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Tech-Driven Restoration: Saving the World’s Critically Endangered White-headed Langur

  • Through decades of careful conservation efforts, the white-headed langur population has increased from just over 300 in the 1980s to more than 1,400 across 130 groups today.
  • An AI-powered system covers more than 20 monitoring stations in the Guangxi Chongzuo White-headed Langur National Nature Reserve. It has logged 37,200 detections of langur activity, which provide critical data for research and conservation.
  • To date, 77.6 hectares of habitat has been restored, 2 drinking water sources and 18 water drinking points for the langurs have been built, and 2 ecological corridors have been constructed.

CHONGZUO, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – In the rugged karst mountains of Guangxi in Southern China, a primate species once on the brink of extinction – the white-headed langur – is steadily recovering in population thanks to a range of measures that bring together technology, law enforcement, and ecological restoration.

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Found exclusively in Chongzuo, Guangxi, the white-headed langur is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red List of China’s Vertebrates. New monitoring data reveals that the “stone mountain elf”, which is even rarer than the giant panda, is no longer on the brink of extinction. Through the combined efforts of the local government, the nature reserve, academia, and the tech sector, the survival crisis triggered by habitat fragmentation has been significantly reversed for this species.

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To address the challenges posed by the rugged karst terrain and the difficulties of traditional patrol and monitoring, the nature reserve teamed up with Huawei and the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Center to develop an intelligent monitoring platform powered by AI computing. Thanks to the video-based animal monitoring devices deployed along the cliffs, the system can collect real-time data on the langurs’ distribution, surroundings, and patterns of activity. Using AI-driven automated labeling and data analytics, the reserve has developed a complete dashboard for visualized management. This has significantly enhanced the efficiency of data retrieval and analysis. To date, the system has recorded over 37,200 instances of langur activity.

In addition to technical support, innovation in ecological protection and restoration mechanisms is also critical. The Chongzuo White-Headed Langur Habitat Protection Regulations, the first regulation of its kind in China, forms the legal framework for the reserve’s protection efforts. Under this framework, a range of measures has been implemented. To date, 77.6 hectares of habitat has been restored, 2 drinking water sources and 18 water drinking points for the langurs have been built, and 2 ecological corridors have been constructed. The white-headed langur population has increased to more than 1,400 across 130 groups. As the langur is an umbrella species of the local karst ecosystem, the growth of its population is critical to the region’s biodiversity. Wild duck lettuce, a level-II protected species in China, was recently found in the reserve for the first time, a sign of recovery in the fragile local ecosystem.

Nong Dengpan, Director of the Guangxi Chongzuo White-headed Langur National Nature Reserve Management Center, said: “The growth of the white-headed langur population can be attributed to a combination of technology, legislation, and ecological restoration efforts. Digital technology enables more precise observation of these limestone langurs and more informed management of their living environment. This integrated conservation model can serve as a reference for the protection and population recovery of other endangered primate species, such as the eastern black crested gibbon in Southeast Asia.”

Tian Yongsheng, Deputy General Manager of Huawei Guangxi, noted: “Huawei is committed to conserving nature with technology. We work with global partners to support ecosystem conservation using digital technologies like 5G, cloud, and AI. The success of the white-headed langur project demonstrates AI’s immense value in processing complex geographical data and massive volumes of species data. We will continue using innovative technologies to protect biodiversity and enable the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.”

By the end of 2025, our digital inclusion projects for environmental protection had been implemented in 65 protected areas around the world. These projects have significantly improved the efficiency of biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use and management of natural resources.

Hashtag: #Huawei

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

Hotel Sacher Vienna celebrates its 150th anniversary – with sculptures by Erwin Wurm

VIENNA, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hotel Sacher Vienna opened its doors in 1876 and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. The anniversary year begins with the presentation of the sculptures “Step Big” and “Dancer” by renowned artist Erwin Wurm in front of the hotel entrance. On 26 March 2026, these were ceremoniously unveiled in the presence of the artist, Vienna’s Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig and the owner family. They remain on display there throughout the anniversary year.

The owner families Gürtler and Winkler, artist Erwin Wurm with his two sculptures “Step Big” and “Dancer,” and the Mayor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig, at the unveiling marking the 150th anniversary of Hotel Sacher Vienna in front of the hotel entrance.
The owner families Gürtler and Winkler, artist Erwin Wurm with his two sculptures “Step Big” and “Dancer,” and the Mayor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig, at the unveiling marking the 150th anniversary of Hotel Sacher Vienna in front of the hotel entrance.

“150 years of Hotel Sacher Vienna stand for a lived tradition combined with continuous renewal, as well as for the passion and excellence of the many people who have shaped Sacher over generations. Both guests and employees. It is thanks to them that we are able to stand here today,” emphasize the owners Alexandra Winkler and Georg Gürtler.

“I warmly congratulate Hotel Sacher on its 150th anniversary. Sacher represents Viennese history and genuine hospitality, making it an important ambassador for Vienna around the world,” says Vienna’s Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig.

Oversized handbags in front of the hotel

To mark the beginning of the anniversary year, Hotel Sacher Vienna presents two sculptures by internationally renowned Austrian artist Erwin Wurm at its entrance: “Step Big” and “Dancer,” oversized handbags on long, slender legs. The installation can be understood as a poetic reflection on the “invisible baggage” each person carries, shaped by origin, history and experience. At the same time, this collaboration highlights Sacher’s strong connection to art and culture.

“I made these walking, jumping, dancing and stepping bags to address certain ideas about how we design ourselves, how we present ourselves, how we pretend, what we want to be, and how we want to be seen – both in the male world and the female world,” explains Erwin Wurm.

150 years shaped by family and excellence

The foundations of Sacher date back to 1832, when Franz Sacher created the Original Sacher-Torte. To this day, it is handcrafted in 34 individual steps and is considered a culinary icon of Vienna. With the opening of Hotel Sacher Vienna in 1876, Eduard Sacher continued this success story and, together with Anna Sacher, established the hotel as an internationally renowned meeting place for society. Hotel Sacher Vienna is one of the few privately owned, family-run five-star superior hotels, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and was listed among The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025.

The sculptures mark the beginning of the anniversary celebrations. Further initiatives, such as messages from prominent personalities and a short film combining animation and live-action footage, will follow. More information can be found at: www.sacher.com/en/sacher-vienna-150-years.

Enquiries
Sacher Communications
communications@sacher.com
+43 1 51456 1276

Singapore International Energy Week 2026 sets sights on “Connecting Energy Systems, Powering Tomorrow”

SINGAPORE, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Energy Market Authority (EMA) today unveiled “Connecting Energy Systems, Powering Tomorrow” as the theme for the 19th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW). Taking place from 26 to 30 October 2026 in Singapore, SIEW 2026 will convene global policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to address critical energy challenges facing the world today.

Addressing urgent energy challenges

2.      The Middle East conflict has disrupted global fuel supply chains, leading to significant increases in oil and gas prices. Global electricity demand is also rising at an unprecedented pace, driven by electrification, industrialisation, and the growth of data centres. In addition, there remains the critical need to decarbonise our energy systems to meet climate targets.

3.       SIEW 2026 is set to build on the region’s momentum in advancing key enablers that ensure secure, reliable and sustainable energy supply for the long term. These include regional grid integration and cross border collaboration. Potential low-carbon solutions such as advanced nuclear technologies, biomethane and geothermal energies, as well as carbon capture utilisation and storage are also set to take centre stage in the discussions.

4.       Mr Puah Kok Keong, Chief Executive, EMA, said: “The global disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict highlights the fragility of our current energy supply chains. In this environment, building resilient, interconnected energy systems has become more urgent than ever. As we commemorate EMA’s 25th anniversary this year, let us connect with one another today to power our tomorrow at SIEW 2026, and deepen our collaboration and regional cooperation, to build energy systems that are secure, affordable, and sustainable.”

Expanded SIEW Summit drives global energy dialogue

5.       This year, the SIEW Summit will be expanded into a two-day event. This reflects the growing list of topics and issues in our energy landscape today. The SIEW Summit will now include the Singapore-International Energy Agency (IEA) Forum, which will mark a decade of the country’s collaboration with IEA; the Singapore-International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Forum, which will advance regional renewable energy development; and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at SIEW on advancing nuclear energy readiness.

6.       New this year, the Summit will feature two evening receptions, offering delegates dedicated space to connect and build lasting relationships within the global energy community. The week will continue to feature SIEW Energy Insights, SIEW TechTable and Thinktank Roundtables for in-depth discussions on emerging technologies, market developments and policy perspectives.

Special initiatives and global engagement

7.       As EMA marks its 25th anniversary, this year’s SIEW Energy Showcase will be dedicated to highlighting Singapore’s efforts in building a secure and resilient energy system. More information will be made available closer to the event.

8.       SIEWConnects will bring the dialogue to key energy hubs in Australia, China, and the United States ahead of the main event, engaging international partners and amplifying global perspectives at the Summit.

Partner events at SIEW 2026

9.       Delegates can look forward to a comprehensive range of partner events including the Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES), Asia Gas Markets Conference, Future of the Grid (FOTG), as well as, Asian Downstream Summit, Asian Refining Technology Conference, and Ammonia & Carbon Capture Asia (ACCA).

10.      The FOTG programme will be expanded in 2026 to include a larger exhibition component showcasing grid technologies and emerging solutions, as well as spotlight sessions on data centres, AI applications for grid operations and investment, and regional interconnectivity highlights. EMA and FOTG will jointly organise the 4th ASEAN Energy Regulators Forum. A new Sustainable fuels track, “From green hydrogen to bioenergy and beyond”, will also be introduced at ACES.

11.      These events will bring together global industry leaders to examine developments across gas and LNG markets, clean energy technologies, and power grid modernisation. Discussions will address energy security, the evolving role of gas in Asia’s energy mix, and the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and data centres.

Join us at SIEW 2026

12.      For the latest programme updates and information on SIEW 2026, visit www.siew.gov.sg. Register your interest here to attend the event.

PR Newswire is the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of Singapore International Energy Week 2026.

About SIEW

Singapore International Energy Week
Singapore International Energy Week

The Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) is an official trademarked event by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). It is an annual platform for energy professionals, policymakers and commentators to discuss and share best practices and solutions within the global energy space. The 19th edition of SIEW will be held from the 26–30 October 2026 in Singapore.

The SIEW logo is an officially registered trademark, a symbol of credibility and prestige as the world’s leading energy event.

About the Energy Market Authority

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry. Through our work, we seek to build a clean energy future that is resilient, sustainable, and competitive. We aim to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. Visit www.ema.gov.sg for more information.

For media queries, please contact:

Ms Mahima Kathuria
FINN Partners for Singapore International Energy Week
Tel: +65 8022 6364
Email: SIEWMedia@finnpartners.com

Alimentaria+Hostelco successfully closes its most international edition

BARCELONA, Spain, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The leading trade fair platform for the food, beverage, foodservice and hospitality equipment industry closes today with strong attendance and business results, in an edition marked by its highest-ever number of international exhibitors and significant participation of national and international buyers. The event, which celebrated Alimentaria’s 50th anniversary, also stood out for the leading role of the Horeca sector and the promotion of product innovations and solutions for the industry.

Alimentaria+Hostelco successfully closes its most international edition
Alimentaria+Hostelco successfully closes its most international edition

During the four days of the show, nearly 109.600 professionals visited the event, 25% of them international, from 120 countries, mainly from USA, Europa and Latin America. Buyers and trade visitors were attracted by the wide range of offerings presented by more than 3,300 exhibiting companies, 1,200 of them from over 70 countries, in an event that promoted the internationalisation, business opportunities and competitiveness of strategic sectors of the Spanish economy.

In this sense, participating international companies accounted for 30% more than the previous edition, in 2024, with a 40% increase in exhibition space allocated to international presence. Europe, with Poland as a Country of Honour, together with Latin America and North America, concentrated a large part of this international representation.

In addition, during the four days of the event, more than 14,500 business meetings were held between participating companies and over 2,700 buyers and importers from 120 countries invited by the show.

Promotion of the Horeca channel and innovation

One of the most successful areas of this edition was the one dedicated to the Horeca channel, which, in line with the event’s strategic commitment to food service and hospitality, grew this year by 40% bringing together more than 600 companies in the sector.

In this sense, new products and developments were once again at the heart of the event. The show became a showcase for pioneering proposals, particularly offering healthier solutions, with less environmental impact, as well as artificial intelligence applications aimed at increasingly personalised nutrition.

As a result of its collaboration with the Fundació Banc dels Aliments, Alimentaria + Hostelco, a hundred volunteers from the NGO will collect more than 20,000 kg of food and beverages donated by the exhibiting companies.

The next edition of Alimentaria+Hostelco will take place from 20 to 23 March 2028 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue.

 

ACE Dismantles Major Illicit Anime Application “AnimePlay” in Indonesia

Milestone Action Was First Successful APK-Focused Shutdown in Region

LOS ANGELES, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the world’s leading anti‑piracy coalition, has successfully shut down AnimePlay, one of the largest illicit anime streaming applications operating in the Asia-Pacific region. The application was run out of Riau, Indonesia.

AnimePlay had amassed more than 5 million registered users, primarily in Indonesia, and was hosting over 60 terabytes of infringing content. The operator admitted to being both the developer and sole administrator of the piracy service since its launch in 2020. He surrendered the complete backend ecosystem powering the operation to ACE, including 29 GitHub repositories containing full source code, backend servers, associated databases, and integrated advertising tools.

“By securing both the AnimePlay application and the infrastructure that supported it, this action removed a sophisticated piracy network that siphoned value from creators and legitimate businesses across the region,” said Larissa Knapp, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Protection Officer for the Motion Picture Association (MPA). “We will continue working with our partners across the Asia‑Pacific region and globally to dismantle criminal operations like this and safeguard the integrity of the creative economy.”

ACE secured control of not just the application, but also its underlying infrastructure, including 15 associated domains, source code, hosting environment, and related digital assets, all of which have now been taken offline.  In so doing, ACE has effectively dismantled the operation and restricted the operator’s ability to rebuild or relaunch the service.

About The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment

The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) is the world’s leading coalition dedicated to protecting the legal creative market and reducing digital piracy. Driven by a comprehensive approach to addressing piracy through criminal referrals, civil litigation, and cease-and-desist operations, ACE has achieved many successful global enforcement actions against illegal streaming services and unauthorized content sources and their operators. Drawing upon the collective expertise and resources of more than 50 media and entertainment companies around the world—including sports channels and associations—and reinforced by the Motion Picture Association’s content protection operations, ACE protects the creativity and innovation that drives the global growth of core copyright and entertainment industries. The current governing board members for ACE are Amazon, Apple TV+, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association and Chairman of ACE.

Voicecomm Technology (02495.HK) Announces 2025 Annual Results

High-Quality Growth with Improved Gross Profit Margin, increasing R&D Investment and Strategic Focus on Trustworthy Agents Ecosystem


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd. (“Voicecomm Technology” or the “Company“, Stock Code: 2495.HK), a core technology provider and ecosystem operator of trustworthy conversational AI in China, announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Leveraging its deep technological expertise and forward-looking strategic initiatives in trustworthy conversational AI, the Company achieved steady revenue growth, continuous improvement in profitability, and a significant enhancement in operating cash flow, further strengthening its competitive edge in the enterprise-level trustworthy Agent sector.

Gross Profit Margin Steadily Improves, Operating Cash Flow Turns Strongly Positive

In 2025, the Company’s total revenue successfully exceeded the RMB1 billion mark, reaching RMB1,006.9 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.0%. Gross profit amounted to RMB551.2 million, increased by 8.0% from the previous year, while the gross profit margin increased by 0.5 percentage point to 54.7% from 54.2% in the same period last year, reflecting the high-value-added products and technical services of the Company, as well as effective cost control.

Notably, the Company’s net cash generated from operating activities turned strongly positive, reaching a net inflow of RMB212.5 million, compared to a net outflow of RMB129.2 million in the same period last year. This improvement underscores enhanced operational efficiency and reflects strengthened receivables management, which accelerated cash collection.

Profit for the year amounted to RMB140.2 million. The significant increase in net profit compared to the same period last year was mainly attributable to eliminating the impacts of changes in carrying amount of redeemable capital contributions, an accounting adjustment arising from financing agreements entered into with shareholders prior to the Listing and completion of the Global Offering.

Increasing R&D Investment to Strengthen the Trustworthy Agent Technology Foundations

As a technology-centric product company, Voicecomm Technology remains committed to the independent R&D and innovation of underlying technologies. In 2025, the Company’s research and development expenses reached RMB224.3 million, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 67.7%. The investment was primarily directed towards developing Agents with continuous learning capabilities and a technical framework for Multi-agent collaboration, aiming to enhance technological capabilities and elevate the level of product innovation. This reinforces our trustworthy Agent technical architecture composed of three layers: “Multimodal Perception + Multi-model Thinking + Multi-agent Collaboration”.

This architecture takes the “meta-model” as the core to effectively alleviate the common pain points of in enterprise-level implementation, such as hallucinations, controllability and data security, by integrating the generalization capabilities of large language models with the precision of vertical domain knowledge. On this basis, the Company have formed a deliverable and operable trustworthy Agent product system, to ensure that the Agents are usable, manageable, and controllable in enterprise environments, thereby powering the intelligent upgrade of six core application scenarios: City management and administration, Automotive and transportation, Telecommunications, Finance, Healthcare, and Energy management.

Productization Strategy Drives Deep Application across Six Core Scenarios

Voicecomm Technology focuses on empowering various industries through superior products and technologies. In 2025, leveraging its mature product matrix, the Company successfully established replicable benchmark standards across multiple application scenarios.

City Management and Administration: As a leading solution provider in the smart government sector in China, the Company’s business has covered more than 130 prefecture-level cities. The “Smart Government Agent” deeply integrates the capacities of large language models, enabling more intelligent and automated government services with standardized and intelligent applications in scenarios such as government hotlines and city governance.

Automotive and Transportation: The Company successfully established benchmark autonomous driving projects in cities such as Mianyang, Zibo, and Ezhou, building a successful and replicable “Smart Transportation Agent” solution. For the Mianyang Science and Technology New City project, a total of 96 autonomous vehicles have been deployed, and the project was successfully selected as a National AI Application Pilot Testing Base in the transportation sector. In January 2026, the Company newly won the bid for the “Ezhou Huahu Airport Smart Port” autonomous driving bus procurement and operation project, further expanding its application boundaries.

Healthcare: In January 2026, the Company successfully won the bid for the “Chuannan Smart Valley AI Vertical Large Model Innovation Platform – Silver Economy Construction and Operation Project” in Neijiang City, Sichuan Province, with a total contract value of nearly RMB300 million. This project represents the Company’s first “AI + Elderly Care” city-level benchmark demonstration project. It adopts a closed-loop collaborative model of “online platform + offline service network + home terminals,” integrating Agents capabilities with the Company’s “vertical small model microservices” system in areas such as Health Early Warning, Cognitive Ability Assessment, and emotional companionship into a productized solution, thereby establishing rapidly replicable city-level smart elderly care operational benchmark.

Telecommunications, Finance, and Energy Management: The Company continues to deepen collaborations with leading enterprises in the telecommunications and finance sectors, leveraging the “Telecommunication Service Agent” and “Financial Service Agent” to enhance service efficiency and user service value. Meanwhile, its AI-powered smart charging solution has been progressively integrating charging pile networks in China and across several Southeast Asian countries.

Benefiting from the successful implementation of the Company’s productization strategy and the high level of market recognition for its trustworthy Agent solutions, as of December 31, 2025, the Group’s project pipeline and orders in hand saw significant growth. The number of ongoing projects at year-end increased to 320, representing a year-on-year increase of 41.6%, while the outstanding contract sum at year-end rose to RMB1,048.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 57.4%, reflecting the continued expansion of the Company’s business.

Future Outlook: Focusing on the Trustworthy Agents Ecosystem with Four Strategic Priorities

Looking ahead, the Company will firmly focus on its goal of “building a trustworthy conversational AI ecosystem” and will advance the following strategic priorities:

Overall and Technology Strategy: Continue to focus on R&D and innovation in frontier technologies such as multi-modal fusion and trustworthy intelligence, promoting the deployment of trustworthy agents across more application scenarios. By creating open technology platforms and standards, the Company will attract more developers and partners to jointly build a prosperous and win-win industrial ecosystem.

Market Strategy: Establish benchmarks for quality and innovation within the industry and deepening partnerships with various service channels. At the same time, the Company will actively expand into the C-end market, extending cutting-edge technologies to a wider user base, thereby expanding the influence and commercial value of the ecosystem.

Regional Strategy: Domestically, the Company will continue to deepen its partnerships with major cooperating cities to create smart city benchmark cases. Internationally, the Company will actively respond to the “Belt and Road” initiative, grasp the tremendous potential of emerging markets, and promote the Company’s trustworthy Agent products and services globally to enhance its international brand image.

Investment Strategy: Through prudent strategic investments and M&A, the Company will optimize the layout of the upstream and downstream industry chains and consolidate the stability and competitiveness of the ecosystem.

DR.Tang Jinghua, Chairman ofVoicecomm Technology Co., Ltd., said: ” 2025 was a landmark year for Voicecomm Technology. We not only achieved a strong turnaround in operating cash flow and a steady increase in gross profit margin financially, but we also completed a strategic leap at the technological and business level towards becoming a ‘a core technology provider and ecosystem operator of trustworthy conversational AI.’ We deeply understand that the essence of enterprise-grade AI lies in creating replicable and reliable products and technology foundations. During the year, we significantly increased R&D investment and successfully applied our trustworthy Agents across six core scenarios, particularly in city-level benchmark projects in emerging fields like smart elderly care, showing the strong competitiveness of our productization strategy. Looking to the future, we will continue to pursue the goal of ‘building a trustworthy conversational AI ecosystem,’ leveraging an open platform to gather ecosystem partners and empowering diverse industries with innovative technology, thereby creating long-term sustainable value for our shareholders and society. ”

Hashtag: #Voicecomm

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

Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Wuhan, Voicecomm Technology is one of the leading core technology providers and ecosystem operators of trustworthy conversational AI listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and obtained the qualification as National-level SRDI, Technology Little Giant and High-Tech Enterprise. Leveraging its proprietary trustworthy Agent,the Company overcomes pain points in the commercialization of large language models, such as hallucinations and compliance issues, ensuring AI is usable, manageable, and controllable in enterprise environments. For enterprise-level customers, the Company provides AI services covering the entire process of “communication –decision – execution”. Its trustworthy Agent solutions have been widely deployed across multiple scenarios, including City management and administration, Automotive and transportation, Telecommunications, Finance, Healthcare, and Energy management, and it is dedicated to empowering the intelligent transformation of diverse industries.

Bassoon & Baton — French May Arts Festival 2026

City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – On 21 April 2026 at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 8:00pm, the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) presents Bassoon & Baton, a rare showcase of the bassoon’s lyrical voice and virtuosic brilliance. Held as part of the French May Arts Festival 2026, the programme features the Hong Kong debut of Sophie Dervaux, the internationally acclaimed French bassoonist and principal bassoonist of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. She performs bassoon concertos by Vivaldi, Mozart and Hummel and takes up the baton to conduct orchestral works by French composers Lully, Guy Ropartz and Gossec, thereby highlighting her dual artistry as both soloist and conductor.

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City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
Bassoon & Baton — French May Arts Festival 2026
Sophie Dervaux bassoon/guest conductor

21 APR 2026 (Tue)
Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 8:00pm

PROGRAMME
Lully I Marche pour la Cérémonie des Turcs, LWV43
VivaldiI Concerto for Bassoon in G major, RV493
Guy Ropartz I Serenade for Strings
Mozart I Concerto for Bassoon in B-flat major, K.191
GossecI Symphony in C minor Op. 6 No. 3, RH24
Hummel I Grand Concerto in F major, S.63, WoO.23

Sophie Dervaux will also contribute to community activities in Hong Kong by holding two Bassoon masterclasses open to the public. On 18 April 2026, 10:30am–1:00pm, at Sing Music Academy, Room 901, On Lok Yuen Building 25-27A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, and on 19 April 2026, 2:30pm–5:00pm, at CR2, 7/F Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall Backstage.

Sophie Dervaux’s outstanding career as a solo bassoonist, orchestral musician, conductor and recording artist includes her engagements with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (since 2015), the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a prize-winner of the prestigious ARD International Music Competition Munich (2013) and the Beethoven Ring Bonn (2014). Born in France, Sophie Dervaux studied at the Music Conservatory of Versailles, the Conservatoire de Paris in Lyon, the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin and at the Karajan Academy. She has performed at the Philharmonie de Paris, Berlin Philharmonie, Suntory Hall Tokyo, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Her solo engagements include the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the Bavarian Radio Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. On CD she has collaborated with Daniel Barenboim and Emmanuel Pahud. In 2021 she received the German Record Critics’ Award for her debut solo album on the Berlin Classics label. She is currently working on a project to record all 39 of Vivaldi’s bassoon concertos with La Folia Barockorchester. In addition to performing, Sophie Dervaux works internationally as a guest conductor and has appeared with the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Ensemble Kanazawa, the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul. She teaches bassoon at the Music and Arts University of The City of Vienna and plays on a Püchner bassoon.

Tickets priced at $450, $300 and $220 (with50% off for full-time students, senior citizens, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients, people with disabilities and their accompanying minder), are available from all URBTIX outlets. For internet booking, visit www.urbtix.hk; for programme or other enquiries, call 2864 2156 or email info@ccohk.com.

BASSOON MASTERCLASS by SOPHIE DERVAUX
18 Apr (Sat) 10:30am-1:00pm, Sing Music Academy, Room 901, On Lok Yuen Building, 25-27A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
19 Apr (Sun) 2:30pm-5:00pm, CR2, 7/F Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall Backstage
The masterclasses are open to observers at $100 per person.
Register Now (info@ccohk.com/2864 2156)

PHOTOS Link to: Sophie Dervaux
MEDIA ENQUIRIES (including artist interviews/photos): info@ccohk.com/2864 2154
WEBSITE:www.ccohk.com

Hashtag: #CityChamberOrchestraofHongKong #Bassoon&Baton

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

City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong

City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) holds a unique position as one of Asia’s leading chamber orchestras. Founded by oboist Leanne Nicholls in 1999, CCOHK has performed with many of the world’s most celebrated artists and composers including Sir James Galway, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Dame Emma Kirkby, Sir Thomas Allen, Sir Neville Marriner, Michala Petri, Christian Lindberg, Sarah Chang, Julian Lloyd Webber, Barry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Branford Marsalis, Sir Karl Jenkins, Ney Rosauro, Richard Galliano and Alma Deutscher. The orchestra has also collaborated with celebrities including Dame Edna Everage, Hayley Westenra, Richard Clayderman, Robin Gibb and Canto-pop stars Sandy Lam, Hacken Lee, Hins Cheung, Ivana Wong and Jacky Cheung. Additional highlights include concerts with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Warsaw Boys’ Choir, The American Boychoir, the Swedish Voices Chamber Choir, the King’s Singers and The Swingle Singers. CCOHK’s progressive programming has been internationally recognized with tour invitations to festivals in London, L’Aquila, Taipei, Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. At home CCOHK has performed for French May Arts Festival, Hong Kong Ballet, RTHK’s televised Christmas Concerts in the Park, the 2017 World Harp Congress, The Hong Kong Composers’ Guild and The Hong Kong International Piano Competition. Cinema and anime performances include Howard Blake’s The Snowman & The Bear, the Harry Potter series, Final Fantasy, Attack on Titan and One Piece Music Symphony. CCOHK is also a keen supporter of contemporary music and has commissioned works by Mao Yuan, Samson Young, Joyce Tang, Dobrinka Tabakova and Richard Harvey. The orchestra’s CDs include world premiere recordings on the NAXOS, Orchid Classics and OUR Recordings labels with Michala Petri, Dame Evelyn Glennie and bandoneón/piano duo Binelli-Ferman. CCOHK’s passion for building young audiences for music has inspired the creation of several award-winning productions and musicals. Credits include Magnificent Mozart, The Star Bach, The Bonn Man, Haydn & The Prince, Bug Symphony (winner of the Public Choice Award at the YAMawards in Portugal 2017), WILD (The Musical) (winner of the Public Choice Award at the YAMawards in Belgium 2022) and Shark Symphony. In 2023 CCOHK garnered five-star reviews for the London premiere of WILD (The Musical), and in the same year was voted into RTHK Radio 4’s Top Ten Music Headlines. Armenian French piano virtuoso Vahan Mardirossian serves as chief conductor (since 2019), succeeding French conductor Jean Thorel (2008 to 2016). CCOHK is currently a Venue Partner of Tsuen Wan Town Hall (since 2026) and the recipient of HKADC’s Eminent Arts Group Scheme (since 2024).

A “Love for Sports” Fosters Non-Cognitive Skills: Latest Statistical Analysis Reveals Correlation Between Affinity for Sports and Non-Cognitive Skills

Milabo Data Analysis Highlights Scalable Insights Supporting Leifras’ Education Philosophy

TOKYO, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFS) (the “Company” or “Leifras”), a sports and social business company dedicated to youth sports and community engagement, announced today that it has released the results of a survey and analysis conducted using its proprietary non-cognitive skill measurement system “Milabo.” The results demonstrate a link between affinity for sports and non-cognitive skill development, supporting Leifras’ education philosophy of “acknowledge, praise, encourage, and motivate.”

The Company analyzed factors influencing the growth of non-cognitive skills using Milabo data from students at Hachioji City Takane Elementary School and the results of New Physical Fitness Test of 126 children. The results statistically demonstrate that a child’s level of non-cognitive skills and key character strengths is more closely linked to a positive “love for sports” mindset than to actual physical athletic ability. The study reveals that “liking sports (affinity for sports)” is an important factor in improving non-cognitive skills, with a significant correlation coefficient.

In the Milabo measurement system, non-cognitive skills are measured by five factors defined by the Company: Courtesy and Etiquette, Leadership, Cooperativeness, Self-Management, and Problem-Solving.

Survey Results: Correlation Between Affinity for Sports and Non-Cognitive Skills

1. Children Who “Like Sports” Exhibit Higher Non-Cognitive Skills

Correlation analysis between the total score of non-cognitive skills and the item “Do you like playing sports?” produced a correlation coefficient of r = 0.34.

By comparison, the correlation coefficient between the total score of the physical fitness test and non-cognitive skills was r = 0.21, indicating that, compared to athletic performance, a positive attitude toward sports is more strongly linked to non-cognitive skill development.

2. Five Non-Cognitive Skills Fostered by a Positive Attitude Toward Sports

This study showed that a positive attitude toward sports has a positive effect on all five factors of non-cognitive skills defined by the Company (Courtesy and Etiquette, Leadership, Cooperativeness, Self-Management, and Problem-Solving).

3. Strongest Effects on Self-Regulation and Problem-Solving

Among the five factors of non-cognitive skills, correlations were highest in “Self-Management” at r = 0.39 and “Problem-Solving” at r = 0.29. These results suggest that a positive attitude toward sports is closely related to the development of the ability to regulate oneself and the strength to face difficulties.

These results support that a strong motivation for sports activities plays a more important role in sustaining high levels of non-cognitive skills than athletic performance alone.

Relevance to Leifras’ Education Philosophy

The results of this analysis have once again validated how Leifras’ education philosophy contributes to the growth of children.

  • Wide Scope and Applicability: This survey and analysis were conducted in a general school education setting with children who are not members of a specific sports school, supporting the broader applicability of the Company’s methodology.
  • Education Philosophy to Foster a “Love for Sports”: Since its founding, the Company has held the philosophy of ” acknowledge, praise, encourage, and motivate,” and has been developing an education methodology that emphasizes the growth of non-cognitive skills rather than a victory-first mentality.
  • Continuous Implementation of Philosophy: In light of the findings, the Company plans to continue implementing its education philosophy that cultivates intrinsic motivation and passion for sports in each individual student.

About the Non-Cognitive Skill Measurement System “Milabo”

“Milabo” is Leifras’ proprietary assessment tool designed to quantify non-cognitive skills, developed based on the Company’s accumulated know-how and joint research with experts in sports psychology. The system focuses on evaluating non-cognitive skills using five factors: “Courtesy and Etiquette,” “Leadership,” “Cooperativeness,” “Self-Management,” and “Problem-Solving”. Milabo helps the Company to visualize the developmental progress of students’ non-cognitive skills, establish learning goals, and create instructional strategies, enhancing Leifras’ service differentiation.

Future Development Plans

The Company intends to further visualize data through “Milabo” to enhance educational outcomes and strengthen its data-driven service model. Specifically, to build on this survey, which has supported the link between sports affinity and non-cognitive skill development, Leifras plans to conduct longitudinal studies to explore other factors and further clarify causal pathways influencing non-cognitive skill development.

About LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Leifras is a sports and social business company dedicated to youth sports and community engagement. The Company primarily provides services related to the organization and operations of sports schools and sports events for children. As of December 31, 2024, Leifras was recognized as one of Japan’s largest operators of children’s sports schools in terms of both membership and facilities by Tokyo Shoko Research. The Company’s approach to sports education emphasizes the development of non-cognitive skills, following the teaching principle “acknowledge, praise, encourage, and motivate.” The holistic approach that integrates physical and mental development sets Leifras apart in the industry. Building upon deep experience and know-how in sports education, Leifras also operates a robust social business sector, dispatching sports coaches to meet various community needs with the aim to promote physical health, social inclusion, and community well-being across different demographics.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.leifras.co.jp/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or other similar expressions in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

For more information, please contact:

LEIFRAS Co., Ltd.
Investor Relations Department
Email: IR@leifras.co.jp

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Tina Xiao
Phone: +1-646-932-7242
Email: investors@ascent-ir.com