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Phuket Strengthens Appeal for UK Families as Secure International Residential Destination

By
Advertorial Desk
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Growing demand from British buyers, strengthened long-haul connectivity, and the continued evolution of Laguna Phuket are reinforcing the appeal of Thailand’s largest island as a secure and globally connected place to live and invest.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – Phuket’s transformation from world-renowned holiday destination into a fully established international residential hub is entering a new phase, supported by rising long-haul arrivals and improving access from the United Kingdom and Europe.

Phuket Strengthens Appeal for UK Families as Secure International Residential Destination

UK buyers represent one of the fastest-growing segments of Phuket’s European residential market, alongside France, Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia. The island’s year-round climate, quality of life, international schools, structured long-term residency pathways and expanding long-haul connectivity are key factors driving interest from British families and investors.

Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2025, underscoring global confidence in the country as a safe and accessible destination. Long-haul arrivals exceeded 11 million, rising 13% year-on-year and generating approximately 668 billion baht in tourism revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand continues to prioritise sustainable, high-value travel, targeting 14 million quality international visitors annually under a value-over-volume strategy.

International connectivity continues to strengthen. European flight capacity increased by more than 16% year-on-year and now stands approximately 5% above pre-pandemic levels. According to Immigration Bureau data, European arrivals reached approximately 7.8 million in 2025, up from 7.2 million in 2024. Direct services from London and Paris, alongside new Scandinavian routes, are reinforcing Phuket’s accessibility for UK travellers.

Improved access is translating into extended stays, remote working flexibility and lifestyle-driven property ownership. Increasingly, visitors are returning not only for holidays, but to explore long-term residency and residential investment opportunities.

Beyond its island setting and established hospitality sector, Phuket offers international-standard healthcare, leading international schools, yacht marinas, championship golf courses and reliable high-speed connectivity. The island combines year-round resort living with the infrastructure required for full-time residence and professional activity.

Industry research ranks Phuket among the world’s leading destinations for branded residences, alongside Dubai, Miami and New York. Foreign buyers account for more than 60% of condominium purchases, reflecting sustained international confidence in the market. Direct air links to more than 80 cities further support its global integration.

At the centre of this residential evolution is Laguna Phuket, developed by Banyan Group. Over 35 years, it has become one of Asia’s most established integrated resort and residential communities. Spanning more than 1,000 acres along Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket includes six hotels, an award-winning golf course, RAVA beach club and more than 3,000 branded residences. Residents from over 70 nationalities call it home within a master-planned environment supported by on-site education and comprehensive lifestyle amenities.

With approximately 5,000 additional residences planned across Laguna Phuket and neighbouring Laguna Lakelands, Phuket’s long-term residential trajectory continues to strengthen.

Phuket today represents more than a holiday destination. It has matured into a secure, internationally connected residential market offering stability, accessibility and enduring value for globally-minded UK families.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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

Lao-Born Refugee Now Holds Five Ministerial Portfolios in Australian Government

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture of Anoulack Chanthivong. (Photo by The Australian)

A man who crossed the Mekong River as a child fleeing conflict in Laos now serves as one of the most senior Lao-born politicians in Australian history, holding five ministerial portfolios in the New South Wales (NSW) government.

Anoulack Chanthivong, a minister in the NSW cabinet under Premier Chris Minns since 2023, was born in Laos and arrived in Australia at around age six after his family fled in the early 1980s. They crossed into Thailand and spent time in a refugee camp before being resettled in Sydney.

The family then settled in western Sydney, where his parents took on manual work despite language barriers. 

Anoulack grew up in Cabramatta, studied economics at the University of Sydney, and later completed further studies at the London School of Economics. He worked as an economist for more than a decade before entering politics, joining the Labor Party shortly after finishing high school and winning a local council seat in 2004.

He was later elected to represent Macquarie Fields in the NSW Parliament and has since been re-elected multiple times.

Following the 2023 state election, he was appointed to cabinet with responsibility for industry and trade, innovation, science and technology, better regulation and fair trading, building, and corrections, portfolios that place him at the centre of economic and regulatory policy in Australia’s most populous state.

His rise from refugee resettlement to senior minister has drawn attention both in Australia and among the Lao diaspora, with his career widely seen as representing the broader experience of Lao families who left home in search of stability and opportunity.

 

Fullgoal Launches Its First Hong Kong‑Domiciled ETF, Targeting High Dividends and Low Volatility

By
Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – Fullgoal Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (“Fullgoal AM HK”) listed its first Hong Kong-domiciled ETF — the Fullgoal Hang Seng HK High Dividend ETF (Stock Code: 3031) — on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 31 March. A milestone in Fullgoal’s more than ten years of commitment to the Hong Kong capital markets, the listing marks a new chapter in the company’s product development in Hong Kong and further strengthens its product portfolio bridging Chinese and international capital. Citi Investor Services is trustee, custodian and ETF administrator for the newly listed ETF.

On the launch of the firm’s first ETF, Li Xiaowei, Deputy General Manager and Chief Investment Officer of Fullgoal Fund, said: “The Fullgoal Hang Seng HK High Dividend ETF is Fullgoal’s first step into Hong Kong’s ETF market and an important addition to our product lineup in the city. We believe that, in the current macroeconomic environment, Hong Kong equity assets combining high dividend yields with low volatility are well-positioned to deliver sustained long-term value to investors. Drawing on the 15 years of ETF management experience accumulated by Fullgoal Fund’s quantitative investment team onshore, we have both the capability and the confidence to provide investors with an efficient and reliable allocation tool.”

One Product: Targeting the Most Compelling Dividend Opportunities in Hong Kong Equities

The Fullgoal Hang Seng HK High Dividend ETF tracks the Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility Index – Net Total Return (HSHYLVN), selecting 50 high-quality Stock Connect-eligible securities with consistent dividend track records and lower price volatility. The portfolio is diversified across banking, energy, utilities, consumer, and other sectors, constructed on a net dividend yield-weighted basis, with a single-stock weighting cap of 5%.

Low Volatility: Beyond Stability, a Smarter Screen

Unlike conventional high-dividend equities, the Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility Index incorporates a proprietary low-volatility screening mechanism that reinforces risk management. According to Wind data, the index delivered cumulative returns of 92.75% and 91.12% over the past three and five years respectively, significantly outperforming the Hang Seng High Dividend Yield Index (HSHDYI) at 71.90% and 9.84% over the same periods, and well ahead of the Hang Seng Index at 49.86% and 22.88%¹. On the risk management front, during the March 2022 index rebalancing, the Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility Index removed approximately 14% of its real estate constituent weighting in a single rebalancing cycle, effectively sidestepping the sector’s subsequent downturn. In 2025, against a backdrop of heightened volatility in Hong Kong equity markets, the index delivered a full-year gain of 27.27%², further demonstrating the strategy’s resilience and effectiveness.

The “HALO Strategy”: A Tailwind for the Times

In 2026, the appeal of high-dividend investing has become increasingly evident. Amid significant uncertainty over the direction of global interest rates, the sources of return and risk characteristics of various asset classes are being repriced. In an environment of heightened market volatility, high-dividend assets—offering both stable cash flow and a combination of defensive qualities and yield—are emerging as core targets for active capital allocation in a climate of interest rate uncertainty. At the same time, the widely discussed “HALO Strategy” (Heavy Assets, Low Obsolescence) provides a new investment rationale for Hong Kong’s high-yield assets. Sector leaders in Hong Kong’s energy, power, and telecommunications industries — underpinned by physical asset moats that are difficult to replicate — have demonstrated rare long-term stability in an era of rapid AI-driven technological change, and may well emerge as an important safe harbour for institutional capital.

About Fullgoal AM HK: Fullgoal Fund’s Hong Kong Subsidiary, with Deep Quantitative Investment Expertise

Fullgoal Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited was established in 2012 and holds Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 9 (Asset Management) licences issued by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fullgoal Fund Management Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shanghai.

The parent company, Fullgoal Fund, was founded in 1999 as one of the first ten fund management companies approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). As of end-2025, Fullgoal Fund’s total assets under management were around RMB 2 trillion3, including public fund AUM of over RMB 1.3 trillion, making it the largest asset management institution headquartered in Shanghai4.

Fullgoal Fund’s quantitative investment team was established in 2009 and currently comprises more than 40 professionals with an average industry tenure of over 11 years, maintaining a long-term focus on quantitative and ETF index investing.

¹ Source: Wind. Period: 8 May 2017 – 27 February 2026. Past index performance is not indicative of future returns and does not guarantee fund performance.
² Source: Wind (total return index). Period: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025.
³ Source: Fullgoal Fund. As of 31 December 2025.
4 Source: Wind. As of 31 December 2025.

Hashtag: #Fullgoal

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

METABORA GAMES Launches BORA DEEPS v2.0, A Global Gamer-Engagement Platform

By
Advertorial Desk
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  • Expands mission content using real gameplay data via an enhanced ‘Quest’ system
  • Introduces instant-play “DEEPS Minigame” with no installation required
  • Strengthens BORA token utility through a participation–reward loop

SEOUL, South Korea, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — METABORA GAMES (CEO Choi Se-hoon), a leading blockchain game project developer, announced today the official launch of BORA DEEPS v2.0, a global gamer engagement platform.

METABORA GAMES Launches BORA DEEPS v2.0, A Global Gamer-Engagement Platform
METABORA GAMES Launches BORA DEEPS v2.0, A Global Gamer-Engagement Platform

BORA DEEPS v2.0 moves beyond a simple loop of completing in-game missions and earning BORA-based rewards. It offers a more dynamic experience where players’ in-game activities translate into broader participation across the entire ecosystem.

At the core of the update is an enhanced ‘Quest’ system that expands game integrations and introduces mission-based content closely aligned with players’ actual gameplay. With v2.0, users can engage in tailored quests optimized for their play experience, creating a seamless and immersive journey from gameplay to rewards.

In addition, METABORA GAMES has introduced “DEEPS Minigame” within the platform. The feature allows users to instantly access and play mini games without any downloads, delivering an interactive environment where players can enjoy gameplay while earning rewards directly within BORA DEEPS.

The update also introduces a “Scratch” feature, allowing users to use points earned through platform activities, including mini games, in a raffle-style experience, delivering ongoing engagement and rewarding experiences.

Meanwhile, METABORA GAMES aims to increase platform retention by establishing a virtuous cycle of participation, rewards, and re-engagement, driven by BORA DEEPS v2.0’s user-driven content. Through this initiative, the company plans to expand real-world use cases for the BORA token and strengthen its overall utility across the ecosystem.

More details about BORA DEEPS v2.0 are available on the official website.

APPENDIX

BORA DEEPS Official Website: https://intro.boradeeps.com/

About METABORA

METABORA is a casual game developer and the service operator of the blockchain platform BORA.

The BORA ecosystem brings together partners across various industries—ranging from tokenomics and content to blockchain technology—driving innovation and collaboration across games, sports, and entertainment.

BORA is a national game/entertainment token with a high liquidity in the market and reinforcing the accessibility of users and services abroad by increasing the listing on global cryptocurrency exchanges and expanding partnership.

Lao-American Chef Saeng Douangdara to Release Debut Lao Cookbook in April

By
Simmavanh vayouphack
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Saeng Douangdara’s cookbook, "The Lao Kitchen"

Saengthong Douangdara grew up eating food most American restaurants don’t have on their menu. Padaek, beef bile, jaews, the bold, fermented flavours of a Lao household in the United States, cooked by a mother who saw no reason to drastically change what she had always known.

That upbringing is now a cookbook.

The Lao Kitchen: Lao Flavors and Stories Told Through Family Recipes, written by the Lao-American chef and content creator known as Saeng, will be published by Ten Speed Press on 21 April 2026. A boost for local food lovers, the book is already available for preorder in Laos through Monument Books in Vientiane.

Saeng’s inspiration starts from his mother’s traditional cooking. Originally from Savannakhet, she slightly adapted her flavors to suit American palates.

His father would often go fishing, bringing back fresh-water fish for his mother to ferment into Padaek, which they then distributed to the local Lao community in the US.

Back to the Source

For decades, “Thai” labels concealed Lao food in the West. However, a younger generation has reclaimed the “Lao” brand with confidence, following the global spotlight from icons like Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay through their TV shows in the 2010s.

When Saeng traveled back to Laos in his twenties, he found a powerful connection. He discovered that the flavors he grew up with in the US were identical to the traditional dishes he found across Laos. His mother’s cooking, which preserved the authentic soul of Savannakhet’s cooking, became a major inspiration for his work.

To keep the book as authentic as possible, Saeng collaborated with the RDK Group in Vientiane to develop the Lao typography used throughout the pages.

While many cookbooks focus solely on measurements and methods, The Lao Kitchen acts as a “premiere” for the country. With the backing of a major international publishing house, Saeng and his team have designed the book to be highly approachable for everyone.

History Through Food

The book also adds deep educational layers, teaching readers about the Lao people, culture, and history. It serves as a bridge, using food as the primary language to tell the broader story of Laos to the world.

For Saeng, this book is a “masterpiece” inspired by the people and the land of Laos (Meuang Lao).

“It is understandable that history has divided us,” Saeng reflects, “but food brings us together and heals pieces of ourselves that may have been taken away when we had to leave our country.”

While the book is currently in English, Saeng hopes to one day release a Lao-language version. For now, he is proud to leave a physical piece of his work in Laos to connect with his fans.

“This is just the start of showing people that you can be successful by being Lao and cooking Lao food,” he said.

Following the April launch, Saeng will travel around the United States for the book tour, visiting cities like Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York City, and San Diego to meet the community that has followed his journey online. He also hopes to host a special event right here in Laos soon.

While plans for a second book are already in his mind, Saeng is currently focused on engaging with his fans and sharing new recipes through his channel.

“Lao culture is strong and resilient,” he said. “Nothing can stop us from sharing our food to the world.”

DNV SELECTED TO CERTIFY CLASS D DEVICES FOR LEADING U.S. MANUFACTURER UNDER EU IVDR

By
Advertorial Desk
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DNV supports the manufacturer’s transition to new regulation with its digital certification platform and transparent, predictable project management.

OSLO, Norway, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DNV, a designated Notified Body for the European Union’s In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) and Medical Device Regulation (MDR), has been selected by a leading U.S. diagnostics manufacturer to certify near-patient diagnostic devices under the IVDR.

The engagement covers several families of Class D diagnostic devices, the highest-risk category under the IVDR. These include tests used to detect life-threatening diseases with a high risk of propagation requiring the most stringent regulatory oversight before entering the European market.

As manufacturers transition legacy devices to the IVDR, securing notified body capacity has become a critical step in maintaining access to the European market.

The IVDR, introduced in 2017 to replace the In Vitro Diagnostic Directive 98/79/EC (IVDD), significantly strengthens regulatory requirements for diagnostic devices in Europe, including stricter clinical evidence requirements and expanded involvement of notified bodies.

DNV was designated as a Notified Body under the IVDR in May 2025. With decades of experience in medical device certification, DNV supports manufacturers worldwide in navigating complex regulatory requirements and maintaining access to international markets.

The manufacturer already has an established working relationship with DNV, having previously certified several devices under other regulatory frameworks, including the multi-national Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP).

The IVDR certification activities are being conducted through DNV’s digital certification platform, which allows manufacturers to upload and manage technical and performance documentation within a secure environment. The platform also facilitates efficient collaboration during the review process, helping streamline workflows and improve transparency.

“Having worked extensively with DNV on other certification schemes, we were confident in their expertise and collaborative approach. Their flexible project management and willingness to tailor certification timelines made them a natural partner for our IVDR certification. Their support on post-certification processes is also helping smooth our transition to the new regulation,” said a representative of the manufacturer.

“We are proud to support this manufacturer in achieving IVDR certification and maintaining access to the European market,” said Cecilie Gudesen Torp, VP and Managing Director, Medical Technologies at DNV. “Our goal is to make the certification process as efficient and transparent as possible by combining collaborative project management with digital tools that simplify documentation management and communication.”

-END-

Learn more at https://www.dnv.com/medical-devices/  

 

Club InterContinental Lounge, Featuring Views of Tokyo Bay, to Reopen April 1 Following Renovation: Refined Space Enveloped in Gentle Light and Sparkle of Tokyo Bay

By
Advertorial Desk
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– Together, Renovated Upper-floor Guest Rooms and Lounge Offer Even More Comfortable Club InterContinental Experience –

TOKYO, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InterContinental Tokyo Bay is pleased to announce that the newly renovated Club InterContinental Lounge, located on the 20th floor overlooking Tokyo Bay, will reopen on April 1, 2026. Coinciding with the renovation of the lounge, some upper-floor guest rooms have also been renovated with updated headboards and lighting to increase the comfort and sophistication of guests’ stays.

Interior view of Club InterContinental Lounge: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI1fl_HtJHxQnU.jpg 

Common space: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI3fl_02v1vKJF.jpg 

Spectacular views of Tokyo Bay: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI2fl_tf65q28d.jpg 

Inspired by light and the ocean, the atmosphere of the redesigned lounge is calm and elegant. The lounge features a refined white, black, and blue palette in harmony with Tokyo Bay, which it overlooks. Lighting fixtures incorporating translucent natural alabaster cast a soft glow that gently envelops the space, while iridescent glass tiles in black and white create subtle variations as the light changes, adding refined nuance to the interior. Additionally, a new common space is being introduced in the lounge that includes a high-top table. With sliding partitions that allow the area to be used as a private room when needed, it can now accommodate a wider range of guest needs and occasions.

Ocean-inspired carpet paired with natural alabaster lighting: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI4fl_XCh1NHlh.jpg 

Walls finished with iridescent glass tiles in black: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI5fl_HrR4ghgT.jpg 

The reception: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI6fl_WsQz8j80.jpg 

Breakfast features a buffet complemented by a main dish of the guest’s choosing. Signature options include croque-madame with ham, cheese and fried egg finished with bechamel sauce and eggs en cocotte with spinach and mushrooms baked with minestrone and cheese. Guests may also choose from a variety of egg and Japanese-style breakfast dishes.

Additionally, the club floor rooms have been renovated. Updated headboards and new lighting, including alabaster wall sconces and dimmable fixtures, create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Glossy gold wall finishes with white leaf motif and sumi-style eucalyptus pattern accents add an elegant decorative touch to the rooms.

Renovated guest room: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI7fl_2o5J17Xw.jpg 

Gold wall with white leaf motif: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202603246190/_prw_PI8fl_2n2U6dSW.jpg 

Reservation and inquiries:
https://www.interconti-tokyo.com/en/lounge/clubintercontinental/ 

For more details, please visit:
Club InterContinental Lounge service contents:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202603246190-O3-b0FfqEY4.pdf 

Hotel overview: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202603246190-O4-MermO7TL.pdf 

NetDragon Upgraded to “A” by MSCI ESG Rating

By
Advertorial Desk
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Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Recognised by Global Capital Markets

HONG KONG, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or “the Company”; Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce a notable upgrade in its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating from BBB to A by the globally renowned index institution, MSCI. This upgrade reflects strong recognition from global capital markets of NetDragon’s overall performance in ESG areas, and further underscores the Company’s long-term investment value among international investors.

MSCI is a globally renowned provider of ESG rating for assessing companies’ performance in environmental, social and corporate governance. Its assessments are widely used by international institutional investors in investment decisions, asset allocation and risk management. As one of the earliest and most influential ESG rating providers, MSCI ESG Ratings are known for their independence, consistency and transparency, and currently cover more than 17,000 listed companies worldwide. As global capital markets continue to place increasing emphasis on sustainability and corporate governance, ESG ratings have become a key metric for evaluating a company’s long-term value and investment appeal. MSCI also offers a range of ESG-related indices based on its ratings, which are used as benchmarks by major global asset managers such as BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street for index-tracked ETF products.

The upgrade of NetDragon’s ESG rating to “A” reflects the Company’s ongoing efforts in integrating sustainability into its operations in recent years, with solid progress achieved across multiple areas including corporate governance, talent development, compliance management and social responsibility. This achievement is expected to further enhance the Company’s recognition and attractiveness in international capital markets, creating more favorable conditions for expanding its global investor base and supporting long-term value creation.

NetDragon has long been committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities and promoting the deep integration of “AI + Education”  and “Gaming + Philanthropy,”  with the goal of delivering both commercial and social value. In education, the Company has actively participated in national-level digital education projects, supported the rollout of smart education and AI-powered learning systems, and advanced educational equity and access to quality resources across China and in multiple overseas markets. In the area of social impact, NetDragon continues to carry out a wide range of charitable initiatives, including support for rural education development and teacher training. Meanwhile, by leveraging its business strengths, NetDragon has integrated its gaming products with public welfare initiatives such as cultural heritage preservation and ecological protection, enhancing public engagement and broadening social impact while promoting the integration of digital content and social responsibility.

Looking ahead, NetDragon will continue to deepen its ESG practices by embedding sustainable development principles throughout its strategic planning and day-to-day operations. The Company will further strengthen its overall competitiveness, enhance its social responsibility efforts, leverage its industry strengths in education, gaming and digital innovation, and continue to improve its ESG performance, with the aim of creating long-term, stable and sustainable value for shareholders and all stakeholders.

About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 777) is a global leader in building internet communities, with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. Over the desktop and mobile internet eras, NetDragon previously established China’s first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China’s most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.  

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles including Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Heroes Evolved and Under Oath. In the past 10 years, NetDragon has also achieved success with its EdTech business both domestically and globally. Fully embracing the new AI era, NetDragon is driving its vision of “Infinite Growth” through a dual-focus strategy of “AI+Gaming” and “AI+Education”. With its AI Content Factory empowering operations and working with partners to develop a global learning metaverse, NetDragon is committed to once again building a massive user community in the new AI era.

NetDragon’s overseas edtech business entity, currently a U.S.-listed subsidiary named Mynd.ai, is a global leader in interactive technology and its award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 2 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries.  

For investor enquiries, please contact:

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited
Email： ir@netdragon.com

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