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The Jollibee Group Announces Continued Momentum in Coffee and Tea and Chinese Cuisine Segments


METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – The Jollibee Group recently reported positive developments across its Coffee and Tea and Chinese Cuisine segments, reflecting strong execution, disciplined expansion, and continued momentum across key international markets.

Coffee and Tea Segment: Accelerated Growth Driven by key Coffee brands

The Coffee segment delivered robust expansion, supported by new store openings across Compose Coffee and Highlands Coffee. Combined, the segment recorded strong percentage growth alongside a healthy pipeline of new store openings (NSOs), reinforcing the Group’s confidence in the long-term potential of its Coffee and Tea portfolio.

South Korea- often referred to as the ‘Coffee Republic’ for its coffee consumption and intensely competitive, trend-driven market has become the proving ground for Compose Coffee’s remarkable rise. Compose Coffee’s gross store network has surpassed 3,000 locations, while net openings place the brand firmly on the cusp of reaching the same milestone on a net basis. The addition of 1,000 stores in under 18 months since opening its 2,000th location highlights the brand’s scalability, operational efficiency, and strong consumer resonance.

Amplifying its brand strength, the Compose Coffee app has reached 17.59 million cumulative users – approximately one in three Koreans and 60% of the country’s economically active population. Following the brand’s collaboration with BTS V, new subscribers surged by 8.3 million, reflecting top tier cultural influence and engagement.

Under its new CEO, Hongsuk Kim, Compose Coffee delivered the most successful marketing and product campaign in its history, a clear indication of the brand’s accelerating reach and execution strength. The “Buyeo Chestnut” menu surpassed 400,000 cups sold in its first week, supported by a digital campaign that generated 15 million views.

Highlands Coffee has established itself as Vietnam’s #1 coffee brand by market share, supported by vertically integrated sourcing and roasting capabilities, a powerful national brand, and a diversified beverage and food portfolio. The brand serves more than 100 million customers annually, supported by over 10,000 employees, demonstrating its scale and central role in daily Vietnamese life.

With a store network approaching 1,000 locations and previous record of high traffic-driven SSSG, with double-digit same store sales and transaction growth contributing to strong operating leverage, Highlands Coffee has doubled its footprint over the past three years, making it one of Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing coffee platforms.

Chinese Cuisine Segment: Strengthened by Yonghe King and Tim Ho Wan expansion

In December, Yonghe King, one of the Jollibee Group’s wholly owned Chinese cuisine brands in China, reached a milestone with the opening of 35 new franchised store openings, all deployed under its new, efficiency‑optimized store model.

This rapid expansion reinforces Yonghe King‘s strategic role in driving the Jollibee Group’s footprint in China – a region where the Group has highlighted stabilizing operations and a path back to financial viability and sustainable growth.

The Tim Ho Wan concept continues to emerge as a strategic growth engine for the Jollibee Group, highly complementary to the Group’s portfolio and well positioned for long-term global expansion. Since the acquisition, execution initiatives – including product, quality, and service enhancements – have translated into strong customer reception and top tier ratings on established consumer review platforms.

In Hong Kong, Tim Ho Wan delivered a rapid turnaround under JFC’s leadership, with 100% of stores now profitable within six months post-acquisition, including the first Tim Ho Wan location opened following the acquisition. In the US, early customer response to newly opened stores has been encouraging, supporting management’s conviction in the scalability and long-term growth potential of the Tim Ho Wan brand across international markets and the effectiveness of JFC’s execution playbook.

The opening of Tim Ho Wan Irvine, the brand’s first company‑operated US location under JFC management, marks a pivotal milestone for the Group, having been achieved within one year of assuming full ownership – demonstrating disciplined, high-speed execution. Early indicators point to encouraging customer uptake, reinforcing management’s conviction in the brand’s scalability in Western markets, as noted in recent investor discussions.

Moreover, the Irvine store establishes a repeatable operational template for broader US and international expansion, positioning Tim Ho Wan to leverage the Jollibee Group’s global supply chain, strong franchising discipline, and growing leadership in Chinese cuisine internationally – supporting the Group’s aspiration to scale Tim Ho Wan to 20 North America stores by 2028 and to be one of the most valuable Chinese restaurant brands in the world.

Across both segments, these developments reinforce the Group’s disciplined execution, asset-light growth strategy, and strengthening international platform. The Chinese cuisine segment has demonstrated robust business models that strengthen economic resilience and optimize capital efficiency, resulting in:

  • Accelerated payback periods trending approximately two years, consistent with group disclosures that Hong Kong and China stores under JFC stewardship are now delivering improved profitability.
  • Highly portable, franchise-ready store formats paired with more efficient builds allow the brand to scale rapidly and consistently, supporting faster rollout across relevant trade areas.
  • Improved throughput and simplified operations, tailored to evolving consumer behavior in value‑driven dining.

Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup

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

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the “Company”) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio which includes 19 brands (the “Jollibee Group”) with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Company has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit

Thai Police Arrest Two Lao Nationals, Seize Over 800,000 Meth Pills

Thai police arrested two Lao nationals and seized over 820,000 methamphetamine pills in Mukdahan Province, targeting a transnational drug network. 21 January 2026. (Photo: Mukdahan News)

On 21 January, Thai authorities arrested two Lao nationals and seized more than 800,000 methamphetamine tablets in a major crackdown on a transnational drug trafficking network operating along the Mekong River.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation on 19 January, which revealed that a trafficking network planned to transport a large shipment of methamphetamine from Savannakhet Province, Laos into Thailand at the area of Don Tan district, Mukdahan Province, local media reported.

Two individuals, residents of Salavan Province, were apprehended, while others escaped.

Authorities seized four sacks containing approximately 820,000 methamphetamine pills. The suspects were charged with intent to distribute, illegal entry into Thailand, and drug use.

 Investigations are ongoing to track down other network members.

In a separate incident involving a Lao national.

Thai police are searching for June Sihavong, a 25-year-old Lao housekeeper suspected in the murder of Somsavath Songsumphanh, a 79-year-old retired teacher in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum district on 21 January, according to local Thai media.

The victim was found dead at her home with severe blunt-force and sharp-weapon injuries. The suspect disappeared shortly after the incident, and authorities are tracing her movements.

Longbridge Securities Launches the World’s First Pre-Market U.S. Options Trading,Empowering Investors to Overcome Time Zone Barriers and Stay Ahead of the Market Movement

SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Longbridge Securities today announced the launch of the world’s first pre-market U.S. options trading capability. This innovative feature allows users to trade options on major U.S. stocks and ETFs during the pre-market session, ahead of the regular market opening. It significantly extends the U.S. options trading window, enabling global investors to position themselves earlier and plan trading strategies in advance of key market developments.

At launch, this feature supports prominent underlying assets, including QQQ, SPY, AAPL, and TSLA. From the launch date until further notice, Longbridge Securities is offering zero commission^ and zero platform fees* for pre-market options trading.

Key Highlights: Industry-First Innovation with Clear Cost Advantages

World’s first pre-market U.S. options trading

Investors can participate in options trading before the U.S. market opens, without waiting for regular trading hours, extending trading hours and enabling more flexible responses to key market events.

Zero commissions^ and zero platform fees*

During the initial launch phase, Longbridge Securities offers industry-leading pricing for pre-market options trading, effectively lowering transaction costs for investors.

Coverage of major U.S. stocks and ETFs

The initial rollout includes highly liquid stocks such as QQQ, SPY, AAPL, AMD, AMZN, GOOGL, META, NVDA, MSFT, TSLA, INTC, PLTR, MSTR, GOOG, and UNH, with further expansion planned.

Fast, streamlined order execution

Users can view pre-market pricing and place order directly from the options chain with a simplified two-step workflow, enabling faster execution with minimal friction.

Breaking Time Constraints to Serve Global Investors

Traditionally, U.S. options trading has been limited to regular market hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This limitation often prevented investors in Asia and Europe from responding promptly to overnight developments. With the introduction of pre-market options trading, investors can now execute strategies between 4:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Singapore Time), significantly enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.

This launch positions Longbridge Securities as the first online brokerage globally to provide full-platform access to pre-market U.S. options trading. This represents a substantial extension of trading hours, offering investors in various time zones greater freedom and immediacy in participating in the market.

Driving the Global Shift Toward Extended and 5×24H Trading

As demand for more flexible trading strategies continues to grow worldwide, extended trading — including pre-market, after-hours, and round-the-clock access — is becoming a key competitive differentiator. Pre-market trading has historically been reserved for institutional and professional participants. By opening this window to retail investors, Longbridge Securities aims to enhance market liquidity while enabling individual investors to engage earlier with market information and adjust portfolios more proactively. Looking ahead, Longbridge Securities plans to further expand this capability toward 24-hour U.S. options trading, moving closer to a continuous global trading model.

Previously, Longbridge Securities introduced an AI-powered financial assistant built on large language models, making institutional-grade research and analytical capabilities accessible to all investors. The AI assistant helps users interpret market developments, identify potential opportunities, and make data-driven decisions, narrowing the information gap between retail investors and professional institutions.

Through continuous technological innovation, Longbridge Securities remains committed to removing traditional barriers in trading and advancing both user experience and investment efficiency. The launch of pre-market U.S. options trading further underscores the company’s forward-looking approach within the global fintech landscape. Additional details on Longbridge Securities’ pre-market U.S. options trading, including supported instruments, trading hours and fee structure, are available on the on Longbridge Securities’ official page for pre-market U.S. options trading.

^Other fees apply
*Terms and conditions apply

About Longbridge Securities Singapore

Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. (“Longbridge Securities Singapore” or “Longbridge Securities”, Co. Reg. No. 202111825D) is an AI-driven online brokerage dedicated to delivering best-in-class trading experiences through its global trading infrastructure and network. Founded in March 2019, Longbridge Securities holds a total of 22 financial licenses or regulatory approvals across markets including the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and has raised over US$150 million from leading financial and investment institutions. Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. is a licensed entity regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (Licence No. CMS 101211), holding a Capital Markets Services licence and operating as an Exempt Financial Adviser.

Risk Disclosure and Important Notice

Options are complex financial instruments and, due to their leveraged nature, involve a high degree of risk and the potential for rapid losses.

Before participating in options trading, investors should fully understand how options work, the nature of the contractual relationship, and the associated risks, and carefully assess whether they are able to bear losses that may exceed their initial investment.

In addition, pre-market U.S. options trading typically involves higher price volatility, and market liquidity may be lower than during regular trading hours. Such trading may not be suitable for all investors. Investors should make trading decisions prudently after considering their investment objectives, financial situation and risk tolerance.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Hikvision forecasts top 5 AIoT trends in 2026

HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As we enter 2026, the convergence of AI and IoT infrastructure is reshaping industries, unlocking unprecedented opportunities to optimize operations, enhance security, and improve sustainability. Here are Hikvision’s forecasts of the five key trends shaping the AIoT landscape in 2026.

Hikvision forecasts top 5 AIoT trends in 2026
Hikvision forecasts top 5 AIoT trends in 2026

1. Scenario-based AIoT solutions are rapidly unlocking new business value

Thanks to AIoT, we are witnessing a profound digital shift moving beyond basic IT informatization to deep integration with Operational Technology (OT). Business value is no longer created by fragmented data collection, but increasingly by harvesting insights naturally and continuously from daily operations. By embedding perception capabilities into specific real-world scenarios, AIoT enables automated agility and real-time decisions, rapidly generating new business value.

2. Large-scale AI models are evolving into new capabilities for “AI+”

Large-scale AI models are empowering the core analysis and processing flow through “AI+” integration. While large language models have revolutionized human-digital interaction, industry-specific models are now reshaping how IoT data interacts with the physical world. We can already see that by embedding AI into data analysis and signal processing, these models significantly enhance precision and efficiency. AI Agents are now bridging the gap between perception and human intent, enabling users to communicate naturally using everyday language.

3. Edge AI is transforming devices from data collectors to intelligent analyzers

Increasingly, the “Cloud + AI” model is no longer the only option for enterprise digitalization. By moving AI functions from the cloud to the edge, organizations can achieve millisecond-level response times, operate seamlessly offline, and maintain on-premises privacy.

This localized architecture extends its value by greatly optimizing storage efficiency. This is particularly significant for complex video analysis. Edge devices can now precisely identify key targets such as people or vehicles at the source. Then, the system applies differentiated encoding—preserving critical foreground details, while compressing background areas. This drastically reduces storage requirements without sacrificing visual clarity.

4. Responsible AI is embedding ethics into every stage of innovation

AI is transforming our lives, work, and business at an unprecedented pace. Yet, this revolution brings a critical responsibility: to ensure innovation unfolds safely, ethically, transparently, and beneficially for all. Responsible AI is no longer optional—it is both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity that builds trust, mitigates risk, and drives long-term innovation.

It should permeate the entire AI lifecycle—from research and development to deployment and real-world application.

5. AIoT is expanding technology’s role from business to society and environment 

AIoT is now being widely adopted for broader social and environmental applications, demonstrating how intelligent systems can serve humanity and nature. Specialized AIoT devices are revolutionizing conservation efforts, from wildlife monitoring to vegetation health tracking. For example, crop growth monitoring systems that leverage AIoT technologies for large-scale, real-time analysis are becoming increasingly widespread in agriculture, enabling precise management and optimizing yields through digitization.

To discover more about Hikvision’s insights and the latest trends in AIoT technologies, please visit Hikvision Blog.

 

Baidu to Report Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results on February 26, 2026

BEIJING, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Baidu, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIDU; HKEX: 9888 (HKD Counter) and 89888 (RMB Counter)) (“Baidu” or the “Company”), a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, today announced that it will report its financial results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 ended December 31, 2025, before the U.S. market opens on February 26, 2026. Baidu’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:30 AM on February 26, 2026, U.S. Eastern Time (8:30 PM on February 26, 2026, Beijing Time).

Please register in advance of the conference call using the link provided below. It will automatically direct you to the registration page of “Baidu Inc. Q4 2025 Earnings Conference Call”. Please follow the steps to enter your registration details, then click “Register”. Upon registering, you will then be provided with the dial-in number, the passcode, and your unique access PIN. This information will also be emailed to you as a calendar invite.

For pre-registration, please click:
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10052617-fv4jhm.html

In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, you may use the conference access information (including dial-in number(s), the passcode and unique access PIN) provided in the calendar invite that you have received following your pre-registration.

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at https://ir.baidu.com.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until March 05, 2026:
US: 1 855 883 1031
Reply PIN: 10052617

About Baidu

Founded in 2000, Baidu’s mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, trading on Nasdaq under “BIDU” and the HKEX under “9888.” One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.

pixelRo to Showcase AI-Powered Digital Healthcare and Air Sterilization Solutions at CES 2026 and WHX Dubai

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 22. 2026 /PRNewswire/ — pixelRo, a Samsung Electronics spin-off digital healthcare company, is accelerating its global expansion by participating in CES 2026 and WHX Dubai 2026 (formerly Arab Health).

pixelRo develops and operates AI-based integrated self-diagnostic kiosk solutions for vision, eye health, and vital signs, all of which have obtained medical device approval. Leveraging proprietary eye-tracking technology and advanced diagnostic algorithms, the company enables fast and accurate on-site measurements of vision, macular degeneration, presbyopia accommodation, as well as key vital indicators such as blood pressure and muscle strength. Test results are provided through easy-to-understand reports and managed via a cloud-based platform, allowing flexible deployment across public health centers, schools, enterprises, and medical screening facilities.

Beyond digital healthcare, pixelRo is expanding its business into digital air care by independently developing plasma-based air purification and sterilization technology. Its air sterilization solution integrates air purification and hygiene management into a single system, reducing operational complexity while enabling continuous air hygiene in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

At CES 2026 and WHX Dubai 2026, pixelRo plans to highlight its flagship solution, MyEye Vital Plus, designed to measure eye health and multiple vital signs—including blood pressure, grip strength, and body composition—in a single session. The solution minimizes time and mobility burdens while offering a highly intuitive, user-friendly interface that allows anyone to easily perform self-health checks.

“Through CES 2026 and WHX Dubai 2026, we aim to demonstrate how our digital healthcare solutions can reduce healthcare costs through integrated measurement and management,” a pixelRo spokesperson said. “By focusing on buyer and partner meetings, we plan to secure strategic leads and establish one to two local partnerships initially, while gradually expanding into non-invasive healthcare services for the aging population.”

Lao Authorities Seize Nearly 50 Kilograms of Illegal Wildlife Products in Luang Prabang and Vientiane

Laos authorities seized over 48 kilograms of wildlife products in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, cracking down on illegal trade and protecting endangered species. (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture and Environment)

In December 2025, the authorities confiscated wildlife products and parts totaling nearly 50 kilograms across multiple locations in Luang Prabang Province and Vientiane Capital, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Forest officers coordinated with Luang Prabang authorities to inspect six locations, including shops, restaurants, and other establishments suspected of illegal wildlife trade. The operation resulted in the seizure of 48.25 kilograms of wildlife products, parts, and similar items. These inspections are part of an ongoing enforcement effort that began in November 2025.

Also, authorities in Vientiane Capital inspected 11 locations, confiscating 13 different species of wildlife, and items resembling wildlife products.

All seized items are being preserved for DNA testing to confirm the species involved, while investigations and evidence collection continue.

Regional Context

The seizures come amid growing concerns over cross-border wildlife trafficking along the Mekong River. 

On 11 January, Thai authorities intercepted more than 160 kilograms of ivory smuggled from Laos in Bueng Kan Province. Two suspects, aged 21 and 18, were arrested while transporting 169 kilograms of ivory tusks hidden in nine blue plastic bags across the river.

Neusoft and Cerence AI Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement to Deliver an AI-Powered Automotive Cockpit Platform

SHENYANG, China, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Neusoft Corporation, an industry-leading information technology, products and solutions company, and Cerence AI, a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the cutting–edge field of large language model-based voice AI. Through joint innovation and ecosystem integration, the two companies will work together to deliver pre–integrated, scenario–driven, intelligent interaction solutions for automotive partners worldwide.

As automotive technology continues to evolve toward greater intelligence and more natural engagement, user expectations for in–cabin interaction are rising. Drivers and passengers now seek more than basic voice responses—they want a companion that understands natural language, communicates smoothly, and resonates emotionally. The partnership between Neusoft and Cerence AI is designed to meet this rising demand, establishing humanlike intelligent interaction as the new standard for smart vehicles.

Through this collaboration, Neusoft will leverage its advanced intelligent cockpit software platform (NAGIC) as the core foundation, deeply integrating Cerence AI’s expertise in conversational AI, generative AI, and large language models. Together, the companies will explore innovative applications of intelligent voice interaction.

By combining Neusoft’s extensive global product development and delivery network with Cerence AI’s technological strengths and leadership in automotive, the two companies will jointly expand into global target markets.

Looking ahead, Neusoft will continue to uphold its philosophy of “open collaboration and shared ecosystem success”, working closely with more leading technology partners amid the accelerating trends of automotive intelligence and AI. Together, Neusoft and Cerence AI aim to help automakers break through market challenges and deliver safer, more natural and intelligent mobility experiences to users around the world. 

About Neusoft Corporation
Neusoft Corporation (SSE: 600718) is an industry-leading information technology, products and solutions company for the global market. Founded in 1991, Neusoft is the first listed software company in China. With insights into the latest market trends, Neusoft has always been exploring software technology innovation and applications, to help global customers achieve digital and intelligent transformation. Neusoft’s business focuses on the fields of intelligent vehicle connectivity, healthcare, smart city, enterprise digital transformation, digital services, as well as global software business. In the field of intelligent vehicle connectivity, Neusoft has more than 30 years of R&D experience in automotive software, and has participated in formulating over 60 national/international industry standards and established a global product R&D and delivery network centered in China, Germany, USA, Japan and Malaysia. Neusoft’s automotive products have been applied to 1800+ vehicle models, across 130+ countries and regions, for 50+ OEMs. For more information, visit www.neusoft.com

About Cerence Inc. 
Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 525 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.