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Bright Scholar Announces Completion of Going Private Transaction

CAMBRIDGE, England and FOSHAN, China, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited (“Bright Scholar” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEDU), a global premier education service company, today announced the completion of the merger (the “Merger”) of the Company with Bright Education Mergersub Limited (“Merger Sub”), an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and a wholly owned subsidiary of Excellence Education Investment Limited (“Parent”), a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, pursuant to the previously announced Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of October 13, 2025, by and among the Company, Parent and Merger Sub.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each American depository share of the Company (each, an “ADS”), representing four Class A ordinary shares of the Company (together with the Class B ordinary shares of the Company, the “Shares”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than ADSs representing the Excluded Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement), together with the underlying Shares represented by such ADSs, was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive US$2.30 in cash per ADS (less US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) cancellation fees), without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes, and each Share of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than the Excluded Shares, Shares represented by ADSs and the Dissenting Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement), was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive US$0.575 in cash per Share without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, the Company terminated the 2017 Share Incentive Plan and 2024 Share Incentive Plan adopted by the Company on December 15, 2017 and January 18, 2024, respectively (collectively, the “Company Equity Plan”) and any relevant award agreements entered into under the Company Equity Plan.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, unless otherwise consented to by the holder of such option, each option to purchase Shares granted under the Company Equity Plan in accordance with the terms thereof (each, a “Company Option”) that was vested, outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time was cancelled in exchange for an amount of cash equal to (i) the excess, if any, of US$0.575 over the exercise price per Share of such Company Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of Shares underlying such Company Option (assuming such holder exercised such vested Company Option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time); provided that if the exercise price of any such Company Option was equal to or greater than US$0.575, such Company Option was cancelled without any payment therefor; and each Company Option unvested or otherwise not exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time was cancelled for nil consideration.

As a result of the Merger, Bright Scholar became a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and the ADSs of the Company no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).

In connection with the consummation of the Merger, the Company has requested that trading of its ADSs on the NYSE be suspended on [December 16], 2025 (New York time) and that the NYSE file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Form 25 relating to the delisting of the Company’s ADSs from the NYSE to withdraw the Shares from registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The deregistration will become effective 90 days after the filing of Form 25 or such shorter period as may be determined by the SEC. The Company intends to file a Form 15 with the SEC under the Exchange Act, approximately 10 days following the filing of the Form 25, requesting the deregistration of the Company’s Shares under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and the suspension of the Company’s reporting obligations under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s obligations to file with the SEC certain reports and forms, including Form 20-F and Form 6-K, will be suspended immediately as of the filing date of the Form 15 and will cease once the deregistration becomes effective.

About Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited

Bright Scholar is a premier global education service group. The Company primarily provides quality international education to global students and equips them with the critical academic foundation and skillsets necessary to succeed in the pursuit of higher education.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.brightscholar.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s business plans and development, which can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “future,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Bright Scholar may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Bright Scholar’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed with the SEC by the Company, including the Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement filed by the Company; the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to provide efficient services and compete effectively; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brands; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. 

For investor inquiries, please contact:

IR Contact:
Email: BEDU@thepiacentegroup.com
Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677/ +1-212-481-2050

Media Contact:
Email: media@brightscholar.com

GDIN’s Global Pilot Program Demonstrates the Real-World Impact of K-Digital Innovation

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Digital Innovation Network (GDIN), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), announced strong first-year results from the 2025 AI and Digital Transformation Global Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Support Program, highlighting the growing global competitiveness of Korean deep-tech companies through successful overseas pilots.

Launched this year as a new government-backed initiative, the program enables Korean AI and digital transformation (DX) companies to validate their technologies directly within overseas operating environments. Eight companies—Robotware.AI, Monit, Quve17, Tilda, Codepresso, Classum, Tetrasignum, and Triplet—were selected, with most already executing pilot projects alongside international demand partners across education, agriculture and livestock, digital healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Unlike conventional overseas expansion programs focused on promotion or exports, the GDIN-led initiative adopts a market-driven global pilot model. Participating companies are required to demonstrate how their solutions address real operational challenges faced by overseas institutions, producing measurable outcomes under local regulatory, environmental, and business conditions. This approach enables startups to validate performance, scalability, and commercial readiness in a way that directly supports global market entry.

A defining feature of the program is its designated-demand structure. GDIN curated a portfolio of pilot opportunities from 29 overseas public and private institutions, allowing startups to apply directly to pre-identified, high-relevance use cases. By removing the need for companies to independently source overseas partners, the program significantly lowers entry barriers, reduces pilot risk, and accelerates execution timelines.

Each selected company receives up to KRW 100 million in funding to support PoC implementation, including personnel costs, prototype development, data generation, and international travel. GDIN provides end-to-end support throughout partner matching, contracting, pilot execution, and performance evaluation, working closely with government agencies to ensure speed and continuity.

Early results underscore the program’s effectiveness. Robotware.AI, a provider of AI- and IoT-based smart livestock automation solutions, has launched a pilot with the Selangor Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) in Malaysia, validating its fully automated poultry farming platform under Southeast Asia’s challenging climate conditions.

Monit, a digital healthcare company specializing in AI-powered patient monitoring, has begun pilots of its incontinence detection sensor at public hospitals in Singapore, aiming to improve caregiving efficiency and patient outcomes.

Quve17, an AI dental technology company, is conducting pilots in the U.S. and Europe to validate its automated dental prosthetics design and occlusion analysis solutions.

Meanwhile, Tilda, an industrial AI company, is testing its manufacturing process optimization platform at production sites in Germany and Austria, targeting significant improvements in yield, productivity, and energy efficiency.

“These pilots go beyond visibility—they create proof,” said Jongkap Kim, CEO of GDIN. “The experience of validating technology across different cultures, regulations, and industrial environments is a critical asset for startups. This program marks an important starting point for objectively demonstrating the global competitiveness of K-Digital innovation.”

Despite being in its inaugural year, the program is already gaining recognition as a practical pathway to follow-on investment, local subsidiary formation, joint research, and long-term commercial contracts—positioning Korean digital innovators for sustained and scalable global expansion.

 

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market Update + AAF Advertising Hall of Fame to Ring NYSE Closing Bell

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

Pre-Market Update + AAF Advertising Hall of Fame to Ring NYSE Closing Bell

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on December 16th

  • Investors digest November jobs report
  • Financial media outlet Ticker Take announces partnership with NYSE
  • AAF Advertising Hall of Fame to ring Closing Bell as it celebrates 75th anniversary

Opening Bell
Harbor Capital (NYSE: HGER, NYSE Arca: SIHY, MEDI, HAPI) celebrates four of their ETFs and the continued NYSE partnership.

Closing Bell
American Advertising Federation celebrates 75th anniversary of Advertising Hall of Fame.

Click here to download the NYSE TV App

 

Forge Resources Intersects 3.4 g/t Gold over 44.75 Metres, and 800 Metre Step-Out Discovers 1.04 g/t Gold over 55.52 Metres at Alotta, Yukon


Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – December 16, 2025 – Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) (“FRG” or the “Company“), is pleased to announce full gold assay results from drill hole ALT-25-012 at the Payoff Zone intersecting 3.4 g/t gold over 44.75 metres from 256.23 metres and discovery results from hole ALT-25-013 at the Alimony Zone grading at 1.04 g/t gold over 55.52 metres from 91.99 metres, at its Alotta Project in Yukon (Figure 1).

Highlights:

  • Final results from drill hole ALT-25-012 at Payoff Zone include:
    • 76.93 m grading 2.03 g/t Au from 223 metres, including 44.75 m grading 3.4 g/t Au, and 8.16 m grading 17.7 g/t Au and including 1.25 m grading 105 g/t Au. All intervals are drilled core lengths.
    • This hole intersected significant amounts of visible gold from narrow quartz veins, in addition to widespread mineralization (See News Release dated November 20, 2025).
  • The Company is pleased to report results from drill hole ALT-25-013, the first and only hole drilled at the Alimony Zone.
    • Widespread near-surface gold mineralization was discovered, including 112.21 m grading 0.66 g/t Au near surface from 35.29 metres, including 55.52 m grading 1.04 g/t Au and including 1.6 m grading 25.8 g/t Au. All intervals are drilled core lengths.
    • The Alimony Zone lies approximately 800 m west of the Payoff Zone (575 m northwest of drill hole ALT-25-012, above). No drilling has been completed between these two zones.
    • This drill hole represents a new drilling discovery at the Alotta Project.


PJ Murphy, CEO of Forge Resources
, states: “We are continually impressed by results from the Payoff Zone, which is successfully developing in size and grade with every drill hole. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce the discovery drill results from the Alimony Zone that demonstrates the large-scale fertility of the mineralizing system at Alotta. We are eagerly awaiting the remaining 2025 drill results, from the Commission Zone, which will provide critical data for helping guide future exploration. We are looking forward to the 2026 field season to continue exploring the potential on the property and further advancing our exciting pipeline of targets on the property.”


Figure 1. Overview Map of Diamond Drill Holes.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_00f0013144f59af0_001full.jpg

Diamond Drilling:

A total of 1262.75 m of drilling in 4 drill holes were completed by the Company during the Phase 2 drill program in 2025. Drill hole location data for results reported in this news release are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Diamond Drill Hole Data

Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m)
ALT-25-012 623260 6915966 1078 135 -60 339.75
ALT-25-013 623019 6916490 1031 235 -50 312

Assay highlights of diamond drill holes pertaining to this News Release are found in Table 2 and 3.

Table 2: Payoff Zone Highlight Assay Results

Payoff Zone
ALT-25-012 This News Release
From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)*
Au
(g/t)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
54.45 65.31 10.86 0.35 0.54 0.02
176.00 185.00 9.00 0.41 0.25 0.01
223.00 301.00 76.93 2.03 1.43 0.02
including 256.23 301.00 44.75 3.40 2.22 0.024
including 284.93 293.10 8.16 17.71 9.31 0.07
including 286.00 289.15 3.15 45.01 17.31 0.13
including 286.00 287.15 1.15 8.85 24.50 0.08
including 287.15 288.40 1.25 105 20.80 0.24
327.94 339.00 11.06 0.34 0.59 0.02

*All intervals are drilled core lengths. Additional drilling is required to establish true widths.

Table 3: Alimony Zone Highlight Assay Results

Alimony Zone
ALT-25-013 This News Release
From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)*
Au
(g/t)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
35.29 147.52 112.21 0.66 0.61 0.01
including 74.20 147.52 73.31 0.82 0.56 0.01
including 91.99 147.52 55.52 1.04 0.6 0.01
including 109.56 145.60 36.04 1.41 0.55 0.01
including 144 145.6 1.6 25.8 3.14 0.01
282.49 311.14 28.65 0.254 0.84 0.01

*All intervals are drilled core lengths. Additional drilling is required to establish true widths.

Payoff Zone

Hole ALT-25-012 drilled through granodiorite and porphyritic rocks and intersected widespread, near-surface alteration, veining, and sulphide mineralization. Alteration includes pervasive secondary biotite that is overprinted by intense silicification, and widespread chlorite and sericite alteration, which are more intense around areas of concentrated veining (Photo 1). Quartz vein-hosted pyrite, molybdenite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite were commonly observed in quartz veins, with the strongest concentrations of veining and mineralization found in the top and bottom 100 metres of the drill hole (Photo 2).


Photo 1. Quartz-pyrite veins with strong chlorite-sericite alteration halos (Alt-25-012, 186 m depth).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_forgeimg2.jpg


Photo 2. Quartz vein with centreline of pyrite (right) in porphyritic rocks hosting disseminated pyrite and pyrrhotite (ALT-25-012, 55 m depth)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_00f0013144f59af0_003full.jpg

At 287.32 m down hole, below the most intense widespread alteration and mineralization, drilling intersected a low angle (10-30° to core axis) irregular quartz vein, approximately 10 cm wide, hosting visible gold and bismuthinite, along with disseminated to semi-massive pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, molybdenite, and sphalerite (Photos 3 and 4). Core sampling of the quartz vein and surround rock returned 1.25 m grading 105 g/t Au. Immediately preceding this sample, a second cm-scale quartz vein hosting visible gold in altered and veined granodiorite returned 1.15 m grading 8.85 g/t Au. In the footwall of the coarse gold-bearing veins, narrow sulphide stringers developed within granodiorite returned 0.47 g/t Au over a core length of 0.75 m.


Photo 3. ~10 cm wide irregular quartz vein cutting granodiorite hosting coarse native gold, bismuthinite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, molybdenite and sphalerite (ALT-25-012).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_00f0013144f59af0_004full.jpg


Photo 4. Photos of coarse visible gold and bismuthinite from a ~10 cm wide vein in drill hole ALT-25-012 (Photo 3 – 287.32 – 288.24 m).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_00f0013144f59af0_005full.jpg

Alimony Zone

Hole ALT-25-013, collared 800 m northwest of the Payoff Zone and 575 m northwest of drill hole ALT-25-012, was the first hole drilled into the Alimony Zone, a target defined by a tightly constrained 400 by 600 metre molybdenum-gold soil anomaly.

The hole drilled entirely through granodiorite, and intersected widespread, discrete, quartz and carbonate veins with associated sulphide mineralization throughout the top of the hole, and narrow polymetallic quartz veins. Overall, alteration and veining in this hole is less abundant than observed at the Payoff Zone; however, broad intervals of gold mineralization were intersected in the upper 150 m of the drill hole associated with discrete quartz veining, in addition to higher-grade polymetallic quartz veins (Photo 5 and 6).


Photo 5. Banded quartz vein with disseminated and banded sulphides (Alt-25-013, 36 m depth – 8.2 g/t Au over 0.83 m, from 35.29 m depth).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_forgeimg6jpg


Photo 6. Banded polymetallic pyrite-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite vein (Alt-25-013, 170 m depth – 4.59 g/t Au over 0.37 m, from 170.42 m depth).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_forgepct6.jpg


Figure 2. Cross Section of drill hole ALT-25-013.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/278191_00f0013144f59af0_008full.jpg

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Analytical work was completed by ALS Canada Ltd., with sample delivery in Whitehorse, Yukon, sample preparation in Langley, British Columbia, and geochemical analysis in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Rigorous procedures are in place regarding sample collection and data entry. Certified assay standards, coarse reject duplicates, field duplicates and blanks were routinely inserted into the sample stream to ensure integrity of the assay process. All of the results reported have passed the QA/QC screening. Core was sampled using a diamond core saw, with half of each interval sent to the lab for analysis and the other half retained.

Half-core samples were fine-crushed and a 250 g split was pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Gold was determined for core samples using a 50 g charge by fire assay followed by an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish (Au-AA24). The fine fraction was analyzed for 48 elements using a four acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma combined with mass spectroscopy and atomic emission spectroscopy finish (ME-MS61)

Fire assay screen analysis was completed using a 1 kg sample size screened to -106 microns. Oversize material was analyzed in entirety by fire assay with gravimetric finish. A 30 g assay of the undersized material was analyzed in duplicate by fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Results of the oversize and undersize assays were combined to provide the final reported number in this release.

Proximity to Measured and Indicated Resources

The Alotta property consists of 230 mineral claims that covers approximately 4,723 hectares in a similar geological setting to Western Copper and Gold’s Casino deposit, that is located 50 km to the north of the Alotta Project. The Casino deposit is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold porphyry projects in the world.

About Forge Resources Corp.

Forge Resources Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company focused on exploring and advancing the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project consisting of 230 mineral claims that cover 4,723 hectares, located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada.

In addition, the Company holds an 80% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. The project contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal.

Qualified Person

Lorne Warner, President and P. Geo, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
“PJ Murphy”, CEO Forge Resources Corp.
info@forgeresources.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company’s intentions with respect to the development of its mineral properties. Forward-looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor.

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

About Forge Resources Corp.

Databricks Grows >55% YoY, Surpasses $4.8B Revenue Run-Rate, and is Raising >$4B Series L at $134B Valuation

Company accelerates investments in Agent Bricks, Lakebase and Databricks Apps to power Data Intelligent Applications 

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Databricks, the Data and AI company, today announced it is raising a >$4 billion Series L investment, valuing the company at $134 billion. Additionally, the company crossed a $4.8 billion revenue run-rate during its Q3, growing >55% year over year, including >$1 billion revenue run-rate from its Data Warehousing business and >$1 billion revenue run-rate from its AI products — all while delivering positive free cash flow over the last 12 months.

The parallel rise of vibe coding and generative AI is accelerating the development of Data Intelligent Applications in the enterprise. Databricks will use this new capital to help customers build AI apps and agents on their proprietary data, leveraging Lakebase as the system of record, Databricks Apps as the user experience layer, and Agent Bricks to power multi-agent systems.

The round was led by Insight Partners, Fidelity Management & Research Company, and J.P. Morgan Asset Management with additional participation from Andreessen Horowitz, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”), Coatue, GIC, MGX, NEA, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Robinhood Ventures, accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Temasek, Thrive Capital and Winslow Capital. This new investment builds on Databricks’ accelerating financial results and underscores the company’s vision to make data and AI accessible to all organizations.

Databricks’ Financial Momentum
This funding follows continued strong momentum across Databricks’ business, including:

  • Surpassing $4.8 billion revenue run-rate, growing >55% year over year.
  • Continuing to achieve positive free cash flow over the last 12 months.
  • Achieving >$1 billion revenue run-rate for its AI products.
  • In its first six months, Lakebase already has thousands of customers and is growing revenue at twice the pace of its Data Warehousing product.
  • Achieving >$1 billion revenue run-rate for its Data Warehousing product in less than four years from general availability.
  • Net retention rate sustaining >140%.
  • >700 customers consuming at over $1 million annual revenue run-rate.

The Rise of Data Intelligent Applications 
Databricks’ Series L funding will advance product development across three strategic products, helping customers build Data Intelligent Applications.

  • Lakebase is the first serverless Postgres database purpose-built for the age of AI.
  • Databricks Apps offers world-class speed and security to build and deploy data and AI applications.
  • Agent Bricks makes it easy for organizations to build and scale high-quality agents on their data.

In addition to fueling its growth, this capital is expected to be used to provide liquidity for employees. The investment is also expected to support future AI acquisitions and deepen AI research.

“Enterprises are rapidly reimagining how they build intelligent applications, and the convergence of generative AI with new coding paradigms is opening the door to entirely new workloads. With this investment, we’re deepening our commitment to help every organization innovate with AI on their own data,” said Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO of Databricks. “By anchoring transactional data in Lakebase, delivering intuitive experiences through Databricks Apps, and enabling advanced multi-agent systems with Agent Bricks, we’re giving customers a unified foundation to build trusted, high-performance Data Intelligent Applications at scale.”

“Our continued investment in Databricks reflects our deep conviction in their extraordinary momentum today and their ambitious vision for the future,” said John Wolff, Managing Director at Insight Partners. “Databricks leads the way in turning AI innovation into enterprise impact. We’re thrilled to deepen our investment in a team that continues to pair strong financial performance with real customer results, setting the standard for how AI creates value for businesses. Databricks is just getting started.”

About Databricks
Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 20,000 organizations worldwide — including adidas, AT&T, Bayer, Block, Mastercard, Rivian, Unilever, and over 60% of the Fortune 500 — rely on Databricks to build and scale data and AI apps, analytics and agents. Headquartered in San Francisco with 30+ offices around the globe, Databricks offers a unified Data Intelligence Platform that includes Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, Lakebase and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

Contact: Press@databricks.com

Introducing the VIOFO A119M Pro: The Budget-Friendly Front-Only 4K Dash Cam

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VIOFO has launched the newest model, the A119M Pro, a feature-packed, budget-friendly front-only 4K dashcam that is designed to impress. With real 4K 30 fps recording, Sony STARVIS 2 imaging, superior night vision, Wi-Fi 6 for lightning-fast transfers, and smart operations all packed into a tiny body, the A119M Pro is a big step forward from the A119 Mini 2

The VIOFO A119M Pro is a compact dashcam with true 4K Ultra HD clarity, enhanced night vision, and built-in parking mode—offering sharp, reliable coverage day and night at a highly affordable price.
The VIOFO A119M Pro is a compact dashcam with true 4K Ultra HD clarity, enhanced night vision, and built-in parking mode—offering sharp, reliable coverage day and night at a highly affordable price.

Next-Gen License Plate Clarity

4K 30FPS Recording

With true 4K 30fps recording, the A119M Pro gives you top-notch video quality with lifelike clarity and legible details. Every frame, from license plates to quickly moving objects, provides trustworthy proof in the event that it is needed following an incident.

Super Night Vision

The Sony STARVIS 2 sensor empowers the A119M Pro with enhanced visibility in dim/insufficient lighting and superb low-light performance with a larger dynamic range. It captures license plates and other important details with utmost clarity in the dark.

Incredible Image Quality

The A119M Pro uses a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 1/1.8″ 8MP image sensor, allowing it to record images with less motion blur and noise. This makes the videos and images look much sharper, even when things are moving at fast speeds.

Enhanced HDR Vision

The A119M Pro merges the Sony STARVIS 2 with HDR technology to create perfectly balanced lighting, guaranteeing legible plates even in tricky situations like backlit scenes and glare-heavy conditions.

Ultra-Convenient Connectivity

Hands-Free Voice Control

Ever needed to save an important moment but couldn’t take your hands off the wheel? Now you can simply say commands like “Lock Video” or “Take Photo” in 4 languages (English, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese), and the A119M Pro does the rest. Just safe, seamless control that keeps you focused on driving.

Lighting-Fast Wi-Fi 6 Transfer

No more long waits for downloading 4K video files. With the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, the A119M Pro delivers speeds up to 3× faster than older models with transfer speeds up to 30MB/s. A crucial one-minute clip can be pulled onto your phone in roughly 10 seconds.

Plug and Instant Grab Transfer

The A119M Pro lets you access your videos instantly without waiting to pair with Wi-Fi. Just plug your phone directly into the dashcam using a USB 2.0 Type-C to Type-C data cable and start transferring. With speeds up to 20MB/s on the iPhone 16, pulling footage or updating firmware is faster and easier than ever.
*Compatibility Note: Use a USB 2.0 Type-C to Type-C data cable and make sure your phone supports a 5V/2A output. USB 2.0 data transfer requires a compatible device.

Precise GPS Tracking and Location

The A119M Pro features a state-of-the-art Quad-Mode GPS module that supports four distinct satellite positioning systems: GPS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, and GLONASS. This provides faster and more accurate positioning, improved stability in difficult terrain, and detailed speed and time data.

Solid Parking Recording Capability

Dual Battery Protection

The A119M Pro parking mode is backed by two battery protection layers to keep your vehicle safe without draining the car battery.

  • Preset Parking Timer: Choose exactly how long the parking recording should run. Once it reaches your preset duration, the camera powers off automatically.
  • Hardwire Kit Low-Voltage Cutoff: Using the HK6 hardwire kit, your dashcam gets a second layer of protection. When low voltage is detected, the hardwire kit instantly cuts power to protect your car battery.

24/7 Parking Guardian

The A119M Pro safeguards your vehicle with comprehensive parking surveillance. It supports Auto Event Detection with buffered recording that captures events from 15 seconds before to 30 seconds after motion is detected. You can switch to Time Lapse Recording at 1/2/3/5/10 fps to save power and storage without audio, now enhanced with Super Night Vision for clearer low-light scenes. For continuous monitoring, Low Bitrate Recording keeps the camera running with minimal file size while preserving audio.

More Features

Loop Recording & Auto Emergency Lock

Keep recording without worry. The A119M Pro automatically overwrites old footage and instantly locks important videos during a collision, ensuring key evidence is always saved.

Circular Polarizing Lens (Included)

Cut glare and reflections with the provided CPL and enjoy clearer, sharper footage during the daytime.

Bluetooth Remote Control (Optional)

One press instantly protects videos and images. Place the Bluetooth remote within reach while driving and customize the side buttons for quick access to your favorite functions. 
*Control distance: 5 meters.

Final Thoughts

The VIOFO A119M Pro is proof that the best dash cam tech doesn’t have to break the bank or dominate your windshield. If you’re looking for a compact and affordable dash cam that brings top-tier 4K image quality, great night vision, smart connectivity, and comprehensive parking surveillance, this model is your perfect match.

The new model is also included in VIOFO’s Christmas promotion, running from December 5 to 19, which offers discounts of up to $130 on a wide selection of dash cams—from entry-level to advanced models—helping users easily find the right one for their needs.

Ready for the upgrade? Shop VIOFO A119M Pro on Amazon or in VIOFO website Now!

MDJM LTD Wholly-Owned Subsidiary MD Local Global Announces Major Business Upgrade and Cultural Expansion — Launching International “Journey to the West” Animated Short Film and Developing Fernie Castle Anime Art Gallery and Cultural IP Ecosystem

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MD Local Global Ltd. (“MDLG” or the “Company”), the UK-based wholly owned subsidiary of MDJM LTD (NASDAQ: UOKA), is pleased to announce a significant expansion and strategic upgrade of its cultural and creative operations.

Building on its international collaborations, MDLG will utilize Scotland’s historic Fernie Castle and its adjacent Oriental Garden as a core platform to establish an immersive animation art Gallery, inspired by the aesthetic and experiential philosophy of Japan’s Ghibli Museum.

This strategic transformation marks MDLG’s evolution towards a comprehensive global cultural IP ecosystem, integrating content creation, cultural tourism, international collaboration, and cultural asset management.

MDLG intends to focus its future strategy on:

1. Cultural IP Ownership & Original IP Development

  • Creating original IP rooted in Eastern culture, aesthetics, and philosophy.
  • Building cross-cultural storytelling with global appeal.

2. International Cultural IP Licensing & Collaboration

  • Introducing and collaborating with internationally recognized cultural Ips.
  • Expanding cross-border creative and cultural partnerships.

3. Cultural Experience Operations at Fernie Castle

Generating sustainable cultural revenue through animation & art exhibitions; themed cultural dining; boutique accommodation; oriental garden experiences, cultural festivals and immersive programming by leveraging the future Fernie Castle Anime Art Gallery and Oriental Garden Cultural Zone as core operational platforms.

4. Cultural IP Commercialization

  • Producing animated shorts and feature films.
  • Securing international distribution & streaming partnerships.
  • Generating box office and exhibition revenues.
  • Developing merchandise and derivative products.
  • Licensing globally and expanding brand cooperation

This strategy builds a seamless chain from IP to content, cultural space, commercial value, forming a sustainable cultural ecosystem.

Architectural Design Service Agreement for Fernie Castle Oriental Landscape Project signed with Kengo Kuma & Associates, Inc.

On July 15th, 2025, MDLG signed an Architectural Design Service Agreement for Fernie Castle Oriental Landscape Project with Kengo Kuma & Associate, Inc., a global architectural firm based in Tokyo Japan, to design Fernie Castle and its adjacent Oriental Garden, creating a new international cultural ecosystem that includes cross-cultural animation and art exhibitions, international artist residencies and cultural exchange, Eastern-aesthetic dining and themed boutique accommodation, and immersive experiences combining philosophy, narrative, and visual arts.

Script Contract Signed with Isabel Herguera and Gianmarco Serra

On August 1, 2025, MDLG signed a Script Contract with Isabel Herguera and Gianmarco Serra (the “Screenwriters”) to develop the script and related written/graphic materials for the short film Journey to the West. As of the date of this press release, we have completed the original screenplay for this short film. Ms. Herguera is an award-winning visual artist, animator, and director from San Sebastián. Her short films include La Gallina Ciega, Ámár, Bajo la Almohada, and Amore d’ ‘Inverno. Her feature film El sueño de la sultana (2023), co-written with Gianmarco Serra, won Best Basque Screenplay at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. She previously served as Artistic Director of Animac (2002–2012) and currently teaches animation at KHM Cologne. Mr. Serra, is a co-writer, editor, sound designer, and composer of El sueño de la sultana. His work has been recognized at Annecy, Zagreb, Hamburg, and San Sebastián. He has collaborated on numerous films with Herguera as producer, writer, musician, sound designer, and editor. Before entering animation full-time, he directed cultural programs for Italy’s‘s RAI television.

Animation Production Agreement Signed with Abano Producións

On November 12, 2025, MDLG signed an Animation Production Agreement with Abano Producións (“Abano”), a leading animation studio based in Galicia, Spain, to launch the production of an original animated short film inspired by the classic Chinese myth, Journey to the West.

Abano is a Galicia-based independent animation studio, internationally recognized for auteur animation and cross-border collaborations. Its films have won major festival awards and played an essential role in elevating European artistic animation. For example, its works have been selected and awarded by: Annecy International Animation Film Festival, San Sebastián International Film Festival, Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, and Zagreb World Festival of Animation. It has also received multiple Goya Awards for Best Animated Short Film.

About MD Local Global Ltd.

MD Local Global Ltd., headquartered in the United Kingdom, specializes in cultural IP development and ownership, animation film production, international licensing, cultural tourism operations and cultural venue development.

The company is committed to building a globally influential cultural and artistic ecosystem, bringing Eastern philosophy and aesthetics into the world through contemporary storytelling.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. 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 Company’s annual report on Form 20-F and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Contact:
Sherry Zheng
WAVECREST GROUP INC.
Phone: +1 718-213-7386
Email: sherry@wavecrestipo.com 

 

AI-Native Bamboo Rose Empowers Retailers to Sell More and Work Less in 2025

TotalPLM™ adoption and company growth accelerates with dramatic platform value expansion

BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bamboo Rose, a global leader in retail product development and supply chain technology, builds on a strong 2024 and is delivering record TotalPLM™ adoption and company growth in 2025. This marks the company’s third consecutive year of growth, fueled by sustained innovation and targeted acquisitions that expand platform capabilities and customer impact.

AI-Native Bamboo Rose Empowers Retailers to Sell More and Work Less in 2025
AI-Native Bamboo Rose Empowers Retailers to Sell More and Work Less in 2025

Putting R&D and M&A Investments to Work
Bamboo Rose’s TotalPLM platform delivers a true end-to-end experience, fueled by AI-powered Decision Intelligence that spans planning, merchant and designer collaboration, product development, sourcing, and order management. A patent-pending metadata layer embeds Decision Intelligence across the platform, enabling human end users and AI agents to work side-by-side. The result is faster product development, stronger confidence in supply, and optimized costs from concept through execution.

Decision Intelligence and Planning are now part of TotalPLM, added in late 2024 through acquisitions. Merchant and designer collaboration is powered by an early 2025 OEM agreement with VibeIQ.

Retailer interest in the Bamboo Rose Plan solution is surging, reflected in strong inbound demand and a growing set of active evaluations.

“Planning is a core part of how we operate, and we’re excited to take the next step. We’ve built real momentum on the platform, so expanding our planning capabilities is a natural evolution. The opportunity ahead is significant, and we’re energized by what it will unlock for our teams, our partners, and our customers,” said Natalie Wood, Chief Merchandising Officer, R.M.Williams.

Work Less, Sell More
TotalPLM connects the full product lifecycle on a single AI-native platform. With Decision Intelligence underneath every workflow, teams can automate routine decisions, reduce handoffs, and move faster with fewer resources. Shared data and connected processes also strengthen collaboration across internal teams and supplier networks, helping ensure the right products are developed, sourced, and delivered at speed and scale.

2025: A Year of Accelerating Success
Platform integration, strong customer success execution, and record levels of new logos define 2025:

  • New Customers: More than two dozen new logos, including Target, Fanatics, Serena & Lily, and Système U.
  • Multi-Category Adoption: Record levels of expansion and new logos across Fashion and Apparel, Food and Consumables, and General Merchandise.
  • Retention Remains Strong: Gross retention exceeds 96%.
  • Retail Revenue Impact Keeps Growing: TotalPLM adds over $250 billion in retail revenue under management.

2025 marks another year of strong momentum, driven by an AI-native TotalPLM platform that is changing how retailers bring products to life,” said Matt Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, Bamboo Rose. “By embedding Decision Intelligence across an end-to-end workflow, we are helping customers simplify work and grow sales, turning complexity into clarity from planning to execution. This is not incremental progress. It is a step-change in speed, confidence, and collaboration for the world’s most ambitious retailers and brands.”

NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show
Bamboo Rose is positioned for continued success in 2026, helping retailers and brands turn industry challenges into opportunities. Join us at NRF 2026, Retail’s Big Show, January 11–13 in New York City. Schedule a meeting with our team or visit booth #4042.

About Bamboo Rose
Bamboo Rose is a global leader in enterprise retail technology solutions. TotalPLM™ is the most comprehensive Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform, integrating Planning and Merchandising, Creative Collaboration, Product Development, Sourcing, Supplier Relationship Management, Purchase Order Management, and Global Trade Management — all powered by AI-fueled Decision Intelligence. Built for scalability and agility, the Bamboo Rose platform helps retailers and brands optimize operations, drive margin growth, and meet evolving industry demands. Learn more at bamboorose.com or follow us on LinkedIn.