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Thailand cuts 3.8 million tonnes of CO₂ through low-carbon cement, accelerating beyond NDC targets and advancing a collaborative Net Zero model

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – Thailand has achieved a significant milestone in industrial greenhouse gas mitigation, reducing more than 3.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent since 2019 through the implementation of clinker substitution under the Industrial Process and Product Use (IPPU) sector. This progress has been delivered ahead of the Thailand NDC Roadmap timeline, demonstrating the country’s capacity to translate climate policy into measurable outcomes. Central to this transition is the rapid scale-up of “hydraulic cement,” now serving as the primary structural cement nationwide and a key enabler of low-carbon construction.

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The achievement was formally recognized at the “TCMA at 20: The Next Chapter to Net Zero” event, where H.E. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, presided over an award ceremony honoring 34 implementing partners, supported by six ministries, for their collective contribution in driving policy into practice.

H.E. Mr. Varawut stated that the success of clinker substitution reflects the strength of multi-stakeholder collaboration across government, industry, academia, and professional bodies, enabling Thailand to accelerate greenhouse gas reduction while advancing green industry transformation and competitiveness.

“Greenhouse gas reduction becomes possible when all sectors work together; from policy and technology to real-world implementation. The success of clinker substitution is a tangible example of collaboration delivering real impact, and marks an important step toward Thailand’s Net Zero 2050 ambition.” H.E. Mr. Varawut said.

Mr. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), highlighted that the results were made possible through close coordination across sectors, driving national policy into implementation through R&D, standards development, technological advancement, and market adoption mechanisms.

“The reduction of over 3.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent reflects the collective effort of all sectors in operationalizing national measures. The cement industry remains committed to advancing the transition toward a low-carbon economy.” Mr. Surachai said.

A key driver behind this success is the development and widespread adoption of hydraulic cement (low-carbon cement), which reduces the clinker content – the most carbon-intensive component in cement production – while maintaining performance and structural integrity in accordance with Thai Industrial Standard TIS 2594. Today, hydraulic cement is extensively used across the country in infrastructure projects, public buildings, industrial facilities, and residential construction, marking a systemic shift from alternative material to mainstream low-carbon construction solution.

Performance data underscores the pace of progress. In 2021, clinker substitution delivered over 300,000 tonnes of CO₂ reduction, achieving results nine years ahead of the NDC schedule. Between 2022–2023, an additional over 1 million tonnes of CO₂ reductions were realized. Cumulatively, from 2019 to present, emissions reductions have exceeded 3.8 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent.

This progress has been enabled by an integrated effort among 34 implementing partners, with policy and institutional support from six ministries, covering policy formulation, standards development, market promotion, and enabling mechanisms; underscoring the role of public–private partnership (PPP) in driving systemic transition.

Mr. Surachai further noted that the clinker substitution initiative represents a scalable model of translating national climate ambition into implementation, with potential for replication across other industrial sectors and expansion into regional collaboration frameworks.

“Hydraulic cement today is not only a low-carbon material; it is part of Thailand’s broader transition toward sustainable growth. It demonstrates that with strong collaboration, emissions reduction is not only possible, but achievable at scale.” Mr. Surachai said.

The success of clinker substitution reinforces Thailand’s leadership in industry-led climate action, highlighting how coordinated public–private efforts can deliver tangible emissions reductions while strengthening industrial resilience. It marks a critical step toward achieving Net Zero 2050, and offers a replicable model for industrial decarbonization at both national and regional levels.

Hashtag: #TCMA #TCMAat20 #TCMAinAction #TCMAtoNetZero2050 #CementDecarbonization #IPPU #ClinkerSubstitution #ClimateSolutionPartner #HydraulicCement #LowCarbonCement #NetZero2050

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

Embracing an Intelligent Future: UnionPay Showcases AI Innovation at WAIC 2026

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Release of Phased Achievements of the National Pilot Base for AI Application (Financial Sector) Held Alongside the Conference


SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – On 17 July, the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) officially opened in Shanghai. UnionPay unveiled three proprietary AI technologies developed for the financial sector at the Shanghai exhibition area: financial transaction time-series foundation model, the Agentic Payment Open Protocol (APOP) framework, and a privacy-preserving large language model inference solution. As the AI era unfolds, the showcase highlights UnionPay’s continued commitment to accelerating the adoption of digital and intelligent technologies.

On 18 July, UnionPay hosted the Release of Phased Achievements of the National Pilot Base for AI Application (Financial Sector) at the UnionPay Center alongside WAIC 2026. The event brought together more than 100 representatives from commercial banks, Chinese and international partners, leading technology companies, academia, and research institutions. During the event, UnionPay released its “1+6+N” AI achievements framework, announced a series of industry partnerships, and launched a joint initiative calling for greater collaboration on the development and governance of the financial industry. These achievements demonstrate the progress of the National AI Application Pilot Base in building an open innovation platform that accelerates AI adoption across the industry.

Dong Junfeng, Chairman of China UnionPay and UnionPay International, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech. He noted that AI is rapidly reshaping the financial industry. Since the National AI Application Pilot Base was launched in 2025, it has delivered a number of meaningful outcomes through close collaboration across the industry. Mr. Dong elaborated on the vision for the development of the base from through three dimensions: sharing, collaborative governance, and mutual benefits. First, by pooling computing resources, data and models on a centralized public platform, the base helps address industry challenges such as the high cost of computing resources and data silos. This lowers barriers to AI adoption across the financial sector. Second, the base has strengthened AI security by building robust safeguards for large language models and applying AI to enhance transaction risk management and cybersecurity. Such efforts are made to support a safer and more resilient financial ecosystem. Third, the base is accelerating the AI adoption across real-world use cases. It has incubated a range of commercial AI solutions spanning agentic payments, credit risk management, consumption promotion and merchant digital transformation, turning technological innovation into tangible business value. Looking ahead, the future of AI + Finance holds enormous potential. UnionPay looks forward to working with partners across industries to build an open, shared, and well-governed financial AI ecosystem that supports the development of new productive forces through technological innovation.

A highlight of the event was the official launch of UnionPay’s “1+6+N” AI achievements framework.

The “1” represents a unified portal—the National AI Application Pilot Base. Built on a “One Portal, Six Centers” structure, it integrates six specialized centers covering models, datasets, applications, talent development, supply-demand matching, and financial services. Together, the platform currently hosts 11 models, 14 datasets, 59 demonstration applications, and 61 service offerings, bringing together 145 core resources in total.

The “6” refers to six independent and controllable capabilities, including computing resources scheduling through a trusted intelligent computing sharing platform, high-quality financial datasets, finance-specific foundation models, AI-powered financial security services, financial AI standards, and a pilot testing sandbox that supports model training and evaluation. Together, these six capabilities form the base’s shared technology foundation, providing ecosystem partners with the core technical infrastructure.

The “N” represents a portfolio of benchmark use cases, standardized AI solutions, and demonstration applications built on this technology foundation. These applications span five key areas—intelligent payments, inclusive finance, consumption growth, risk management and compliance, and operational excellence—building a multi-tier product portfolio serving consumers, merchants, local governments and financial institutions. This accelerates the application of AI capabilities across diverse use cases.

Together, the “1+6+N” framework of the base connects computing power, data, models, and use cases and forms an end-to-end value chain. By addressing common industry challenges—including limited computing resources, data silos and the high cost of AI deployment—it delivers standardized and widely accessible AI capabilities, providing the financial industry with reusable, highly secure and one-stop AI solutions for intelligent transformation. This also reflects UnionPay’s commitment not only to driving its own business growth, but also to enabling the industry through foundational capabilities and reinforcing financial infrastructure for the AI era.

These achievements have already been made available to industry partners and are beginning to create value. For banks, acquirers and other financial institutions, UnionPay’s shared infrastructure enables rapid access to mature financial AI capabilities without the need to build systems from scratch, significantly reducing both technical barriers and implementation costs. For merchants, UnionPay offers AI-powered marketing, digital analytics and intelligent risk management tools to support smarter operations, improve customer engagement and enhance operational efficiency, enabling even small and medium-sized businesses to benefit from AI innovation. For technology companies and other ecosystem partners, the base enables partners to rapidly adapt AI products for financial applications and complete compliance validation, accelerating the commercialization of technological innovations.

The event also featured six rounds of partnership signing ceremonies, covering areas including AI-themed card, cross-border agentic payment ecosystem development, AI-powered operational empowerment for merchants, joint commercialization of pilot base innovations, and broader ecosystem collaboration across the financial industry chain.

Following the signing ceremonies, UnionPay released the Initiative on the Collaborative Development and Governance of AI Applications in Financial Services, with representatives from participating organizations joining the stage to witness its launch. Building on the “1+6+N” framework, the initiative calls on industry stakeholders to collaborate in four areas: First, advancing trusted AI systems that serve the real economy by establishing governance mechanisms for traceable and explainable algorithms while safeguarding data privacy and security; Second, strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, research institutions and users, leveraging the base to jointly advance core technologies and develop independent and secure financial AI infrastructure; Third, promoting openness and inclusiveness by sharing mature AI models, testing services and implementation solutions to reduce the cost of intelligent transformation, particularly for SMEs; Fourth, improving lifecycle governance through tiered risk management, enhanced compliance standards and coordinated risk prevention. The initiative calls on all industry stakeholders to work together by jointly strengthening the foundation, unlocking greater value through shared capabilities, and reinforcing collaborative governance, with the goal of advancing the sound development of AI in the financial sector and driving digital finance through technological innovation.

Hashtag: #UnionPay

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

Prudential launches indexed universal life plan to meet demand for flexible legacy planning solutions

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PRUApex Legacy Index II gives affluent and high-net-worth individuals greater flexibility to build, protect and transfer wealth to the next generation with premium allocation across multiple indices including a gold-equity index; it offers flexible payout options and choice of premium terms


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched PRUApex Legacy Index II, an indexed universal life plan (IUL) designed for affluent and high-net-worth customers seeking more options to grow and preserve their legacy and structure wealth transfer for the next generation.

Customers can customise how their legacy grows and is passed on, with multiple index allocations, death benefit payout structures, and premium terms. They are also supported by an additional crediting rate of 0.25% p.a. for indices with uncapped returns[1] (i.e. volatility-controlled indices), and a one-time bonus crediting rate of up to 6.50%[2] on total account value after the end of premium term for a fully paid policy on multipay premium payment term.

Ms Toni Fung, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “Affluent and high-net-worth individuals are increasingly looking for legacy planning solutions that will evolve with their changing life priorities, giving them greater certainty, control and confidence over how their legacy is passed on to the next generation. Today, when they want to make any changes, it means having to purchase new policies or restructure existing portfolios. PRUApex Legacy Index II addresses this need for flexibility, allowing customers to build a resilient legacy through diversified growth potential across multiple indices. It also helps to future-proof their plans with flexible death benefit payout structures.”

Diversified growth potential across markets and asset classes
PRUApex Legacy Index II allows customers to diversify and allocate premiums across a mix of indices, offering broader market exposure across the United States (US), Europe, and emerging markets (e.g. China, South Korea and Brazil), as well as a gold-equity index. They have access to indices with both capped and uncapped returns (i.e. volatility-controlled indices that have no cap on potential gains[1]) that meet their legacy planning needs, and the flexibility to balance stability and growth potential based on their risk appetite.

Ms Fung added: “We were the first insurer in Singapore to introduce a volatility-controlled index (i.e. index with uncapped returns[1]) in an indexed universal life plan two years ago. With PRUApex Legacy Index II, we are expanding the range of index options available to customers, giving them more ways to grow and protect their legacy through familiar indices with capped returns, such as the S&P 500, and indices that provide higher stability through their volatility-controlled design while offering uncapped return[1] potential.”

Customers who prefer a standard market index can opt for indices such as the S&P 500[3][8], MSCI Emerging Markets[3][8], and EURO STOXX 50[3][8]. If they are looking for indices with uncapped returns[1] that provide a stable, pre-determined level of risk, they can choose from volatility-controlled indices including the S&P 500 FC[4][8], UBS MASTR[5][8], Barclays Shiller Allocator[6][8] and MSCI World Golden Compass[7][8].

Future-proofing legacy planning with flexible design
PRUApex Legacy Index II gives policyholders more flexibility over how death benefits are paid out. Instead of receiving the full amount as a single lump sum, beneficiaries can receive payouts in one lump sum, or in yearly instalments of 2 to 10 years to provide continued support for their loved ones.

Customers can choose from single-premium and multipay options for up to 20 years. This gives them more choices based on their liquidity needs, legacy planning priorities, and preferred pace of premium commitment.

For the Fixed Account, there is a first-year Crediting Rate of 4.20% p.a. & Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rate of 2.00% p.a.

Affluent and high-net-worth customers can kickstart their legacy planning with PRUApex Legacy Index II with a sum assured as low as US$500,000.

For more information on PRUApex Legacy Index II, please visit: https://www.prudential.com.sg/products/legacy-planning/pruapex-legacy-index-ii

[1] Subject to prevailing Participation Rate. Please refer to Product Summary for details.
[2] The one-time Bonus Crediting Rate amount is based on the policy’s multipay premium term.
[3] Subject to a Cap Rate of 9.0%, 10.5% and 11.0% for S&P 500 Index, Euro Stoxx 50 Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Index respectively which are not guaranteed. Guaranteed Minimum Cap Rate of 3.0% applies.
[4] Refers to the S&P 500 FC TCA 0.50% Decrement Index (USD) ER. Guaranteed Minimum Participation Rate of 40% applies.
[5] Refers to the UBS Multi Asset Strategy Tactical Rotation Index. Guaranteed Minimum Participation Rate of 70% applies
[6] Refers to the Shiller Barclays CAPE® Allocator 6 Dynamic Risk Control Index Guaranteed Minimum Participation Rate of 65% applies.
[7] Refers to the MSCI World Titans Golden Compass Select Index. Guaranteed Minimum Participation Rate of 35% applies
[8] Cap Rate, Participation Rate, Guaranteed Minimum Cap Rate and Guaranteed Minimum Participation Rate are subject to change.

Hashtag: #PrudentialSingapore #Prudential #PRUApexLegacyIndexII #Product #Insurance #LegacyPlanning #Affluent #HNW




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

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an AA Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives.

Matrix Robotics Showcases MATRIX-3 at WAIC 2026, Announces WAVE Physical World Foundation Model Upgrade and Launches Global Partner Program

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SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) opened in Shanghai on July 17 and runs through July 20 under the theme “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future,” covering three major exhibition areas: the Expo area, Zhangjiang area, and West Bund area. Matrix Robotics, a technology company focused on general-purpose humanoid robots and Physical AI, presented four third-generation general-purpose humanoid robots, MATRIX-3, at the event. The company showcased the core capabilities of its self-developed WAVE Physical World Foundation Model, its full-stack technology system and multi-scenario deployment achievements, demonstrating the general-purpose capabilities and scalable commercial potential of China-developed Physical AI and humanoid robotics.

During WAIC 2026, Matrix Robotics moved beyond conventional static displays by creating four live demonstration zones. The four hardware-identical MATRIX-3 units, supported by a unified general-purpose Physical AI foundation, flexibly switched between diverse and complex tasks, directly demonstrating the core commercial value of general-purpose Physical AI: low cost, high adaptability and rapid transferability. The company delivered continuous multidimensional live robot demonstrations, announced the latest technical upgrade to the WAVE model, shared updates on its RAAS ecosystem partner program, and officially launched the MATRIX Global Partner Program for regional market expansion, presenting its progress in technology iteration, commercialization and global ecosystem development.

WAVE Physical World Foundation Model Lays the Core AI Foundation for General-Purpose Humanoid Robots

Unlike large language models trained primarily on internet text, Matrix Robotics’ self-developed WAVE Physical World Foundation Model is purpose-built for physical robots operating in real-world environments. It serves as the core “brain” that enables MATRIX-3 to perform intelligent tasks and human-like interactions. Trained on large-scale real-world and simulated interaction data, the model has learned patterns of physical dynamics, allowing it to adapt precisely to complex real-world task scenarios and move beyond traditional robots’ reliance on fixed scripts and single-scenario constraints.

Architecturally, WAVE uses a proprietary “brain–cerebellum” collaborative architecture: the WAVE model, as the “brain,” is responsible for global scene understanding, logical reasoning, task planning and generalized operations; the general-purpose motion control model, as the “cerebellum,” generates natural and smooth full-body motion. Together, they enable the robot to “think clearly and move naturally,” delivering human-like intelligent performance.

Relying on training infrastructure and an end-to-end data toolchain that it has fully developed and built in-house, Matrix Robotics can independently manage the full end-to-end process, from model iteration and data acquisition to data annotation and governance. Through large-scale real-robot deployment and continuous feedback of real-world scenario data, the company is building a technical flywheel in which “more data leads to stronger models and broader scenario adaptability,” continuously improving cross-scenario generalization and providing core intelligent support for multi-scenario robot deployment.

Full-Scenario Live Demonstrations Validate Commercialization Readiness of General-Purpose AI

Empowered by the WAVE Physical World Foundation Model, MATRIX-3 completed multiple standardized live task demonstrations at the event, covering four core scenarios: commercial service, empathetic human-robot interaction, fine manipulation and humanoid motion. The demonstrations validated the deployment value of general-purpose Physical AI in commercial services, daily-life assistance, cultural tourism and science education, public services and other fields.

1. Live Consumer Service Demonstration: End-to-End Autonomous AI Barista Operations

The exhibition featured a live coffee service experience area, where MATRIX-3 served as an AI barista. With multimodal perception and precise force-control capabilities, the robot autonomously operated coffee machine buttons, picked up cups and collected prepared beverages. The stable and coherent workflow recreated a commercial reception service scenario and validated its deployment feasibility in retail service, exhibition reception and commercial service settings.

2. Empathetic Human-Robot Interaction: Creating Warm, Human-Like Intelligent Experiences

Matrix Robotics also demonstrated flexible, human-like interaction capabilities. Supported by visual recognition and advanced speech and semantic understanding, MATRIX-3 can move beyond fixed scripts for natural interaction and perform a range of interactions such as musical finger dances, rock-paper-scissors games with audiences, biomimetic handshakes and all-day voice Q&A. With differentiated emotional response capabilities, it enables warmer human-robot collaboration and is suited to science education exhibitions, public services and cultural tourism interactions.

3. Fine Manipulation for Everyday Tasks: Generalized Handling Capabilities for Diverse Objects

In the everyday fine manipulation demonstration, MATRIX-3 showcased its ability to handle objects across different categories and forms, autonomously completing compound tasks such as grasping fruit and bottled water and delivering items. The robot can adapt to objects of different sizes, weights and materials, reflecting the generalized operation capabilities of general-purpose Physical AI and broad applicability across household assistance, retail sorting, warehouse support and other use cases.

4. Humanoid Gait and Intelligent Interaction: Recreating Natural Human-Like Motion

The on-site gait demonstration area showcased MATRIX-3’s humanoid motion capabilities. The robot walked with coordinated, natural and stable movements, autonomously identified visitors in the exhibition crowd, proactively paused, and delivered standardized brand and product introductions, fully demonstrating its whole-body motion control performance and real-time human-robot interaction capabilities.

MATRIX-3 Hardware Advantages Strengthen the Foundation for Commercial Deployment

As Matrix Robotics’ third-generation general-purpose humanoid robot designed for real-world commercial scenarios, MATRIX-3 was developed around the three core concepts of “safety, dexterity and generality.” Its hardware platform is designed to fit human living and working environments and serves as the core carrier for the deployment of general-purpose Physical AI. The robot is 1.70 meters tall and weighs 65 kilograms, matching adult human proportions and enabling seamless adaptation to spaces and workstations designed for people.

In terms of core performance, MATRIX-3 is equipped with a 27-DOF tendon-driven dexterous hand that replicates human hand anatomy and offers lightweight, high-speed and high-precision characteristics, enabling it to use standard human tools, operate precision components and handle flexible fabrics. It is also equipped with 3D-knitted biomimetic safety skin and whole-body distributed tactile sensing, with fingertip sensing precision as low as 0.1 Newton, enabling safe close-proximity human-robot coexistence. Through Matrix Robotics’ self-developed integrated linear joint control algorithm and general-purpose motion control model, the robot achieves near-human natural gait and whole-body coordinated movement. It also supports 4 hours of continuous stable operation in a single session, fully matching the rhythm of real-world commercial operations.

In terms of commercial accessibility, MATRIX-3 is priced from RMB 580,000 per unit. Leveraging its scaled smart manufacturing system, the company continues to reduce production costs and is driving humanoid robots from high-end demonstration scenarios toward broader industry and household applications.

Vertically Integrated Full-Stack System Drives Scalable Industrial Deployment and Ecosystem Collaboration

Matrix Robotics is one of the industry’s most vertically integrated companies, with all nine layers of its technology stack, from data to deployment, independently developed and built in-house. This creates a hard-to-replicate technological and industrial compounding effect and provides strong support for scaled product deployment. The company has built its own full-chain data engine and toolchain, model training infrastructure, core components and end-to-end smart manufacturing system, creating a closed loop from technology R&D to mass production.

On the industrialization front, Matrix Robotics’ Zhangjiang MFH Smart Manufacturing Base in Shanghai has established independent end-to-end production capabilities, with a planned annual capacity of 5,000 units in 2026 and a target annual capacity of 10,000 units in 2027. To date, the company has accumulated approximately 1,000 robot orders across diverse scenarios, including chain restaurant services, hotel services, research, culture and entertainment. In mid-2026, Matrix Robotics launched initial partner pilot deployments, laying the foundation for the product’s transition from demonstration verification to scaled application. The company is also continuing to advance its RAAS (Robot-as-a-Service) ecosystem partner program, opening interfaces to the industry ecosystem and working with partners to build an embodied intelligence ecosystem.

Continuous Technology Iteration Broadens Applications for China-Developed Humanoid Robots

The multidimensional live demonstrations at WAIC 2026 provide a focused validation of Matrix Robotics’ general-purpose Physical AI technologies and industrialization capabilities. Guided by real-world scenario needs, the company continues to iterate core technologies such as WAVE model intelligence, fine robotic manipulation, stable long-duration operation and human-like interaction, broadening applications for humanoid robots. Its technology solutions can be widely adapted to summit receptions, commercial retail, household assistance, exhibitions and cultural tourism, smart warehousing and other scenarios.

Looking ahead, Matrix Robotics will continue to focus on Physical AI, iterate and upgrade its full-stack technology system and MATRIX-3 product capabilities, and deliver standardized, replicable integrated humanoid robot solutions. The company aims to accelerate the accessible, large-scale deployment of China-developed general-purpose humanoid robots, empowering intelligent upgrades across real-economy industries through advanced Physical AI technologies.

MATRIX Global Partner Program Launched to Recruit Regional Partners in China and Overseas

As its technology, product capabilities and production capacity continue to mature, Matrix Robotics has officially launched the MATRIX Global Partner Program, openly recruiting regional partners in China and overseas markets to jointly expand the global commercial footprint of humanoid robots.

The program focuses on recruiting enterprises and institutions with regional customer networks, government, enterprise and industry resources, scenario development capabilities, and local sales, delivery and after-sales service capabilities. Partners will participate in local customer expansion, project implementation, scenario operations and service system development for MATRIX, helping accelerate the application of humanoid robots in commercial services, cultural tourism and exhibitions, public services, industrial manufacturing and other key sectors.

Matrix Robotics will open key regional cooperation opportunities and provide systematic support across products, technology, branding, marketing, training and delivery. Together with its partners, the company aims to create regional benchmark projects and develop, refine and replicate mature industry solutions.

As the program moves forward, Matrix Robotics will accelerate the construction of a global commercial and service network, driving MATRIX from exhibition stands into real-world scenarios and from single-point demonstrations toward scaled applications.
Hashtag: #MatrixRobotics

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

About Matrix Robotics

Matrix Robotics is dedicated to researching, developing and manufacturing world-leading, practical general-purpose humanoid robots. The company aims to create a future where artificial intelligence robots take on demanding, dangerous and repetitive work, freeing human creativity and enabling people to focus on more meaningful pursuits. The team has backgrounds at leading global companies in AI, humanoid robotics and autonomous driving.

Akeso Doses First Patient in Phase II Study of Novel TROP2/Nectin-4 Bispecific ADC (AK146D1) in Combination with Ivonescimab for Advanced NSCLC

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HONG KONG, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) today announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase II clinical study (AK146D1-201) evaluating its internally developed TROP2/Nectin-4 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), AK146D1, in combination with ivonescimab (the Company’s PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study will explore the therapeutic potential of this combination, with a particular emphasis on the first-line treatment setting.

The advancement of ADC 2.0 candidates AK146D1 and AK138D1 into Phase II trials marks a critical milestone for Akeso’s “IO2.0 + ADC2.0” strategy. Built upon our proprietary bispecific and multispecific antibody technology alongside our innovative IO2.0 portfolio, this progress underscores our commitment to elevating the standard of care for major global diseases like lung cancer. Furthermore, it reinforces our cancer therapy matrix, positioning Akeso with distinct, cross-generational competitive advantages in the global market.

In the immuno-oncology (IO) arena, Akeso stands as the only company globally with two approved bispecific antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. The Company is actively evaluating ivonescimab and cadonilimab in combination with its pipeline of proprietary next-generation ADC2.0 agents. Increasingly, global partners recognize both ivonescimab and cadonilimab as preferred agents for combination regimens and breakthrough therapy explorations across a wide spectrum of tumor types.

Within the ADC landscape, Akeso has established a pipeline of breakthrough next-generation candidates, with AK146D1, AK138D1, AK157D1, and AK158D1 (a bispecific ADC) already in clinical development. These novel agents are designed to overcome the narrow therapeutic window and safety limitations frequently observed in conventional ADCs, effectively ushering ADC therapy into a new 2.0 era.

Ivonescimab, a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, has demonstrated clinically transformative benefits compared to PD-1 inhibitor-based therapies across multiple Phase III studies, supported by a robust body of clinical evidence. AK146D1 is an ADC2.0 agent that exhibits potent antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile. The combination of AK146D1 and ivonescimab holds the potential to significantly enhance clinical efficacy, reduce treatment-related toxicity, and broaden the range of eligible patients. By addressing the multifaceted clinical limitations of conventional immunotherapy and current ADC therapies, this regimen aims to emerge as a next-generation solution that offers superior efficacy and safety for patients with cancer.

About Akeso

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, Akeso has built a comprehensive R&D innovation ecosystem anchored by its proprietary Tetrabody antibody technology platform, AI-powered drug R&D platform, Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, Dual-Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology platform, and cell therapy technology platforms.

Backed by world-class GMP manufacturing facilities and a highly efficient, integrated commercialization system, Akeso has developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical enterprise. Leveraging its fully integrated, multi-functional platform, the company maintains a robust pipeline of more than 50 innovative assets targeting cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and other major therapeutic areas. Of these, 27 candidates have advanced into clinical trials—including 15 bispecific or multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs—and 8 innovative drugs have reached commercial stage.

Through efficient and groundbreaking R&D, Akeso integrates premier global resources to develop transformative medicines, deliver high-quality, affordable therapeutic antibodies to patients worldwide, and generate sustained commercial and societal value as it strives to become a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, “Akeso”) contains “forward-looking statements”. These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso’s other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

MatchMove Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Cross-Border Payment and Remittance Solution Technology Innovation Leadership and 2026 Singapore Embedded Finance Company of the Year Recognitions for Advancing Embedded Finance and Cross-Border Payment Innovation

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The company is recognized for its leadership in embedded finance, cross-border payments, and programmable financial infrastructure, enabling enterprises to accelerate digital transformation across Asia-Pacific.

SAN ANTONIO, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that MatchMove has received the 2026 Asia-Pacific Cross-Border Payment and Remittance Solution Technology Innovation Leadership and 2026 Singapore Embedded Finance Company of the Year recognitions in the fintech and digital financial services industry for its outstanding achievements in technology innovation and customer impact. These recognitions highlight MatchMove’s leadership in transforming embedded finance and cross-border payments through a scalable banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform that simplifies financial services while empowering enterprises to innovate with confidence.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. MatchMove excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to anticipate market evolution, align innovation with customer needs, and deliver scalable financial infrastructure across diverse markets. “MatchMove empowers enterprises with a unified platform for digital wallets, card issuance, remittance, multi-currency settlement, and Web 3.0, enabling seamless and compliant global money movement,” said Dewi Rengganis, Senior Industry Analyst, ICT at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term growth strategy centered on digital innovation, ecosystem partnerships, and platform expansion, MatchMove continues to redefine how enterprises embed financial capabilities into their products and services across Asia-Pacific.

The company’s strategic agility and sustained investment in API-first infrastructure, programmable finance, and compliance-by-design have helped it scale efficiently across multiple markets. Its unified BaaS platform combines cross-border payments, card issuance, virtual accounts, fund collection, and payout capabilities into a single ecosystem, allowing businesses to reduce operational complexity, accelerate deployment, and launch scalable financial solutions through one integration.

“Earning both recognitions in the same year reflects what we care about most — that our platform works at the speed our customers need. Every day, enterprises across Asia-Pacific use MatchMove to issue cards, move money across borders, and embed financial services into their products without becoming a bank themselves. That’s a hard problem to solve at scale across multiple regulatory regimes and currencies, and we’ve spent years engineering it to feel simple. This recognition from Frost & Sullivan tells the market that MatchMove is the partner of choice for enterprises serious about accelerating digital transformation through embedded finance,” said Amar Abrol, President and Co-founder, MatchMove.

By simplifying financial services through a single integration point, embedding compliance directly into platform architecture, and allowing intelligent payment orchestration across global corridors, MatchMove continues to address the evolving needs of enterprises, financial institutions, and digital platforms. Its modular architecture, broad application capabilities, and focus on operational efficiency have enabled customers to deploy innovative financial products significantly faster while supporting expansion across more than 200 countries and territories.

Frost & Sullivan commends MatchMove for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company’s vision, technology leadership, and customer-first approach are shaping the future of embedded finance and cross-border payment infrastructure while enabling businesses to deliver seamless digital financial experiences at scale.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Technology Innovation Leadership recognition to a company that demonstrates exceptional technological advancement and commercialization, resulting in meaningful market impact and competitive differentiation. The Company of the Year recognition honors organizations that consistently excel in vision, innovation, customer value, and growth strategy while setting new benchmarks within their industries.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
Contact us: Start the discussion.

About MatchMove
MatchMove is a Singapore-headquartered Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) company and one of Asia’s leading embedded finance providers. Through its proprietary, MAS-regulated Banking Wallet OS™, MatchMove lets businesses issue accounts and cards, move payments, and offer lending — embedded directly inside their own apps, without building banking infrastructure or holding their own licences. In 2025, the platform processed over US$5 billion, issued more than 4 million cards, and reaches 200+ payout countries through 100+ partners. Recognised with the Frost & Sullivan 2026 Singapore Enabling Technology Leadership Recognition for Embedded Finance, MatchMove partners with leading banks across the region to bring compliant financial products to market in weeks, not months.

Contact:
Tarini Singh
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com

Chocolate Master Ryan Stevenson named as official Callebaut Ambassador in South Pacific, Australia.

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Advertorial Desk
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Internationally acclaimed Chocolatier to lead Callebaut’s renewed engagement with the chocolate and pastry community across Australia and New Zealand

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Internationally recognised Australian Pastry Chef and Chocolatier Ryan Stevenson, has been appointed as the official Callebaut Ambassador in South Pacific, Australia.

Chocolate Master Ryan Stevenson named as official Callebaut Ambassador in South Pacific, Australia.
Chocolate Master Ryan Stevenson named as official Callebaut Ambassador in South Pacific, Australia.

Based at Callebaut’s Campbellfield facility in Melbourne, Stevenson brings an extraordinary depth of experience to the foodservice industry. He will work closely with Chefs, Chocolatiers, Artisans and Distributors to better understand their needs, help them strengthen their skills, confidence and creativity when working with chocolate.

For Stevenson, the appointment marks a return to Callebaut after previously serving as Head Chef of the company’s flagship Chocolate Academy in Belgium.

“I’m incredibly excited to return to Callebaut and begin this new chapter in Australia. Callebaut has played an important role throughout my career, and this opportunity allows me to combine the international experience I have gained with my understanding of the Australian pastry and foodservice community,” said Stevenson. 

“I want to be a genuine resource for the industry and someone Chefs, Chocolatiers and businesses can turn to for practical guidance, technical support and inspiration. Australia has an enormously talented and creative foodservice sector, and I’m looking forward to helping more people explore what is possible with chocolate.”

Stevenson’s appointment forms part of Callebaut’s renewed commitment to South Pacific, with a focus on Australia and New Zealand. A program will be created, focused on ensuring customers and distributors are supported by the expertise, technical knowledge and product innovation of one of the world’s leading chocolate brands.

“Ryan brings a rare combination of world-class technical ability, international experience and a deep connection with Australia’s pastry and chocolate community,” said Managing Director, Ken Basha from Callebaut Australia. “His appointment demonstrates our commitment to being closer to customers, the local industry, and providing Australian Chefs and foodservice businesses with meaningful, practical support. Ryan will be an important ambassador for Callebaut and a strong voice for Chefs, artisans and businesses we serve.”

Stevenson graduated from Melbourne’s Southbank Institute in bakery and patisserie before moving overseas in 1999. Over more than two decades in Europe, he built an international career encompassing Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned pastry houses, professional education and some of the world’s most prestigious chocolate and pastry competitions.

A two-time Belgian Chocolate Master, Stevenson won Best Praline in the World at the 2009 World Chocolate Masters Final in Paris and represented Belgium at the competition in both 2009 and 2011. He won the Prosper Montagné Trophy in 2009 and is also Team Captain Australia for the 2026 Asian Gelato Cup.

A passionate educator and mentor, Stevenson co-authored Callebaut’s The Chocolatier’s Kitchen, a practical guide for artisan confectioners and Pastry Chefs. He has also previously served as an Ambassador for Cacao Barry in France, delivering workshops and masterclasses internationally.

“Knowledge-sharing has remained central throughout my career, spanning technical development, workshops, masterclasses, commercial chocolate applications and competition mentoring. My focus with Callebaut Australia will be on listening to the local foodservice community and sharing knowledge in ways that are practical and valuable to their businesses,” Stevenson said.

“Whether it is helping a Chef solve a technical challenge, refine a product or develop the confidence to try something new, I want to ensure Callebaut is a trusted partner that helps Australia’s chocolate and pastry professionals succeed.”

About Callebaut®

For more than a century, Callebaut® has crafted chocolate from bean to bar in the heart of Belgium. Since producing its first chocolate in 1911, Callebaut has become a trusted partner to Chefs, Chocolatiers, Pastry professionals and Artisans around the world. Callebaut’s Finest Belgian Chocolate range is recognised for its taste, consistency and workability, helping professionals bring their creative ideas to life across pastry, confectionery and hospitality applications. Callebaut is the flagship global gourmet chocolate brand of the Barry Callebaut Group. For more information, visit callebaut.com/en-AU.

Fostering new opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and Asia’s Pharmaceutical Industry

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Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the landmark success of CPHI & PMEC China in June 2026, which welcomed an unprecedented gathering of industry professionals and fostered pivotal connections across the pharmaceutical supply chain, attention now shifts to South China. Building on this momentum, CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2026 will take place from 16-18 September 2026 at Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (SZCEC), addressing the growing demand for access to South China’s key pharmaceutical markets.

As a key gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen is uniquely positioned to drive the future of pharma innovation. The region’s health industry GDP is projected to surpass 2 trillion CNY by 2028 and reach 2.5 trillion to 3 trillion CNY by 2030, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration. Driven by this immense market potential, CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2026 is poised to attract an even more diverse and influential contingent of pharmaceutical buyers, hosting over 800 carefully selected exhibiting companies and more than 15,000 professional visitors from both domestic and international markets. 

Addressing this market demand, CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2026 showcases a comprehensive spectrum of pharmaceutical products and services, including: pharma ingredients, excipients, biotech, AI tech & contract service, finished dosage, natural supply, beauty & cosmetics supply chain, packaging & drug delivery, pharma machinery, laboratory instruments & equipment, clean technology and more.

To further enhance its sourcing capabilities, the 2026 show floor introduces four strategic new zones designed to accelerate market access, including the Biotech zone, the AI tech & Contract service zone, the Smart manufacturing zone, and the highly dynamic Beauty & Cosmetics supply chain zone.

Alongside the exhibition, over 20 high-level conferences and activities will convene regulatory authorities, academic experts, and industry leaders to provide comprehensive insights into policy developments, technological innovations, and market trends. To facilitate strategic business connections, the event offers the Hosted buyer programme, designed to connect qualified international buyers with local suppliers, enabling efficient sourcing discussions and fostering long-term partnerships.

Leveraging Shenzhen’s strategic position as a leading innovation hub, CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2026 provides an essential platform for pharmaceutical advancement in South China.

CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen
CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen

Register now for your complimentary badge:

https://reg.cphi-china.cn/en/user/register

Learn more about the event: 

https://www.cphi.com/china/en-gb/home.html

Contact Us: CPHIMarketing@imsinoexpo.com

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