NEW TAIPEI CITY, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Apacer Technology Inc. (TWSE: 8271) today unveiled its latest lineup of storage solutions designed to be fully compatible with Raspberry Pi platforms. This new range, featuring industrial microSD cards, PCIe SSDs, and the innovative PT25R-Pi HAT SSD, is engineered to support enterprise users in adopting the Raspberry Pi platform as a reliable alternative for industrial PC (IPC) applications.

“The Raspberry Pi platform is reshaping how businesses build proprietary devices, showing immense potential particularly in the Japanese and European markets,” said Gibson Chen, President of Apacer. “As the global trend towards AI continues to grow, more companies are seeking efficient ways to deploy Edge AI. We believe that by equipping the Raspberry Pi platform with industrial-grade storage, it becomes a formidable solution for these edge computing challenges.”

Apacer’s specialty SSDs are rigorously tested for compatibility with Raspberry Pi platforms, including the latest models supporting microSD card and PCIe interfaces. A highlight of this release is the PT25R-Pi HAT SSD, explicitly designed to be compatible with the Raspberry Pi 5. Apacer has redefined industrial storage by creating a true all-in-one storage solution.

The PT25R-Pi HAT SSD addresses space and deployment challenges in Edge AI and industrial Raspberry Pi applications by integrating the SSD directly into the HAT form factor. This all-in-one design eliminates the need for additional mounting components or separate storage devices, significantly reducing system footprint, assembly complexity, and overall hardware costs—making it an ideal solution for compact, space-constrained Edge AI systems. The PT25R-Pi HAT SSD features a QVL-certified, hassle-free bill of materials (BOM) to ensure consistent quality, minimize integration risks, and reduce RMA and procurement efforts for system integrators.

In addition, the PT25R-Pi HAT SSD supports Apacer’s value-added technology, CoreSnapshot 2, enabling remote backup and recovery—an essential capability for managing distributed Raspberry Pi–based Edge AI devices in industrial environments. This feature allows rapid data restoration in the event of system failure, significantly lowering maintenance costs and improving system reliability. The series also supports one-touch backup and recovery via a dedicated hardware button, providing a simple, efficient, and reliable data protection mechanism for mission-critical Edge AI applications.

Looking ahead, this launch signifies Apacer’s deepening commitment to the evolving landscape of Industrial storage solutions. “By providing professional-grade reliability for accessible platforms like Raspberry Pi, we are empowering developers to scale their Edge AI innovations from the lab to the industrial field with absolute confidence,” concluded Chen. “This perfectly embodies our vision of ‘Storage, Empowering AI Growth’—ensuring that the infrastructure for AI is as robust as the intelligence it supports.”

*Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Ltd. This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Raspberry Pi Ltd.

SYDNEY, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Westpac Banking Corporation (“Westpac”) today announced its intention to voluntarily deregister from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by filing a Form 15F with the SEC as early as May 2026. Upon filing the Form 15F, Westpac’s reporting obligations under Section 15(d) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended will be suspended, with termination of those obligations expected to occur 90 days after filing.

Westpac is taking this step after careful consideration of the ongoing requirements associated with SEC registration and in light of changes in the bank’s funding composition. Strong growth in household deposits has lifted the bank’s deposit‑to‑loan ratio above 80% and Australia’s domestic debt markets have deepened. Together with strengthened risk management frameworks, these changes have allowed Westpac to review the format of its U.S. dollar issuance.

Going forward, the bank intends to continue to issue long-term securities in the U.S. market, including under Rule 144A and section 3(a)(2) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, consistent with the formats used by its Australian bank peers.

Westpac will continue to provide all required information for both existing and future investors on its website (https://www.westpac.com.au).

Forward-looking statements disclaimer
This release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and statements of expectation reflecting Westpac’s current views on future events. They are subject to change without notice and certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are, in many instances, beyond its control. They have been based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on Westpac. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and statements of expectation. Except as required by law, Westpac is not responsible for updating, or obliged to update, any matter arising after the date of this release.

BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At MWC Barcelona 2026, Huawei Government Public Services Digitalization BU held the Global AI+ Public Service Summit. Government customers and partners from around the world discussed the development trends of public services and shared their practices in AI-driven transformation. During the event, Huawei released the Global Public Services Solution and the Shenzhen Longgang AI+ Public Service Global Demonstration Site. In addition, Huawei launched the Global Public Service Ecosystem Alliance.

At the Global AI+ Public Service Summit, Jason Slater, Chief of Digital Transformation and AI at UNIDO, stated: “AI+ drives public services forward. Building an effective digital government is not just about deploying technology, but about building inclusive, citizen-centered and interoperable system.”

At the summit, Mr. Saeed Xia released the Huawei Global Public Service Solution. He highlighted that the global development gap and digital divide persist, and public services face challenges like inconvenience, low satisfaction, and poor user experience. Accelerating government digitalization is key to enhancing international influence, governance, and satisfaction. The solution is based on the architecture of “1 digital foundation + 1 intelligent platform + N industry applications”. It delivers scenario-centric, efficient, high-quality public services by orchestrating service items, integrating capabilities, and streamlining processes. Driven by both business and data, it provides convenient, quality data services to fuel innovation, and ultimately creates an intelligent system with “Chat-to-Process” features, smart decision-making, and efficient handling.       

Chomparee Chompurat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s MDES, stated: “Thailand is accelerating its transition to an AI-enabled intelligent government by leveraging robust ‘Cloud First’ infrastructure, responsible AI integration, and global public-private partnerships to deliver secure, citizen-centric services and position the nation as a trusted ASEAN digital hub.”

Carlos Eduardo Rodrigo Prado, Executive Director of AGETIC, shared e-government achievements and breakthroughs, outlined strategic blueprints and key measures, and presented a vision for a new era of digital government, digital nation, and inclusive smart services. Guided by the vision of “Bolivia to the World and the World to Bolivia” put forward by President Rodrigo Paz, the country is advancing its digital transformation.

Bilgin Semiz, Director of Global Sales at Nextcloud, shared how Nextcloud built a secure and compliant enterprise collaboration platform based on Huawei Cloud.

Customer representatives shared their practical experience and visions for their countries on topics such as AI infrastructure hubs, future planning of public services, and national digital transformation.

 At the event, Shenzhen Longgang Government Service Center and Huawei jointly launched the Shenzhen Longgang AI+ Public Service Global Demonstration Site. Based on the best practices of the Longgang District Government in Shenzhen, this showcase features an integrated operational model linking four levels: district, street, community, and campus. This “AI+ Public Service” approach has yielded remarkable results. Its intelligent customer service system, powered by LLMs, deeply integrates hotlines, service counters, and self-service resources for multi-channel synergy, achieving a 98% hotline connectivity rate. Furthermore, in “AI+ Intelligent Verification,” the integrated approval hub has pushed intelligent review accuracy to over 95%.

Finally, Huawei took the lead in launching the Global Public Service Ecosystem Alliance. This alliance aims to pool industry resources to accelerate the global implementation and popularization of AI-powered public services. Representatives from partners in the public service sector, including iSSTech, Linewell, Seeyon, Digihail，Nextcloud, SAINS,  and Nexconn, etc., attended and witnessed the launch of the alliance. Huawei stated that it will utilize the alliance as a platform to collaborate closely with global partners, jointly exploring the “blue ocean” of public services in the digital era.

The Laifen Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer and Wave Pro Electric Toothbrush bring professional-level performance to everyday beauty and wellness rituals.

NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This International Women’s Month, Laifen, the global leader in high performance personal care technology, celebrates women everywhere by championing curiosity, confidence and change. Anchored in the theme, “Try Something New,” Laifen invites women across the country to step into a new era of speed and care with their Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer and Wave Pro Electric Toothbrush.

Rooted in the belief that progress begins with curiosity, Laifen’s International Women’s Day campaign celebrates the choice to try something new, rethink routines, embrace innovation and prioritize selfcare. Laifen invites women to experience how thoughtfully designed technology can elevate every routine. Engineered with women’s lives in mind, Laifen’s high-performance personal care tools combine speed, precision and gentle care to transform daily rituals. By delivering faster results without compromising excellence, Laifen’s high speed hair dryer and powerful electric toothbrush give women back time, confidence and control, reinforcing that meaningful change often starts with the smallest, most intentional choices.

The newest addition to Laifen’s lineup of hair dryers, the Mini, delivers powerful, salon-level performance in a lightweight, travel-friendly design, helping to achieve smooth, healthy hair faster, without compromising hair health. The Wave Pro, which was recently launched in the U.S., brings precision engineering and intelligent care to oral health, transforming daily routines into a movement of self-investment.

Together, these innovations reflect Laifen’s commitment to empowering women through smarter designs and purposeful technology, highlighting that self-care is efficient, thoughtful and dynamic as the women are who rely on it.

Starting now until March 22, Laifen is offering up to 25% off their best-selling products for International Women’s Month including the SE 2, SE Lite, Wave Pro and Wave SE on official website and Amazon. The SE hair dryer and travel bag bundle will also be available at Costco.com starting March 1. For more information, please visit LaifenTech.com.

About Laifen: 

Established in 2019, Laifen began with our independently designed and manufactured 110,000 RPM high-speed brushless motor, the innovative core behind our now internationally recognized line of hair dryers. Building on this foundation, Laifen expanded into oral care in 2023 with the launch of the Wave Electric Toothbrush, powered by a sensor-controlled servo motor system previously used in robots. In 2025, Laifen redefined the craftsmanship and efficiency of electric shavers with the introduction of the T1 Pro and P3 Pro electric shavers, featuring the brand’s in-house high-speed linear motor inspired by the catapult system of aircraft carriers. In 2026, Laifen upgraded their award-winning electric toothbrush with the launch of the Wave Pro, which delivers advanced brushing features including a Dual-Mode Cleaning System and Smart Pressure Sensor.

• Majority investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives in Mace Consult completed, creating a new and independent leading program and project management services provider
• Begins new phase as client-centric partner, providing seamless collaboration and certainty across the world’s most impactful infrastructure and capital programs and projects
• New structure and investment to enable accelerated global growth, enhanced digital offering and expanded leadership in the industry.

LONDON and NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mace Consult, a leading independent company focused on delivering impactful infrastructure and capital programs, today announced the successful completion of the majority private equity investment by Goldman Sachs Alternatives and carve-out from Mace Group.

With more than 5,500 specialist professionals operating across six continents, Mace Consult delivers certainty, working with clients from strategy through execution to deliver projects and programs on time, on budget, and on scope.

The transaction, first announced in July 2025, has now closed and establishes Mace Consult as one of the largest independent project and program consulting businesses in the world and creates a strong platform for its future. Led by CEO Davendra Dabasia, Mace Consult will retain the Mace brand and is well-positioned to scale its operations and growth around the globe.

Mace Consult CEO Davendra Dabasia said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Mace Consult. Our partnership with Goldman Sachs Alternatives gives us the capital and strategic backing to scale our operations, particularly in North America, and to invest in digital tools that provide greater predictability, automation and control to set new standards for program and project delivery, unlocking value across the lifecycle. Our success is built on the talent and dedication of our people, who retain specialist knowledge, for whom this investment offers meaningful career growth as we expand globally.”

Mace Consult prioritises outcomes and has partnered with clients on some of the world’s most iconic infrastructure programs including the London 2012 Olympic Games, and is currently playing leading roles on the New Hospital Programme in the UK, Hudson Tunnel Project in New York, United States, Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program in Toronto, Canada, and major programs in Saudi Arabia including Diriyah and Qiddiya.

Mace Consult was also appointed program management partner for MTR Corporation’s new rail network, and the Civil Engineering and Development Department’s (CEDD’s) Northern Metropolis program in Hong Kong, marking the most significant wins for the business in Asia to date. Mace Consult provides its holistic suite of services to Fortune 500 clients’ commercial, industrial, life science and technology portfolios.

Following years of double-digit growth, Mace Consult generated close to US$1 billion in revenue in 2025. The majority investment by GS Alternatives injects capital to accelerate growth in buoyant target markets, such as infrastructure, clean energy and climate resilience, sports and entertainment, advanced manufacturing and technology, and digital connectivity. 

Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, added: “We are excited to partner with Mace Consult into the next phase of its growth journey. The company’s entrepreneurial culture, focus on client outcomes, and commitment to excellence set it apart in the industry. We’re looking forward to supporting Mace Consult as it continues to deliver enduring value for clients and communities worldwide.”

Major infrastructure programs often involve dozens of organisations, thousands of decisions, and billions of dollars moving in parallel. Mace Consult manages this integration challenge through four service offerings – Strategic Advisory, Cost and Commercial Management, Program Management Office (PMO) and Planning, and Program and Project Management. This holistic service offering establishes governance and delivery frameworks that enable timely and well-informed decisions, early and pre-emptive resolution of problems, prioritisation of safety and sustainability, and active coordination between interfaces to maintain program momentum. 

Now independent from Mace Group and with ownership of the Mace brand, Mace Consult is focused purely on managing delivery for clients. Mace Consult represents the best interests of clients’ programs, challenging timelines, mitigating risks, holding stakeholders accountable, as a fully integrated delivery partner across the lifecycle.

Goldman Sachs Alternatives was advised by Lazard (M&A and Financing), Jefferies International Limited (M&A), and White & Case (Legal). Mace Group was advised by UBS (M&A) and Linklaters (Legal).

About Mace Consult:
Mace Consult brings certainty to the world’s most impactful infrastructure and capital programs. For more than 30 years, Mace has set the industry standard for program and project management, PMO (program management office) and planning, cost and commercial management, responsible business, advisory services, and digital solutions. From Olympic Parks, airport expansions, and hospitals to data center campuses, transportation systems, energy networks, and urban developments, our teams help shape infrastructure and places that endure for generations.
With more than 5,500 professionals across six continents, we partner with clients to deliver projects and programs on time, on budget, and on scope. Mace Consult generated close to US$1 billion in revenue in 2025.

Find out more at www.maceglobal.com.

About Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the leading investors in alternatives globally, with over $625 billion in assets and more than 30 years of experience. The business invests in the full spectrum of alternatives including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, sustainability, and hedge funds. Clients access these solutions through direct strategies, customized partnerships, and open-architecture programs.

The business is driven by a focus on partnership and shared success with its clients, seeking to deliver long-term investment performance drawing on its global network and deep expertise across industries and markets.

The alternative investments platform is part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which delivers investment and advisory services across public and private markets for the world’s leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals. Goldman Sachs has approximately $3.6 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of December 31, 2025.

Established in 1986, Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives has invested over $75 billion since inception. The business combines a global network of relationships, unique insight across markets, industries and regions, and the worldwide resources of Goldman Sachs to build businesses and accelerate value creation across its portfolios.

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New Analysis from Reach Advisors Reveals Region Outpacing Peers

GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater Des Moines Partnership unveiled new analysis from James Chung, President of Reach Advisors, showing Greater Des Moines outperforming Midwestern peers across key economic indicators as it approaches the one-million-resident milestone. Having conducted three deep data analyses of the region over the past decade, Chung’s latest findings highlight sustained population, employment and gross domestic product (GDP) growth — paired with affordability and cross-sector collaboration that continue to distinguish Greater Des Moines nationally.

Greater Des Moines’ combined statistical area (CSA), which includes the Des Moines and Ames metropolitan statistical areas (MSA), is approaching the one-million-population milestone. This benchmark increases visibility, enhances eligibility for larger federal and corporate investments and signals the scale needed to compete for major projects.

According to the new analysis:

• Population in the CSA is up 13.4% over the past decade, the fastest growth in the Midwest, and is now nearly 940,000 strong.
• Real GDP in the CSA has increased more than 30% in the past decade, ranking #2 among Midwest peers.
• Employment in the CSA has grown 13.3% in the last decade, ranking #1 among Midwest peers.
• The labor force in the Des Moines MSA is now 33% larger than in 2005.

“Most people think this is normal,” Chung said at the recent 2025 Greater Des Moines Regional Summit. “It’s not. What’s happening here is extraordinary.”

Chung attributes Greater Des Moines’ success to a rare combination of structural strengths, including:

• High-skill households: The region attracts 28% more dual-degree couples than similar metros, generating an estimated 2% boost in GDP.
• A strong economic base: Finance, insurance and real estate make up 20% of jobs, 30% of wages and nearly 40% of regional GDP.
• Collaboration as a competitive edge: Leaders across business, government and civic organizations work across boundaries to solve problems and accelerate progress.

The data is already being used to inform business recruitment, site selection conversations and long-term regional strategy. Greater Des Moines also pairs economic opportunities with exceptional livability, including commute times around 20 minutes and a cost of living well below the national average. It’s a combination that continues to attract workers and families from across the country.

“This analysis confirms what we’ve experienced firsthand,” said Tiffany Tauscheck, President and CEO of The Partnership. “Growth at this scale reflects years of collaboration across communities throughout our region. By aligning around shared priorities, we’ve created momentum that benefits Greater Des Moines and the state of Iowa — and positions our region for even greater opportunities as we approach one million residents.”

Recent national rankings reflect the region’s competitive strength:

• #2 Top Metro for Number of Economic Development Projects (among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million) — Site Selection Magazine, Governor’s Cup, 2025
• #2 Best Place for Young Professionals — Forbes, 2024
• #4 Most Livable Metro in the U.S. — RentCafe, 2026
• #5 Best Place for a Fresh Start — ConsumerAffairs, 2026

Further underscoring this sustained performance, more than $5.7 billion in capital investment and economic development activity is currently underway or advancing across the Greater Des Moines region, with an additional $2 billion in active projects in the pipeline.

A few of these projects include:

• Lift DSM — This $600 million investment in a new terminal and parking garage at the Des Moines International Airport will support record passenger growth and evolving travel needs, strengthening regional connectivity and business competitiveness.
• Vermeer Manufacturing Facility — A 300,000-square-foot facility built on 186 acres in Bondurant, Iowa will support 300+ jobs related to the manufacturing and support of industrial parts and equipment, reflecting continued growth in advanced manufacturing in Iowa.
• Robinson Manufacturing Facility — Wisconsin-based Robinson, Inc. will invest $76 million in facility upgrades to a newly constructed manufacturing space outside Altoona, Iowa and create 100 jobs in the custom metal solutions field, marking its first facility outside Wisconsin and further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.
• 515 Walnut Tower — This $150 million, 33-story residential skyscraper with 390 residential units is set to be Downtown’s third tallest building and the largest of its kind in the Midwest.
• Market District Redevelopment — A $700 million expansion of the Historic East Village that will deliver new housing, restaurants, retail, outdoor gathering spaces and a large public parking hub, connecting Downtown’s core with the recently completed $15 million Two Rivers Park.
• Capital City Reinvestment District — This district includes a $500 million development, featuring the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation stadium and plaza. Since 1983, the city and its partners have worked to convert the former Superfund site into productive, community-focused space. This state-of-the-art project includes a professional soccer stadium and Global Plaza, alongside housing, restaurants, a hotel and additional mixed-use development, creating a vibrant destination at a key entrance to the capital city.
• The Grand Experience — The estimated $400 million, 226-acre suburban development is expected to be one of the largest private investment projects in West Des Moines’ history and will include an indoor water park, a family entertainment center, a conference center and hotel. 

These projects reflect the measurable gains highlighted in Chung’s data — translating into visible, transformative investment across the region. Together, these indicators reflect a region outperforming its peers today while building the scale, infrastructure and alignment needed to compete nationally in the decades ahead.

Media interested in speaking with Chung or with regional leaders deploying this data in real time may request interviews by contacting Metinka Slater, Media Relations Manager for The Partnership.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.

Contact:
Metinka Slater
mslater@DSMpartnership.com
(515) 216-3989
Learn More About DSM USA