– Features JINRO’s iconic mascot reimagined as a K-POP artist for a limited-edition rollout

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JINRO, the world’s No. 1 soju brand, announces the launch of a limited-edition product featuring its ‘K-POP Star Toad’ label. Featured on JINRO Green Grape, the brand’s top-selling fruit liqueur in international markets, the special edition will be available in limited quantities.

This limited-edition release is a project designed to expand the universe of JINRO’s iconic mascot, the ‘Toad,’ in alignment with the global K-POP phenomenon. It was developed to strengthen the mass appeal and trend-forward image of JINRO, a leading K-spirits brand, amid growing international interest in K-culture.

The limited-edition label design features the beloved Toad character reimagined with a K-POP artist concept, available in two striking colorways: Green and Pink. Embodying a vibrant and distinctive visual reminiscent of an artist on stage, the new packaging is crafted to offer global consumers a unique brand experience exclusive to JINRO.

With 13% alcohol by volume (ABV), the ‘K-POP Star Toad’ Green Grape limited edition retains the same taste and quality consumers know while offering a refreshed collectible design.

To celebrate the launch, JINRO is rolling out an interactive, consumer-participatory campaign across global markets. The company will run a ‘Message Challenge’ promotion using alphabet letters (A to Z) printed on the underside of the bottle caps. Consumers can collect and arrange various caps to create personalized messages and share them on social media, encouraging engagement with the brand.

Exclusive promotional merchandise will also be introduced to commemorate the limited-edition launch. By releasing two exclusive promotional items—a collectible ‘K-POP Star Toad’ figurine and a limited-edition bottle-shaped microphone—JINRO aims to add an element of fun and collectibility to the campaign.

Jung-ho Hwang, Head of Overseas Business at HiteJinro, said, “The ‘K-POP Star Toad’ limited edition was developed to tap into the globally beloved K-POP phenomenon, aligning with our commitment to expanding the JINRO brand in the global mainstream. Through the synergy of K-culture and our signature Toad mascot, we aim to enhance JINRO’s brand competitiveness and elevate its presence worldwide. Moving forward, we will continue to introduce diverse initiatives that build on our heritage and make JINRO a familiar favorite for consumers around the world.”

About JINRO

First introduced in 1924, JINRO is Korea’s representative soju brand, the world’s No. 1 soju brand, and the world’s best-selling spirits brand. JINRO connects with consumers across the globe through a diverse product portfolio, including its core lineups — JINRO CHAMISUL FRESH, JINRO CHAMISUL ORIGINAL, and JINRO IS BACK — alongside a vibrant flavored soju range that includes GREEN GRAPE, PEACH, STRAWBERRY, GRAPEFRUIT, PLUM, and LEMON.

The world’s leading celebration of phygital sport, where physical performance meets digital gameplay, wrapped its 2026 edition having united athletes, fans and broadcasters from across the globe.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Games of the Future Astana 2026 powered by Samruk-Kazyna has officially concluded after 12 days of high-intensity competition, bringing more than 800 participants from over 50 nationalities to Astana to compete for a prize pool exceeding US$4 million. Some of the world’s leading sports and esports clubs joined emerging phygital talent across eight disciplines, as thousands of fans filled four world-class venues across the city and hundreds of millions more followed the action worldwide.

From 29 July to 9 August, the Games of the Future delivered a showcase of elite physical performance, digital gameplay and strategy, with athletes and clubs from around the world battling for titles across a competition program spanning phygital sport and some of the world’s biggest esports titles. 12 action-packed days produced standout performances and memorable moments across the venues before culminating in eight champions being crowned in Astana.

Athletes and teams went head-to-head across a lineup that included:

• Phygital Basketball presented by Halyk Fund
• Phygital Football UFL presented by Samruk-Kazyna
• Phygital Dancing presented by SolidcoreResources
• Phygital Shooter CS2 presented by Yandex Go
• Phygital Fighting presented by Kazzinc
• Battle Royale PUBG: Battlegrounds presented by Alatau City Bank
• MOBA PC Dota 2 presented by CenterCredit
• MOBA Mobile MLBB presented by Freedom.

Champions Crowned Across Every Discipline

17 Gaming claimed the Battle Royale crown, holding off GAM The Expendables to claim the title and the accompanying US$300,000 top prize. Team Vitality rounded out the podium in third, ahead of a line up that also included Twisted Minds, Geekay Esports and Team Falcons.

In Phygital Basketball, Wilders closed out a decisive win in the final to take home US$100,000, in a field that also featured world renowned clubs including Valencia Basket, and Boca Juniors. Basketball wasn’t the only discipline to produce a statement win: PlayTime claimed the MOBA PC title, marking their first major tournament victory at the Games of the Future, seeing off strong competitors including VICI Gaming, Xtreme Gaming, and Execration along the way.

The Phygital Football final proved just as compelling, with NS Team taking the title against last year’s winners, Quetzales-Armadillos. The competition also saw clubs like Peñarol, Los Troncos FC, and Orlando Pirates Fives take to the pitch, while Franco Vitali topped a stacked Phygital Dancing competition – including three-time Just Dance World Champion Umutcan Tutuncu – to be crowned champion.

In Phygital Shooter, Team KZ battled their way to the crown, defeating Liga Pro Team to become champions following five thrilling days of competition at Beeline Arena, with Eternal Fire and Klan Pedrajas also making their mark. Archangel Michael topped the standings in Phygital Fighting to claim the title, while Bigetron by Vitality completed the list of champions by winning the MOBA Mobile competition after an impressive tournament run, finishing ahead of ONIC, Aurora Gaming, Team Falcons, and Team Spirit.

Dan Merkley, CEO of Phygital International, said: “The Games of the Future Astana 2026 has shown the world what makes phygital sport so exciting. We have seen extraordinary athletes and clubs compete, passionate fans fill the venues, and audiences around the world embrace a new kind of experience that reflects the future of sport. Astana represents another important step forward for a global movement that continues to grow in ambition, reach and relevance. I want to thank the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, our Local Organizing Committee, and every athlete, club, partner, volunteer and fan who made this possible. We leave Kazakhstan inspired by what we have achieved together and excited about where phygital sport goes next.”

Beyond the competition, the Games of the Future Astana 2026 also brought together leaders and decision-makers from across the international sporting and government communities. Ministers, senior officials and delegates from more than 60 countries attended during the event, alongside representatives of the United Nations, National Olympic Committees and other international organizations, creating opportunities for dialogue around the future development of phygital sport.

The Games of the Future Astana 2026 also reached a significant global audience, with coverage delivered through 289 distribution outlets across more than 150 countries and territories and in over 20 languages, generating hundreds of millions of views worldwide.

You can continue watching full replays from across all disciplines at the Games of the Future Astana 2026 on Phygital+, the dedicated streaming platform for phygital sport.

Notes to Editors:   

About Phygital International (PI):  

Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.  

For further information, please visit: https://phygitalinternational.com          

About the Games of the Future (GOTF):  

The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026 was held in Astana, Kazakhstan.   

For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/ 

krisha@marylebonecommunications.com 

BEIJING, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CRIOnline:

On August 3, fifteen diplomats based in China — representing Ethiopia, Fiji, Latvia, Türkiye, Botswana, Guinea, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Malaysia — took part in an exchange event with local businesses in Hefei, Anhui Province, kicking off a week-long tour of the province. On August 5, the group traveled to Xuancheng, where, after experiencing the traditional craft of Xuan papermaking firsthand, H.E. Mr. Karlis Eihenbaums, Ambassador of Latvia to China, said that the preservation of traditional craftsmanship carries great significance for any nation.

As a trained historian, Eihenbaums joined fellow diplomats from several countries on a cultural tour spanning the cities of Xuancheng and Huangshan. Xuancheng is the birthplace of Xuan paper, while Huangshan is one of China’s best-known tourist destinations.

In Xuancheng, the diplomats observed — and personally engaged in — the traditional techniques behind the “Four Treasures of the Study”: brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. During an exchange with an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Eihenbaums spoke about the importance of passing down historical traditions, adding that he was pleased to see local children learning about the history of papermaking and getting hands-on experience at the Xuan Paper Museum. H.E. Prof. Lekoko S. Kenosi, Ambassador of Botswana to China, suggested that Xuan paper could potentially be applied to rock art and wildlife conservation projects in Botswana. H.E. Mr. Robert Lee, Ambassador of Fiji, proposed incorporating Xuan paper into fashion design as a way of weaving it into tourism experiences.

The diplomats then traveled on to Huangshan, where their first stop was Xidi Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, they toured the village’s traditional Huizhou-style residences and learned about local efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage. In Qiyun Town, the group experienced a night cruise and a fireworks display. The itinerary also included an exchange session with young local entrepreneurs. Li Dong, an entrepreneur based at the DN Huangshan Digital Nomad Community, said the diplomats’ interest in his AI hardware products had given him greater confidence in the road ahead.

At the conclusion of the Huangshan leg of the trip, Nicolas Brea, the diplomat from Argentina, said he had been deeply impressed by the region’s scenery, environment, and cultural heritage, and that he looks forward to visiting Anhui again in the future.

HEFEI, China, Aug. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CRI Online:

“This is a rare opportunity — we have come to the new engine of China’s economic growth, Anhui.” So said H.E. Mr. Robert Lee, Fiji’s Ambassador to China, at an exchange event in Hefei on the 3rd, which brought together 15 diplomats from Ethiopia, Fiji, Latvia, Türkiye, Botswana and other countries for an in-depth dialogue with the province.

At the opening ceremony, more than 100 Anhui-based enterprises were on display, spanning new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence, photovoltaic materials, construction equipment, culture, and tourism and wellness — sectors that represent new growth points for Anhui and for the Chinese economy more broadly. Newly released figures for the first half of the year show Anhui posting an economic output of 2.737 trillion yuan and growth of 5.6%, placing it among China’s top ten provinces by GDP. Known for its strength in scientific innovation and its long-termism, the province is home to firms such as iFlytek (artificial intelligence) and JAC Group (automobile manufacturing).

H.E. Prof. Lekoko S. Kenosi, Botswana’s Ambassador to China, said he valued this dialogue format and would visit companies over the coming days, adding that Anhui’s sci-tech enterprises demonstrate strong R&D capabilities, opening possibilities for cooperation in cultural technology and intelligent manufacturing. Ambassador Lee also noted Anhui’s progress in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, seeing points of convergence with Fiji’s development needs.

The week-long programme will take the diplomats to companies in Hefei, Xuancheng and Huangshan, covering construction, automobile manufacturing, culture, and tourism and wellness. In Hefei, the itinerary includes a leading construction firm and an AI park; in Xuancheng, the development of the cultural industry and a cultural exchange session; in Huangshan, eco-tourism and wellness resort projects. The organizers said the aim is to give the diplomats a fuller picture of how a Chinese provincial economy actually works, and to identify potential areas for cooperation in supply chains, green technology transfer and people-to-people exchange.

No agreements have been signed so far, but several envoys expressed interest in continuing to engage with Anhui companies after the event. Long dominated by agriculture and traditional manufacturing, Anhui has in recent years become one of the faster-growing provinces in China’s regional economy, drawing investment of a certain scale from both domestic and overseas sources.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Action Energy Company K.S.C.P. (AEC), listed on Premier Market of Boursa Kuwait (Bloomberg: ALFTAQA KK) (Reuters: ALFTAQA.KW), Kuwait’s leading local partner for integrated upstream services, owner and operator of one of the youngest rig fleets in the region, announced its financial results for the first half ended 30 June 2026.

Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, AEC Chairman, said: “H1 2026 reflects the resilience of AEC’s business model, with net profit nearly doubling YoY and our contracted backlog with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) reaching a record $1.1 billion. In line with our commitment to delivering sustainable returns, the Board has recommended an interim cash dividend of 3 Fils per share. We remain committed to creating long-term shareholder value, and supporting Kuwait’s long-term energy ambitions.”

Ahmad Mohammad Al-Ajlan, Board Member and CEO, said: “H1 results reflect the successful execution of our growth and diversification strategy, with revenue increasing 34.4% and net profit rising 96.6% YoY. Record backlog, continued investment in fleet expansion, and the growing contribution of our oilfield services business provide a strong foundation for AEC’s next phase of growth and long-term value creation.”

Operational Review

Drilling and workover services account for ~61% of backlog. AEC operated 20 rigs at 100% utilisation, completing 202 rig moves versus 100 in H1 2025. Drilling revenue rose 39% to $45.21 million and rig leasing and mobilisation revenue grew 13.8% to $10.44 million.

Oilfield Services account for ~39% of backlog. AEC advanced mobilisation of its ESP, Slickline and OTSG service lines, investing $17.8 million. Other operating revenue increased 60.8% to $2.75 million. AEC also entered a strategic JV with Kellton to drive AI-led digital transformation across the GCC energy sector.

Dividends

The Board of Directors has recommended an interim cash dividend of ~10 cents per share for the six-month period ended June 30, 2026, representing a total distribution of approximately $5.5 million, and marking AEC’s first interim cash dividend.

Outlook

AEC enters the second half with strong revenue visibility and full fleet utilisation. Priorities include mobilising the ESP, Slickline and OTSG service lines and seven new rigs, executing the record backlog, and maintaining financial discipline. Over the medium term, AEC targets a mix of ~60% drilling and 40% oilfield services, and net debt to equity below 1.25x.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GearUP, a global game network optimization platform, and Escape from Tarkov, the acclaimed multiplayer tactical shooter, announced on August 4 a collaboration to help players enjoy a smoother and more reliable online experience as the game enters its new season.

With players connecting from different regions around the world, maintaining stable and responsive online gameplay has become increasingly important. Through this collaboration, GearUP will provide network optimization technology designed to improve connection stability, reduce latency, and minimize packet loss, helping Escape from Tarkov players achieve faster, stable connections and enjoy smoother, more immersed gameplay.

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to improving the online gaming experience for players worldwide. As multiplayer games continue to grow across regions and platforms, reliable connectivity has become a key part of delivering engaging and competitive gameplay. By combining Escape from Tarkov’s intense gameplay experience with GearUP’s intelligent routing technology, the collaboration aims to support a smoother connection experience for the global gaming community.

“The quality of an online gaming experience depends on more than just gameplay — a stable connection is essential,” the GearUP Team said. “Working with Escape from Tarkov allows us to support players during an important moment for the game while continuing our mission of making online gaming experiences faster, smoother, and more accessible around the world.”

Through its advanced network optimization technology, GearUP supports thousands of games across PC, mobile devices, consoles, and supported routers. The platform continuously optimizes network routes to help players adapt to changing internet conditions and enjoy more consistent online experiences..

To celebrate the collaboration, GearUP will provide free network acceleration for Escape from Tarkov from August 4 through August 11, 2026 (UTC). During this period, players can access GearUP’s optimization service for the game without an active membership. Players can learn more about the dedicated Escape from Tarkov network optimization service and experience improved connectivity throughout the new season.

About GearUP

GearUP is a global game network optimization platform dedicated to improving online gaming experiences through intelligent routing technology. Supporting thousands of games across multiple platforms, GearUP helps players achieve faster, more stable connections and enjoy smoother gameplay worldwide.

Contact

business@gearupbooster.com

BEIJING, Aug. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) opened in Beijing on Sunday, drawing more than 1,000 participants, including scientists, researchers and young scholars from both China and abroad.

Under the theme “Advancing Basic Science for Humanity,” the two-week event will host over 500 academic sessions covering all branches and interdisciplinary directions of basic science, along with frontier topics such as generative large-model reasoning, computer vision, human-computer interaction and quantum information.

Top international scientists will deliver lectures on basic science and frontier science award reports to share the latest global breakthroughs and promote multidisciplinary collaborative innovation.

A diverse range of events will also be held during the congress, including high-level academic dialogues, youth engagement activities, and cultural and scientific exchange programs.

The high-level academic dialogues will feature “Mathematics Night,” “Physics Night,” and “Engineering Night,” bringing together Fields Medal and Turing Award recipients to discuss frontier trends.

The newly launched Women Scientists Forum will invite outstanding female researchers to share their career experiences and discuss opportunities and challenges in scientific research, aiming to inspire more female scholars to scale new heights in science.

The congress will also host a Basic Science and AI Forum for in-depth discussions on core bottlenecks and future breakthrough paths in AI theory, as well as industry trends.

In addition, the event will feature “Tsinghua Day,” which will invite world-leading mathematicians and physicists to Tsinghua University for dialogues with young students, encouraging them to engage in basic science and explore the unknown.

During the congress, an “Explore Huairou” tour will be held to invite global experts to visit Huairou Science City, the International Conference Resort, the Mutianyu Great Wall, the Great Wall International Animation Valley and Doctor’s Farm.

The tour will offer international scholars a firsthand look at the innovation vitality and research ecosystem of the comprehensive national science center, as well as the ecological charm and cultural heritage of Huairou.

It will also demonstrate how science and technology are empowering rural revitalization, showcasing Huairou’s achievements and high-quality development as a world-class strategic science and technology integration demonstration zone.

This year marks the fourth year of the ICBS being held in Beijing. It is co-hosted by the Beijing Municipal Government, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the China Association for Science and Technology, and the International Consortium of Chinese Mathematicians.

Over 10,000 financial insurance elites from around the world gathered in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Aug. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From August 7 to 10, 2026, the 16th Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress and the 2026 International Dragon Award (IDA) Annual Conference were grandly held in Hong Kong, the “Pearl of the Orient.” At this joint event, over 10,000 financial insurance professionals from around the world—including senior executives of insurance companies, industry experts, and scholars—gathered together to discuss and exchange insights on new trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the insurance industry.

Three Decades of Driving Growth and Prosperity in the Insurance Industry

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress. Since its inception, the Congress has remained unwavering in its founding mission: to unite the world’s elite Chinese financial insurance professionals, demonstrate their professional value, and pursue a higher plane of business excellence. Over the past three decades, it has consolidated the collective wisdom of Chinese insurance management, perpetuated its culture of excellence, championed its progressive spirit, broadened the strategic vision of participants, and demonstrated the exemplary conduct of outstanding practitioners. Throughout these thirty years, the Congress has stood guardian to the perseverance and aspirations of countless insurance professionals around the world, borne witness as the insurance industry steadily matured, and carried forward the legacy of its growth and honor.

The 16th Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress and the 2026 International Dragon Award (IDA) Annual Conference, held under the theme “Professional Epoch,” extended special invitations to 125 distinguished speakers from around the world—including senior executives of leading insurers, outstanding agency leaders, top‑performing agents, and experts from multiple disciplines beyond the insurance sector. Through this multifaceted program, the Congress built a diverse, open, and cross‑sector platform for in-depth exchange, advancing the growth and prosperity of the industry. A special highlight was the “WCLIC 30th Anniversary Tribute,” a milestone celebration joined by nearly 10,000 participants in commemoration of three decades of shared journey.

The Congress received strong support and invaluable guidance from the Insurance Authority, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, and government officials at various levels, along with the generous backing of its corporate sponsors.

Congress Highlight: Official Release of Global Rankings for IDA Member Companies

In 2024, the International Dragon Award (IDA) Executive Committee released the inaugural Official Announcement of Global Rankings for IDA Member Companies in Hong Kong, China, unveiling key trends and benchmarks shaping the global financial insurance industry. The data offers valuable guidance and strategic reference for financial institutions and agency teams in their business operations. For insurers, the number of IDA members serves as a powerful indicator of both productivity and professional caliber. The greater the number of IDA members an institution holds, the stronger its performance in overall productivity, recruitment and training, and talent retention—signaling a trajectory of sustainable, long-term growth.

At this year’s Congress, the IDA Executive Committee will release the Official Announcement of 2026 Global Rankings for IDA Member Companies. Informed by the collective insights and recommendations of the Expert Committee on International Dragon Award Data Analytics—a panel comprising distinguished experts from industry, government, and academia—the 2026 data analysis has advanced further in both depth and breadth.

IDA Honor Celebration: Thousands of IDA Elite Professionals Converge at the Summit

In 2026, the global insurance industry confronts new challenges amid a volatile and turbulent economic landscape. Yet, even in the face of such headwinds, an exceptional group of insurance professionals has thrived against the odds—earning the prestigious International Dragon Award through extraordinary performance and unwavering resilience.

To pay the highest tribute to these pillars of the industry, the Congress specially designed the “Honor Salute” and the “Dragon Night”—inviting over 4,800 IDA members to walk the “Star of Distinction,” a pathway embodying the philosophy of “Paragon, Perfection, and Nobility”—and ascend the awards stage to share in a moment of glory reserved for the most dedicated professionals.

Among all IDA honors, the following distinctions shine most brightly:

In 2026, a total of 142 new IDA Life Members were recognized, bringing the cumulative total to 727. Through more than a decade of unwavering professional dedication and sustained achievement, they have set the exemplar for long‑term performance excellence across the insurance industry worldwide.

In the same year, 5 new IDA Hall of Fame inductees joined the ranks, bringing the cumulative total to 21. With over two decades of unwavering commitment to their original vision and sustained dedication, these honorees have not only achieved personal excellence but have also set a lasting benchmark for generational succession across the global insurance industry.

In team honors, 14 teams achieved the IDA Hundred‑Elite Team distinction in 2026, bringing the cumulative total to 34. Their extraordinary organizational management, talent development, and capacity for sustainable growth have established them as exemplary benchmarks for insurance teams worldwide.

In addition, 7 new “IDA World Records” were unveiled in 2026, bringing the cumulative total to 21. These records chronicle the highest achievements and historic milestones attained by IDA members over the past 27 years.

After three decades of weathering storms and navigating change, the Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress remains steadfast in its mission to contribute to the prosperity, progress, and growth of the global financial insurance industry. Together with financial institutions and outstanding practitioners worldwide, the Congress continues to walk alongside them on their journey toward excellence—every step of the way.