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iQIYI Reaches New Heights: 880 Invention Patents Filed in 2025, Over Half Driven by AI Innovation, Further Building Up Its AIGC Leadership

BEIJING, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, has released its 2025 annual patent report, marking a record-breaking year of innovation. The company filed 993 new patents over the past year, including 880 invention patents and 12 high-value patents, both setting five-year records. With these achievements, iQIYI proudly entered the Top 100 Chinese Enterprises for Valid Invention Patents.

Recognized as a National Intellectual Property Demonstration Enterprise, iQIYI’s growing portfolio of over 12,000 patent applications reflects its long-term commitment to technological leadership and creative excellence. These innovations not only solidify iQIYI’s competitiveness but also provide new momentum for the sustainable development of China’s entertainment industry.

AI-Powered Innovation Across the Creative Pipeline

In 2025, AI became central to iQIYI’s innovation strategy — with over half of its new patents focused on AI applications across content creation, production, distribution, and immersive experiences. Building on its expertise on content creation, iQIYI launched Script Studio, an AI-driven tool for plot evaluation, character development, and narrative refinement. Leveraging advanced large-model capabilities, it can review full scripts in just 30 minutes, analyzing emotional arcs, pacing, and character interactions to identify inconsistencies and redundancies. This compresses weeks of manual work into hours and addresses a long-standing gap in intelligent script evaluation. By the end of 2025, Script Studio had evaluated more than 17,000 scripts.

Scaling AI-Generated Animation and Beyond

In the second half of 2025, iQIYI tackled the challenge of maintaining consistency in AI-generated animation for long-form videos by developing a multi-agent content creation solution that converts scripts directly into animated content. Each AI agent handles a specific stage—such as script breakdown, character and scene development, storyboarding, and video generation—with coordinated checks to ensure narrative coherence from script to final cut. This patented technology is progressing toward full deployment and will support large-scale production of animation, short dramas, and interactive content.

Expanding the Boundaries of Immersive Entertainment

Beyond digital screens, iQIYI’s innovation extends into VR and immersive entertainment. In 2025 alone, the company filed nearly 20 patents to enhance VR sensory immersion, covering motion tracking, audio, lighting, and gesture interactivity. These technologies are already applied in iQIYI’s immersive theaters and will be introduced to a wider audience with the opening of iQIYI Land Yangzhou on February 8, 2026, where visitors can explore cinematic worlds through advanced immersive entertainment.

CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

centralwOrld Hosts Thailand’s Largest Chinese New Year Celebration with ‘Gallop of Tianma’ Festival in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — centralwOrld announced the grandest Chinese New Year celebration of the year, titled “centralwOrld The Great Chinese New Year 2026”, solidifying its position as the national landmark and King of Festive in the center of Bangkok. The event will be held under the concept “Gallop of Tianma: Heaven’s Horse, Heaven’s Fortune’s Rhythm” symbolizing power, good fortune, and prosperity according to Chinese beliefs.

centralwOrld Hosts Thailand’s Largest Chinese New Year Celebration with ‘Gallop of Tianma’ Festival in Bangkok
centralwOrld Hosts Thailand’s Largest Chinese New Year Celebration with ‘Gallop of Tianma’ Festival in Bangkok

This event is a collaboration between both public and private partners, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Ministry of Culture, to create Thailand’s grandest landmark Chinese New Year experience. This will be showcased through eight key highlights that combine art, culture, beliefs, and national-level performances gathered all in one place from February 12 to 17, 2026, at the centralwOrld Square.

The opening of GALLOP INTO PROSPERITY WITH TIANMA, the biggest “Tianma Horse” in Thailand, with performances by famous Thai artists and an orchestra of more than 50, is one of the main highlights, as well as THE CELESTIAL SACRED BREEZE zone for paying homage to deities such as Guan Yu, Cai Shen Ye, and Thousand-Handed Guan Yin. Additionally, there will be the CHINESE PERFORMANCE SHOW, a contemporary Chinese cultural extravaganza featuring acrobatics, fairy dances, and spectacular lion and dragon dances, including the Royal Award-winning Plum Blossom Pole Jumping Lion, and exclusive special shows by MK Restaurants.

Across centralwOrld, visitors can explore a variety of auspicious installations and check-in spots, including the AUSPICIOUS BLOOM COURTYARD of eight symbolic flowers, the EIGHT BLESSINGS OF PROSPERITY digital displays, the PATH OF PROSPERITY, the HEAVEN ENTRANCE, and the LUCK & LOVE MARKET, featuring amulets, auspicious items, and lucky food menus.

For the Great Chinese New Year 2026 campaign, running from January 30 to March 1, 2026, there will be valuable shopping and dining promotions, including The1 points, dining vouchers, and various gifts. Special privileges for foreign tourists include a free drink coupon upon showing their passport and registering for The 1 Tourist, as well as the Snap & Post activity where you can get exclusive Tianma Ice Cream only at centralwOrld.

How Young Populations in Developing Economies Shape Global Crypto Adoption

Youth in Laos engaging with digital finance near urban river.
Young girl walking by Mekong River in city, representing youth driving crypto adoption in Laos and Asia. (Picture by Bazoom Group)

MEDIA OUTREACH – The air in much of Asia feels charged with possibility. Not in a grand sweeping way, but in the ordinary everyday movement of young people on their phones. In markets from Vietnam to Thailand, new wallets are being created by people in their twenties more often than by pensioners. It can’t be deemed idle curiosity either. Nearly one in four adults in the Asia-Pacific region now uses digital assets, far above the global average and roughly 535 million people in total, driven by stablecoins and remittances as well as investment interest.

This rising tide hasn’t bypassed Laos entirely. Crypto adoption in Laos remains modest compared with its neighbours, with a user penetration rate of just over three per cent in 2024 and an estimated 243,500 users were expected by 2025. Youth in Laos, as in much of Southeast Asia, tend to be more digitally literate and more open to alternatives to traditional banking. You see this in the widespread use of smartphones, the growing internet access, and the conversations young Laotians have around finance and savings.

Fluctuations and Value

Among all the technical language around trading and blockchain networks, what people actually look at is value, be it in Bitcoin or Monero. The way a coin moves against the dollar is something everyone can grasp. Consider how many times the Monero to USD rate appears in online chats and price listings, a marker not just of speculation but of real concern over how much purchasing power people might hold in a digital asset versus fiat currency.

Such figures fluctuate with market trends and local attitudes, but for some young investors in emerging markets, they may all figure in a learning process to understand risk and reward in digital finance.

Asia’s Youth and Crypto

In Southeast Asia and broader APAC, the use of cryptocurrency is linked to demographics and economics. In regions where the population is young, the use of cryptocurrency is high, mostly because the underlying technologies are mobile-first. In Vietnam, there is one of the highest numbers of cryptocurrency ownership in the world, with 17-20 million people having access to cryptocurrency, perhaps 17-20 percent of the total population owning cryptocurrency. More than 44 percent of the population of Vietnam is below 44 years of age, and also among the majority of those who use cryptocurrency are aged 18-34 years.

Thailand’s crypto scene tells a similar story. More than 13 million Thais, or roughly 18 per cent of the population, hold cryptocurrency, with a dominant share under the age of 24. India topped global crypto adoption rankings in 2025, where a young tech-savvy population and robust developer community have driven a boom in retail transactions. Even further north, data show that Asia accounts for an estimated 60 per cent of global crypto users.

This preference for digital assets among young people in Asia comes out of a few strands of everyday life. Bank accounts, while common, often feel distant and expensive for small savers. Remittances and cross-border payments carry fees that eat into earnings. Crypto and stablecoins offer a promise of lower friction on payments and a new kind of savings outside a traditional bank. Despite regulatory uncertainty in many jurisdictions, the younger generation has embraced these new financial tools at a notable pace.

Voices from the Industry

Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, recently said that “Global adoption often starts with a single domino. Now that crypto is being recognised as a legitimate financial instrument within one of the world’s largest retirement systems, the question is no longer what but when.” This reflects how industry leaders see the current moment: not just as growth in users but as a turning point in mainstream acceptance.

In a similar vein, Yi He, co-founder of Binance, has emphasised that “Crypto isn’t just the future of finance it’s already reshaping the system, one day at a time.” That remark captures how people on the ground feel when they see friends, colleagues, or relatives talking about crypto as part of daily economic life.

These voices matter because platforms like Binance serve as gateways for many first-time users across Asia. Exchanges offer access, education, and tools that make what once seemed arcane into something accessible. For young people in countries with less-developed financial infrastructures, this matters even more.

Laos in the Regional Context

For Laos, the story is less dramatic than its larger neighbours. Adoption remains low, and regulatory clarity is still emerging. There is no comprehensive legal framework yet, though pilot programmes allowing crypto mining and limited trading suggest a cautious openness. This reticence is partly a matter of capacity. Authorities are aware of the risks of fraud and volatility and are trying to balance innovation with protection.

Yet even here, the share of internet users and mobile connectivity is rising. In rural areas where banks are few and far between, young people are already using digital tools for daily life. The logic that applies across Asia applies to Laos too: young, connected, and mobile-first populations are fertile ground for new financial tools.

In more-developed Southeast Asian markets, where adoption rates are high, crypto is woven into local financial ecosystems. It is used for trading, sure, but also for remittances, gaming economies, and sometimes as a more stable store of value in the face of volatile inflation. That breed of practical use is less visible in Laos today, but the precursors are there in the habits of younger cohorts.

Challenges and Possibilities

Crypto adoption in developing economies isn’t frictionless. Education remains uneven. Scams and fraudulent schemes are a persistent threat in regions where regulatory safeguards are thin. Platforms and regulators alike face the challenge of building trust without stifling innovation.

That said, the young populations driving Asia’s overall crypto adoption are a force that institutions now take seriously. They are part of why firms and regulators are paying attention, why reports show adoption rates that outpace global averages, and why policy discussions increasingly include digital assets.

For readers in Laos and beyond, crypto adoption in developing economies is visible in the choices young people make today. Some will lose money. Some will find opportunity. All will contribute to how these digital tools fit into wider economic life.

Phemex Expands Digital Commodities Access With Gold and Silver Trading Initiative

APIA, Samoa, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phemex, a user-first crypto exchange, has launched a week-long spot trading initiative focused on digital precious metals, reflecting growing market interest in tokenized gold and silver as components of diversified digital portfolios. The initiative runs from January 29 to February 5, 2026, and features a total incentive pool exceeding $70,000.

Phemex Expands Digital Commodities Access With Gold and Silver Trading Initiative
Phemex Expands Digital Commodities Access With Gold and Silver Trading Initiative

This campaign focuses on spot trading pairs backed by precious metals, including PAXG, XAUT, and SLVON, aiming to encourage broader participation in commodity-linked digital assets while expanding the role of non-crypto-native instruments within on-chain trading environments. As global investors increasingly seek alternatives that combine the liquidity of crypto markets with the stability characteristics of traditional assets, tokenized metals are emerging as a bridge between the two systems.

Open to all Phemex users, with a particular emphasis on those new to spot precious metals trading, the initiative introduces multiple participation pathways designed to lower entry barriers and promote sustained engagement. Eligible users can earn rewards by reaching defined trading activity thresholds, with a total incentive pool distributed across volume-based participation, trading consistency, and first-time engagement.

According to Phemex, the initiative reflects a broader strategic direction. By expanding access to asset-backed instruments alongside core crypto products, the exchange aims to support more balanced portfolio construction and long-term participation across market cycles.

As part of its evolving multi-asset ecosystem, Phemex continues to integrate digital representations of traditional assets, reinforcing its commitment to providing users with diverse tools to navigate an increasingly convergent global financial landscape.

About Phemex

Founded in 2019, Phemex is a user-first crypto exchange trusted by over 10 million traders worldwide. The platform offers spot and derivatives trading, copy trading, and wealth management products designed to prioritize user experience, transparency, and innovation. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to user empowerment, Phemex delivers reliable tools, inclusive access, and evolving opportunities for traders at every level to grow and succeed.

For more information, please visit: https://phemex.com/

HTX Hot Listings Weekly Recap (Jan 19-25): RIVER Soars 393% as Multi-Sector Momentum Rises with DeFi Surge and Memecoin Breakout

PANAMA CITY, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During the week of January 19-25, the crypto market showed signs of a gradual recovery amidst continued volatility. As risk appetite improved, capital began rotating into niche sectors with stronger narratives and clearer utility. Against this backdrop, newly listed assets on HTX—a leading global crypto exchange—generated significant wealth effects. Notably, RIVER recorded an all-time-high increase of 393% following its listing, while the Chinese-language memecoin project “我踏马来了(WoTaMaLaiLe)” surged as much as 192% after going live on the platform.


As market sentiment found its footing, HTX maintained its edge by delivering early-stage alpha and frictionless entry points for users. Through rigorous project curation and a visionary listing strategy, the platform became a nexus where high-potential opportunities across multiple sectors accelerate into real financial growth.

DeFi and Memecoin Sectors: Sentiment Rebounds, Leading Assets Take the Lead

  • RIVER (River): +393%, leading all newly listed assets with the highest weekly gain. River is building a chain-abstracted stablecoin system that connects assets, liquidity, and yield across multiple blockchains. Even after sharp price appreciation, RIVER maintained active trading momentum. HTX also launched a passive income product for the token, offering up to 10% APY, diversifying the asset’s return profile beyond mere price performance.
  • AUCTION (Auction): +34%. As a long-established DeFi project, Bounce aims to provide diverse auction mechanisms for individuals and projects. BOT, the governance token of bounce.finance, has been migrated to AUCTION at a 1:100 ratio. As capital flows back into the market, assets with mature mechanisms and proven use cases are once again attracting attention.
  • 我踏马来了(WoTaMaLaiLe): +192%. It is a Chinese-language memecoin project within the BSC ecosystem, inspired by a viral post from He Yi. Driven by community momentum and sentiment, culturally distinct and region-specific memecoins tend to exhibit stronger potential during market recoveries.


Public Blockchains and Scaling: L1 and L2’s Steady Progress and BTCFi’s Exploration

  • HANA (Hana Network): +157%, a Layer 1 project Launched by a Japanese team in December 2022, Hana Network introduces a new interface designed to onboard users into the crypto space through applications such as streaming and trading platforms. As Layer 1 narratives continue to evolve, its technical roadmap and ecosystem strategy are gradually gaining market recognition.
  • TAIKO (Taiko): +47%, a Layer 2 asset. Taiko is a fully open-source, permissionless, Ethereum-equivalent ZK Rollup designed to scale Ethereum natively. Market expectations for Ethereum scaling solutions remain structurally intact over the long term.
  • B2 (B² Network): +19%, a BTCFi and Layer 2 project. B² Network, a next-generation Layer 2 scaling solution built on Bitcoin, aims to significantly enhance performance and scalability without compromising Bitcoin’s underlying security. While still in its early stages, the sector carries notable long-term potential.

Privacy Computing and AI: Structural Opportunities Unfold

  • ROSE (Oasis): +44%, a representative asset in the privacy sector. Oasis Network is a secure and scalable blockchain platform designed to redefine DeFi and drive broader adoption of blockchain technology beyond early crypto users. The rise of demand for data security and regulatory compliance remains the medium- to long-term value of privacy computing in focus.
  • KITE (Kite AI): +40%, an AI-sector asset. Kite is building what it describes as the first AI payment blockchain, a foundational infrastructure enabling autonomous AI agents to operate. After a period of narrative recalibration, high-quality AI projects demonstrate sustained appeal.

Consistent High-Quality Listings Highlight HTX’s Asset Selection Strength

Overall, newly listed assets on HTX delivered synchronized strength across multiple sectors last  week, ranging from high-beta DeFi and memecoin projects to long-term players in public blockchain, privacy, AI, and BTCFi. As the broader market gradually recovers, HTX continues to translate rigorous asset screening and forward-looking positioning into diversified, high-potential opportunities for its users. With sentiment normalizing, structurally driven, multi-sector resonance remains a trend worth monitoring closely.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

 

Zerova Showcases Scalable Fleet and Urban Charging Solutions at EVCharge Live Thailand 2026

Tailored solutions for fleet and urban charging underscore local deployment and white-label collaboration

BANGKOK, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zerova Technology (“Zerova” or “the Company”) showcased its full range of DC and AC charging solutions at Booth B13 during EVCharge Live Thailand 2026 from January 28-29, 2026, emphasizing modular, scalable system design for fleet operators and urban public charging networks. The Company highlighted its split-type architecture, Dynamic Power Distribution technology, and expanded deployment footprint in Southeast Asia, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Thailand and the region.

Alex Lin, Chairman of Zerova Technology, commented: “As fleet electrification and urban charging demand continue to grow, operators need solutions that can be deployed in phases, scaled easily, and configured for different grid conditions. We look forward to meeting partners at EVCharge Live Thailand 2026, not only to demonstrate our modular charging architecture but also to listen, collaborate, and co-develop tailored charging experiences for Southeast Asia.”

Modular, Scalable Architecture for Fleet and Urban Needs

At the event, Zerova presented a deployable and flexible portfolio engineered for high-density fleet operations and urban charging environments. The DZ480 kW power cabinet anchored the Company’s split-type system, paired with DD Generation 3 and Generation 3.5 dispenser cabinets. The architecture supported phased construction, multi-vehicle charging, and site-level scalability without major grid upgrades.

Zerova also displayed all-in-one chargers, including the DQ480 kW and DS80-120 kW units, alongside the AX Series AC platform for destination charging. The showcase reflected a broader strategy to deliver charging and energy-integration solutions that matched Thailand’s unique operating conditions, grid environments, and rapid EV adoption.

Zerova showcases its EV charging solutions at EVCharge Live Thailand 2026
Zerova showcases its EV charging solutions at EVCharge Live Thailand 2026

Supporting Thailand’s Charging Network Expansion

Zerova continues to strengthen its footprint in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, where the government aims to deploy 12,000 public chargers by 2030 and expand EV supply chain participation. Since entering the region in 2023, Zerova has completed more than 100 site deployments across Thailand and established a local service team to support commissioning, optimization, and maintenance.

Leveraging real-world deployment experience, Zerova helps local partners plan expansions, manage grid constraints, and improve capital efficiency through Dynamic Power Distribution and modular design. The Company works closely with utilities, CPOs, fleet operators, and energy partners in Thailand to support national EV and energy transition goals, including continued collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA).

Zerova charging stations in operation in Thailand, supporting fleet and urban public charging.
Zerova charging stations in operation in Thailand, supporting fleet and urban public charging.

 

Zerova charging stations in operation in Thailand, supporting fleet and urban public charging.
Zerova charging stations in operation in Thailand, supporting fleet and urban public charging.

 Localized Insights, Regional Strategy

Zerova’s product roadmap draws on operational experience from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Its modular architecture, Dynamic Power Distribution, and energy-storage integration allow operators to meet high-load, multi-vehicle charging needs in power-constrained or space-limited sites.

EVCharge Live Thailand 2026 also serves as a market-listening platform for Zerova, which is gathering feedback on next-generation concepts — including a slim DC charger with a 10-inch UI and 80–120 kW output, tailored for urban and fleet applications in Southeast Asia.

Brand Behind the Brand: Customization and Collaboration

As part of its broader regional strategy, Zerova continues to expand its role across the fleet-electrification and charge point operator (CPO) ecosystems, not only as a hardware provider but as a full energy-integration solutions partner. By combining charging systems with energy storage and smart energy management, Zerova enables customers to navigate grid variability and rising EV adoption.

Reinforcing its position as the “brand behind the brand,” Zerova provides ODM and JDM solutions that enable partners to customize system designs, user interfaces, and deployment models. This approach supports utilities, energy companies, CPOs, and automotive stakeholders seeking differentiated charging experiences.

Visitors can explore Zerova’s solutions and partnership opportunities at Booth B13 during EVCharge Live Thailand 2026. Additional information and consultation requests are available through Zerova’s official website.

DFI Retail Group and Becon Announce Strategic Partnership to Launch AI Skin & Scalp Assessment in over 400 Stores Across Asia

Driving Omnichannel Experiences with Trusted Advice and Personalised Recommendations Online and Offline


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – DFI Retail Group (“DFI”) and Becon, a Samsung-backed company, today announced a strategic partnership to launch an AI-powered skin and scalp assessment solution across online and offline channels in Asia. This milestone reinforces DFI’s commitment to driving growth in wellness and delivering integrated omnichannel experiences at scale, underpinned by trusted advice and personalised recommendations for customers of its Health & Beauty business.

(Group photo, from left to right) Amanda Tay, Commercial Director of Health & Beauty, DFI Retail Group; Andrew Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Health & Beauty, DFI Retail Group; Minsuk Park, Chief Executive Officer of Becon; Kyungah Kim, Chief Operating Officer of Becon
(Group photo, from left to right) Amanda Tay, Commercial Director of Health & Beauty, DFI Retail Group; Andrew Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Health & Beauty, DFI Retail Group; Minsuk Park, Chief Executive Officer of Becon; Kyungah Kim, Chief Operating Officer of Becon

Accelerating mass roll-out across Asia

The partnership will see the phased deployment of Becon’s skin and scalp assessments across more than 400 Guardian and Mannings stores in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, and Singapore. A phased roll-out will also introduce a mobile app lite solution on Guardian and Mannings apps.

The mass roll-out builds on a successful proof-of-concept in 2025, which demonstrated strong customer engagement, achieving significant purchase conversion and basket growth, along with consistently high revisit intention scores exceeding 6.5 out of 7.

Driving integrated wellness experiences across omnichannel

With Becon’s solutions, Guardian and Mannings will be able to leverage data-driven insights to provide tailored wellness advice and personalised recommendations, effectively building trust and strengthening loyalty with customers.

Customers will be able to start with quick assessments online, and be guided towards stores for comprehensive, in-depth assessments and consultations with trained wellness professionals. This seamless, integrated experience contributes to driving engagement and traffic between online and offline touchpoints, while empowering customers to make more informed choices as Guardian and Mannings continue to expand their wellness assortment with function- and efficacy-based products.

Delivering micro-precision analysis

Becon’s solution combines macro and micro analyses for higher accuracy, backed by collaborative research with medical professionals and a robust database of over 3 million skin and hair profiles. Its specialised scanner uses a high-resolution camera and multiple sensors, including UV-A LED imaging, temperature, humidity, and odour detection, to measure 12 skin and 12 hair parameters respectively in just five minutes:

  • Skin: moisture, redness, sebum, acne, porphyrins, pore size, pore density, blemishes, wrinkles, dark circles, skin barrier, skin temperature
  • Hair and scalp: hair loss risk, hair volume, hair thickness, follicle density, hairs per follicle, moisture, sebum, dandruff, sensitivity, hair odour

Andrew Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Health & Beauty, DFI Retail Group, said: “This partnership with Becon represents a strategically important step in advancing our wellness strategy and reinforcing our position as the trusted advisor for our customers. By integrating technology with our long-standing professional expertise, we create an omnichannel experience that not only supports customers’ diverse wellness needs, but also nurtures lasting engagement and loyalty across our Health & Beauty businesses.”

Minsuk Park, CEO of Becon, said: “This partnership with DFI Retail Group allows Becon to bring our advanced assessment technology to more customers across Asia. By combining our innovation capabilities with DFI’s strong retail network and omnichannel ecosystem, we can deliver personalised insights at scale and help customers understand their wellbeing with trusted advice.”

DFI and Becon will continue to collaborate closely as the solution is introduced progressively across stores and mobile apps starting in 2026. Customers will be able to access these new services in more neighbourhood locations, supported by the phased launch of the mobile app lite experience in selected markets. Together, the two companies remain committed to enhancing wellness experiences built on technology, expertise, and personalisation.
Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Guardian #Mannings #Becon

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

About DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. At 1 Dec 2025, the Group and its associates operated over 7,400 outlets and employed over 81,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants.

Guardian

Guardian was established in 1967 in Malaysia and has grown into a trusted health and beauty retailer in Southeast Asia. With more than 1,200 stores across Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Guardian offers a comprehensive range of healthcare, beauty care, personal care, and baby care products to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Guardian stores also offer professional services such as patient-care counselling, dispensary and personal care services, providing a convenient, one-stop health and beauty solution.

Mannings

Mannings is Hong Kong’s largest health and beauty retailer, operating over 300 outlets, including more than 60 in-store pharmacies, across Hong Kong and Macau. With a diverse range of products and services, Mannings is committed to integrating the concept of “Wellness” into our daily lives while pioneering a new era of health. By offering innovative health technologies, AI solutions, preventive healthcare, self-managed health tools, and digital wellness and beauty solutions, Mannings empowers individuals and families to prioritize their well-being. Mannings also provides complementary professional services, including Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines program, Advice for Minor Ailments, as well as medication and usage consultations, safeguarding the community’s health and beauty.

About Becon

Becon is a Korean beauty technology company specialising in AI-driven scalp and skin analysis, combining proprietary imaging hardware, intelligent software, and data-driven recommendation systems to enable personalised care. Recognised by Samsung through its C-Lab Program and strategic investment, Becon has also received global and national honours including the CES 2023 Innovation Award, designation as a representative K-Beauty technology at the 2025 APEC Summit, a Tier-2 national technology evaluation, and the Minister of Science and ICT Award. Through continuous innovation and global partnerships, Becon aims to redefine how scalp and skin health are analysed and managed worldwide.