exchanges. Over the years, CICC has actively advanced audiovisual cooperation with mainstream media outlets in Indonesia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia through the television program UPanda Cinema. Through this event, CICC has launched such collaborative projects as the China–Indonesia media organization, FAST Media Alliance, the broadcast of the micro-drama Her Bloom, and the China–Indonesia Visual Project. These initiatives aim to tell the story of China–Indonesia friendship, share digital technologies and high-quality resources, and promote deeper, more substantive cooperation between the two countries.

Atika Suri, Editor-in-Chief of Indonesia’s GARUDA TV, said that the event, focusing on youth exchange and cultural empowerment, carried out a rich array of activities, including digital cultural heritage exhibitions, joint visual exhibitions, and touring exhibitions of young artists. It not only carries forward the traditional friendship between Indonesia and China, she said, but also represents an active exploration of new models and pathways for people-to-people cooperation in the new era.

Li Jing, Vice President of Coocaa, a Skyworth Group company, and CEO of Coolita, said that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart television, and FAST are driving the global media industry into a new digital era, creating fresh opportunities for cultural communication and international media cooperation. During the event, Coolita and CICC jointly launched the China–Indonesia media organization, FAST Media Alliance. Going forward, they will work with Indonesian media organizations and partners such as Tencent Cloud to explore innovative models in artificial intelligence, FAST, and digital content distribution; drive the digital transformation of traditional media; and promote innovation in the digital cultural industries of both countries.

The event also featured themed roundtable discussions bringing together esteemed institutions and figures. Participants included China National Archives of Publications and Culture, Tencent Cloud, “Honor of Kings”, the acting head of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities (ISSH) at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency, the University of Indonesia, LSPR Institute of Communication and Business, the Jakarta Film Commission, the renowned game studio Anantarupa Studios, and the visual creative studio Mono Studio. They were joined by Indonesian contemporary painting master Sidik Martowidjojo (Ma Yongqiang) and Chinese young artist Ren Zhe.

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

GIGABYTE Announces the Availability of AORUS GeForce RTX™ 50 INFINITY Series Graphics Cards

TAIPEI, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, announces the availability of the AORUS GeForce RTX™ 5080, RTX™ 5070 Ti, and RTX™ 5070 INFINITY graphics cards. Designed for enthusiasts seeking uncompromised performance and refined aesthetics, the new lineup combines the WINDFORCE HYPERBURST cooling system with a double flow through design, patented Hawk fans, and an intelligent Overdrive Fan to maximize cooling efficiency. These models also feature a STEALTH-compatible hidden power connector design for cleaner cable management, while the signature RGB Halo lighting enables users to personalize their builds. Joining the lineup is the AORUS GeForce RTX™ 5080 INFINITY WOOD, blending wood-grain elements with premium craftsmanship for a distinctive PC aesthetic.

GIGABYTE Announces the Availability of AORUS GeForce RTX™ 50 INFINITY Series Graphics Cards
GIGABYTE Announces the Availability of AORUS GeForce RTX™ 50 INFINITY Series Graphics Cards

The WINDFORCE HYPERBURST is an advanced cooling system engineered for the AORUS INFINITY Series. The double flow through design creates an unobstructed cooling path by allowing airflow to penetrate through both sides of the backplate, significantly improving heat dissipation. Combined with GIGABYTE’s patented Hawk fans, which increase air pressure by up to 53.6% and air volume by up to 12.5%, the cooling system delivers efficient thermal performance with low noise. An intelligent Overdrive fan, positioned at the center of the graphics card, automatically activates during intensive workloads to provide additional airflow and sustain peak performance.

To further elevate the PC building experience, the new INFINITY models relocate the power connector to the rear side of the graphics card, allowing cables to be routed neatly behind the chassis for a cleaner, clutter-free appearance. A magnetic cover plate conceals the connector, creating a sleek and minimalist finish. Together with the iconic RGB Halo and outer light ring, users can customize lighting effects or synchronize illumination with other compatible hardware to match their personal style.

Expanding the design philosophy of the INFINITY family, the AORUS GeForce RTX™ 5080 INFINITY WOOD is synchronized with GIGABYTE’s WOOD-themed motherboard lineup. Inspired by the warmth and texture of wood-grain elements, it brings premium materials into high-performance hardware, offering enthusiasts a unique way to build elegant, nature-inspired PCs. For more information on AORUS GeForce RTX™ 50 INFINITY Series graphics cards, please visit the official GIGABYTE website and check product availability with your local retailers and e-tailers.

ORYXEARTH Launches the VRME1000-5 Electric Dirt Bike, Expanding Its Mini Bike Lineup

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ORYXEARTH, an outdoor entertainment brand, developed its first electric dirt bike VRME1000-5 for riders looking for a straightforward way to enjoy off-road adventures.

A Simpler Start to Trail Riding

For many new riders, the appeal of a mini bike is simple: getting outside, learning to ride and exploring with family or friends. But getting started can come with its own learning curve, especially when riders also have to think about fueling, starting and operating a gas-powered bike. Electric dirt bikes remove some of those extra steps, making it easier to focus on the ride itself.

ORYXEARTH VRME1000-5(VE-5) Electric Dirt Bike
ORYXEARTH VRME1000-5(VE-5) Electric Dirt Bike

The VRME1000-5(VE-5) is designed for riders aged 14 and older. Throttle-only control removes manual shifting, while three selectable speed modes let riders adjust power delivery to their experience and terrain. This gives them more room to build confidence and focus on recreational riding on private property or permitted off-road areas.

ORYXEARTH’s Vision for Electric Dirt Bikes

Founded in 2022, ORYXEARTH develops recreation-focused outdoor products for powered riding, water activities and backyard play. Its philosophy — “Play More. Anywhere. Together.” — reflects a focus on weekend recreation and outdoor experiences designed to be shared.

The VRME1000-5 extends that philosophy into electric trail riding as the first electric dirt bike in the ORYXEARTH lineup. Designed for riders aged 14 and older, it gives families and recreational riders another way to spend time outdoors and explore suitable off-road terrain together.

“Our goal is to make outdoor recreation easier to join and more enjoyable to share,” said Steven Yang, founder and product development lead at ORYXEARTH. “Charge it, turn it on and go. With the VRME1000-5, riders can focus on riding, exploring and spending time outdoors with others.”

Highlights of the VRME1000-5: Power, Range and Control

Built for recreational electric off-road riding, the VRME1000-5 combines adjustable power delivery, a removable battery and full suspension in a throttle-operated platform for riders aged 14 and older.

  • Adjustable electric performance: The mid-drive brushless motor delivers 1,000 watts of rated power and up to 3,000 watts at peak output. Three selectable speed modes allow riders to adjust power delivery for their experience and terrain, while throttle-only operation removes the need for manual gear changes.
  • Removable battery and riding range: The 48V 20Ah (960Wh) removable battery provides a manufacturer-listed range of up to 34 miles, depending on the selected mode and riding conditions. A full charge takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. The motor carries an IP67 ingress-protection rating, while the battery pack is rated IP55.
  • Full suspension and hydraulic braking: An inverted front fork, rear suspension and 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels help the electric dirt bike handle uneven off-road surfaces. Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes provide braking control at both ends, and the bike supports a maximum rated load of approximately 265 pounds.
  • LCD display: A front-mounted LCD screen displays speed, battery level and mileage, helping new riders check essential ride information at a glance.

Together, these features give recreational riders a flexible platform for building confidence, exploring trails and sharing time outdoors with family and friends.

Product Availability

The VRME1000-5 has been available in the United States since May 2026 through Amazon, Walmart, eBay and the official ORYXEARTH website. The model carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,299, with regular promotions bringing the price to around $1,000. Product availability, shipping charges and promotional terms are determined by each platform.

About ORYXEARTH

Founded in 2022, ORYXEARTH is an outdoor entertainment brand creating recreation-focused products for trail riding, water activities and backyard play. Guided by “Play More. Anywhere. Together.,” ORYXEARTH products are sold worldwide through its official website and major online retailers. The brand’s retail and digital channels have reached a cumulative audience of more than 100,000. In September 2025, ORYXEARTH ranked No. 1 in the General Electrical Hardware category on Mass Market Retailers’ RangeMe Top 50 General Merchandise list.

To learn more about ORYXEARTH, visit: https://oryxearth.com

Captiva Verde Welcomes General Daniel R. Hokanson to the Advisory Board

Jacksonville, Florida – Newsfile Corp. – August 10, 2026 – Captiva Verde Corp. (CSE: PWR) (OTC Pink: CPIVF) (the “Company or Captiva“) announces the appointment of Daniel R. Hokanson to the Advisory Board.

Dan Hokanson is a retired 4-Star General and former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He served as the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the second largest military organization in the Department of Defense, where he was an advisor to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. He also led the National Guard State Partnership Program with over 110 countries around the globe, conducting numerous senior political and military engagements.

General Hokanson served 38 years in the Army and Army National Guard, including fourteen years as a general officer. His deployments include Operation Just Cause, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He is also a command pilot with over 2,600 flight hours in over 30 different fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

General Hokanson earned a B.S in Aerospace Engineering from West Point, an M.A. in International Security and Civil-Military Relations from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He also completed a year-long National Security Fellowship at Harvard University.

Daniel Hokanson is hereby granted 2,000,000 share purchase options each at CAD $0.05 per share, expiring in 2029.

Brian Conlan, the CEO of Captiva Verde states: “We are blessed to have the caliber and quality of leadership from Daniel Hokanson within our advisory board. Dan will be a key advisor as we build out our patented utility scale atmospheric water stations around the world.”

Our large (10,000+ gpd), Captiva Verde water stations, to be constructed across the world, cost a fraction of traditional infrastructure upgrades, but delivers pure virgin water. This creates a new economy, a new industry, new jobs, and delivers pure water that is both “plastic free” and produced “on location,” rather than being shipped for hundreds of miles. Our Origen stations are where sustainability meets purity.

Here is the link to our two-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_pORF_ERIg The following link is our water toxicity map. Enter your zip code or use the interactive map to pick your zip code area in your state and click on the “contaminants” tab. Note the extreme toxicity of your local tap water: https://captivaverdeusa.com/tapwater

Additionally, Captiva is building water stations for hotels and bottling companies. More news to follow.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

“Brian Conlan”

Brian Conlan
Chief Executive Officer
Cell: (949) 903-5906
E-mail: westernwind@shaw.ca

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information: This news release includes “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the expansion of Captiva’s health and wellness platform. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “potential”, “target”, “budget”, “propose” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include those described under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A (a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca). The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

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

Photo Feature: Global Media Explore Hainan Free Trade Port, Unlocking the New Vitality of the “Ocean Economy”


HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 August 2026 – A delegation of journalists from nine major overseas media outlets, including the United States, France, Türkiye, Spain, and the Republic of Korea, recently visited China’s Hainan Province for an in-depth tour across multiple cities including Haikou, Wanning, Lingshui, and Sanya. The mission was to investigate the region’s marine cultural tourism, ecological conservation efforts, and innovative consumer models, and to witness firsthand the renewed dynamism of Hainan’s “ocean economy.”

Caption: Global Media Explore Hainan Free Trade Port, Unlocking the New Vitality of the "Ocean Economy"
Caption: Global Media Explore Hainan Free Trade Port, Unlocking the New Vitality of the “Ocean Economy”

As the first full year following the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), 2026 has been designated the “Marine Tourism Year,” with a strategic focus on ocean-themed cultural travel. Leveraging policy dividends such as visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries, expanded traffic rights, and offshore duty-free shopping, Hainan has consistently enhanced its openness to the world, fueling a surge in cultural tourism demand. In the first half of this year alone, the island recorded over 1 million inbound visits, a year-on-year increase of 48.8%, underscoring the robust growth momentum of the FTP’s tourism sector.

In Wanning’s Riyue Bay, the international media group experienced firsthand the rapid expansion of Hainan’s coastal sports industry. Renowned as a world-class surfing destination, the bay receives more than 500,000 visits annually, drawing travelers from as far as Australia and Southeast Asia. A major highlight was the nation’s first Olympic-standard artificial surf pool, which employs advanced wave-making technology to simulate 23 different wave types, enabling year-round, all-weather surfing regardless of natural conditions. Mr. Guney Isik Ganimgil, a contributor to Turkey’s Aydınlık newspaper, remarked that Hainan’s cultural tourism development has far exceeded expectations and holds tremendous investment potential.

Eco-empowered tourism and the protection of blue bays are the defining hallmarks of Hainan’s development. The Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort adheres strictly to a policy against capturing wild marine life; its rescue center has successfully rehabilitated and released over 200 rare marine creatures, including sea turtles and hawksbills, back into the wild. Meanwhile, Wuzhizhou Island has pioneered an innovative model of eco-tourism, partnering with universities to develop a tropical marine ranch. Through the strategic deployment of artificial reefs and the transplantation of tens of thousands of coral colonies, the island now offers visitors the opportunity to participate in coral transplantation—a hands-on experience that fosters a virtuous cycle between ecological conservation and tourism engagement, earning high praise from the attending media.

Deepening the integration of culture and tourism has also revitalized Hainan’s traditional maritime heritage. The Danjia fishing rafts continue to enrich their authentic marine-ethnic cultural offerings, continuously diversifying their “product portfolio”. Tianya Town, built around a century-old fishing village, has evolved into a coastal leisure landmark, now home to nearly a hundred boutique homestays and specialty cafés. The Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, housing over 1,000 international brands, has introduced cutting-edge “duty-free + technology” consumption scenarios. And the Sanya Yacht Tourism Center, with a complete industrial chain, recorded over 220,000 yacht outings in 2025, cementing its status as a premier destination for high-end coastal tourism.

After four days of in-depth exploration, the media delegation witnessed a Hainan that is open, green, and vibrantly dynamic. Today’s Hainan FTP has transcended the traditional model of seaside tourism, with policy as its backbone, ecology as its canvas, and culture as its soul. By continually energizing the blue economy, Hainan is presenting a compelling new vision of high-quality development to the world.

Hashtag: #HainanFreeTradePort

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