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The 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Torch Relay: 74 Torchbearers Light Up Sanya’s Coast

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Advertorial Desk
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SANYA, China, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On 30 March 2026, the torch relay for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (hereinafter referred to as the Games or Sanya 2026) was held in Sanya. The relay, themed “Passing on Friendship, Meeting in Sanya”, featured three core segments: the flame lighting ceremony, the torch relay starting ceremony, and the flame return ceremony. A total of 74 torchbearers ran in relay along approximately 10.5 kilometres of Sanya Bay, building excitement for the upcoming Games.

In the morning, the flame lighting ceremony took place at Sanya’s southern cauldron, originally built for the 11th Asian Games. After the starting ceremony, the first torchbearer, CHANG Yani, the Paris Olympic Games women’s synchronised 3-metre springboard diving champion, set off. “With the vast sea right beside me, the feeling is truly special,” she said.

The relay route innovatively combined beach, road, and maritime segments, passing by multiple venues of Sanya 2026 and showcasing the city’s unique coastal scenery. The torch was relayed by several Olympic champions, including SHI Zhiyong (weightlifting), LIU Shiwen (women’s table tennis team), JIANG Ranxin (shooting), and QI Guangpu (freestyle skiing aerials).

Along the route, spectators also enjoyed water and cultural performances, including jet-ski stunts, flyboarding, Li brocade fashion shows, bamboo pole dances, Qiong opera, and Yazhou folk songs. At the Sanya International Yachting Center, a robotics lion dance and drumming performance integrated technology with traditional elements.

CAO Shoubin, Operations Director of the Sanya 2026 Torch Relay Team, stated that the event adhered to the principles of “green, shared, open, and integrity”, allowing the world to witness Sanya’s natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant energy.

Sanya 2026 will be held from 22 to 30 April 2026. As Asia’s highest-level beach sports event, it is also the first major international multi-sport event hosted in Hainan after the Free Trade Port’s operational opening. This edition of the Games will feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 62 events, awarding 62 gold medals.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPWNnP_aAY

Lao Brewery Company Supports Hailstorm-Affected Communities in Vientiane

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Advertorial Desk
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A picture of Water and other supplies were delivered to people in need. (Photo by Lao Brewery Company)

Lao Brewery Company has provided emergency assistance to communities in Sikhottabong and Naxaithong districts following severe hailstorms that caused damage to homes and property on March 22.

On March 26, a company delegation, together with representatives from its affiliated organisations, delivered 5,000 packs of drinking water and beverages to support affected families. The donation, valued at more than LAK 230 million (USD 10,500), was handed over through local authorities in Sikhottabong district.

The support focused on ensuring access to safe drinking water and addressing immediate needs in impacted areas. Assistance was distributed through district administrations, the Lao Red Cross, and military units, as well as directly to village authorities across affected communities.

Several villages in Sikhottabong district received larger allocations, while additional support was provided to multiple villages in Naxaithong district. The distribution was carried out in coordination with local officials to reach households most affected by the storm.

The initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support communities during emergencies, with a focus on immediate relief and recovery support in coordination with relevant authorities.

 

LITFINCON Announces European Debut: Global Litigation Finance Conference Series Comes to Amsterdam

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Advertorial Desk
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Two-Day Summit at Rosewood Amsterdam, October 7–8, 2026, to Convene the World’s Leading Litigation Funders, Law Firms, General Counsels, and Institutional Investors

AMSTERDAM, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LITFINCON, the global litigation finance conference series created by Silstone Capital, today announced the launch of LITFINCON Europe, a two-day summit bringing the world’s most influential litigation finance community together in Amsterdam on October 7–8, 2026. The event will be held at Rosewood Amsterdam, one of the city’s most distinguished luxury hotels, marking LITFINCON’s formal entry into the European market. The Rosewood Amsterdam provides a fitting backdrop for the conference as the historic building once served as Amsterdam’s Palace of Justice – the city’s main courthouse. LITFINCON Europe will reestablish this venue as a vibrant hub for legal dialogue and networking.

Rosewood Hotel, Amsterdam
Rosewood Hotel, Amsterdam

LITFINCON Europe follows the series’ debut events in Houston and the upcoming inaugural Asia edition at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on June 4, 2026. The European edition expands LITFINCON into the world’s most dynamic litigation finance regulatory environment, as the UK, EU, and individual member states grapple with transformative questions about disclosure requirements, funder returns, and the future of third-party funding across the continent.

 “The regulatory environment is evolving rapidly across the UK and EU, capital is flowing into the space at an unprecedented rate, and the demand for high-quality, senior dialogue has never been higher,” said Robert Le, Co-Founder of Siltstone Capital.

Conference Program
Across eleven panels over two days, LITFINCON Europe moves from the macro to the granular — opening with a global market overview before examining the regulatory divergence reshaping how funders, law firms, general counsels, and institutional investors operate across the UK, EU, and US. The program addresses the structural mechanics of European deal-making, including the distinct dynamics of loser-pays cost regimes, ATE insurance integration, and portfolio financing, alongside deep dives into collective redress, international arbitration, and cross-border enforcement.

The second day turns to the investment and innovation questions defining the industry’s next chapter: how institutional allocators — pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices — are assessing European litigation finance funds; the convergence of ATE insurance and third-party funding; the Unified Patent Court’s emergence as a major new venue for funded IP disputes; and the competitive implications of AI adoption under GDPR and EU AI Act constraints. The conference closes with an unscripted, 75-minute Candid Conversations session — no slides, no prepared remarks — where industry veterans reflect honestly on what Europe gets right, wrong, and differently from the rest of the world.

Venue: Rosewood Amsterdam
Rosewood Amsterdam occupies a series of five interconnected 19th-century palace buildings along the Herengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most storied canal rings. Its location in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic center positions it as one of Europe’s premier settings for high-level conferences and private events.

“LITFINCON has built its reputation on bringing the right people into the right room. The Rosewood hotel in Amsterdam reflects the standard we set for every event in this series — an environment where senior professionals can have honest, substantive conversations away from the noise,” said Jim Batson, CIO – Legal Finance, Siltstone Capital.

Sponsorship and Participation
Sponsorship packages, speaking opportunities, and registration for LITFINCON Europe 2026 are now available.

For sponsorship, speaking, and registration for LITFINCON Europe, contact: info@litfincon.com or visit www.litfinconeurope.com.

For sponsorship, speaking, and registration for LITFINCON Asia, contact: info@litfincon.com or visit www.litfinconasia.com

About LITFINCON
LITFINCON is the premier global conference series dedicated to the continued evolution of litigation finance as an institutional asset class.  Convening the world’s leading funders, law firms, institutional investors, general counsels, and legal minds, LITFINCON serves as the platform for substantive dialogue, capital formation, and strategic connectivity across the global legal finance ecosystem. Created by Siltstone Capital, LITFINCON originated in Houston and has rapidly scaled into a multi-city global series spanning the United States, Asia, and Europe. LITFINCON Asia will take place on June 4, 2026 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and LITFINCON Europe will take place on October 7–8, 2026 at Rosewood Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Media Contact
Jacob Varghese
LITFINCON
info@litfincon.com
www.litfinconeurope.com
www.litfinconasia.com

NSSK Closes Series IV Funds at JPY 250 Billion Hardcap, More Than 2x Oversubscribed

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Advertorial Desk
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Fund substantially allocated within four months of launch; Thrive Alternatives served as exclusive advisor

SINGAPORE, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK), a leading Japan-focused private equity firm, today announced the final close of NSSK Series IV Funds with aggregate commitments totaling JPY 250 billion (approximately USD 1.7 billion) at the hard cap.

The NSSK Series IV Funds were more than 2x oversubscribed, drawing strong demand from a broad global and Japanese investor base spanning sovereign wealth funds, public and private pension funds, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, family offices, and asset managers.

The fundraise was substantially allocated within four months of launch, underscoring the conviction of the global investor community in NSSK’s differentiated approach to value creation in the Japanese mid-market. Thrive Alternatives acted as the exclusive advisor to NSSK in connection with the NSSK Series IV fundraise.

The funds will continue NSSK’s control-oriented buyout strategy in the Japanese middle market, targeting businesses with strong cash flow, leading niche market positions, and resilience across economic cycles. The firm emphasizes proprietary sourcing, particularly in under-penetrated regional markets and business succession situations in both private and public companies, leveraging its local network to access opportunities with limited competition. Value creation is driven through NSSK’s proprietary NVP® framework, combining organic growth initiatives with an increasing focus on buy-and-build strategies to build scale and drive efficiencies.

“The response from investors to NSSK Series IV Funds has been exceptional and reflects the strength of the platform we have built over the past decade and the herculean market leading performance of our management and employee partners. Japan’s private equity market continues to offer a compelling and opportunity set, and we are well positioned to deliver differentiated returns for our limited partners. We are grateful for the trust our investors have placed in us and look forward to putting this capital to work.“

— Jun Tsusaka, CEO and CIO, Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK)

“The oversubscription and speed of the NSSK Series IV Funds close are a testament to what NSSK has built. Investors recognized both the quality of the team and the structural tailwinds in the Japanese private equity market. It was a privilege for Thrive to support NSSK on this milestone raise, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

— Robin Tyrangiel, Co-Founder, Thrive Alternatives

The close of the Series IV funds positions NSSK among the largest independent private equity franchises focused on the Japanese market. The firm will continue to target investments in companies where its operational expertise and network can drive measurable value creation.

About NSSK

Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK) is a Tokyo-based private equity firm established in 2014, focused exclusively on the Japanese mid-market. NSSK pursues control-oriented investments across business succession, carve-outs, management buyouts, and special situations, targeting market-leading niche businesses with strong cash flow and resilience. The firm partners closely with management teams to drive transformation from good to great through its proprietary, systematic value creation framework NVP®, combining operational improvement with selective buy-and-build strategies. NSSK has been named Private Equity Firm of the Year in Japan by Private Equity International five times, and Mid-Market Firm of the Year in Asia in 2023. The firm manages capital on behalf of both global and Japanese investors including sovereign wealth funds, public and private pension funds, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, family offices, and asset managers.

About Thrive Alternatives

Thrive Alternatives is a global, tech-enabled private markets advisory firm that partners with leading alternative investment managers to raise institutional capital. Headquartered in Singapore with presence in all major Asian markets, Europe and the U.S., Thrive Alternatives provides strategic fundraising advice, investor access, and transaction support across private equity, private credit and real assets. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep industry networks, and cross-border expertise, Thrive Alternatives helps clients navigate the complexities of global private capital markets and access institutional investors worldwide.

 

Nine New Spider Species Found in Laos Caves

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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Picture 44-46 are the spiders' habits and sizes compare to human, and their behaviour of carrying eggs to increase survival chances. Picture 188, 189, and 191 are habitus of live spiders from Vangvieng region, male (188) and females (189 and 191) from Tham Phoukham. (Photo by Zootaxa from Magnolia Press)

Scientists have discovered nine new spider species in limestone caves across Laos, highlighting the country’s caves as important but fragile ecosystems.

The research was carried out by scientists from the Senckenberg Research Institute in Germany and the National University of Laos, and published in the journal Zootaxa. The study identified species across three genera and two families, and recorded the Ochyroceratidae family in Laos for the first time.

Many of the spiders were found in caves in Vientiane, Khammouane, and Champasak provinces, with seven species located in the Vang Vieng karst area, a key hotspot for cave biodiversity.

One of the newly discovered species, Speocera inthy, was named after Lao businessman Inthy Deuansavanh, in recognition of his contributions to eco-tourism and environmental conservation. He is the founder of Inthira Group and Green Discovery Laos, as well as projects such as The Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pha Marn and La Forêt. 

Researchers said the naming acknowledges efforts to promote and protect natural sites, including cave and karst landscapes where these species are found.

These spiders are specially adapted to life in total darkness, where food is scarce. One species, Sinoderces phoukham, has no eyes, the first eyeless species ever recorded in its family, showing long-term evolution in cave environments.

Most of the spiders are extremely small, measuring about one millimeter. Researchers observed some females carrying eggs and even hatchlings in their mouths, a behavior that helps increase survival in low-nutrient conditions.

The spiders build very delicate webs and cannot survive outside caves, meaning they are limited to very small, specific habitats. Some species may exist in only a single cave.

Scientists warn that these ecosystems are under growing pressure from tourism and limestone quarrying, particularly in Vang Vieng. They stress the need for conservation, as many species remain undiscovered and could be lost before they are even documented.

Torch Relay for 6th Asian Beach Games Held in Sanya, China

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Advertorial Desk
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SANYA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – On March 30, the torch relay of the 6th Asian Beach Games took place in Sanya, China. A total of 74 torchbearers ran a roughly 10.5-kilometer relay along Sanya Bay, igniting enthusiasm as they passed golden beaches, city streets, and the sea.

Torch Relay for 6th Asian Beach Games Held in Sanya, China
Torch Relay for 6th Asian Beach Games Held in Sanya, China

With the theme “Passing Friendship, Meeting in Sanya,“ the relay route creatively integrates three settings: beach, road and sea. This design fully showcased Sanya’s unique coastal scenery and highlighted the distinctive charm of an island-based sports event.

Chang Yani, champion of the women’s synchronized 3m springboard at the Paris Olympic Games, was the first torchbearer. “Facing the vast ocean and running with the torch on the beach—this feeling is really special,” Chang said. Liu Shiwen, gold medalist in the women’s table tennis team at the Tokyo Olympic Games, completed about 2.5 kilometers of the relay by boat, gliding over the waves and showcasing the beauty of Sanya from the sea.

Along the route, four themed cultural performances energized the relay. Dynamic water sports demonstrations included jet ski stunts, flyboarding, freestyle kayaking, and wake surfing. Hainan’s local culture was presented through Li brocade fashion shows, bamboo pole dances, Qiong opera, and Yazhou folk songs. A performance combining robotic lion dances and drumming further showcased the innovative vitality of the Asian Beach Games.

Torch Relay for 6th Asian Beach Games Held in Sanya, China
Torch Relay for 6th Asian Beach Games Held in Sanya, China

“The Sanya Asian Beach Games is the first international multi-sport event held since the full implementation of independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port. It will serve as a grand sports gathering for Asian youth to compete and foster friendship, and a cultural gala where Asian civilizations exchange, learn from, and shine alongside one another,” said Song Luzeng, vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia.

The 6th Asian Beach Games will take place in Sanya, China from April 22 to 30. A total of 1,790 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees, including those of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, have registered to compete. The Games will feature 14 sports, including beach volleyball, beach handball, and teqball, with 62 gold medals up for grabs.
Hashtag: #AsianBeachGames #AsianBeachGames2026 #Sanya #Hainan #TorchRelay

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

RayNeo Leads Global AR Market with One-Third Share

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Advertorial Desk
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LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the release of several authoritative 2025 annual AR market reports, one brand has consistently emerged as the industry leader: RayNeo. Despite varying statistical methodologies across firms, the conclusion remains unanimous—RayNeo has secured the No.1 position in both global and Chinese markets. In just four years since its inception, the AR pioneer has achieved a “no-suspense” lead, dominating key regions with record-breaking growth.

RayNeo: Global No.1
RayNeo: Global No.1

Dominating Global and North American Markets

According to the Counterpoint Research 2025 Global AR Smart Glasses Brand Shipment Report, RayNeo commanded a 27% share of global shipments in 2025, ranking first worldwide. The brand saw explosive growth in Q4 2025 across China, North America, and Europe.

Data from IDC further confirms RayNeo’s global leadership in Q4 2025, highlighting a “phenomenal breakthrough” in the North American market, where RayNeo’s shipments surged by 456.5% year-over-year. Consequently, IDC noted in its report that the smart glasses sector has officially entered an era led by Chinese brands.

Full-Stack Innovation and Global Ecosystem

RayNeo’s ascent is fueled by its deep commitment to R&D in near-eye display, spatial computing, AI large models, and human-computer interaction. By achieving full-link self-research and mass production of core optical solutions, RayNeo has built a formidable technical moat.

  • X Series: All-scenario AI+AR glasses.
  • Air Series: The “super blockbuster” focused on immersive viewing.
  • V Series: Specialized AI filming glasses.

RayNeo’s services now span over 30 countries and regions, with a strong retail presence in global mainstream channels such as Amazon and Best Buy. RayNeo’s ecosystem has received several praises, signaling the brand’s success in moving AR from “tech novelty” to “daily essential.”

Strategic Financing and Ecosystem Expansion

RayNeo’s market leadership is supported by robust capital backing and a rapidly expanding global partner network. In Q1 2026, the company successfully completed a financing round exceeding $140 million (approx. 1 billion RMB), led by an investment group including CITIC Goldstone and strategic funds from industry giants China Mobile and China Unicom.

Alongside this financial growth, RayNeo is deepening its technical integration with world-class telecommunications partners, including China Mobile, and China Unicom. These collaborations focus on building a 5G+AR+AI ecosystem centered on eSIM technology, advanced AI models, and cloud services. Additionally, RayNeo continues to co-create diverse application scenarios with global tech leaders such as Google, Applied Materials, SeeYA Technology, Alibaba Cloud, Ant Group, and Tencent, further accelerating the maturity of the global AR industry.

About RayNeo

RayNeo is the global leader in consumer Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, dedicated to transforming everyday life for one billion people. As the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the AR glasses category, the company represents the forefront of immersive technology. Its product portfolio features the AI-enhanced, full-color display X Series and the portable, large-screen Air Series, designed for versatility and high-quality viewing. According to Counterpoint Research, RayNeo dominated the global AR glasses market in Q3 2025, capturing a 24% market share and securing the top position worldwide.

Contact
PR Manager: Sophie
Email: lixj@rayneo.com

ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA Refreshes Corporate Brand Identity and Unveils New Corporate Slogan: “Local Insight, Global Impact” — Grounded in Community, Committed to Creating Value

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Advertorial Desk
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OSAKA, Japan, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA, LTD. (hereinafter “ISK” or “the Company”), headquartered in Osaka, Japan, announced on April 1 the refresh of its corporate brand identity and the launch of its new corporate slogan, “Local Insight, Global Impact.” This initiative is a key milestone in the Company’s transformation toward achieving its medium- to long-term vision, Vision 2030. Going forward, all ISK Group companies will roll out the new brand to accelerate the realization of the vision.

Logo: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109048/202603256285/_prw_PI1fl_67MH39pt.png 

Philosophy behind Corporate Slogan

“Local Insight, Global Impact” reflects the ISK Group’s strengths and aspirations: Commitment to continuing to create value through the power of chemistry, moving from ideas to innovation to impact.

The Group’s business activities are deeply rooted in the communities and regions where it operates. This includes local engagement that addresses the specific needs of markets and regulatory environments across different countries, R&D that pushes the boundaries of chemistry, manufacturing that reliably delivers essential products to society, and facility operations conducted with a commitment to environmental preservation and safety. The ISK Group’s ability to create value stems from grassroots efforts across various regions and sites. This work supports social values like bettering living environments and stabilizing food supply.

The new corporate slogan captures how the Group brings together the knowledge and insights gained from these diverse, local ways of life and channels them as a unified force into value that benefits society at large. It is a succinct expression of the Group’s commitment to continually pushing forward in pursuit of a better future.

For more information about the ISK Group’s brands, please visit: https://www.iskweb.co.jp/eng/brand/ 

About Brand Symbol

As part of this brand refresh, the Company formally codified the long familiar ISK mark from its emblem as a brand symbol representing the values and identity of the entire Group.

The design draws on the image of a flag flying with energy and purpose — evoking a workforce that is engaged and dynamic, and an organization with an active, confident presence in the world. The brand symbol will serve as a consistent visual representation of the ISK Group across all markets. Together with the new corporate slogan, it will be used to communicate the Group’s direction and values across countries and regions in multi-dimensional ways.

Image: ISK Group Philosophy System

https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109048/202603256285/_prw_PI2fl_5nSg1I65.jpg 

Under this refreshed brand, the ISK Group reaffirms its commitment to creating meaningful and essential value for people and society — contributing to better living environments worldwide through the power of chemical technology.

About Vision 2030

Vision 2030 is ISK’s management framework for achieving increased corporate value and sustainable growth through the expansion of existing businesses and the development of new ones. It is guided by the long-term vision: Originality. Acceleration. Global Reach. Transforming Lives Through the Power of Chemistry.

Announced May 27, 2024: Vision 2030 Stage II

https://www.iskweb.co.jp/eng/ir/pdf/middle.pdf 

About ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA, LTD.

Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, ISK is a global chemical manufacturer with operations spanning a wide range of fields. The Company’s portfolio includes agrochemicals backed by world-class R&D capabilities, electronic component materials used in smartphones, computers, and other devices, titanium dioxide for use in paints and plastics, and veterinary pharmaceuticals. ISK continues to advance new product development across both organic and inorganic chemistry, while pursuing growth in high-potential areas, including environmental solutions, energy, biotechnology, and IT.

For more information, please visit: https://www.iskweb.co.jp/eng/ 

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