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GAC Group to Celebrate 30 Million Global Users on July 16

GUANGZHOU, China, July 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From the roll-off of its first vehicle to the upcoming milestone of its 30 millionth finished automobile, every step forward taken by GAC stems from the choices and trust of users worldwide. On July 16, GAC Group will stage a grand appreciation event for its 30 million users, celebrating the historic roll-off of its 30 millionth vehicle alongside global users.

Since delivering its first vehicle to a customer, GAC’s development has marched in lockstep with the mobility lives of users worldwide. This year, a constant stream of new users have joined the GAC community, together earning the trust of 30 million users worldwide.

In H1 2026, exports of GAC’s own brands hit 121,500 units, jumping 132% year-on-year, proving global consumers’ recognition of product quality. All five core overseas regions — the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Europe — recorded robust growth.

GAC’s international business covers 110 countries/regions across five major zones, with 746 sales and service outlets, six overseas manufacturing plants, and nine overseas parts warehouses. It has built localized full-value-chain operations covering R&D, production, supply and sales. In the Americas, multiple core models rank high in local markets, with monthly sales multiplying several times in Brazil, Colombia and others. In Asia-Pacific, GAC held 11% of Hong Kong’s NEV market in Jan-May, while Thailand’s June sales surged 207% month-on-month. In Europe, GAC has built a complete system from local manufacturing to retail, steadily rolling out NEVs in key markets. Every regional sales increase reflects local users’ recognition and preference, together forming GAC’s 30-million-user trust community.

The milestone of 30 million vehicles produced by GAC embodies the trust and commitment of users all over the world. GAC Group will deepen reforms under the “Panyu action”, stay committed to the user-centric development philosophy, and translate the trust of its 30 million global users into driving force for progress. The Group will deliver higher-quality products, more advanced technologies and more comprehensive services to reciprocate every customer’s support, and march forward hand in hand with its global 30-million-user community to embrace a brand-new development journey.

For more information about GAC, please visit https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.


 

FROM THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2026

FORMER ELITE SOCCER PLAYERS SHOW
EVIDENCE OF BRAIN HEALTH CHANGES IN MID-LIFE

Key Takeaways

  • New research provides insights into brain health among former elite professional soccer players during midlife.
  • Former players reported high levels of depression, anxiety, and subjective difficulties with thinking and decision-making.
  • Researchers found brain differences that warrant further study. The findings highlight the need for long-term monitoring and further research into the effects of repetitive head impacts in sports.
  • Additional studies presented at AAIC 2026 link greater heading exposure and longer soccer careers with biomarkers of neural injury, tau accumulation and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) risk.

LONDON, July 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new study of former elite soccer players provides important insights into brain health and player-reported neurological symptoms compared to people without a history of repetitive head impacts, according to the first and largest study of its kind in retired professional soccer players, presented today at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2026 in London and online.

The former players reported higher levels of depression and anxiety and had subjective difficulties with thinking and decision-making skills. MRI scans identified differences in brain structure between some former players and a comparison group of healthy people with no history of contact sports or head injuries. The findings add to a growing body of research, including additional studies reported at AAIC 2026, exploring how soccer play may influence brain health over time.

“These findings suggest there may be measurable effects on brain health in former elite soccer players even in mid-life, before clinically apparent neurodegenerative disease would typically emerge,” said Caleigh Grace Lynch, M.Sc., lead author of the study and a research technician at Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute Centre for Care Research & Technology. “While we did not find significant differences in objective cognitive testing between the groups, we did observe important differences in symptoms and brain structure.”

“Research like this helps us better understand brain health factors across the lifespan and reinforces the importance of injury prevention and monitoring,” said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead. “These findings can help players, physicians and sports organizations better understand the risks of contact sports and how to participate safely.”

The study included 142 former professional soccer players, ages 30-60: 126 males who held a full-time professional contract for a minimum of three years, and 16 females who competed at the top two tiers of the women’s professional game in the UK. They were compared to a control group of 56 healthy people (43 male) of the same age who have not played contact sports, served in the military and had no history of repetitive head impacts, concussion or other neurological issues.                            

Interim analyses of this dataset revealed that former elite professional soccer players reported significantly higher symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as worse self-rated ability to plan, focus on and solve problems and manage daily tasks, compared to the control group. Nearly one-third of former players (31%) scored in the range indicating clinically significant depression symptoms, compared with 9% of controls, while 42% scored in the range indicating clinically significant anxiety symptoms, compared with 25% of controls.

Brain imaging of 124 former players revealed lower gray matter volume in several brain regions, including frontal, cingulate and thalamic areas that play important roles in memory, attention, decision-making and emotional regulation, compared to controls. At the group level, there was evidence of reduced brain volume in footballers compared with controls. Researchers report clinical review of the scans by a neuroradiologist found that a small proportion of the scans (~2%) had clinically significant atrophy suggestive of neurodegeneration. Further investigation is required to fully understand this result.

Researchers said the combination of elevated symptoms and altered brain volume patterns may suggest trauma-related neurodegeneration, but more research is needed to definitively prove this. Future work is planned to further investigate these findings, including the use of an expanded dataset, integration of additional biomarkers such as advanced diffusion imaging and blood-based biomarkers of neurodegeneration, and longitudinal follow-up.

“By following participants over time, we hope to better understand how repetitive head impacts may influence long-term brain health and neurodegenerative disease, and help inform strategies to make sports safer for future generations,” said Thomas D. Parker, B.M., B.M.Ch., M.R.C.P., Ph.D., senior author of the study and clinical lecturer and consultant neurologist at Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute Centre for Care Research & Technology.

The study is part of the Advanced BRAIN Health Clinic Research Programme based at the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, an integrated clinical care and research initiative investigating the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in retired elite soccer and rugby players.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers guidance on brain health and brain injury risk reduction. One of its 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain is “Protect your head: Help prevent an injury to your head. Wear a helmet for activities like biking and wear a seatbelt. Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for older adults.”

As a U.S. Centers for Disease Control Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Risk Reduction, the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to making brain health a central part of public health. The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way in raising awareness about brain health through initiatives that cover the entire spectrum of public health engagement, including the recently launched Brain Health Advancement Institute, a destination for researchers, health care professionals, public health practitioners and policymakers working to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia across all communities. 

Additional research on this topic at AAIC 2026 includes:

  • Real-life amateur soccer heading and acute elevations in blood-based p-tau217 and S100B. #13279 (Wednesday, July 15 poster). Marloes Ilse Hoppen, Ph.D. student, Emma Children’s Hospital and Alzheimer Center of Amsterdam University Medical Center. m.i.hoppen@amsterdamumc.nl
  • Early tau and amyloid pathology following repetitive head impacts in former collegiate athletes: a care consortium study. #13523 (Sunday, July 12 poster). Yomna Takieldeen, MBBCH, Indiana University. yotaki@iu.edu
  • Duration of soccer play and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. #9837 (Wednesday, July 15 poster). Bobak Abdolmohammadi, B.A., Boston University. babdolmo@bu.edu

About AAIC

AAIC is the world’s largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause dementia. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call +1 800.272.3900.

AlgoLaser Launches DIY KIT MK3: Start, Just That Simple–A Smarter Way to Laser Engrave

SHENZHEN, China, July 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AlgoLaser, a global leader in smart laser engraving technology, today officially launched its latest desktop laser engraver: the DIY KIT MK3. For years, complex assembly, cumbersome operation, and steep learning curves have kept many creators from exploring laser engraving. The DIY KIT MK3 eliminates these barriers. Built around the core promise to ‘Start, Just That Simple,’ it features optimized structural engineering, an intuitive AlgoOS-powered HD touchscreen, and significantly boosted laser performance. From unboxing to final creation, the DIY KIT MK3 seamlessly streamlines the entire process while delivering exceptional value.

AlgoLaser unveils the DIY KIT MK3: A smarter, simpler, and more accessible way to laser engrave.
AlgoLaser unveils the DIY KIT MK3: A smarter, simpler, and more accessible way to laser engrave.

Streamlined Assembly for Immediate Use

The DIY KIT MK3 introduces an innovative Structrix Frame, featuring precision alignment slots and cable management. Arriving 95% pre-assembled, the machine can be fully set up in just five simple steps in under 10 minutes. This completely eliminates traditional frustrations like belt tensioning, repeated alignments, and messy wiring.

Intelligent, Computer-Free Operation

Powered by the proprietary AlgoOS, the built-in HD touchscreen enables fully offline, standalone operation. It boasts smart parameter recommendations, drag-and-drop positioning, and direct image processing. Combined with over 400 ready-to-use projects and creative tools like AlgoType and AlgoSketch, the system allows beginners to start creating instantly—no computer or technical expertise required.

Enhanced Power and Speed for Higher Productivity

Equipped with new 8W, 15W, and 20W laser modules, the DIY KIT MK3 delivers up to a 60% power increase over its predecessor. Robust structural and material upgrades fully harness this power, ensuring stable, high-precision engraving at speeds up to 15,000 mm/min. Additionally, the spacious 400×400mm workspace and an efficient repetitive processing mode make intricate designs and small-batch production highly practical, empowering users to easily monetize their craft.

Modular Design for Long-Term Flexibility

The DIY KIT MK3’s modular architecture supports seamless laser module upgrades and effortless integration with accessories like rotary attachments. This flexibility adapts to diverse needs—from scaling an Etsy business to exploring family DIY projects. Furthermore, with an optional Class 1 safety enclosure and multiple built-in monitoring systems, the DIY KIT MK3 provides peace of mind, making it safe for both commercial studios and home environments.

Availability

The DIY KIT MK3 is now available for pre-order exclusively on the official website, algolaser.com. From July 11–31, customers can order during the Super Early Bird window and enjoy exclusive perks, including free gifts and bonus points. It will then launch globally on Amazon and other major platforms starting August 1.

Order now to secure early access before the worldwide launch.

About AlgoLaser

AlgoLaser is a global provider of smart laser engraving solutions, dedicated to empowering makers, educators, and everyday creators around the world. By pairing high-performance hardware with the intuitive AlgoOS operating system, AlgoLaser breaks down technical barriers to make professional-quality creation as simple as everyday printing. The company is committed to helping users of all skill levels effortlessly transform creative ideas into reality, making laser technology easier, safer, and accessible enough for every household. For more information, visit www.algolaser.com.

Rethinking Urban Development: Vietnamese Developers Shaping Future Cities


HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2026 – As global urban challenges evolve, Vietnamese Developers offer valuable insights into alternative development models.

Vinhomes' strategic response is crystallized in its ESG
Vinhomes’ strategic response is crystallized in its ESG

For much of the past century, urban development followed a relatively straightforward equation: build housing, expand infrastructure and accommodate population growth. This formula is now showing its limitations. As climate risk intensifies, biodiversity declines and cities compete not only for investment but also for talent, developers around the world are now forced to redefine the very nature and purpose of what they build.

From the Gulf to Singapore, and from Scandinavia to Southeast Asia, large-scale urban projects are evolving into integrated ecosystems where mobility, green infrastructure, education, healthcare, digital services and environmental restoration are planned together. The industry paradigm has shifted from constructing buildings to designing places capable of sustaining both economic growth and quality of life over generations.

Vinhomes has initiated a comprehensive repositioning to navigate this global transition.

Known as Vietnam’s largest residential developer, the company is increasingly recognized not merely as a builder of housing projects, but as a creator of large-scale lifestyle ecosystems, communities where urban planning, technology, ecology and public services are conceived as parts of the same system.

When Nature Becomes Urban Infrastructure

For decades, environmental considerations were often introduced after a city’s masterplan had already been completed.

The emerging model reverses that sequence. Across many of its recent developments, Vinhomes operates on the principle that natural systems should become the starting point of planning. Hydrology, coastal conditions, biodiversity and existing vegetation are treated as design inputs that shape the urban layout from the earliest stages.

This philosophy marks a notable departure from conventional large-scale development, particularly in rapidly urbanising markets where natural landscapes have frequently given way to intensive construction.

With more than 30 developments across Vietnam and a land bank equivalent to roughly two-thirds the size of Singapore, Vinhomes has the unusual opportunity to test this planning approach at a metropolitan scale.

Rather than replicating identical urban formulas, each project is designed around the ecological characteristics of its location.

The company maintains that the long-term success of a city should ultimately be measured not by how much has been built, but by whether natural ecosystems continue to thrive decades after residents have moved in. That perspective aligns with an increasingly influential school of urban planning in which green infrastructure is viewed as essential public infrastructure.

Factors Compelling Cities Toward Regeneration

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks have become standard across global investment. Urban planners, however, are beginning to question whether sustainability alone is sufficient.

Maintaining today’s environmental conditions may no longer be enough if tomorrow’s cities must also respond to rising temperatures, sea-level change and growing demographic pressures.

Vinhomes’ strategic response is crystallized in its ESG++, a framework that extends beyond conventional ESG principles by introducing two additional objectives: Regeneration and resilience.

The distinction is subtle but important.

Regeneration implies restoring ecological systems rather than simply reducing environmental impact. Resilience focuses on designing cities capable of adapting to changing climatic, technological and social conditions over many decades.

Projects such as Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio and Vinhomes Global Gates Ha Long are intended to demonstrate how these concepts can be incorporated into large-scale urban planning, combining renewable energy, smart infrastructure and ecological restoration within a single development model.

This shift highlights a growing global consensus: the success of next-generation cities will ultimately be measured by their ability to adapt to increasingly complex environmental challenges.

Vietnam’s Urban Story Is Becoming Part of a Global Conversation

For many international audiences, Vietnam remains associated primarily with its cultural heritage and natural landscapes. Urban development may become an equally important part of that story.

Rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure investment and a national commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 have created conditions in which entirely new urban models can be planned without many of the legacy constraints facing older cities.

This developmental opportunity is capturing increasing global interest.

Commenting on Vinhomes Green Paradise’s participation in the global 7 Wonders of Future Cities initiative, Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of the New7Wonders Organisation, described Vietnam as undergoing a “transformative step change” in its national identity and global positioning. He pointed to the country’s progress in reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility as an example of coordinated action between government and the private sector that offers valuable insights extending beyond Southeast Asia.

For Vinhomes, participation in international platforms such as 7 Wonders of Future Cities is therefore less about showcasing a single project than about contributing to a broader discussion on how rapidly developing economies might approach urban growth differently. The company’s evolution mirrors a wider shift taking place across the global property sector.

Increasingly, the core value proposition for developers is no longer anchored in how many buildings they can deliver. Instead, it centers on whether they can create cities that remain economically competitive, environmentally resilient and socially relevant long after construction has ended.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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

PrimeBOT Brings Personal Robotics to the UN’s AI for Good Summit in Geneva

GENEVA, July 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PrimeBOT, a robotics brand, appeared at the United Nations’ AI for Good Global Summit. The summit, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with over 50 UN agencies including UNESCO, explores how AI can serve human welfare. PrimeBOT defines a new category: the Personal Robot – robots designed for homes and daily life, not production lines, that anyone can own, program, and create with. PrimeBOT came not to showcase technical specs, but to join a global conversation on education, inclusion, and human potential.

PrimeBOT Brings Personal Robotics to the UN's AI for Good Summit in Geneva
PrimeBOT Brings Personal Robotics to the UN’s AI for Good Summit in Geneva

Personal robots will reshape how AI is taught. Imagine a child learning to code by teaching a real robot to move and respond. PrimeBOT Q1 offers a developer console for young learners. Children start with block-based programming to choreograph movements, expressions, and conversational responses – turning Q1 into a companion that listens and speaks. They can then convert blocks into Python code and train AI models to recognize gestures or objects, making the entire machine learning cycle tangible. Programming becomes a conversation with a robot, not abstract syntax. PrimeBOT envisions Q1 as an AI learning companion for every family – not replacing teachers or parents, but making education hands-on and playful.

PrimeBOT’s vision is collaboration and integration – robots understanding human needs and augmenting creativity. The brand partners with youth and educational institutions globally, helping people see technology as a connector, not a divider. At the UN, PrimeBOT chose education over spectacle. In its view, technology must let the next generation grow as creators of AI, not just consumers.

PrimeBOT is in dialogue with educational and non-profit organizations across North America and Europe to explore how personal robots can support youth AI literacy. This is a patient journey – not a product announcement, but a shared exploration with educators, parents, and children. The future of personal robots is not something to be defined alone – it will be built together.

CUHK Achieves Top 20 Global Ranking in QS World University Rankings 2027


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has climbed 14 places in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2027 to rank 18th globally, entering the global top 20 for the first time. This milestone reflects significant improvements across key indicators, including employer reputation, international research network, and international student ratio, while retaining a full score in international faculty ratio.

CUHK climbs 14 places to enter the global top 20 for the first time.
CUHK climbs 14 places to enter the global top 20 for the first time.

CUHK’s Academic Excellence and Global Research Impact

CUHK’s academic rigour is further recognised in the 2026–27 Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where it ranks 28th globally and 5th in Asia, remaining Hong Kong’s top university for the fourth consecutive year. The University features 15 subjects in the global top 50, including five in the top 10, such as Education and Educational Research (#1), Gastroenterology and Hepatology (#2), Computer Science (#7), and Arts and Humanities and Artificial Intelligence (both ranked #9).

CUHK: Where Bold Ideas Become Impactful Research

CUHK provides an exceptional environment for impactful research, supported by approximately 300 research institutes and centres, alongside four state key laboratories approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Reflecting on the academic environment, Zhamilya Zhirenova, a PhD student in Biomedical Science from Kazakhstan, has deepened her expertise through her involvement with the Centre for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), an InnoHK research centre CUHK established with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet.

Unlike traditional research pathways, where students are often confined to a single university laboratory, Zhamilya gained extensive experience at Hong Kong Science Park, a dynamic setting that closely resembles industry. “It feels more like an industrial company,” she reflected, “and that experience has been invaluable.” For researchers with ambitions beyond academia, such early exposure to the pace and expectations of the biotech industry provides a distinct advantage.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators

Many of CUHK’s scholars are globally renowned experts who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. These experts provide valuable mentorship, cultivating an intellectually stimulating environment for innovative research.

At the Centre for Novostics, an InnoHK research centre dedicated to advancing molecular diagnostics, Yasine Malki, a Chemical Pathology PhD student from Hong Kong, highlighted mentorship as a defining aspect of his experience at CUHK. Benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, and a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, Yasine collaborates with specialists in molecular technologies, bioinformatics, and clinician-scientists, exemplifying CUHK’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to medical science.

Through the latest global rankings, CUHK continues to demonstrate the impact of its research and scholarship. The University offers robust financial support to attract top-tier global talent, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027–28 intake, which provides over HK$1.81 million (approximately US$232,420) in funding. Applications open on 1 September 2026.

Hashtag: #CUHK

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

About CUHK

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.

Lianlian DigiTech Wins “Best in Fintech Innovation Award” at HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Awards

HONG KONG, July 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lianlian DigiTech, a leading Chinese provider of cross-border payment solutions, has been named the winner of the “Best in Fintech Innovation Award” at the HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Awards 2025/26. The awards are co-organized by the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) and Hong Kong Telecom (HKT).

The company secured the honor with its proprietary global payout platform, LGPS (Lianlian Global Payout Service). The award program is a premier annual event in Hong Kong that celebrates outstanding innovation across industries, with this particular category dedicated to fintech projects that are actively transforming financial services through technology.

Lianlian DigiTech distinguished itself among a highly competitive field of entrants. The win not only validates the company’s technological expertise and real-world application value, but also underscores the growing global influence and competitiveness of Chinese fintech solutions in the cross-border payment space. 

Data-Driven Cross-Border Payments: How LGPS Bridges China and Global Markets

As artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other emerging technologies reshape global commerce, the global payments landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. Traditional bank wire transfers — with their manual processes, layered intermediary banks, opaque fees, and slow review cycles — are increasingly ill-suited for today’s high-volume, low-value, and fragmented trade flows.

Lianlian DigiTech’s LGPS directly addresses these pain points. Through a unified, standardized API, the platform integrates global payment networks with localized clearing systems, creating a new payment corridor between China and international markets. This enables overseas payment service providers (PSPs), banks, and other financial institutions to seamlessly access payment infrastructure both within China and across multiple jurisdictions — delivering end-to-end transparency, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and full traceability for every transaction.

To tackle these long-standing industry challenges, LGPS delivers breakthroughs across four critical areas—use-case coverage, settlement speed, regulatory safety, and operational transparency—fundamentally redefining the cross-border payment experience.

Versatile use-case coverage. LGPS supports a broad range of payment scenarios within a single integrated platform, including B2B trade settlements, cross-border e-commerce merchant collections, foreign trade supplier payouts, personal remittances, and marketplace fund disbursements. This makes it a one-stop solution for virtually any type of China-linked commercial or financial flow.

Speed and cost efficiency. Powered by a global network of localized clearing capabilities, LGPS dramatically reduces the number of intermediary banks in the transaction chain. The result: real-time settlement in many cases, direct RMB deposits ready for immediate use, and significantly lower multi-tier fees—delivering both speed and cost-effectiveness without compromise.

Regulatory-grade compliance and security. Backed by Lianlian DigiTech’s portfolio of 68 payment licenses worldwide, and reinforced by proprietary AI-driven anti-money laundering (AML) and fraud-detection systems, LGPS ensures full-chain regulatory compliance. Every transaction is monitored and secured, giving businesses confidence that funds move safely within legal frameworks.

End-to-end transparency. LGPS provides fully accessible tools including real-time balance inquiries, automated standard report downloads, and complete visibility into transaction initiation and status. Every payment is traceable from start to finish, with a clear digital audit trail. This level of transparency gives financial institutions and merchants robust support for fund management, reconciliation, and auditing—eliminating the guesswork that has long plagued cross-border payments.

LGPS is rapidly expanding its global ecosystem. Leading international players—including Thunes, a global B2B payments infrastructure platform, and 12 Victory, a well-known cross-border remittance service—have already integrated with the platform. Through real-world commercial deployments, LGPS has consistently demonstrated its reliability and technological edge, with its performance now fully validated across diverse global markets and use cases.

Driving “AI Native + Global”: Building Next-Generation Intelligent Financial Infrastructure

As a leading Chinese provider of digital and intelligent cross-border payment solutions, Lianlian DigiTech remains firmly committed to its “AI Native + Global” vision. With AI-native innovation at the heart of its business, the company is embedding AI, blockchain, and other advanced technologies into every stage of cross-border fund flows. By collaborating closely with major global banks, card networks, e-commerce platforms, and a broad range of service providers, Lianlian DigiTech is building an open, collaborative, and globally integrated digital payment ecosystem. Together, these efforts are laying the foundation for a trusted, intelligent financial infrastructure that enables Chinese businesses to connect seamlessly with commercial opportunities worldwide.

To date, Lianlian DigiTech holds a global portfolio of 68 payment licenses and regulatory authorizations. Its operations span more than 100 countries and regions, supporting settlement in over 140 currencies. With more than 10.4 million merchants and businesses served, the company delivers secure, efficient, and fully compliant cross-border collection and payment solutions for a diverse client base — including cross-border e-commerce sellers, foreign trade companies, and multinationals expanding into global markets.

The launch of LGPS represents a critical milestone in Lianlian DigiTech’s “AI Native + Global” initiative—expanding the reach of global payment services and delivering a truly seamless payment experience. Winning this prestigious HKMA fintech award is not only an industry validation of LGPS’s technological innovation and global service value, but also a strong endorsement of Lianlian DigiTech’s combination of AI-native technology and its worldwide payment network.

Looking ahead, Lianlian DigiTech will continue expanding its AI-native capabilities and global payment network while strengthening partnerships with banks and financial institutions worldwide. Drawing on its expertise in AI-native technologies and globally compliant payment infrastructure, the company is developing an end-to-end, fully intelligent payment platform designed to streamline payment flows, boost cross-border efficiency, and help accelerate the digital economy. Together, these efforts will create new opportunities and lasting value for international payments and global cross-border trade. 

HKDL’s Immersive Interactive Experiences Win Guests’ Hearts Lucky Nugget Spin at Grizzly Gulch Surpasses 30,000 Participations

Immersive experiences fuel collectible merchandise craze and extend magical memories


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2026 – In tune with the growing popularity of experiential travel and guests’ desire for participation and immersive experiences throughout their journeys, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been integrating retail with storytelling at the park through an endless flow of innovative interactive experiences and distinctive merchandise offerings. Emotional connections with guests are strengthened as merchandise is transformed into meaningful souvenirs interwoven with their Disney memories.

HKDL's Immersive Interactive Experiences Win Guests' Hearts Lucky Nugget Spin at Grizzly Gulch Surpasses 30,000 Participations

Launched in April this year at Grizzly Gulch, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Lucky Nugget Spin has recorded more than 30,000 participations as of the end of June, becoming one of the park’s most popular activities. Combining storytelling, live interactions, and surprises, the experience has been warmly received by guests and has further enhanced the atmosphere throughout the land.

David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, shared: ‘Today’s guests are looking for more than products; they want keepsakes that capture the stories and memories of their visit. Through interactive experiences, we hope to make merchandise a natural extension of the Disney park journey. Whether it is a plush toy, a pin or an accessory, the true value lies not only in the item itself, but in the magical moments and personal memories it represents.’

David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, is pictured in the center

This story- and interaction-driven strategy has been incorporated into various guest experiences across the resort. For example, in an engaging experience at the Popcorn Pop-Up Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., guests can reach into a giant popcorn bucket-themed installation to catch a “popcorn” and reveal the hidden Pixar pals plushie together with Disney cast members on the spot. Meanwhile, the Snow White Grotto, located beside the Castle of Magical Dreams, has introduced a new “Lock of Dreams” experience, offering guests a sense of ceremony and a souvenir to cherish.

Disney’s Classic Pin Trading Tradition Extends the Magic Beyond the Visit

Disney’s iconic Pin Trading tradition has long been an important part of how guests explore the park and connect with others. Reopened in June, Main Street Collectibles now features dedicated pin display areas designed to celebrate and elevate this beloved tradition. Guests can discover unexpected treasures while searching for favorite designs as they trade pins with Disney cast members and fellow collectors. More than just an addition to a collection, each pin carries unique memories and extends the guest journey.

More Than 3.5 Million 20th Anniversary Merchandise Items Snapped up

New Pixar and Marvel Experiences on the Way

Merchandise sales grew continuously during Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which attracted a large number of local, mainland, and international visitors and concluded with fanfare in June. Since late June last year, the resort has sold more than 3.5 million 20th Anniversary-themed merchandise. Among them, about 600,000 units of the SouvenEARS collection have been snapped up. Meanwhile, the blind-box series inspired by attractions and themed lands achieved sales of more than 500,000 units during fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the continued popularity of merchandise with strong storytelling elements and collectible appeal.

Looking ahead, HKDL will continue to enrich the guest experience across the resort. New Pixar-themed and Marvel-themed experiences will be introduced, further expanding both entertainment and retail offerings. Through ongoing innovation, HKDL remains committed to meeting guests’ demand for more immersive experiences, enhancing its appeal to local, mainland, and international visitors, and strengthening its position as a leading travel destination in the region.

Hashtag: #HongKongDisneylandResort

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