HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, a brand under the Merlin Entertainments Group, is thrilled to kick off 2026 with exciting news – a new wax figure of Lee Junho, one of South Korea’s most celebrated leading stars and a true heartthrob, is on the way! Renowned for his captivating talent and charisma, Lee Junho has charmed fans around the globe as both a K-pop sensation and a respected actor.

Since his debut with the K-pop group 2PM, Lee Junho has become a versatile star in both music and acting, establishing himself as a leading Hallyu artist with a global fanbase. His recent performances, known for their emotional depth, have earned him respect as one of the most trusted actors of his generation.

Lee Junho recently demonstrated his maturity in the tvN drama Typhoon Family and expanded his international participation in the Netflix original series Cashero, connecting with audience worldwide. He has also announced a new beginning with O3 Collective, a team-based brand system built on three core pillars: Artist (One), Content (Original), and Management (Orbit).

The sitting for the wax figure took place in South Korea. Lee Junho, known for his calm and sincere approach, participated in the four-hour process with focus and curiosity. He remarked, “It was fascinating to see even the smallest details being recorded. Preparing my wax figure felt like starting a new project, filled with excitement and a desire to do my best.” At Madame Tussauds, the sitting is a crucial step, involving detailed measurements of facial contours, hand shapes, posture, expressions, skin tone, and other physical details to ensure remarkable realism.

Wade Chang, General Manager of Merlin Entertainments Hong Kong, expressed, “Lee Junho is an artist who embodies the essence of both stage and screen, captivating a truly global fanbase. His wax figure will serve as a striking symbol of the vibrant cultural phenomenon that is the Hallyu today.”

As we eagerly await the unveiling of this exquisite wax figure, Lee Junho’s incredible journey showcases the power of passion and talent. Stay tuned for updates as we celebrate this iconic artist at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong!

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DoveRunner, a global leader in mobile application protection and content security technology, has announced the opening of its new office in Jakarta, Indonesia. This expansion reinforces DoveRunner’s long-term commitment to the Indonesian market while strengthening customer relationships and extending support across Southeast Asia.

The Jakarta office will serve as a regional hub, enabling DoveRunner to work more closely with local enterprises, financial institutions, and digital service providers. As organisations accelerate digital transformation initiatives, they face increasingly complex cybersecurity threats, driving demand for robust mobile application security and anti-piracy technologies and shaping DoveRunner’s decision to expand its presence in Indonesia.

DoveRunner partners with several established organisations in the country, including Vidio, Sinarmas, Japfa, and EMTEK Group, along with other leading banks and fintech companies. These partnerships have helped build a strong security platform that protects critical applications relied upon by millions of users every day.

“Indonesia is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing digital markets in Southeast Asia,” said James Ahn, CEO of DoveRunner. “Opening our Jakarta office demonstrates our long-term commitment to Indonesia and our customers. By being closer to the market, we can respond faster, collaborate more deeply, and deliver security solutions that address real-world operational and regulatory challenges.”

The Jakarta expansion is part of DoveRunner’s broader global growth strategy, which includes continued expansion across Europe and Latin America from 2026 onwards. DoveRunner operates offices in Seoul, San Jose, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Jakarta, combining local expertise with global-scale capabilities to support customers worldwide.

“As cyber threats become increasingly global, our customers expect security partners with both local presence and global reach,” James Ahn added. “Our continued expansion across Asia, Europe, and LATAM ensures reliable support wherever customers operate.”

This expansion aims to deliver faster mobile application and content security support while addressing regional regulatory requirements.

About DoveRunner

DoveRunner is a global cybersecurity company specialising in mobile application security and content security, including anti-piracy solutions. Trusted by leading OTT platforms, Banks, financial institutions and digital service providers, DoveRunner delivers runtime protection and content security across the application lifecycle. With offices across Asia and the United States and an expanding presence in Europe and Latin America, DoveRunner combines local market understanding with global security expertise to support customers worldwide.

• New partnership combines Shilpa Biologicals’ development and manufacturing capabilities with SteinCares’ regional commercialization platform
• Collaboration aims to expand patient access to cost-effective treatments and reinforces SteinCares’ leadership in biosimilars across Latin America
• Agreement marks the first product from this strategic partnership and Shilpa Biologicals’ entry into the Latin American market

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica and RAICHUR, India, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SteinCares, a leading specialty healthcare company in Latin America, and Shilpa Biologicals Pvt. Ltd. (SBPL), a fully integrated biopharmaceutical subsidiary of Shilpa Medicare Limited (BSE: 530549) (NSE: SHILPAMED), announce a strategic licensing agreement to commercialize a biosimilar across Latin America.

Under the agreement, SteinCares will hold exclusive rights to register, commercialize, and distribute biosimilar across the region while SBPL will complete product development and commercial manufacturing from its facility in Dharwad, India. The partnership brings together SBPL’s expertise in biologics development and high-quality commercial manufacturing with SteinCares’ integrated regional platform.

“We are excited to partner with Shilpa Biologicals to bring this biosimilar to Latin America,” said Mitchell Waserstein, CEO, SteinCares. “This agreement reinforces our leadership in biosimilars and our role as a strategic partner for global biopharmaceutical companies seeking to enter Latin America’s complex healthcare markets. By combining Shilpa’s proven capabilities in biologics development and manufacturing with our integrated regional platform and deep market expertise, we are creating scalable healthcare opportunities and expanding access to innovative, cost-effective treatments across the region.”

“SteinCares is a trusted partner in Latin America with proven expertise in the registration and commercialization of specialty therapies,” said Dr. Sridevi Khambhampaty, CEO, Shilpa Biologicals. “Through this licensing agreement, we are entering Latin America and aim to broaden patient access to safe treatments across the region. We believe this collaboration will create meaningful value for patients, healthcare systems, and our organizations as we expand our biosimilars footprint in Latin America. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to scalable, long-term global licensing partnerships and creates a strong platform for future collaborations across key international markets and our growing biosimilars portfolio.”

About SteinCares

SteinCares expands access to innovative treatments across 30 Latin American countries. With 45+ years’ experience, it offers an integrated one-stop-shop platform pioneering biosimilar therapies.

About Shilpa Biologicals

Shilpa Biologicals is an integrated biopharmaceutical company with a hybrid CDMO model. It offers development, manufacturing, and ready-to-license formulations in immunology, oncology, and ophthalmics.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK) (“Newmark” or “the Company”), a leading commercial real estate advisor and service provider to large institutional investors, global corporations, and other owners and occupiers, announces the appointment of Shanting Wong as Director and Head of Research, Singapore, further strengthening the firm’s research and analytics capabilities across Asia-Pacific. Based in Singapore, Shanting will lead Newmark’s local research function, overseeing market intelligence across office leasing, industrial, capital markets and residential sectors. She will focus on delivering data-driven insights, advanced analytics and forward-looking research to support client strategy and advisory execution.

Image courtesy of Newmark: Shanting Wong.

“Singapore is a critical market within Asia-Pacific, and research plays a central role in how we advise clients navigating increasingly complex conditions,” said Chris Carver, MRICS, MSISV, AAPI, Executive Managing Director, Head of Asia-Pacific, Valuation & Advisory. “Shanting brings deep regional expertise, strong analytical capability and a brokerage-informed perspective that will meaningfully enhance the insight we deliver to our clients.”

David Bitner, Executive Managing Director, Global Research, added, “Newmark’s research is a core differentiator for the firm globally. Expanding dedicated research leadership in Singapore reinforces our commitment to delivering consistent, data-driven insight that supports informed decision-making for clients worldwide.”

Shanting brings more than 18 years of experience across Singapore and Asia-Pacific. Prior to joining Newmark, she served as Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Market Intelligence at ERA Singapore, where she led the research function and spearheaded flagship thought leadership initiatives, including the widely cited My Dream Home Survey. Previously, Shanting held senior research and consultancy roles at JLL and Knight Frank, advising institutional and corporate clients on market strategy, occupier trends, due diligence and retail consultancy assignments across Asia Pacific.

“I’m excited to join Newmark at a time when data, analytics and local market insight are playing an increasingly important role,” said Shanting. “Newmark’s integrated advisory business and strong momentum across Asia-Pacific present a compelling opportunity to deliver research that is both rigorous and highly relevant to clients’ strategic decisions.”

Newmark has continued to strengthen its research offering globally, expanding leadership across key property sectors and major international markets. Recent investments in U.S. research leadership spanning capital markets, retail and occupier services, alongside the establishment of research teams in France and Korea, reflect a deliberate focus on delivering consistent, data-driven insight at both local and global levels. This continued expansion enhances Newmark’s ability to support clients with informed, forward-looking intelligence as they navigate increasingly complex real estate decisions.

About Newmark
Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries (“Newmark”), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark’s comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform’s global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, Newmark generated revenues of over $3.1 billion. As of September 30, 2025, Newmark and its business partners together operated from approximately 170 offices with over 8,500 professionals across four continents. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.

Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark
Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company’s business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K.

Newmark Group, Inc.

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Antengene Corporation Limited  (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK) , a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biotech company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for autoimmune diseases, solid tumors and hematological malignancies, announced that it has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd (“Junshi Biosciences”, SEHK: 1877.HK; SSE: 688180). Under the collaboration, the parties will jointly evaluate the synergistic therapeutic potential of Antengene’s ATG-037, an oral small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, in combination with Junshi Biosciences’ JS207, a recombinant humanized anti-PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, in patients with solid tumors in Mainland China, with the goal of identifying clinical signals across multiple tumor types.

This collaboration builds on the encouraging Phase I proof-of-concept clinical data generated with ATG-037. At a time when resistance to checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has become a major clinical challenge, the Phase I study evaluating ATG-037 in combination with CPIs has already demonstrated promising potency into reversing CPI resistance. Beyond validating the synergistic potential of these two innovative drugs, this collaboration aims to advance the efficacy of existing immunotherapies and extend the overall survival (OS) of cancer patients through a “triple-axis” approach that incorporates immune checkpoint signalling, anti-angiogenesis, and the alleviation of adenosine-mediated immunosuppression.

ATG-037, Antengene’s orally administered small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, offers significant advantages over anti-CD73 monoclonal antibodies. In preclinical studies, ATG-037 demonstrated stronger inhibition of cell-surface CD73 enzymatic activity and overcame the “hook effect” commonly observed with antibody-based approaches. In addition, ATG-037’s higher tissue penetration compared with antibodies may facilitate complete CD73 inhibition at the cellular level. ATG-037 has demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in combination with anti–PD-1 therapy in patients with CPI-resistant melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), based on the latest data presented at Antengene’s R&D Day in November 2025. In the ongoing Phase I/Ib STAMINA-01 study, the combination achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 33.3% with a disease control rate (DCR) of 100% in patients with CPI-resistant melanoma, and an ORR of 21.4% with a DCR of 71.4% in patients with CPI-resistant NSCLC. The dataset was generated in Australia in patients with CPI-refractory solid tumors, with pembrolizumab and/or nivolumab as the predominant prior anti–PD-1 therapies, and more than 70% of melanoma patients were refractory to both anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 (ipilimumab). These results support ATG-037’s clinically meaningful activity across multiple tumor types, particularly in patients with prior immunotherapy resistance. Importantly, ATG-037 has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in combination treatment, with no new or unexpected safety signals observed, including in patients receiving long-term therapy. Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events only occurred in 7.9% of patients. Responses have also shown encouraging durability, including a patient who achieved a complete response and has remained on study for over three years and is currently receiving ATG-037 monotherapy for more than a year, as well as multiple patients with durations of response exceeding 12 months. These data support ATG-037’s potential role as a backbone agent for next-generation immuno-oncology combination regimens.

JS207, Junshi Biosciences’ independently developed recombinant humanized anti-PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, has demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity and a manageable safety profile in both preclinical and clinical studies. JS207’s preclinical studies demonstrated its robust anti-tumor efficacy in multiple tumor models and supported a differentiated mechanism of action, with VEGFA shown to enhance JS207’s antigen binding activity, T-cell activation potency and internalization of cell-surface PD-1. In a poster presented at ESMO Asia 2025, JS207 monotherapy showed encouraging efficacy across solid tumors. 62 patients with PD-L1 positive NSCLC received JS207 monotherapy as first-line treatment, and achieved an ORR of 58.1% and a DCR of 87.1%. Clinical activity has also been observed in additional tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), supporting the potential of PD-1/VEGF dual targeting across multiple tumor settings. To date, JS207 has 11 ongoing phase II clinical studies, exploring its use in combination with chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other drugs in NSCLC, colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, liver cancer and other tumor types, with nearly 500 patients enrolled. Based on the accumulated data from these studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the investigational new drug (IND) application, allowing Junshi Biosciences to initiate an open-label, two-arm, randomized, active-controlled, Phase II/III clinical study comparing JS207 to nivolumab for the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with stage II/III, resectable, actionable genomic aberration (AGA)-negative NSCLC.

The scientific rationale for the collaboration is based on the complementary and potentially synergistic mechanisms of CD73 inhibition and dual PD-1/VEGF targeting. CD73 is recognized as a key regulator of immune suppression and angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment through the generation of adenosine, which can dampen anti-tumor immune responses. In both clinical and preclinical settings, CD73 inhibitors have demonstrated meaningful synergy with anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. In addition, CD73 activity has been shown to promote angiogenesis, including through upregulation of VEGF signaling, and may contribute to the development of resistance to anti-VEGF therapies. Given the broad relevance of immune suppression, angiogenesis and adenosine signaling across solid tumors, this combination strategy has the potential to be applicable across multiple tumor types. Taken together, these observations suggest that combining CD73 blockade with PD-1/VEGF-directed approaches has the potential to enhance and sustain therapeutic effects. Together, the combination of ATG-037 with JS207 represents a potential “triple-axis” approach that simultaneously modulates immune checkpoint signaling, angiogenesis, and the adenosine pathway. With the potential to deepen responses while maintaining a favorable safety profile, the combination of ATG-037 with JS207 may further improve the durability of benefit and may translate into improved OS.

We look forward to working closely with Junshi Biosciences and leveraging our respective expertise in target biology and clinical development to accelerate the evaluation of ATG-037 in combination with JS207 across multiple solid tumor types, with the goal of identifying clinical signals and delivering more innovative treatment options for patients in Mainland China.

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK) is a global, R&D-driven, commercial-stage biotech company focused on developing first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Its pipeline spans from preclinical to commercial stages and includes several in-house discovered programs, including ATG-022 (CLDN18.2 ADC), ATG-037 (oral CD73 inhibitor), ATG-101 (PD-L1 x 4-1BB bispecific antibody), ATG-031 (CD24-targeting macrophage activator), and ATG-042 (oral PRMT5-MTA inhibitor).

Antengene has also developed AnTenGager™, a proprietary T cell engager 2.0 platform featuring “2+1” bivalent binding for low-expressing targets, steric hindrance masking, and proprietary CD3 sequences with fast on/off kinetics to minimize cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and enhance efficacy. These characteristics support the platform’s broad applicability across autoimmune disease, solid tumors and hematological malignancies indications.

To date, Antengene has obtained 32 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted new drug applications (NDAs) in 11 Asia Pacific markets. Its lead commercial asset, XPOVIO^® (selinexor), is approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia, and has been included in the national insurance schemes in five of these markets (Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Australia, South Korea and Singapore).

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contacts: 
Donald Lung
E-mail: donald.lung@antengene.com  

BD Contacts:
Ariel Guo
E-mail: ariel.guo@antengene.com

PPA Tour Asia’s first-ever Slam brings up to US$1.1 million in Pro prize money and 1,500 PPA Ranking points to one of the world’s most electric sporting cities.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball is making port. PPA Tour Asia has announced the Hong Kong Slam (October 19-25) as the blockbuster finale to 2026, bringing the tour’s most iconic stars to a city built for sport and entertainment. The complete calendar has also been confirmed with ten stops headed to the region this year.

The Hong Kong Slam 2026 is set to be the biggest professional pickleball tournament ever staged in Asia. The sport’s top names will descend on the city chasing glory, ranking points, and a share of up to US$1.1 million Pro prize purse.

And they won’t be alone. PPA Tour Asia’s Play Where the Pros Play experience puts pickleball hobbyists and diehards on the same courts and under the same lights. Amateur events will run alongside the Pros, with age and rating categories on offer for all. Pack your paddle for dinks by day and dai pai dong dining by night.

The Slam is also the one and only chance for players to complete the 2026 tour medal set. The roaring dragon head — the crowning piece of the season’s interlocking hardware — is only up for grabs at the final stop.

Hong Kong will close out what promises to be an action-packed 2026 season. With ten stops confirmed across seven markets, PPA Tour Asia continues to push into new cities, growing and cementing the sport’s footprint across the region.

PPA TOUR ASIA 2026 CALENDAR

MB Hanoi Cup | April 1-5 | US$300,000
Kuala Lumpur Open | May 13-17 | US$50,000
Macao Open | May 27-31 | US$70,000
China Open 1 | June 17-21 | US$70,000
Tokyo Open | July 1-4 | US$50,000
Singapore Open | July 23-26 | US$70,000
Ho Chi Minh City Open | August 6-9 | US$70,000
China Open 2 | August 20-23 | US$70,000
Kuala Lumpur Cup | September 9-13 | US$300,000
Hong Kong Slam | October 19-25 | US$1,100,000

Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, said: “The 2026 calendar reflects the incredible growth of professional pickleball across Asia. We’re expanding into new cities and bringing the PPA experience to more players — both Pros and Amateurs — across the region. With the Hong Kong Slam set to bring together the sport’s top stars, passionate fans, and world-class entertainment, it’s the perfect finale to what promises to be a landmark year for the sport.”

For the full 2026 calendar, event details, and updates, visit ppatour-asia.com.

• The acclaimed podcast and YouTube series returns with 10 new episodes airing from 24 February, with episodes launching every following Tuesday
• UK Presenter Alesha Dixon interviews some of Dubai’s remarkable residents across culture, heritage, entertainment, sport, gastronomy, and sustainability, alongside celebrity residents: golfing icon Tommy Fleetwood and Steps’ Lisa Scott-Lee
• Trailer and imagery

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DXB Unheard returns for its second season, fronted by award-winning singer and Britain’s Got Talent presenter, Alesha Dixon. After a 2025 standout debut, this exciting new series is back featuring stories of both Emiratis and residents – that call Dubai their home, and spotlights some of the remarkable individuals who represent the spirit of the city.

Alesha Dixon, host of DXB Unheard Series 2

Across the 10-part series, Alesha meets pioneers, game changers and industry leaders, from inspirational athlete Fahima Falaknaz – the first Emirati woman to compete in an international boxing tournament wearing her hijab – to trailblazing Emirati soul artists Hamdan and Arqam Al Abri.

DXB Unheard also features changemakers like family-led initiative Team AngelWolf, who are redefining inclusion in endurance sports, Emirati freediver and marine conservationist Mohammad Al Falasi, and culinary innovator Tom Arnel, plus global celebrities PGA Tour professional Tommy Fleetwood and international popstar Steps’ Lisa Scott-Lee, who tell their stories of why and how they have built a life in Dubai with their families.

Athlete Fahima Falaknaz says: “Boxing was never about proving people wrong – it was about proving to myself what was possible. Growing up in Dubai gave me the space, support, and belief to pursue this dream. Competing in my hijab was a proud moment. I hope it shows women and girls everywhere that there is space for them in sport, on their own terms.”

Host Alesha Dixon adds: “Many people think they’ve got Dubai figured out: skyscrapers, bright lights and all that glitz and glamour. But spend some time here and you’ll feel something deeper – the pull of heritage and the energy of reinvention. In this new season, I get to introduce listeners to some of the voices that make Dubai truly unique. 

“DXB Unheard is about celebrating the city’s creative spirit, resilience and its remarkable individuals. Each story is a testament to the city’s energy and ambition.”

Watch/Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music

28th Trusted Brands Survey Completed; Taiwan Trusted Brands Association to Present Awards in May

TAIPEI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Generative AI now enables articles, videos and even consumer reviews to be produced at scale within minutes. While the volume of content has surged, the difficulty of discerning what is authentic and credible has risen in tandem. As information becomes easier to manufacture, the cost to consumers of determining what is trustworthy has increased. In this environment, trust is once again emerging as a central competitive asset for brands.

Institutional Continuity Ensures Trust Mechanism Remains Intact

Launched in 1999 and previously organized by Reader’s Digest, the Trusted Brands survey adopts an open-ended questionnaire design. Respondents are not provided with brand options nor prompted with suggestions; instead, they are asked to spontaneously name the brands they trust most. The consistency of its methodology and its execution by an independent third party have enabled the survey to build nearly three decades of credibility and comparable longitudinal data.

Beginning in 2026, the program will be organized by the Taiwan Trusted Brands Association, established by the former Taiwan team of Reader’s Digest. The research will continue to be independently conducted by international third-party firm Catalyst Research, maintaining the same methodology that has been applied for 28 years.

Andrew Tsao, Founding Chairman of the Association and former head of the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands program in Taiwan, said the establishment of the Association does not represent a restart, but rather a continuation of an established research framework and third-party principles. The goal, he noted, is to ensure that long-accumulated trust assets are preserved despite international licensing adjustments.

Measuring Brands’ True “Mindshare”

This year’s survey spans nine major industries and 62 product and service categories, based on a nationally representative sample of 1,500 respondents with a margin of error of ±2.5%. The core open-ended nomination mechanism remains unchanged, directly measuring whether a brand occupies the top position in consumers’ minds.

In addition to the long-standing dimensions of quality, reliability, value, understanding of consumer needs, innovation and social responsibility, the 2026 edition introduces a new “Sustainability” indicator, reflecting growing market attention to ESG performance and governance capabilities.

Victor Liu, Founding Honorary Chairman, said AI is transforming how information is disseminated while simultaneously challenging the foundations of social trust. Only stable and verifiable institutional mechanisms, he noted, can help sustain market order and consumer confidence.

Founding Honorary Advisor Paul Hsu added that long-term corporate competitiveness often stems from intangible assets such as brand reputation and social trust. Without credible measurement mechanisms, such value is difficult to incorporate into board-level and executive decision-making.

Trust Reconfigured in the AI Era and an Aging Society

Cameron Gentle, Research Director at Catalyst Research, observed that while generative AI has lowered the cost of content production, it has also increased the difficulty of assessing information credibility. At the same time, as the population ages, digital adoption gaps persist. Companies that focus exclusively on digital communication while neglecting cross-generational service design risk losing key customer segments.

Home Appliances, Finance and Services: Trust as a Pricing Lever

The research team noted that in high-ticket home appliances, consumer electronics, financial services and other service sectors, product differentiation has narrowed and decision cycles have lengthened. Under such conditions, a sense of reassurance often becomes the decisive factor. Trust has shifted from a marketing image attribute to a critical indicator of risk management capability and pricing power.

Long-term findings from Catalyst Research show that more than 95% of consumers are more inclined to choose brands validated by independent third-party trust mechanisms. In both physical retail displays and online purchasing environments, easily recognizable trust identifiers help shorten decision time. When competing brands display credible trust marks, market influence often tilts in their favor.

Trust Mark: Translating Data into Market Recognition

Tsao said brands recognized in the survey will be authorized to use the “Trusted Brands” mark as an annual external identifier. The mark is based on open-ended consumer nominations and independently verified research results, and does not constitute paid advertising endorsement.

Quantifying Market Position Through Trust Data

Peng Tsui-Ting, Research Director of the Taiwan Trusted Brands Association, said this year’s report integrates Catalyst Research data with Taiwan market insights and offers customized industry analysis. Through category rankings, trust matrix mapping models, quantified competitive gaps and analysis of drivers of trust, brands can assess their market positioning, pricing resilience and potential structural risks affecting their standing.

Full Industry Insights to Be Released in May

Comprehensive survey findings and industry trend insights will be presented in Taiwan in May by Catalyst Research Research Director Cameron Gentle, offering further analysis of how brand trust is evolving in Taiwan amid the AI era and its broader industry implications.

Media Contact:
Andrew Tsao
andrewtsao168@gmail.com