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DermRays Launches Lumenic™ Dual-Light & 3D-Oscillo™ System for At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening

NEW YORK, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DermRays, a pioneer in medical-grade consumer beauty technology, recently announced the global launch of the Lumenic™ Dual-Light & 3D-Oscillo™ System. This FDA-registered innovation is designed to disrupt the oral care market by offering a painless, professional-grade whitening and repair solution that fits into a daily brushing routine.

Dual-Light Whitening Technology
Dual-Light Whitening Technology

As the demand for at-home cosmetic dentistry surges in North America and Europe, consumers often face a trade-off between effective whitening and tooth sensitivity. The Lumenic™ system eliminates this compromise with its proprietary BrightShield™ technology, combining specialized light wavelengths with high-frequency sonic vibrations.

BrightShield™ Technology: Dual-Light Whitening Science

Unlike standard electric toothbrushes, the Lumenic™ system features two medical-grade light wavelengths:

  • 460nm Blue Light: Activates the PAP+ formula to rapidly break down deep-set stains without harming enamel or irritating nerves.
  • 660nm Red Light: Focused on gum health and bio-regeneration, helping to soothe inflammation and strengthen enamel during the nightly “Repair” mode.

Oral Care 3.0: Beyond Cleaning to Regeneration

“Whitening alone is no longer enough for the modern consumer,” said the Lead Product Strategist at DermRays. “With Lumenic™, we are introducing ‘Oral Care 3.0’ — moving from simple protection to active bio-regeneration. By integrating our 3D-Oscillo™ Polishing technology, delivering up to 39,400 vibrations per minute (VPM), we remove up to 99.9% of plaque while polishing enamel to a high-gloss, salon-like finish.”

Zero-Sensitivity Commitment

The kit includes a specialized Hydrogen Peroxide-FREE toothpaste duo. Utilizing PAP+ for whitening and Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) for repair, the system mimics natural enamel to seal exposed tubules, helping provide immediate comfort for sensitive teeth — a major growth driver in the US and UK retail sectors.

Availability and Pricing

The Lumenic™ Dual-Light & 3D-Oscillo™ System is now available for pre-order in Gold and Grey finishes. To celebrate the launch, DermRays is offering a limited-time introductory price of $99.90 USD (Regularly $199.00), available exclusively at the DermRays Official Store.

About DermRays

DermRays is a subsidiary of LOTUXS LASER LIMITED, a leader in laser beauty excellence for over a decade. Recognized by Med Tech Outlook as one of the Top 10 Aesthetic Devices Companies in APAC, DermRays is committed to bringing clinic-level results into the home.

Lumenic™ Dual-Light & 3D-Oscillo™ System for a Painless White
Lumenic™ Dual-Light & 3D-Oscillo™ System for a Painless White

MIND Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 Global New Product Innovation Recognition for AI-Native Data Loss Prevention Leadership

Recognized for innovation in data loss prevention, MIND advances AI security and modern data protection to drive customer success and market leadership.

SAN ANTONIO, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that MIND, the first-ever data security platform to enable stress-free Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Insider Risk Management (IRM) programs, has been awarded the 2026 Global New Product Innovation Recognition in the DLP industry for its outstanding achievements in innovation, strategy execution, and customer impact. This recognition highlights MIND’s consistent leadership in driving measurable outcomes, strengthening its market position, and delivering customer-centric innovation in an evolving competitive landscape shaped by SaaS, hybrid work, Generative AI (GenAI), and agentic AI.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. MIND excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align strategic initiatives with market demand while executing them with efficiency, consistency, and scale. “For GenAI-related risks, MIND introduced new controls after observing that many enterprises allow employees to use GenAI tools to process sensitive data. As a result, MIND designed its policy management and enforcement to identify sensitive data exposure within GenAI workflows, provide visibility into user activity involving GenAI tools, enforce access to enterprise-approved GenAI applications only, and prevent sensitive data from being entered into prompts. These additions demonstrate how closely MIND aligns its roadmap with customer pain points, further reinforcing its reputation for rapid capability development,” said Daphne Dwiputriane, Research Analyst, Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on AI-native innovation, customer-centric product development, and strategic engagement with CISOs and design partners, MIND has shown its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving data security landscape. The company’s strategic agility and sustained investment in advanced data classification, endpoint protection, and GenAI risk mitigation have enabled it to scale effectively across global enterprise and mid-market segments.

Innovation remains central to MIND’s approach. Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Seattle, MIND was established to address persistent shortcomings in legacy DLP tools – namely alert fatigue, high false-positive rates, high resource intensity, and limited visibility into unstructured data across perimeter-less environments. Its unified data security platform integrates DLP and insider risk management (IRM) within a single architecture, ensuring that discovery, detection, and prevention decisions are powered by the same AI-driven classification layer.

At the core of the platform is MIND AI, a multilayered classification engine that combines standard techniques such as exact data matching (EDM), regular expression (RegEx) pattern matching, named entity recognition (NER), and optical character recognition (OCR) with proprietary statistical and predictive methods alongside more advanced methodologies like vector similarity, small language models (SLMs), and large language models (LLMs). This AI-native approach enables enterprises to accurately classify both known and novel sensitive data types, significantly reducing false positives while maintaining continuous protection across SaaS applications, endpoints, on-premise file shares, and email systems.

MIND’s recent endpoint innovations and GenAI-specific controls further demonstrate its commitment to modern data protection. The platform provides visibility into AI agents operating within SaaS environments, protects data used in locally installed applications and AI agents, prevents exfiltration to external devices, and tracks full data lineage. These capabilities empower security teams to manage data security risks holistically while reducing operational strain.

“The AI era is transforming how organizations create, move, and use data. That shift requires a fundamentally different approach to data protection,” said Eran Barak, Co-Founder and CEO at MIND. “At MIND, our goal has always been to help security teams move beyond reactive controls and toward intelligent, automated protection that keeps pace with modern environments. We are proud to receive this recognition from Frost & Sullivan and remain focused on helping organizations protect what matters most while enabling innovation.”

MIND’s unwavering commitment to customer experience further strengthens its position in the market. Its lightweight architecture enables rapid time-to-value, minimizing fine-tuning and reducing total cost of ownership. Customers report significantly lower alert volumes, near-zero false positives in certain deployments, and up to 80% reductions in time spent managing DLP programs. By consolidating DLP, IRM, endpoint protection, GenAI and agentic AI controls into a single platform, MIND helps enterprises streamline operations while enhancing data security resilience.

Frost & Sullivan commends MIND for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company’s vision, innovation pipeline, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of Data Loss Prevention and driving tangible results at scale.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the New Product Innovation to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. It recognizes forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence.

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.

Contact:
Ashley Shreve
E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com 

About MIND
MIND is on a mission to help organizations gain peace of mind and thrive in a digital world in this AI era by protecting their most sensitive data, mitigating data risks and preserving brand reputation. MIND is the first-ever data security platform to autonomously discover and classify sensitive data, fix data security issues and stop data leaks in one place, so organizations can put their data loss prevention and insider risk management programs on autopilot. We enable businesses to mind what really matters – their most sensitive data. Founded and led by cybersecurity veterans, MIND is based out of Seattle, WA. For more information, contact us at info@mind.io.

Media Contact for MIND:
Michelle Kearney
Hi-Touch PR
443-857-9468
kearney@hi-touchpr.com

OPTRUST FULLY FUNDED FOR 17(TH) CONSECUTIVE YEAR

TORONTO, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, OPTrust released its 2025 Funded Status Report — Service & Security – Since 1995 — which details the Plan’s financial results and funded status, while marking its 30th anniversary. In 2025, OPTrust remained fully funded for the 17th consecutive year and achieved a net investment return of 4.2 per cent. Over the past 10 years, the Plan’s average net investment return is 6.7 per cent.

OPTrust is one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension plans.
OPTrust is one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans.

“Thirty years ago, OPTrust was founded with a mission to pay pensions today, and preserve pensions for tomorrow,” said Peter Lindley, President and CEO of OPTrust. “As OPTrust remains fully funded for the 17th consecutive year, we continue to fulfil that purpose for our 118,000 members, delivering income security and peace of mind in retirement.”

Since starting operations in 1995, OPTrust’s membership has grown by more than 70 per cent, and assets have increased nearly fivefold. Today, investment returns account for more than 70 per cent of the benefits paid to OPTrust members when they retire, with over $1.4 billion in entitlements paid in 2025. The Plan’s average annual net investment return since inception is 7.8 per cent.

“In a year shaped by economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the continued strength of the Plan is a testament to our diversified investment strategy guided by an experienced investment team,” said Lindley. “Our perspective as a long-term investor allows us to look beyond short-term uncertainty, and to stay focused on the sustainability of the Plan over the decades to come.”

OPTrust continues to provide exceptional service to members, who rated their service satisfaction as 8.6 out of 10. The Plan was recognized among the top 10 pension plans globally for service by CEM Benchmarking Inc.’s annual rankings.

Find more information about OPTrust’s 2025 strategy and results in Service & Security – Since 1995 at optrust.com.

About OPTrust
With net assets of over $27 billion, OPTrust invests and manages one of Canada’s largest pension funds and administers the OPSEU Pension Plan (including OPTrust Select), a defined benefit plan with 118,000 members. OPTrust was established to give plan members and the Government of Ontario an equal voice in the administration of the Plan and the investment of its assets through joint trusteeship. OPTrust is governed by a 10-member Board of Trustees, five of whom are appointed by OPSEU/SEFPO and five by the Government of Ontario. 

Media Contact: Jason White, Manager, Public Affairs, OPTrust, +1-416-201-1527, jwhite@optrust.com

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/opseu_pension_plan_trust_fund_optrust_fully_funded_for_17_th__co.jpg

U POWER’s Electric Heavy Trucks Pass Comprehensive Operational Testing and Full-Stack Integration of Battery-Swapping System; 1,000 Units Set for Thailand Rollout

BANGKOK, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR) (“U Power” or the “Company”), a provider of AI-integrated solutions for next-generation energy grids and intelligent transportation systems, today announced that it has successfully completed comprehensive operational testing and full-stack integration of the battery-swapping system of heavy-duty truck prototype vehicles designed to be deployed in Thailand.

This milestone marks a key step forward in U Power’s collaboration with Whale Logistics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (“Whale Logistics”), a strategic partner, to deploy 1,000 battery-swapping heavy-duty trucks in Thailand. The strategic partnership, formalized in December 2025, paves the way for the production and delivery of the first batch of heavy truck tractors by May 2026.

The battery-swapping heavy-duty truck project was jointly developed by U Power, SAIC Hongyan Automotive Co., Ltd., a company focused on the development, manufacture, sales and services of heavy trucks, and UNEX EV, a new energy and technology company. The prototype vehicles underwent three months of full-condition road testing, during which the key systems were thoroughly evaluated. Following full-stack integration, all technical parameters met design specifications and aligned with Whale Logistics’ requirements for electrified highway logistics transportation, positioning the prototypes for immediate transition to mass production.

As Thailand’s inaugural and flagship battery-swapping heavy-duty truck project, the cooperation between U Power and Whale Logistics aims to accelerate the adoption of green and sustainable battery-swapping solutions in the country’s road logistics sector. Supported by U Power’s UOTTATM battery-swapping solution that enables battery swaps within minutes, operational efficiency of electric transport vehicles can match that of conventional fuel-powered trucks. At the same time, vehicle operators can avoid substantial investments in grid expansion and charging infrastructure while eliminating concerns about battery performance degradation. This model offers a greener and more cost-efficient, and replicable transportation solution for the highway logistics industry.

Johnny Lee, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of U Power Limited, stated: “Completing full-condition road testing of our pilot vehicles confirms the reliability and efficiency of the UOTTA battery-swapping model. Via the partnership with Whale Logistics, we are set to deploy 1,000 vehicles in Thailand to meet high-frequency logistics demand and boost operational efficiency. Thailand is a strategic market in U Power’s global growth plan. By pioneering battery-swapping solutions for taxis and heavy-duty trucks, we are strengthening our leadership in Southeast Asia and driving low-carbon commercial transportation, while laying the foundation for expansion across the region.

About U Power Limited

U Power is a provider of comprehensive AI-integrated energy solutions that connect electric vehicles (EVs) with advanced energy infrastructure, optimizing both mobility and grid performance. Originally a distributor of various battery-swapping station models built on its proprietary modular battery-swapping technology UOTTA™, U Power has evolved into a provider of AI-integrated solutions for energy grids and transportation systems.

Through investments in next-generation technologies, U Power is building intelligent ecosystems that integrate resilient AI driven solutions able to transform EVs into dynamic energy assets. By incorporating AI algorithms, U Power’s comprehensive solutions for smart energy grids are designed to support autonomous EV driving, optimize energy replenishment efficiency, and seamlessly connect EV assets with advanced AI-powered transportation systems, enabling peak and off-peak energy load balancing.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.upower-limited.com/.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements reflect our current view about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results, and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statements and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. References and links (including QR codes) to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

Contact 
U Power Limited 
Investor Relations Department
ir@upincar.com

The Equity Group
Lena Cati, Senior Vice President
212-836-9611 / lcati@theequitygroup.com

Alice Zhang, Associate
212-836-9610 / azhang@theequitygroup.com  

GIGABYTE Launches Z890 Plus Series Motherboards Supporting Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series Processors and CQDIMM Technology

TAIPEI, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, introduces the Z890 Plus Series Motherboards engineered to support the new Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus series processors. Highlighting AORUS ELITE DUO X and Z890M FORCE DUO X WIFI7 models built on innovative CQDIMM technology, these dual-DIMM designs deliver uncompromised memory performance, superior signal integrity, and refined features tailored for mainstream gamers and performance-focused users.

GIGABYTE Launches Z890 Plus Series Motherboards Supporting Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series Processors and CQDIMM Technology
GIGABYTE Launches Z890 Plus Series Motherboards Supporting Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series Processors and CQDIMM Technology

Designed for optimal memory performance without tradeoffs between capacity and speed, the Z890 AORUS ELITE DUO X and Z890M FORCE DUO X WIFI7 models support 128GB memory per DIMM via Quad-Rank memory modules, enabling full 256GB capacity with just two memory modules. Through optimized motherboard circuit design, GIGABYTE reduces memory channel loading and enhances signal integrity to ensure high frequency under heavy workloads, boosting speed up to DDR5-10266. Complementing the hardware advancements is GIGABYTE’s sophisticated D5 DUO X BIOS tuning technology. Through an optimized clock driver architecture, GIGABYTE’s BIOS intelligently manages timing, signal synchronization, and voltage behavior to unleash potential performance.

To further elevate performance, GIGABYTE leverages Ultra Turbo Mode in the Z890 Plus series. It’s a BIOS-level performance boost feature that intelligently optimizes the processor and DRAM settings with a simple click. The series also carries forward the D5 Bionic Corsa technology from the previous generation, combining AI-driven AORUS AI Snatch software, advanced hardware design, and HyperTune BIOS firmware to deliver one-click DDR5 overclocking.

Expanding beyond the DUO X models, the broader Z890 Plus series – including AORUS ELITE, GIGABYTE EAGLE, and FORCE variants brings these innovations to a wider audience with enhanced durability and user-focused refinements. A reinforced UD base plate improves structural rigidity and safeguards the motherboard during installation. DriverBIOS with a pre-installed Wi-Fi driver enables immediate network connectivity on first boot, while the Rear EZ-Button simplifies system building and troubleshooting, maintaining a clean, uninterrupted front-panel design.

With breakthrough CQDIMM architecture and purpose-built dual-DIMM optimization, the Z890 AORUS ELITE DUO X and Z890M FORCE DUO X WIFI7 stand at the forefront of high-density, high-frequency memory performance, defining the next standard for next-generation PC platforms. For more information, please visit the official product page.

©Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

Binance Files Lawsuit, Accusing the WSJ of False and Defamatory Reporting

ABU DHABI, UAE, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Binance, the global blockchain company behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, today filed a complaint, accusing The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) of publishing a false and defamatory article on February 23, 2026.  

Binance filed the complaint to shine the light of truth, demanding vindication of its reputation resulting from such statements in the article. 

“We view this lawsuit as a necessary step to defend ourselves against misinformation, and address the significant reputational harm and business consequences that have resulted,” said Global Head of Litigation, Dugan Bliss. “This type of reporting erodes trust in the broader industry and undermines the efforts of those who are committed to protecting users and advancing positive innovation.”  

“We take immense pride in our industry-leading compliance program and remain unwavering in our commitment to upholding the highest standards. This reflects the trust placed in us by more than 300 million users worldwide, who rely on our world-class security measures and user protections every day,” Bliss concluded. 

Binance has built one of the largest and most robust compliance programs in the digital asset industry, investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the program, and dedicating more than 1,500 individuals, nearly a quarter of its global workforce, to compliance, investigative, and risk functions. 

Binance holds regulatory approvals and licenses in more than 20 jurisdictions and is the first cryptocurrency exchange to have secured full authorization under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) regulatory framework. 

About Binance  

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means. For more information, visit: https://www.binance.com 

ASIAN MANUFACTURING TAKES OFF IN FEBRUARY WHILE NORTH AMERICA CONTRACTS: GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

  • Supply chains into Asia are the busiest since October 2022 due to sharp rises in manufacturing activity in China, Japan, India, South Korea and Taiwan
  • North American factory input demand softens, reflecting a cooling of U.S. manufacturing growth
  • Europe’s industrial recovery gains momentum, driven by Germany, but supply bottlenecks reported

CLARK, N.J., March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index — a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs, based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses — showed that worldwide purchases of raw materials, commodities and critical components rose at the fastest pace in almost four years. Underlying data suggest the upturn was broad-based across sectors, with procurement activity rising in both capital-intensive and consumer-facing industries, pointing to a cyclical upswing prior to the war in the Middle East.

Asia was the key driving force behind a resurgence in global factory demand. China, Japan, India, South Korea and Taiwan reported strong rates of purchasing growth among key markets, leading Asia’s supply networks to record their busiest month in three-and-a-half years.

North America, on the other hand, saw a weaker trend in factory purchasing in February, reflecting a loss of momentum in the U.S. manufacturing economy. Canadian goods producers, by comparison, lifted their purchases of raw materials and intermediate products for the first time in more than a year.

Meanwhile, Europe’s industrial recovery continued to progress as the manufacturing sector of the continent’s largest economy, Germany, gathered momentum. The rise in procurement activity across Europe has led to the emergence of bottlenecks, with supply capacity becoming slightly stretched. A similar story was recorded for the U.K. in February.

“The war with Iran is already creating an oil supply shock that will disrupt global supply chains,” said John Piatek, vice president of consulting at GEP. “Companies need to assess their exposure to energy, petrochemical and shipping costs now, while U.S. manufacturers should also move quickly to proactively secure price reductions from suppliers following the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling.”

GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index March 2026 Headline
GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index March 2026 Headline

Interpreting the data: 
Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are.
Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index March 2026 All Regions
GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index March 2026 All Regions

Interpreting the data: 
Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are.
Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

FEBRUARY 2026 REGIONAL KEY FINDINGS

  • ASIA: Index jumps to 0.40, from 0.12, its highest level since October 2022, signaling that supply chains into Asia were their busiest in nearly three-and-a-half years.
  • NORTH AMERICA: Index slips from 0.06 to -0.26, signaling underused supplier capacity in North America after a pick-up in January. US factories tapered purchasing activity.
  • EUROPE: Index rises to 0.05, from -0.27, indicating further progress in Europe’s industrial recovery.
  • U.K.: Index increases to -0.01, from -0.17, suggesting that the U.K.’s supply chains are running at full capacity.

FEBRUARY 2026 KEY FINDINGS 

GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index March 2026 Breakdown
GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index March 2026 Breakdown
  • DEMAND: Global demand for raw materials, commodities and intermediate products rose substantially in February to its strongest level since March 2022. Asia was a key factor behind this resurgence, with stronger growth in factory purchasing seen in key manufacturing economies across the region such as China, Japan, India, South Korea and Taiwan.
  • INVENTORIES: Global reports of manufacturers stockpiling materials due to concerns regarding supply or price were below historically typical levels in February. This is in line with the general trend seen over the past two years, where firms have strongly favored lean inventories.
  • MATERIAL SHORTAGES: The items in short supply indicator rose markedly in February, signaling a rise in reports of shortages from global manufacturers. That said, the overall frequency at which supply issues were noted was contained, recording in line with the long-run average level.
  • LABOR SHORTAGES: Reports of backlogs rising at manufacturers due to shortages of staff were anchored around the level seen on average, historically, during February. This indicates that labor is not a restrictive factor for global production.
  • TRANSPORTATION: The global transportation costs indicator posted in line with its historical average during February.

For more information, visit www.gep.com/volatility.
Note: Full historical data dating back to January 2005 is available for subscription. Please contact economics@spglobal.com.
The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be 8 a.m. ET, Apr. 10, 2026.

About the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index is produced by S&P Global and GEP. It is derived from S&P Global’s PMI® surveys, sent to companies in over 40 countries, totaling around 27,000 companies. The headline figure is a weighted sum of six sub-indices derived from PMI data, PMI Comments Trackers and PMI Commodity Price & Supply Indicators compiled by S&P Global.

  • A value above 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being stretched and supply chain volatility is increasing. The further above 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being stretched.
  • A value below 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being underutilized, reducing supply chain volatility. The further below 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being underutilized.

A Supply Chain Volatility Index is also published at a regional level for Europe, Asia, North America and the U.K. For more information about the methodology, click here.

About GEP

GEP® delivers AI-powered procurement and supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability and increase shareholder value. Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain expertise, smart, passionate people — this is how GEP SOFTWARE™, GEP STRATEGY™ and GEP MANAGED SERVICES™ together deliver procurement and supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness. Our customers are the world’s best companies, including more than 1,000 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 industry leaders who rely on GEP to meet ambitious strategic, financial and operational goals. A leader in multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants, GEP’s cloud-native software and digital business platforms consistently win awards and recognition from industry analysts, research firms and media outlets, including Gartner, Forrester, IDC, ISG, and Spend Matters. GEP is also regularly ranked a top procurement and supply chain consulting and strategy firm, and a leading managed services provider by ALM, Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG and HFS, among others. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP has offices and operations centers across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.gep.com.

Media Contacts

Derek Creevey

Joe Hayes

S&P Global Market Intelligence

Director, Public Relations

Principal Economist

Corporate Communications

GEP

S&P Global Market Intelligence

Email: Press.mi@spglobal.com

Phone: +1 646-276-4579

Phone: +44-1344-328-099

Email: derek.creevey@gep.com

Email: joe.hayes@spglobal.com

 

MD Local Global Launches Cultural RWA Initiative Integrating Historic Fernie Castle, Global Animation IP and Immersive Cultural Infrastructure

LONDON, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MD Local Global Ltd., a London-based cultural development company, today announced the launch of a Cultural Real World Asset (RWA) initiative designed to integrate historic cultural infrastructure, original animation intellectual property, and immersive cultural experiences into a unified cultural asset framework.

The initiative forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to develop Fernie Castle in Scotland into an international center for animation, narrative arts, and immersive cultural experiences.

Unlike conventional RWA initiatives that primarily focus on financial assets or real estate, MD Local Global’s Cultural RWA framework seeks to connect multiple layers of real-world cultural value — including heritage architecture, creative intellectual property, and experiential cultural programming — within a single long-term cultural ecosystem.

The initiative represents one of the first attempts to structure a cultural infrastructure project combining heritage architecture, animation intellectual property and immersive cultural experiences within a Real World Asset framework.

Cultural RWA Framework

At the core of the initiative is the development of a three-layer cultural asset structure.

The first layer consists of physical cultural infrastructure. This includes the historic Fernie Castle estate in Scotland, which MD Local Global is developing into an international animation and narrative arts museum. The broader cultural complex will also include immersive exhibition environments and a large-scale Oriental Garden landscape inspired by Eastern aesthetics and philosophy.

The second layer centers on creative intellectual property emerging from the company’s animation initiatives. MD Local Global is collaborating with internationally recognized European animation partners to develop original animated works inspired by classical Eastern mythological and philosophical traditions.

The third layer encompasses the long-term cultural operating ecosystem surrounding the site, including exhibitions, cultural programming, educational initiatives, and visitor-based experiences.

Together, these three components form an integrated cultural asset platform that may support new approaches to long-term cultural financing associated with Real World Asset frameworks.

Animation and Global Creative Collaboration

Animation plays a central role in the cultural ecosystem being developed under the Cultural RWA initiative.

MD Local Global is currently collaborating with leading European animation studios and internationally recognized creative talent on a series of animation projects inspired by classical Chinese literature and philosophy.

Among these initiatives is an animated short film inspired by the Chinese literary classic *Journey to the West*, produced in collaboration with Spanish animation studio Abano Producións. The short film is also being developed as the creative foundation for a potential feature-length animated adaptation.

The project is directed by internationally acclaimed animation filmmaker Isabel Herguera, with a screenplay by interdisciplinary filmmaker and composer Gianmarco Serra and visual development by animation artist Gina Thorstensen.

Abano Producións is led by Goya Award-winning producer Chelo Loureiro, whose studio recently received the 2026 Goya Award for Best Animated Feature Film for *Decorado*.

In parallel, MD Local Global is also collaborating with additional European creative partners on new animation works exploring philosophical storytelling traditions and narrative experimentation.

A Cultural Infrastructure Model

The integration of cultural heritage sites, original narrative intellectual property, and immersive visitor experiences reflects a broader transformation within the global creative economy.

Cultural destinations increasingly serve not only as tourism landmarks but also as platforms for creative production, storytelling, and global cultural exchange.

By combining heritage architecture, animation intellectual property and immersive narrative environments, the Fernie Castle initiative represents an emerging model of cultural infrastructure capable of supporting long-term creative production and international cultural engagement.

Strategic and Economic Outlook

The global animation industry, immersive entertainment sector and cultural tourism economy are becoming increasingly interconnected.

Narrative intellectual property often serves as the foundation for multi-platform cultural ecosystems spanning film distribution, streaming platforms, immersive exhibitions, and destination-based cultural experiences.

By integrating a historic cultural site with original animation IP and immersive storytelling environments, MD Local Global believes the Fernie Castle initiative has the potential to establish a distinctive cultural platform within the international creative landscape.

The Cultural RWA initiative is intended to support the long-term development of this ecosystem while exploring emerging asset-based financing frameworks capable of supporting sustainable cultural infrastructure.

Strategic Outlook

MD Local Global emphasizes that the Cultural RWA initiative represents a strategic development framework. Any potential digital asset structures would be implemented in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.

The company views the Fernie Castle project as a multi-phase cultural infrastructure initiative expected to evolve over time — beginning with animation production and site development, and expanding into a broader international platform for animation, philosophy, and immersive cultural storytelling.

By integrating historic cultural heritage, global animation talent, and emerging cultural infrastructure models, MD Local Global aims to establish a new paradigm for how cultural institutions and creative industries may collaborate in the decades ahead.

About MD Local Global Ltd.

MD Local Global Ltd. is a London-based cultural company dedicated to developing international animation and cultural initiatives that connect Eastern philosophical traditions with contemporary global storytelling.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in MDJM LTD’s annual report on Form 20-F and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Contact:

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