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“Designing the Future with AI” — Smart Tech Korea 2026 Brings Together Six Shows Shaping the Next Era of Smart & Connected Industries

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Smart Tech Korea 2026: Asia’s Rising Gateway for AI, Robotics, and Next-Gen Tech Innovation

SEOUL, South Korea, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STK 2026 (The 15th Smart Tech Korea), South Korea’s leading B2B technology platform, will take place from June 10 to 12, 2026, marking the exhibition’s largest footprint to date. The 15th edition will highlight transformative technologies reshaping global industries—ranging from AI and robotics to cloud, digital logistics, autonomous manufacturing and advanced security solutions.

As an “Only B2B” event, STK 2026 is shaping up to be one of Asia’s most influential platforms for AI and emerging technologies. The 2026 edition positions the show as a gateway to the wider Asian tech market, spotlighting South Korea’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem. In line with its theme, “The Tech Nexus: A Connected Technology Ecosystem Across the Industrial Value Chain,” the event puts AI at its core—showcasing technologies that span enterprise transformation to consumer applications.

STK 2026 will bring together six major shows that map the full landscape of next-generation technology. AI & Big Data Show covers enterprise AI, generative AI, big data, and cloud platforms, while Secu-Show focuses on cybersecurity and data protection. Robot Tech Show highlights service and industrial robots, along with automation systems used across logistics and manufacturing. Smart Tech Show introduces advances in digital healthcare, spatial computing, autonomous mobility, and quantum tech. Retail & Logis Tech Show spotlights AI-driven retail and logistics innovation. Completing the lineup, AI Factory Expo integrates Industrial AI, AI Manufacturing, and AI PowerGen to demonstrate end-to-end AI automation across production and energy systems.

Alongside the exhibition, STK 2026 will present TechCon 2026, a global conference focused on the future of intelligent industries. Centered on the theme “The Intelligent Age,” TechCon 2026 will gather experts in Robotics, AI, and Quantum to share global trends, research insights, and real-world applications, reinforcing STK’s evolution into a knowledge-driven technology platform.

The event will also include programs such as Business Matchmaking, NexTech Unpack, and the Networking Reception, all designed to accelerate global connections and position STK as a key bridge for companies entering the Asian tech market.

Additional information about the exhibition and its programs is available on the official STK website. Early-bird exhibitor applications are open until February, and attendee pre-registration runs through late May, giving global tech companies and visitors a clear window to secure their spot at one of Asia’s key technology events in 2026.

This press release is distributed by PRN Asia. PR Newswire is the Official Media Partner of Smart Tech Korea 2026.

Jack’s Place Marks 60 Years of Sizzling Steaks with Year-Long Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

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SINGAPORE, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jack’s Place, Singapore’s pioneer steakhouse, officially commemorates its 60th anniversary this year. Since opening its doors in 1966, the restaurant has become one of Singapore’s most well-loved steakhouses for generations of families and friends. To celebrate this landmark “Diamond Year,” Jack’s Place is launching a series of high-profile culinary collaborations, nostalgic events, and a roving SGD6 lunch campaign designed to thank the community that has supported the brand for six decades.

Bi-Monthly Guest Series: Chef Heman – Guest Chef for March & April 2026

Elevating the dining experience for the anniversary year is a new Bi-Monthly Promotion series. For March and April, Jack’s Place is proud to feature Guest Chef Heman, aka Iron Man Chef. Known for his culinary artistry, Chef Heman joins as a special guest for the 60th anniversary celebrations, commemorating this important milestone.

For this promotion menu, Jack’s Place celebrates their classic heritage with a Surf & Turf Classics menu for diners to enjoy a memorable meal experience.

From classic N.Z. Tenderloin Steak with Seafood à la King (with signature baked potato & seasonal vegetables), Lobster Thermidor (baked in-shell with creamy mushroom & cheese, served with buttered rice & mesclun salad), Seafood Au Gratin with Mac & Cheese (with mesclun salad) to Slipper Lobster Thermidor with Striploin or Chicken Steak (both served with signature baked potato & mesclun salad).

JP60 Roving SGD6 Lunch Deal: A Moveable Feast

One of the highlights of the anniversary launch is the JP60 SGD6 Lunch Deal campaign. Throughout the two-month launch period, Jack’s Place will offer its Signature Set Lunch (from Daily Specials category), for only $6.00++ at one participating outlet on the announcement.

Campaign Mechanics:

To keep the celebration dynamic, each outlet will be featured once during the campaign on either a Tuesday or Thursday. The featured locations will be revealed one week in advance on Jack’s Place social media platforms, encouraging fans to look out for digital updates to catch the deal.

1st Week Launch Schedule (11am – 5pm):

  • Tuesday, 10 March 2026: Featured at the Anchorpoint outlet.
  • Thursday, 12 March 2026: Featured at the NEX outlet.

The SGD6 Menu Features:

  • Tuesdays: 
    Roasted Half Spring Chicken with Sambal Sauce or
    NZ Striploin with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce
  • Thursdays: Grilled Double Cheese Chicken Chop or
    NZ Striploin Steak with Rosemary Peppercorn Sauce.

In addition, Jack’s Place is offering a 20% off promo appetisers with every order of a promo main course.

COMING UP THIS YEAR

The 60th-anniversary calendar is filled with exclusive experiences scheduled for the coming months:

  • BRANDING CAMPAIGN: Building on its legacy, the brand is rolling out a refreshed concept, with more revitalized outlets slated to launch in the coming months.
  • MEMORABILIA NIGHT: A commemorative celebration inviting guests to bring their Jack’s Place memorabilia in honour of the brand’s milestones since 1966.
  • JOIN THE CELEBRATION: Ongoing bi-monthly guests features, and seasonal promotions will be announced throughout 2026.

Celebrating a 60-Year Journey

What began in 1966 with Mr. Say Lip Hai at a humble pub on Killiney Road has grown into a national legacy.

For 60 years, Jack’s Place has been a trusted destination for celebrations, milestones, and everyday dining moments shared across generations.

Today, Jack’s Place marks its 60-year milestone, extending heartfelt gratitude to its loyal patrons who have been an integral part of its journey.

Join the Celebration.

#JP60 #JacksPlaceSG #JPPepperdine

For the latest updates on the roving lunch deals, Jack’s Place 60th Anniversary Celebrations and upcoming events, visit www.jacksplace.com.sg and its social media platforms.

These exclusive offers are available at all Jack’s Place Restaurants islandwide.

Also available for diners at Eatzi Gourmet Steakhouse & Bistro, the Halal-certified sibling restaurant of Jack’s Place – located at SAFRA Yishun.

For more information, visit www.jacksplace.com.sg.
Website: www.jacksplace.com.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jacks.place.restaurant
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacksplacesg
Official hashtag: #jacksplacesg

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About Jack’s Place 

Established in 1966, Jack’s Place is the trusted favourite known for its Western food. It all started when Mr. Say Lip Hai arrived in Singapore from Hainan Island and started as a cook boy with the British troops in Sembawang. There he learned how to prepare the perfect roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Having tasted one of Mr Say’s now famous meals, a British housewife suggested he start a catering business with her husband, Jack Hunt, in his pub at Killiney Road, Jack’s Place, which he started in 1966. Mr Say agreed and commenced that partnership in 1968. Shortly afterwards, Jack Hunt sold his share of the business, but his namesake ‘Jack the Chef’ still runs the kitchen today!

Today, Jack’s Place is the trusted favourite for family and friends to enjoy great value sizzling steaks, speciality meals, and sumptuous cakes. Jack’s Place is committed to serving quality food and creating memorable dining experiences in a cheerful and cosy environment for our guests.

For more information, visit www.jacksplace.com.sg.

About JP Pepperdine

JP Pepperdine is a group of restaurants that started with the popular Jack’s Place Steakhouse in 1966, followed by Eatzi Gourmet divisions (Steakhouse, bakery, and catering) and Yeh Ting.

What inspires JP Pepperdine is to create a unique experience for their guests. Interestingly, it is a lesson that they take from the kitchen itself. Drawing on the admirable qualities of pepper, JP Pepperdine aspires to spice up the dining experience in all ways, big and small. In big ways, JP Pepperdine will be adventurous, sizzling up the F&B scene with fresh concepts and food creations. In small ways, JP Pepperdine dedicates itself to delighting its patrons through its food, service, and ambience, so they are now the JP Pepperdine Group, named after that extraordinary spice itself.

In all that JP Pepperdine does, quality and value will always be their benchmarks. They hope that the guests take home with them a lingering fondness and the knowledge that for the price they pay, they have much more in return.

For more information, visit www.jppepperdine.com.

Issued for and on behalf of Jack’s Place by Olive & Latte-ABS.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Sharon Vu
Olive & Latte-Abs
https://oliveandlatte.com
Mobile: (65) 8138 6913
Whatsapp: (65) 9832 8129
Email: sharonvu@oliveandlatte.com

 

Railtown AI Strengthens Advisory Board and Executive Team, Advancing a Sovereign Canadian AI Ecosystem

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Advertorial Desk
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Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – March 4, 2026 – Railtown AI Technologies Inc. (CSE: RAIL) (OTCQB: RLAIF) (“Railtown” or the “Company“), a Canadian-based AI developer tools and agentic orchestration company, announces the appointment of three highly respected Canadian business leaders to the Company’s Advisory Board: Pat Horgan, Michael Nobrega, and John Ruffolo. These individuals join Mike Lazaridis, co-founder of Research in Motion (BlackBerry), whose addition to Railtown’s Advisory Board was previously announced.

The appointments significantly strengthen Railtown’s enterprise, institutional, and capital markets expertise as the Company attempts to accelerate the commercialization of its AI developer platform and agent-based orchestration technologies.

Advisory Board Appointments

Pat Horgan

Mr. Horgan spent his entire professional career at IBM, retiring in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer of IBM Canada. During his tenure, he was responsible for the successful implementation of major AI and high-performance computing initiatives in collaboration with the Government of Ontario and the Federal government. Mr. Horgan’s experience in enterprise technology deployment and public-private innovation partnerships is expected to bring strategic insight to Railtown’s AI infrastructure and enterprise engagement strategy.

“Railtown demonstrates the strength of Canadian innovation and highlights the depth of AI talent and companies in the national ecosystem,” commented Mr. Horgan.

Michael Nobrega

Mr. Nobrega is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), one of Canada’s largest pension funds with more than $100 billion in assets under management. He also previously served as President and CEO of OMERS’ wholly owned subsidiary, Borealis Infrastructure Management Inc.

Mr. Nobrega’s extensive leadership in institutional capital management and long-term investment strategy provides Railtown with seasoned governance and capital markets perspective. “Digital sovereignty for any country is critical to its independence and transactions with other countries,” said Michael Nobrega. “Railtown’s core expertise provides a solution to emerging concerns from Canadian governments, businesses and others about the country’s digital sovereignty.”

John Ruffolo

Mr. Ruffolo is the Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, a private equity firm focused on technology-enabled growth and disruption investment strategies. He chairs the Investment Committee, guides the strategy of the firm, is deeply involved with fundraising and sourcing and leading investment opportunities, particularly within the technology industry. Mr. Ruffalo is also the Founder of OMERS Ventures and Co-Founder and Vice Chair of the Council of Canadian Innovators.

“I’m excited to join Railtown’s Advisory Board at a defining moment for AI-driven software development. Railtown is building the tools that will power the next generation of intelligent applications, and I look forward to supporting its growth and impact,” noted Mr. Ruffolo.

Leadership Appointment

Railtown would also like to announce that Dr. Tom Corr, the co-founder of AI Partnerships Corp., the Company’s recently acquired subsidiary, will be joining Railtown in an official capacity as Director of Corporate Development.

Dr. Corr previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Centres of Excellence for 10 years, where he played a pivotal role in advancing commercialization initiatives and strengthening industry-academic collaboration across Ontario’s technology sector. Prior to that, he held the joint positions of President and CEO of the Accelerator Centre at the Waterloo Research and Technology Park, and Associate Vice President of Commercialization at the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Corr brings extensive experience in innovation strategy, venture development, and technology commercialization. In his new role, he will support Railtown’s corporate growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, and expansion across enterprise and institutional markets.

Strengthening Canada’s AI Ecosystem

“This announcement is a further reflection of Railtown’s mission to build out a truly Canadian end-to-end AI development ecosystem,” said Cory Brandolini, Founder and CEO of Railtown. “As a Canadian technology company, we are proud to work closely with other Canadian technology providers to create a sovereign AI ecosystem that develops talent, drives innovation, and retains world-class capabilities right here in Canada. The addition of Pat, Michael, John, and Tom strengthens our leadership as we continue to deliver on this vision.”

About Railtown

Railtown AI Technologies Inc. builds AI developer tools and agentic frameworks that power the next generation of intelligent applications. Its Platform — including real-time ingestion (Railengine), agent development frameworks (Railtracks ADK), and advanced observability (Conductr) — helps teams build, deploy, and operate AI agents with confidence and at scale.

For more information, visit www.railtown.ai.

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ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

“Cory Brandolini”
Cory Brandolini, Chief Executive Officer

INVESTOR CONTACT

Rebecca Kerswell
Investor Relations Contact
Email: investors@railtown.ai
Phone: 1-604-417-4440

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company, the commencement of trading of the Company’s common shares on the CSE, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will only update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

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

TECNO Advances Mobile Creativity and On-Device Generative AI at MWC 2026 with Arm Collaboration

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Collaboration targets real-time on-device generative AI rendering for mobile devices and creative tools, optimized for performance and efficiency across device tiers.

BARCELONA, Spain, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECNO, the AI-driven technology brand, today revealed its Edge-Side AIGC Preview Concept Technology at MWC 2026, developed in collaboration with Arm, the industry’s highest-performing and most power-efficient compute platform. The partnership brings real-time, on-device generative AI to mobile devices and creative applications, while delivering significant efficiency gains that help scale these advanced experiences across various device tiers.

Edge-Side AIGC Preview Concept Technology
Edge-Side AIGC Preview Concept Technology

As generative AI moves from novelty to everyday utility, mobile access is being shaped by practical constraints, such as connectivity, latency and device processing power. Creative workloads are compute-intensive, many experiences rely on continuous internet access, and even minor latency can disrupt the user experience while photo editing or framing. Sustained AI processing also impacts device performance.

Edge AI is a key pillar of TECNO’s broader AI strategy. TECNO has slimmed down complex algorithms and large models, improving efficiency through tailored solutions built on the Arm® compute platform. The result is real-time preview generation at 30fps, a split-screen interface making outputs more tangibly felt, and overall system performance improvements. Moreover, the preview experience utilizes 100% on-device AI, ensuring consistency regardless of network connectivity.

“Generative AI creativity only matters to users if the feedback is instant. We’re optimizing the on-device pipeline so creators can preview, iterate, and produce without waiting. This enables a real-time, immersive experience that delivers better user satisfaction, stronger compatibility across device tiers, and ultimately makes TECNO’s already-advanced imaging technologies even more compelling and intuitive,” said Minjie Chen, PhD, Head of Imaging Algorithms Department, TECNO.

Real-Time, Split-Screen Preview at 30fps

TECNO undertook deep, low-level code construction and introduced a customized Style Transfer Preview technology that uses algorithmic optimization to reduce screen flickering and jitters commonly seen in traditional solutions. By migrating the inference pipeline to the Arm CPU, the Style Transfer Preview is real-time at 30fps and ensures a fluid split-screen viewfinder experience. As users move the camera, the viewfinder updates instantly, enabling immediate preview and confident composition without delay.

Model efficiency is another key focus. TECNO has compressed models to run fully offline on smartphones while preserving artistic fidelity. This model compression enhances practical utilization of the Arm CPU for compute-intensive tasks such as image restoration, ensuring stable performance ready for everyday use.

The Edge-Side AIGC Preview Concept Technology leverages advanced Armv9 CPU capabilities, seamlessly accessed through Arm Kleidi™AI. By leveraging the Armv9 CPU’s specialized i8MM (Int8 Matrix Multiplication) instructions through KleidiAI, the collaboration accelerates core machine learning (ML) operations across mainstream frameworks. This synergy delivers 30% faster and more efficient AI compute, providing the robust foundation necessary for real-time, low-latency creative experiences.

“As generative AI moves from the cloud to the edge, the smartphone becomes the most important AI device in people’s lives,” said Steve Raphael, Senior Director, Smartphone Segment, Edge AI at Arm. “Armv9 CPUs deliver the sustained performance and efficiency required for real-time, on-device AI. Together with TECNO, we’re showing that advanced creative experiences can run fully offline and at scale – bringing immersive, instant creativity to users everywhere.”

As the industry shifts from cloud-first AI to edge-first creativity, TECNO is advancing on-device generative AI to reduce friction such as latency, buffering, and inconsistent performance. Through ongoing collaboration with Arm, the company aims to bring generative AI experiences—once confined to workstations—directly onto smartphones through on-device optimization and platform-level efficiency, making next‑generation creativity accessible to more users.

– END –

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com. 

EDC and Plenary Asia Pacific announce US $650 million partnership to advance Canadian export trade

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Advertorial Desk
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Market Leader Partnership set to boost Canadian participation in global infrastructure supply chains across key Asia‑Pacific markets

OTTAWA, ON, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s export credit agency, and Plenary Asia Pacific, have signed a US $650 million (approximately CAD $ 890 million) Market Leader Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at EDC’s branch in Singapore. The MOU is set to strengthen collaboration and support the growth of Canadian export trade in key international markets including the Asia-Pacific region across various priority sectors like infrastructure. 

“The signing of this Market Leader Partnership Memorandum of Understanding with Plenary Asia Pacific, reflects our shared commitment to strengthening international collaboration and unlocking new opportunities for Canadian exporters and investors. This partnership will help drive sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and position our country as a competitive and reliable destination for global infrastructure investment,” said The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade.

The three-year partnership MOU establishes a framework for collaboration that will enable EDC and Plenary Asia Pacific to work together to advance mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities. The partnership outlines the companies’ shared goals and respective commitments, and how the two organizations will work together to facilitate access to strategic networks, share market knowledge and insights, and explore financing solutions aligned with EDC’s mandate.

Under the MOU, EDC has allocated financing support of up to US $650 million to eligible Plenary Asia Pacific projects over the term of the agreement, subject to EDC’s policies and risk requirements. The partnership, with international market leaders like Plenary Asia Pacific, is designed to help position Canadian companies to participate in large‑scale international projects and strengthen Canada’s presence in key global markets.

“This agreement reflects a focus on expanding Canadian participation in global infrastructure markets,” said Alison Nankivell, President and CEO of Export Development Canada. “It’s a strong fit with EDC’s strategy to work with international partners like Plenary Asia Pacific that operate in priority sectors. Through this Market Leader Partnership, we’re supporting long-term trade and investment outcomes by helping Canadian companies integrate into global infrastructure supply chains and compete on complex projects across Asia Pacific and globally. This collaboration is about translating strong relationships into tangible export growth and long-term economic impact.”

“We welcome EDC’s recent vote-of-confidence and long-term partnership commitment as we pursue infrastructure projects across the Indo-Pacific region,” Plenary Asia CEO Chi-Ling Looi said. “Plenary Asia has been leading discussions in the region to promote a meaningful role for private investment in infrastructure that attracts international capital and we look forward to supporting the future delivery of vitally needed social and economic infrastructure in the region.”

The MOU relates to Plenary Asia Pacific’s operations across Asia Pacific and does not apply to the separate Plenary Americas business which is independently owned and managed and responsible for Plenary operations in Canada, the United States and Latin America.
 
About Plenary Asia Pacific

Plenary Asia Pacific is an independent developer, investor and manager of infrastructure and real assets, specialising in public-private partnerships, precinct developments and community infrastructure. Established in Australia in 2004, it has steadily expanded to become one of the leading developers, financiers and managers in its markets with offices in Australia and Singapore actively pursuing expansion efforts and projects across the Indo-Pacific region. https://plenary.com/apac

About EDC 

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca. 

Media Contact: Export Development Canada, 1-888-222-4065, media@edc.ca; Media Contact: Plenary Group, Chris Whitefield, Executive Director, Communications and Community, +61 418 530 806, chris.whitefield@plenary.com

Bizcap named one of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026

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Recognition by Great Place To Work® highlights Bizcap’s commitment to building a high-performance culture where women thrive

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bizcap has been recognised as one of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026 by Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture. The prestigious list honours 50 organisations across Australia that are proving exceptional business performance and inclusive, equitable workplace culture go hand in hand.

Bizcap named one of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026
Bizcap named one of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026

The recognition follows a rigorous assessment process, including confidential employee feedback, detailed analysis of organisational culture, and insights from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). This data-driven evaluation ensures that recognised companies demonstrate a genuine and measurable commitment to advancing women in the workplace.

This focus has supported Bizcap’s continued growth across multiple international markets.

The award comes after Bizcap was named one of the Best Workplaces™ in Australia in 2025.

Building a culture where women lead and thrive

Since its inception, Bizcap has been committed to building an inclusive, high-performance culture where people have equal access to opportunity and leadership. Bizcap’s inclusion on the 2026 list recognises that commitment in action and the progress made in creating clear pathways for women to build enduring careers and step into senior leadership roles across commercial, operational and strategic functions that drive long-term value creation.

This has been supported through targeted leadership development, transparent performance frameworks, flexible work practices and a strong focus on psychological safety, ensuring women across the organisation are empowered to influence strategy, lead teams and drive measurable outcomes.

Rebecca del Rio, Bizcap’s Deputy CEO (APAC) and Global Chief Revenue Officer, said the recognition reflects deliberate action rather than aspiration.

“At Bizcap, we believe high performance and inclusive leadership are inseparable. This recognition is a testament to the intentional work we’ve done to create an environment where women are empowered to lead, innovate and drive commercial outcomes,” she said.

“When women have equal access to leadership pathways, our business benefits. Diverse perspectives strengthen our strategy, improve risk calibration, challenge conventional thinking and ultimately enhance our ability to compete. That philosophy extends beyond gender. From the very beginning, we have intentionally built teams with complementary strengths and experiences because diversity of thought makes us more innovative, more resilient and better aligned to the clients we serve.”

Bizcap’s Senior People and Culture Manager Kirsty Nixon said it was important to note that this recognition is grounded in direct employee feedback.

“It tells us our people feel supported and confident in their ability to grow here. From the beginning, our founders and senior leadership team have been aligned on building a true meritocracy, where advancement is driven by performance, capability and impact,” she said.

“We hold our leaders to high standards in fostering that environment, ensuring opportunity is tangible, expectations are clear and performance is consistently recognised,” said Bizcap’s Co-Founder and CEO Zalman Blachman.

“Our People and Culture team plays a critical role as a partner to leadership, helping embed these standards across the organisation so they are experienced consistently at every level,” he said.

What sets Bizcap apart

As a non-bank lender providing fast, flexible working capital to small and medium-sized businesses globally, Bizcap understands the value of agility, innovation and strong partnerships. Internally, this translates into:

  • A culture of psychological safety where diverse perspectives are encouraged
  • Clear career progression pathways and leadership development programs
  • Flexible work arrangements that support performance and wellbeing
  • Transparent remuneration and advancement frameworks
  • Leadership development initiatives supporting women across commercial, operational and executive functions.

Rebecca Moulynox, General Manager of Great Place To Work Australia and New Zealand, said:

“These companies aren’t just talking about gender equity, they’re proving it works. They’ve created cultures where psychological safety, flexible work, and career development aren’t buzzwords, they’re business strategies delivering measurable results for employees and shareholders alike.”

By maintaining clear standards of opportunity and advancement as it scales, Bizcap continues to demonstrate that strong culture drives strong performance.

 

Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026 Have Been Announced

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SYDNEY, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, today announces the 2026 list of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women, recognising 50 organisations that have proven it’s possible to deliver exceptional business performance while still creating cultures where women can thrive at every level. 

Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026
Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026

Each company on this year’s list has earned its place following a rigorous assessment of confidential employee feedback representing the voices of 23, 478 women across Australia, a detailed analysis of organisational culture, and insights from the official Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

“These companies aren’t marking their own homework – the bar is genuinely high,” said Rebecca Moulynox, General Manager of Great Place To Work Australia and New Zealand. “This list only champions employers that back their commitments on flexibility, fair pay and women in leadership with real numbers and real experiences.”

Who Made The Official 2026 List Of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ For Women? 

From pioneering fintech leaders like Docusign and Prospa, to established industry leaders like Adobe, Brown Brothers Wine Group and Mattel, this year’s Best Workplaces for Women are all distinguished by:

  • Inclusive leadership accountability
  • Pay transparency and fair recognition
  • Flexible, human-centered work design
  • Career progression for all

As well as structured mentorships and active sponsorship for women in key decision-making roles.  

FIND THE FULL 2026 LIST OF AUSTRALIA’S 50 BEST WORKPLACES™ FOR WOMEN HERE  

“These workplaces aren’t just waiting for equity to happen,” said Rebecca Moulynox. “They’ve embedded fairness into everyday decision-making, creating cultures where flexibility, psychological safety, and growth opportunities are pillars of performance.”

Despite steady awareness gains, the research shows many women still report unequal access to advancement opportunities and lingering disparities in representation at the senior level. Yet at the best workplaces, these gaps are narrowing. Women in top-ranked organisations are twice as likely to say they have an equal chance to grow their careers and three times more likely to describe their leaders as fair and inclusive.

About Great Place to Work® 

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, we have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace. Great Place to Work® Certification™ is recognised worldwide by both employees and employers alike and is the gold standard for identifying and recognising outstanding employee experience and company culture.

Methodology 

To qualify for this list, organisations must have at least 100 employees, with a minimum of 50 women, and women must make up at least 30 per cent of the total workforce and 20 per cent of management.

The 2026 Best Workplaces for Women list was determined through Great Place To Work’s rigorous For All™ methodology, which evaluates hundreds of Certified™ organisations across Australia. This includes confidential employee feedback gathered through the Trust Index™ survey, a comprehensive analysis of women’s representation at all organisational levels, and additional insights from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

Media Contact: 
Guadalupe Solar Grillo
Marketing Specialist| Australia & New Zealand
E: lupe.solar@greatplacetowork.com

Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026 | Prospa
Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2026 | Prospa

LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. Awarded Contract to Manage Community-Based Club Activities in Muroran City, Hokkaido

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Introducing “Free Club,” a New Model Different From Traditional Club Activities

TOKYO, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEIFRAS Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFS) (the “Company” or “Leifras”), a sports and social business company dedicated to youth sports and community engagement, today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Muroran City, Hokkaido to provide community-based club activity management services (the “Contract”).

Background

Muroran City is experiencing a rapid decline in the birthrate, resulting in reduced enrollment in school club activities and challenges for students to form teams or participate in tournaments. To address these challenges, Muroran City has adopted a basic policy to “transition all school club activities to privately operated community-based activities by the end of fiscal year 2031,” and is working to create a community-wide platform to support sports, cultural, and artistic activities for junior high school students.

Contract Overview

Client: Muroran City, Hokkaido

Contract Period: April 2026 – March 2029

“Free Club” – A New Style Leifras Offers

Leifras plans to launch “Free Club” designed to broaden students’ access to club experiences.

Feature 1: A Diverse Experience Through Monthly Rotation

Students will be able to select from a lineup of sports and cultural activities that change each month. For example, activities may include volleyball in April, dance in May, and brass band in June.

*Actual activities are currently under review.

Feature 2: No Experience Required

Students can try activities that interest them, regardless of their previous club experience or skills.

Feature 3: Creating Opportunities to Discover What They Love

By exposing them to a variety of options, the Company aims to help students discover new interests and passions in various sports and cultural activities.

Leifras hopes that Muroran’s initiative will inspire school club activities in areas with declining birth rates, and plans to work closely with the Board of Education of Muroran City and related organizations to ensure safe and secure club activity operations.

Past and Future Initiatives with Muroran City

Leifras has built a long-standing relationship with Muroran City through a series of initiatives.

In April 2023, Leifras signed a basic agreement with Muroran City regarding the designated management of Shukutsu Park Soccer Field and opened “Leifras Football Park.” Based on this collaboration, the Company signed the “Demonstration Project and Advisory Contract for the Regional Transition of Holiday Club Activities in Muroran City in 2025,” working together to promote the regional transition of club activities in Muroran City.

In order to address social issues through sports, the Company plans to continue to work with Muroran City to support the sustainable operation of club activities in areas experiencing a declining birthrate.

Market Environment and Trends

Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has designated the six-year period from 2026 to 2031 as the “Reform Implementation Period” under its “Comprehensive Guidelines for the Reform of Club Activities and the Promotion of Community Club Activities”. The guidelines clearly state the following specific initiatives for this period:

  • Holiday Club Activities: In principle, MEXT aims to shift all holiday club activities to community-based models.
  • Weekday Club Activities: MEXT plans to execute further reforms while addressing various issues.

Leifras’ contract with Muroran City is a long-term contract commencing in 2026, the first year of this “Reform Implementation Period,” marking an example aligned with the national roadmap.

As this nationwide transition to community-based clubs accelerates, Leifras aims to further strengthen its position in the expanding market for outsourced public education-related services.

Achievements in Club Activity Support

Leifras has been supporting school clubs since before the nationwide call for localization of club activities, and has been cooperating with a number of local governments across Japan. The Company’s financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 also reflected this high demand for school club support, with social business sales increasing 36.4% year-on-year and the number of schools contracted for club activities increasing 53.2% year-on-year, demonstrating continued rapid growth.

  • Social business sales: JPY 2,358.6 million (+36.4% year-on-year)
  • Number of schools contracted for club activities: 360 schools (+53.2% year-on-year)

Selected Projects Ongoing Since Fiscal Year 2024

Leifras is expanding its portfolio of club activity support projects, including multi-year contracts, primarily in urban areas and large municipalities.

  • Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City (Chikusa Ward, Showa Ward, and 14 other wards): New athletic and cultural activity projects at Nagoya City elementary schools
  • Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City: Nagoya Club Activity Talent Bank Contract Project
  • Tokyo, Minato Ward: Club activity coaching services

Selected New Projects Since Fiscal Year 2025

  • Osaka Prefecture, Suita City: Suita City Junior High School Club Activity Management and Operation Services
  • Tokyo, Shibuya Ward: Operation and management personnel and specialized instructor placement for 10 athletic clubs at two public junior high schools
  • Hokkaido, Monbetsu City: Monbetsu City Community Club Management Services

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

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