英國精銳部隊因對「法律戰」的恐懼面臨大量離職潮 — 是美國軍方的警訊嗎? News

英國精銳部隊因對「法律戰」的恐懼面臨大量離職潮 — 是美國軍方的警訊嗎?

(SeaPRwire) - 英國精英特種空勤團(SAS)面臨士兵大規模離職潮,原因在於擔心他們在戰場上的行動可能面臨長期的法律審查,根據《每日電訊報》的報導。數名消息人士告訴這家英國報紙,英國陸軍最精銳的第22特種空勤團成員,因對阿富汗、敘利亞和北愛爾蘭的戰爭罪指控調查感到憤怒,已申請提前退役。這場辯論並不僅限於英國。根據城市戰爭研究所執行董事John Spencer的說法,美國軍隊也可能面臨類似的擔憂,如果政治領導人未能區分合法調查與政治動機的運動。Spencer告訴Digital:「我歡迎及時調查違規指控,但我希望我們的領導人能夠保護我們所有部隊,無論是否為特種部隊,免受有議程或政治化的『獵巫』。」在澳洲,維多利亞十字勳章獲得者Ben Roberts-Smith的案件已成為退伍軍人的集結點,他們擔心精英士兵在服役後可能面臨多年的法律訴訟。Roberts-Smith,澳洲現役最受勳的士兵,否認了他在阿富汗犯下戰爭罪的指控。今年四月,澳洲當局以五項謀殺罪起訴他,這些罪名與他在阿富汗的服役有關。對許多英國退伍軍人來說,澳洲的案例加劇了他們的擔憂,即同樣的趨勢可能會蔓延到包括美國在內的其他西方軍隊。至少有兩個SAS中隊受到影響,一些現役和前任成員將這些離職描述為「對國家安全的威脅」。該報紙因安全原因未公布確切的離職人數。此次辭職發生之際,首相Keir Starmer的政府正因國防開支和對退伍軍人的待遇而面臨批評。近年來,英國軍隊的規模和戰備能力一直面臨越來越嚴格的審查。但英國政府表示,他們正在扭轉這一趨勢,報告稱截至2026年1月1日,總兵力為182,050人,其中包括136,960名正規軍,較前一年有所增加。政府還承諾自冷戰以來最大規模的持續國防開支增長,預計到2027年軍費開支將達到GDP的2.6%,並在本財政年度額外撥款50億英鎊,在本屆議會任期內將在國防投資方面投入2700億英鎊。英國還表示,目標是在下一屆議會結束前將國防開支提高到GDP的3%。前任和現役士兵表示,他們認為英國的法律體系已經背離了為政府作戰的士兵。前第22特種空勤團團長George Simm告訴《每日電訊報》:「如果一名士兵開了槍,他們幾乎肯定有一天會有人敲響他們的門。」「這感覺像是背叛和信任的破裂。」爭議的焦點在於對英國特種部隊行動的持續調查。目前共有242名特種部隊士兵(包括120名現役人員)捲入法律調查,這些調查涉及阿富汗、北愛爾蘭和敘利亞的行動,每月費用約為100萬英鎊。批評人士認為,這些調查造成了一種文化,士兵們擔心在戰鬥中做出的決定日後會導致起訴。倫敦智庫Henry Jackson Society的高級研究員、前英國陸軍軍官Andrew Fox告訴Digital,士兵與政府之間的關係已被嚴重損害。Fox說:「從軍包含政府與其僱傭使用致命武力的人員之間的契約。」「士兵們將在國際法為他們設定的規則內殺人,作為回報,他們的政府應該支持他們。「這種情況被顛倒了,國際法被我們的敵人武器化和利用來迫害我們的士兵。政府往往站在那些敵人一邊,而不是我們的部隊。」Fox表示,一些士兵不再想服役是可以理解的。「當然,違法行為應該受到懲罰,但當政客們允許部隊遭受不公正的司法追究時,我們看到政府與其武裝部隊之間的信任正在瓦解。」Spencer表示,專業軍隊依賴於通過強大的內部司法系統來維持公眾信任。Spencer告訴Digital:「一支專業軍隊之所以贏得社會的信任,是因為它遵守嚴格的道德準則、法律和規則。」「這種信任賦予士兵在人類可能面臨的最惡劣條件下使用致命武力的獨特權威。」Spencer表示,應該對不當行為的指控進行快速和公平的調查。「我們需要對任何可信的指控進行快速而公平的調查。」他說。「如果根據武裝衝突法或交戰規則有確鑿的違法證據,那麼軍方和社會都必須採取行動。這就是維持信任的方式。」同時,Spencer警告說,一些法律行動有越界成為部隊認為是政治動機的「獵巫」的風險。Spencer說:「我看到太多人權律師模糊了基本人權與實際武裝衝突法之間的界限。」「他們並不總是理解在特定情境下使用武力的應用,或者戰鬥中瞬息萬變的混亂。當這變成部隊所說的獵巫時,它就會侵蝕士氣和戰備狀態。」Spencer表示,政府有責任調查可信的指控,並保護部隊免受他所謂的「議程驅動的運動」的侵害。「政府也有責任保護軍隊免受議程驅動的獵巫。」他說。「嚴格的軍事司法系統和誠實的自我監督對於一支有道德的部隊至關重要。沒有它們,這個行業就會失去讓它履行職責的信任。」英國國防部發言人告訴digital:「雖然歷屆政府長期以來都不評論英國特種部隊,但我們對我們所有的武裝部隊及其為維護英國國內外安全所做的非凡貢獻感到無比自豪。」他補充說:「我們致力於確保管轄我們武裝部隊的法律框架能夠反映軍事行動的實際情況——並且那些光榮服役的人能夠得到妥善保護。」「在英國採取軍事行動時,我們完全遵守英國和國際法。我們明確表示,維護這些標準並不妨礙我們的武裝部隊有效開展行動。」英國前軍方高官在2025年底的一封公開信中警告Starmer,士兵們越來越相信他們必須擔心「不僅是眼前的敵人,還有身後的律師」。「毫無疑問,」退役將軍們寫道,「我們最親密的盟友正在不安地觀望,而我們的敵人將會喜出望外。」本文由第三方廠商內容提供者提供。SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/)對此不作任何保證或陳述。 分類: 頭條新聞,日常新聞 SeaPRwire為公司和機構提供全球新聞稿發佈,覆蓋超過6,500個媒體庫、86,000名編輯和記者,以及350萬以上終端桌面和手機App。SeaPRwire支持英、日、德、韓、法、俄、印尼、馬來、越南、中文等多種語言新聞稿發佈。
閱讀更多
Gentoo Media: The Most Prevalent Systemic Barrier in the iGaming Industry iGame

Gentoo Media: The Most Prevalent Systemic Barrier in the iGaming Industry

(AsiaGameHub) - Emma-Elizabeth Byrne, Head of Publishing at Gentoo Media, discusses career progression, systemic barriers, and inclusive culture within the iGaming sector with iGaming Expert. What are the most common mistakes you see people make when trying to make career progress in iGaming? A significant error observed in the iGaming industry is the assumption that career advancement occurs naturally over time. Given the rapid pace and intense competition of this sector, a lack of deliberate career planning leads to stagnation. Success requires seizing opportunities, taking ownership of projects and initiatives, and, crucially, clearly articulating one's professional ambitions. What systemic barriers do you see most often in iGaming, and how can individuals realistically navigate them? The predominant systemic obstacles often involve a lack of clarity regarding career progression, isolated teams, and unequal access to opportunities, particularly in less established companies. Sometimes, career ladders are unclear, and promotion can rely more on visibility or chance than on a structured development plan. To overcome this, individuals should be proactive instead of waiting for formal frameworks. This involves acquiring knowledge across different functions, pursuing projects outside their immediate responsibilities, and ensuring their contributions are recognized. Developing versatile skills—such as data literacy, AI proficiency, business acumen, and regulatory knowledge—is also vital to avoid over-reliance on a single specialty. What are the key aspects companies must consider when striving to create a genuinely inclusive culture for employees? Establishing a truly inclusive environment extends well beyond written policies. A major shortfall is often a lack of openness. When the processes for hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions are unclear, bias can take hold. Defined systems and accountability are more impactful than well-meaning intentions. The conduct of leadership is another critical element. Inclusion cannot be solely an HR function; it must be championed by leaders and evident in decision-making, opportunity allocation, and what issues are addressed. If leadership does not actively demonstrate inclusive behavior, it remains theoretical. Companies also frequently concentrate on recruiting a diverse workforce without a plan for integration. The true measures of success are retention and advancement. If new hires do not feel listened to, supported, or capable of growth, the culture is not inclusive—it is merely superficially diverse. What are the key lessons you’ve learned during your time in the iGaming industry for cultivating a positive workplace culture and navigating the complications associated with career progression? In a dynamic field like iGaming, transparency and effective communication are essential. Without them, expansion breeds uncertainty and damages trust rapidly. Regarding career growth, I've found it is seldom a straight path. Those who advance are adaptable, develop a broad understanding of the business, and proactively generate opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear. It is also evident that practical experience outweighs theoretical discussions. Genuine development occurs when individuals are granted actual responsibility and can push their limits. Ultimately, managers act as catalysts; they influence both the daily work environment and the tangible progress of their team members. Shifting focus to Gentoo’s performance, the company described 2025 as a ‘reset year’ following its separation from Gaming Innovation Group in late 2024. What are the company’s aspirations for 2026 as it seeks to navigate the challenges facing the affiliate sector? After a essential restructuring period in 2025, the strategy for 2026 centers on sustainable growth instead of pure expansion. Gentoo is beginning the year in a more streamlined and concentrated position, with defined goals to enhance profitability, fortify cash flow, and regain traction in its primary publishing and media operations. Concurrently, there is a pronounced shift towards prioritizing quality over quantity, increasing the value of web traffic, concentrating on high-yield markets, and adopting a more discerning approach to paid media after the difficulties encountered in 2025. Gentoo’s publishing unit experienced an 8% year-over-year improvement in revenue in Q4 2025. How significant was the December Google Core Update in improving publishing visibility, and what specific tactics made the difference? The December Google Core Update had a beneficial effect, but it was not the primary driver behind the performance increase on our platforms. Although it enhanced visibility and aided in stabilizing search rankings, it essentially confirmed the efforts invested during 2025. The improvement resulted from executing core principles effectively: Superior, more pertinent content Enhanced website architecture and user experience A focus on quality in SEO practices A deliberate emphasis on value rather than sheer volume was also key, ensuring that traffic led to conversions, not just increased numbers. Therefore, while the algorithm update facilitated better results, the substantial gains were achieved by aligning with the direction of search: quality, trustworthiness, and user benefit. Emma-Elizabeth Byrne, Head of Publishing at Gentoo Media, is scheduled to speak at the SBC Summit Malta. Get your tickets here. Complimentary passes are available for affiliates and operators. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
墨西哥總統對導致美墨官員喪生的緝毒行動不知情 News

墨西哥總統對導致美墨官員喪生的緝毒行動不知情

(SeaPRwire) - 墨西哥總統克勞迪亞·辛鮑姆週一表示,她將要求就美國和墨西哥官員在墨西哥因車禍身亡時正在執行什麼任務做出解釋。根據美聯社報導,辛鮑姆表示,她的政府將調查這起發生在週日的死亡事件,以確保沒有法律被違反。她補充說,州政府必須獲得墨西哥聯邦政府的授權,才能與美國及其他外國實體合作,「正如憲法所規定」。這起致命事件造成兩名美國使館人員和兩名奇瓦瓦州調查局(AEI)人員死亡,發生在墨西哥一次與毒品相關的行動之後。辛鮑姆根據美聯社表示:「這不是安全內閣知情的行動。我們沒有被告知;這是奇瓦瓦州政府的決定。」根據一份英文翻譯,奇瓦瓦州檢察長塞薩爾·豪雷吉·莫雷諾在週日發布的一份聲明中宣布了「州調查局成員以及兩名美國大使館教官官員的死亡,他們在從莫雷洛斯市摧毀秘密實驗室的行動返回途中發生事故身亡。」檢察長在另一份聲明中指出,沒有外國特工參與該行動,且行動與事故無關。根據一份英文翻譯,4月20日的聲明稱:「為了避免圍繞導致在奇瓦瓦山脈埃爾皮納爾社區發現毒品實驗室的行動所產生的猜測和誤解,州檢察長塞薩爾·豪雷吉·莫雷諾明確指出,只有州調查局(AEI)和墨西哥軍隊的人員參與了該行動。」該辦公室表示:「基於上述,他排除了外國人員的介入,然而,他說明有來自美國的教官在該州及鄰近社區,但目的是為了其他事務,例如教授無人機操作課程。」「他聲稱約有80名官員參與了查封毒品實驗室的行動,其中40名來自AEI,另外40名來自國防部(DEFENSA)。」豪雷吉·莫雷諾表示,AEI局長佩德羅·羅曼·奧塞格拉·塞萬提斯「與在波蘭科教授無人機操作課程的美國大使館教官會面」,並且「他們在週日早上從奇瓦瓦市搭乘航班,並請求協助與局長所在的車隊一同旅行」。豪雷吉·莫雷諾說:「他們大約在凌晨兩點上了車,隨後車輛偏離道路墜入該地區的一處峽谷,發生了事故並導致他們喪生。」他還指出「在埃爾皮納爾從未有過任何外國特工的參與。」根據美聯社,他指出「在查封毒品實驗室的行動中沒有美國特工。」該媒體報導,墨西哥安全內閣證實,軍隊和州檢察官辦公室上週末在奇瓦瓦州針對同一地點莫雷洛斯的毒品實驗室執行了聯合行動。美國駐墨西哥大使羅納德·約翰遜在週日於X平台發布的部分貼文中表示:「我們對兩名美國使館人員、奇瓦瓦州調查局(AEI)局長以及一名AEI官員在這起事故中不幸罹難深感悲痛。」他補充說:「我們向他們對抗我們時代最嚴峻挑戰之一的奉獻和孜孜不倦的努力致敬。我們的心與祈禱與他們及其親人同在。這場悲劇嚴肅地提醒了那些致力於保護我們社區的墨西哥和美國官員所面臨的風險。它加強了我們繼續他們使命、推進我們對安全與正義的共同承諾、以保護我們人民的決心。」美國國務院週二未向Digital提供進一步評論。美聯社對本報導有所貢獻本文由第三方廠商內容提供者提供。SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/)對此不作任何保證或陳述。 分類: 頭條新聞,日常新聞 SeaPRwire為公司和機構提供全球新聞稿發佈,覆蓋超過6,500個媒體庫、86,000名編輯和記者,以及350萬以上終端桌面和手機App。SeaPRwire支持英、日、德、韓、法、俄、印尼、馬來、越南、中文等多種語言新聞稿發佈。
閱讀更多
Endorphina’s Ontario licence strengthens its North American presence iGame

Endorphina’s Ontario licence strengthens its North American presence

(AsiaGameHub) - Endorphina has been granted a license to operate in the Ontario iGaming market by the provincial regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This supplier registration now permits Endorphina to offer its gaming content to licensed operators in Ontario. The slot provider collaborates with more than 6,000 operators across over 50 jurisdictions, delivering its collection of over 200 premium slot titles worldwide in regions including Europe and Latin America. Džangar Jesenov, Head of Compliance at Endorphina, commented: "Obtaining approval in Ontario is a major milestone for Endorphina. "It validates the quality of our products, the robustness of our compliance systems, and our capability to succeed in strictly regulated markets." The Ontario license will further Endorphina's objective of broadening its footprint in North American markets. The company's expansion efforts are not limited to new jurisdictions, however. Endorphina recently finalized an agreement with Agreegain, which will see the supplier's games distributed across the aggregator's network of partner operators. Inga Kadyrova, Partnership Manager for Endorphina, said: "Partnerships such as this one strengthen our position throughout the industry, and I am confident our games will be an excellent fit for their portfolio. We are delighted to welcome Agreegain as a new partner." For more stories like this, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, SBC's central hub for multimedia content, where our experts provide in-depth analysis of the major developments in the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
Yggdrasil Boosts Its South Africa Presence With Two Partnerships iGame

Yggdrasil Boosts Its South Africa Presence With Two Partnerships

(AsiaGameHub) - Yggdrasil Gaming has broadened its footprint in South Africa via fresh partnerships with SportyBet and Playco.za. Both brands now gain access to more than 100 titles from the developer, including games like MexoMax, Bob Marlin Goes Deep and Vikings Go to Olympus. Through its expansion in South Africa, Yggdrasil aims to leverage the strength of the nation’s iGaming industry. The company cited figures from the National Gaming Board indicating the market produced €75.5 billion in turnover for the 2024/25 fiscal year. Giovanni Fodera, Regional Manager at Yggdrasil, said: “South Africa is a strategically vital market for Yggdrasil, and launching with well-established brands like SportyBet and Playco.za marks a major milestone for the company. “These collaborations boost our regional footprint, widen the reach of our content, and mirror the robust momentum we’re building throughout Africa.” Yggdrasil made its South African debut in 2021 via a partnership with Intelligent Gaming Limited (IGL), granting the developer access to IGL’s roster of operator partners. In the meantime, additional collaborations with aggregators like Vyking have provided Yggdrasil with expanded access to operators across the African continent. South Africa continues its tax debate Due to the success of online betting and gaming in South Africa, the nation’s National Treasury has put forward a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue from online operations, which will be applied alongside provincial tax rates imposed on all gambling activities. Provincial tax rates range from 6% to 9%, meaning the nation’s effective tax rate will lie between 26% and 29% should the proposal be successfully implemented. Should the tax be implemented, it is expected to generate R10 billion (£456.1 million) annually. However, the Ministry of Finance stressed that the primary goal of the tax is to offset the costs associated with potential social harm stemming from the growing popularity of online gaming. A public consultation on the proposed change concluded on February 27, and stakeholders are now waiting for South Africa’s legislators to decide whether to implement the new tax. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
Did the Maryland sweepstakes legislation fall short? iGame

Did the Maryland sweepstakes legislation fall short?

(AsiaGameHub) - The momentum behind the Maryland sweepstakes bill seems to have faded, as the state’s legislative sessions concluded without a formal decision on the bill’s passage. Two key opportunities to ban dual-currency sweepstakes arose: the House of Delegates passed two separate bills in 2026 that would have prohibited such sweepstakes. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) celebrated the lack of progress on the bill, claiming there had been “false allegations” driven by casino interests. SGLA Managing Director Sean Ostrow said: “We are pleased with this result in Maryland and want to thank the Maryland lawmakers who took the time to thoroughly consider this issue.” “Over multiple hearings and dozens of meetings, SGLA addressed false allegations by casino interests by demonstrating that the Social Plus industry already offers strong consumer protections and contributes to Maryland’s economy, while pushing back against efforts to misrepresent long-standing lawful activity as gambling. “We are eager to work with lawmakers and regulators in 2027 to codify SGLA’s best practices for the broader social games industry, which can generate significant tax revenue while keeping consumers safe online.” Neither House Bill 295 nor House Bill 1226 advanced from the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. HB 295 was sponsored by the House Ways and Means Committee at the request of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), and there were prior hints that Gov. Wes Moore would support the bill. The bills were a response to cease-and-desist letters that had been sent out. However, the MLGCA warned that compliance with these letters had not been achieved. Still, the District of Columbia has been identified as the next market to prohibit sweepstakes via the introduction of the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act. DC intends to take a tough stance against sweepstakes with heavy sanctions: each violation could result in a civil fine of up to $100,000, which may increase to $500,000 for repeated violations of the ban. Councilmember Wendell Felder stated in a letter to the DC Council: “Inaction carries real consequences. Without a legal framework, revenue continues to flow to unregulated operators, consumers remain exposed to risk and the district falls behind neighbouring jurisdictions that are moving forward.” If the act passes, the district will join Indiana and Maine as U.S. jurisdictions that banned online sweepstakes casinos in 2026. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and Eisai Provide Update on Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 Trial Evaluating First-Line Combination Treatments for Certain Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) JCN Newswire

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and Eisai Provide Update on Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 Trial Evaluating First-Line Combination Treatments for Certain Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

TOKYO and RAHWAY, N.J., Apr 21, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada), and Eisai (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito) today announced results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 trial evaluating combination treatments for the firstline treatment of patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The trial evaluated the triplet therapy of KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s anti-PD-1 therapy, plus LENVIMA® (lenvatinib), the orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discovered by Eisai, plus WELIREG® (belzutifan), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor. The study also evaluated MK-1308A, the coformulation of KEYTRUDA and quavonlimab, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s investigational anti-CTLA-4 antibody, plus LENVIMA. Both combination regimens were compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA for these patients.At a pre-specified interim analysis, the combination regimens did not meet the dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the first-line treatment of patients with RCC compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA. The safety profiles of the combination regimens were consistent with those observed in previously reported studies evaluating the individual medicines and the KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA combination. A full evaluation of the data from this study is ongoing, and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and Eisai will work with investigators to share the results with the scientific community.“With the LITESPARK-012 trial, we explored whether combining therapies with established activity could improve upon well-established standards set by KEYTRUDA-based regimens, reflecting our commitment to continuously explore ways to improve outcomes for the kidney cancer community,” said Dr. M. Catherine Pietanza, Vice President, Global Clinical Development, MSD Research Laboratories. “While these regimens did not demonstrate the results we hoped, the data deepen our understanding of advanced renal cell carcinoma and will help shape the next generation of treatment approaches.”“While we are disappointed that LITESPARK-012 did not meet its primary endpoints, the findings reinforce the central role of KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Corina Dutcus, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Clinical Development Lead at Eisai Inc. “Findings from trials such as this play an important role in shaping health care providers’ perspectives as the treatment paradigm for advanced renal cell carcinoma continues to evolve. We are committed to advancing the care of people living with this disease and we are grateful to the patients, caregivers and investigators whose participation and dedication made this research possible.”Results from the LITESPARK-012 trial do not affect other ongoing trials from the LITESPARK clinical program, including those conducted jointly with Eisai. As previously announced, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted two supplemental New Drug Applications (sNDA) for review based on Phase 3 LITESPARK-011 trial evaluating WELIREG in combination with LENVIMA for certain previously treated patients with advanced RCC and has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of Oct 4, 2026.KEYTRUDA is currently approved as adjuvant monotherapy and in combination regimens for appropriate patients with RCC in the U.S., European Union (EU), Japan and other countries around the world.KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA is approved in the U.S., the EU, Japan and other countries for the firstline treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. Lenvatinib is approved as KISPLYX for advanced RCC in the EU.LENVIMA in combination with everolimus is approved in the U.S., EU and other regions for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy.WELIREG is approved in the U.S., EU, Japan and other countries for the treatment of adult patients with advanced clear cell RCC following a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and 1-2 VEGF-TKIs based on results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-005 trial.About LITESPARK-012LITESPARK-012 is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04736706) evaluating either the triplet therapy of KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA plus WELIREG or MK-1308A plus LENVIMA compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced clear cell RCC. The primary endpoints are PFS, as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1) modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and OS. Secondary endpoints are objective response rate and duration of response as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, as well as safety. The study enrolled 1,688 patients who were randomized to receive:KEYTRUDA (400 mg intravenously [IV] every six weeks [Q6W]) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally once daily [QD]) plus WELIREG (120 mg orally QD);MK-1308A (coformulation of pembrolizumab [400 mg] and quavonlimab [25 mg] IV Q6W) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally QD);KEYTRUDA (400 mg IV Q6W) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally QD).All study drugs were continued until protocol-specified discontinuation criteria. KEYTRUDA and MK-1308A were administered for up to two years (approximately 18 cycles). WELIREG and LENVIMA may have been administered in combination or as a single agent until progressive disease or discontinuation.About renal cell carcinomaRenal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, with about nine out of 10 kidney cancer diagnoses being RCC. In 2022, there were about 435,000 new cases of kidney cancer diagnosed and approximately 156,000 deaths from the disease worldwide. Renal cell carcinoma is about twice as common in men as in women. Most cases of RCC are discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other abdominal diseases, and about 70% are a form called clear cell RCC, which tends to be more aggressive and faster spreading. Approximately 30% of patients with kidney cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage. About Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s research in genitourinary cancersMerck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA is advancing research aimed at helping transform the treatment landscape and broaden options for people with genitourinary (GU) cancers, including bladder, kidney and prostate cancers. Globally, GU cancers account for an estimated 2.6 million new cancer diagnoses each year, equaling over 1 in 8 of all cancer incidences. Through a robust clinical development program with more than 50 ongoing clinical trials evaluating more than 22,000 patients around the world, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA is investigating the potential of several portfolio medicines and pipeline assets, leveraging multiple novel combination strategies, across various stages of disease, to help address unmet needs in GU cancers.About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection for intravenous use, 100 mgKEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 2,800 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.About LENVIMA® (lenvatinib); available as 10 mg and 4 mg capsulesLENVIMA, discovered and developed by Eisai, is an orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). LENVIMA inhibits other kinases that have been implicated in pathogenic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR1-4, the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), KIT, and RET. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, LENVIMA decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and demonstrated greater antitumor activity in combination with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody compared to either treatment alone. LENVIMA has been approved for the indications below.Thyroid cancer– Indication as monotherapy(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe, China and Asia)Japan: Unresectable thyroid cancerThe United States: The treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)Europe: The treatment of adult patients with progressive, locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary/follicular/Hürthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC), refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI)Hepatocellular carcinoma- Indication as monotherapy (Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe, China and Asia)Japan: Unresectable hepatocellular carcinomaThe United States: The first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)Europe: The treatment of adult patients with advanced or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have received no prior systemic therapy- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA (generic name: pembrolizumab) and transarterial chemoembolization (Approved in China)Thymic carcinoma- Indication as monotherapy (Approved in Japan)Japan: Unresectable thymic carcinomaRenal cell carcinoma (In Europe other than the United Kingdom, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx®)- Indication in combination with everolimus(Approved mainly in the United States, Europe and Asia)The United States: The treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior antiangiogenic therapyEurope: The treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeted therapy- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe and Asia)Japan: Radically unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinomaThe United States: The first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinomaEurope: The first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinomaEndometrial carcinoma- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe and Asia)Japan: Unresectable, advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma that progressed after cancer chemotherapyThe United States: The treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is pMMR or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiationEurope: The treatment of adult patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EC) who have disease progression on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgeryAbout WELIREG® (belzutifan); available as 40 mg tablets, for oral useWELIREG, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, is an orally administered small-molecule designed to reduce transcription and expression of HIF-2α target genes associated with cellular proliferation, angiogenesis and tumor growth. By inhibiting HIF-2α signaling, WELIREG aims to disrupt key pathways certain tumors may use to adapt to low-oxygen conditions, including those that help promote abnormal blood vessel formation and support tumor survival.WELIREG has demonstrated antitumor activity in certain von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumors, renal cell carcinoma and in pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. As part of a broader clinical program, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA continues to research WELIREG monotherapy and combination approaches for people with genitourinary, breast and gynecologic cancers across a range of treatment settings to further define where HIF-2α inhibition may provide clinical benefit and to better understand which patients are most likely to respond.About the Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA Strategic CollaborationIn March 2018, Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and cocommercialization of LENVIMA. Under the agreement, the companies jointly develop, manufacture and commercialize LENVIMA, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA, and HIF-2α inhibitor, WELIREG.Eisai’s focus on cancerEisai positions Oncology as one of its key strategic areas, and aims to contribute to the cure of cancers through the discovery of innovative new drugs with new targets and mechanisms of action under the Deep Human Biology Learning (DHBL) drug discovery and development organization. By utilizing biomarker data obtained from our products to elucidate the mechanisms of the incidence and root causes of cancer, as well as drug resistance, and using Eisai Group's precision chemistry technology to turn undruggable intracellular therapeutic targets into druggable ones, we will create new backbone therapeutic drugs.About EisaiEisai’s Corporate Concept is “to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides.” Under this Concept [also known as our human health care (hhc) Concept], we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.In addition, our continued commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is demonstrated by our work on various activities together with global partners.For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), us.eisai.com (for U.S. headquarters: Eisai Inc.) or www.eisai.eu (for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand headquarters: Eisai Europe Ltd.), and connect with us on X (U.S. and global), LinkedIn (for U.S. and EMEA) and Facebook (global).Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s Focus on CancerEvery day, we follow the science as we work to discover innovations that can help patients, no matter what stage of cancer they have. As a leading oncology company, we are pursuing research where scientific opportunity and medical need converge, underpinned by our diverse pipeline of more than 20 novel mechanisms. With one of the largest clinical development programs across more than 30 tumor types, we strive to advance breakthrough science that will shape the future of oncology. By addressing barriers to clinical trial participation, screening and treatment, we work with urgency to reduce disparities and help ensure patients have access to high-quality cancer care. Our unwavering commitment is what will bring us closer to our goal of bringing life to more patients with cancer. For more information, visit https://www.merck.com/research/oncology.About Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USAAt Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USAThis news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov). Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
閱讀更多
How Payment Methods in Online Casinos Have Evolved iGame

How Payment Methods in Online Casinos Have Evolved

(AsiaGameHub) - Online casinos have adapted over time, integrating new technologies to meet the changing demands of players. Since the industry's inception in 1994, we have witnessed numerous technological strides. New technologies are consistently utilised to improve player experiences in newly developed games, often introducing fresh mechanics. Additionally, technology has been employed to bolster player safety, ensuring online gambling is conducted with greater responsibility and care. The impact of technology is perhaps most visible in the realm of payments. The rise of the internet and online shopping has naturally led to the availability of digital options that prioritise security and efficiency. Today, digital entertainment is just as prevalent as purchasing groceries or settling bills online. Top online casinos are now accessible in numerous countries across the globe, featuring payment methods that have transformed in response to technological advancements and global market needs. While some markets offer arguably superior options due to licensing regulations, others differ. For instance, the Nettikasinot in Finland provide players with secure and reliable alternatives that may not be found elsewhere. In some regions, you might find cryptocurrency available, while in others, it is not. The transformation of payment options in online casinos As our brief history of payment methods illustrates, the online casino sector has experienced several shifts that have benefited players and arguably fueled the continued expansion of the iGaming market.It is important to recognise that this evolution has been propelled by stricter KYC/AML regulations, increased fraud risks, and the player desire for immediate fund access and account security. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the majority of online casinos depended on bank transfers and wire payments, processes that were manual and often took days to clear. As online banking developed, credit and debit cards—such as Visa, Mastercard, and later Amex and Maestro—became the standard, offering players near-instant deposits and greater accessibility. However, it is worth noting that withdrawals via these methods have historically been slow and remain a source of frustration for many. E‑wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller emerged in the 2000s and rapidly became essential to online casino transactions. They accelerated both deposits and withdrawals while keeping players' banking information private from the casino. Services such as Neteller and Skrill also introduced prepaid features and VIP programmes, establishing them as popular “bank‑proxy” tools with fees that were frequently lower than those of traditional card or bank processing. With the surge in mobile gambling, contactless and mobile‑first solutions like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Pay‑by‑Phone (which adds deposits to your phone bill) have become standard deposit methods, particularly in regulated markets like the UK and Europe. Instant‑bank transfers, including Trustly‑style “open‑banking” rails and local schemes like iDeal or Sofort, now enable players to transfer funds directly from their bank accounts in seconds, often facilitating same‑day withdrawal settlements.Since the 2010s, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin have established a niche within online casinos by providing anonymity, low‑fee cross‑border transactions, and on‑chain transparency. Concurrently, prepaid cards and vouchers (including Paysafecard, Neosurf, region‑specific cards, and local cash‑top‑up networks) have expanded, especially in areas where card usage is limited or where minors must be prevented from playing. Will payment methods continue to evolve? A key strength of the online casino industry is its capacity to adapt to and adopt technological innovations. Payment methods are set to undergo constant change, driven by players' perpetual desire for the best possible financial experiences. Whether it involves quicker withdrawals, enhanced safety, improved anonymity and security, or entirely new monetary features, users will always seek to benefit from these advancements when utilising a payment method on an entertainment platform. The widespread impact of artificial intelligence is evident across many sectors. AI‑driven systems are expected to facilitate real‑time fraud detection, automated risk‑based routing, and personalised payment flows (such as recommending the fastest or most cost‑effective method for your specific region and stake). This development could strengthen chargeback controls for operators while providing players with integrated budgeting tools. Open‑banking and direct bank‑API integrations are likely to grow, permitting players to authorise deposits and withdrawals directly via their banking apps with instant settlement, thereby reducing reliance on card networks. Future models might introduce “gambling‑specific” bank sub‑accounts featuring built‑in spending limits and real‑time affordability checks. Furthermore, biometric authentication (utilising face‑ID, fingerprints, or device‑behaviour analysis) alongside tokenisation is expected to become standard for authorising larger or higher‑risk transactions, significantly enhancing security. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain‑based tokens may transition from niche casinos to the mainstream, utilising on‑chain wallets, stablecoins, and programmable “smart‑contract” payouts that automatically release winnings upon meeting certain conditions. Blockchain technology could also support transparent bonus tracking and provably fair game audits, directly linking payment systems to game integrity.Conclusion Online casinos have navigated multiple technological evolutions, particularly within payment methods. These changes have been crucial in building player trust, as users feel secure during transactions. Moreover, they recognise that the most favourable options are those that enable the fastest receipt of funds, allowing them to value the services provided more highly than in the past. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
墨西哥金字塔射手綁架人質、殺害1人,已獲查明 News

墨西哥金字塔射手綁架人質、殺害1人,已獲查明

(SeaPRwire) - 據官員稱,一名男子週一在墨西哥一座歷史金字塔頂部開槍打死一名加拿大遊客並打傷十多人,該男子已被確認身份。據一位不願透露姓名的州官員稱,當局已確認槍手為27歲的墨西哥公民 Julio Cesar Jasso,該官員因未獲授權公開討論此案而不願具名。Jasso 隨後開槍自殺身亡,安全官員發現了一把槍、一把刀和彈藥。當局表示,他獨自一人行動,墨西哥州政府週一晚間證實他是唯一的襲擊者。官員們表示,七名受害者被槍擊中,而其他人則在人們爭相逃離金字塔的混亂中受傷,其中一些人在恐慌中跌倒。據當局稱,住院的遊客來自多個國家,包括美國、哥倫比亞、俄羅斯、巴西和加拿大。受害者年齡從 6 歲到 61 歲不等。當地媒體流傳的畫面顯示,嫌疑人似乎站在建築物頂部,遊客們則在下方爭相逃命,槍聲在現場迴盪。特奧蒂瓦坎遺址位於墨西哥城郊外,是該國最受歡迎的考古遺跡之一,每年吸引數百萬國際遊客前來參觀其高聳的前西班牙時期建築。槍擊事件發生在上午 11:30 左右,當時有數十名遊客在月亮金字塔頂部。據當地導遊稱,近年來該遺址的安全措施有所改變,例行的入場檢查已不再持續實施。墨西哥總統 Claudia Sheinbaum 在社交媒體上表示,將對此次槍擊事件進行調查,並已與加拿大大使館取得聯繫。她寫道:「今天在特奧蒂瓦坎發生的事情讓我們深感痛苦。我對受影響的個人及其家人表示最誠摯的聲援。」加拿大外交部長 Anita Anand 在 X 上表示,由於「一次可怕的槍支暴力行為,一名加拿大人在特奧蒂瓦坎被殺害,另一人受傷」,她的「思念與他們的家人和親人同在」。當天晚些時候,美國駐墨西哥大使 Ronald Johnson 也對死亡和眾多傷亡事件表示「深切關注」和悲痛,並在 X 上發帖稱,美國「隨時準備提供必要的支持,同時墨西哥當局繼續進行調查」。國家人類學和歷史學會在一份聲明中表示,特奧蒂瓦坎考古遺址將關閉直至另行通知。本文由第三方廠商內容提供者提供。SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/)對此不作任何保證或陳述。 分類: 頭條新聞,日常新聞 SeaPRwire為公司和機構提供全球新聞稿發佈,覆蓋超過6,500個媒體庫、86,000名編輯和記者,以及350萬以上終端桌面和手機App。SeaPRwire支持英、日、德、韓、法、俄、印尼、馬來、越南、中文等多種語言新聞稿發佈。
閱讀更多
Government urges action to curb rising gambling ad spending iGame

Government urges action to curb rising gambling ad spending

(AsiaGameHub) - New data outlining the trajectory of black market advertising spending has ramped up calls for the UK government to take action. Forecasts from marketing intelligence firm WARC indicate that by September 2026, regulated gambling operators will account for just over 53% of UK gambling ad spend. However, the balance is set to shift in favor of the unregulated sector as early as 2028. Total advertising spending in the 12 months from October 2025 to September 2026 is projected to hit £1.9bn, with regulated operators contributing £1.05bn — a 9.2% drop compared to the prior year. Legacy media will face the sharpest cuts to gambling ad spend, with expenditures set to fall by as much as £45m, or 11.5%, per WARC, driven by higher production costs and longer lead times for campaigns. Online advertising expenditure across video, social and search formats is also set to decline by 7.1%, or £33m, by September 2026. In contrast, black market ad spending is expected to rise by 32% to reach £845m this current year. This report arrives as pressure mounts on regulators and sports industry stakeholders to do more to curb the promotion of unlicensed gambling operators. Betting and Gaming Council Chief Executive Grainne Hurst has urged the government to take further action to combat the black market, as unlicensed advertising spending draws closer to the unlicensed sector. “The Government must go further and faster to clamp down on the black market before it is too late,” said Hurst, who noted that Members of Parliament are scheduled to debate gambling advertising later this week. “Targeting licensed operators when their advertising spend is already falling will not reduce overall advertising; it will simply bolster the harmful illegal black market, which is aggressively targeting UK customers. This should sound alarm bells in Westminster.” Tax takes its toll Gambling operators of all sizes across the UK have warned that any tax increases will significantly harm their spending power and empower the black market. However, in November, Rachel Reeves announced a rise in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%, which has now come into effect, alongside an increase in general betting duty for remote betting to 25%, set to take effect in April 2027. Following these policy changes, companies including Flutter, Entain and evoke all announced that their marketing budgets will likely be cut by as much as 20% to offset these new costs. Even Paddy Power — a brand renowned for its attention-grabbing marketing stunts — confirmed last month that it is restructuring its marketing department, with redundancies possible for “a small number of staff”, according to a Flutter UK&I spokesperson. Black market takes over Conversely, black market gambling advertising, which largely takes place online where rules are less strictly enforced, is only growing faster. Alongside this year’s rise to £845m, WARC predicts that illicit operator spending will reach £934m in 2027 and surpass £1bn in 2028. This data emerges in the same week that Google announced it blocked more than 270 million gambling ads in 2025, a figure that pales in comparison to the overall scale of black market gambling advertising. Prior research commissioned by the BGC and carried out by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) found that operators are evading marketing filters used by search engines like Google by using names and brands linked to trusted organizations. Specifically, affiliates promoting links to “not on GamStop” casinos have been found to have hijacked inactive websites, with the most high-profile example being a domain once used by Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party. “Illegal operators are advertising aggressively online with no safeguards, no age checks and no consumer protections, posing a major risk to consumers,” said Hurst in February when the A&M report was released. Sponsorship in the spotlight According to WARC, sponsorship is growing even faster than advertising spending, with the firm reporting that unregulated operators will account for all sponsorship growth this year and make up more than half of total sponsorship spending by October 2027. While overall sponsorship spending has continued to grow, rising from £158m in 2019/20 to a projected £260m in the 2026/27 season, spending from regulated companies peaked in 2021/22 and has declined every year since. “This, in turn, has a significant impact on how visible and recognizable these unregulated companies are to UK consumers,” the report stated. Premier League viewers will recognize this trend, as several teams still feature unlicensed operators as their main shirt sponsor, despite an upcoming ban on gambling front-of-shirt sponsors. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has launched a consultation on implementing a ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorships, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stating that it is “not fair” that such companies can boost their profile without meeting the same standards as UK-licensed operators. These proposals would deal a major blow to unlicensed operators. However, no timeline has been set for when the ban would be introduced if approved, meaning sponsorship spending will only continue to rise in the interim. As Westminster prepares for the gambling advertising debate taking place on Thursday, 23 April, key industry stakeholders will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if MPs recognize the threat posed by the black market and the full scale of its spending power. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
New Report Reveals Widespread Misunderstanding of Consumer Messaging App Security Across Government and Critical Infrastructure ACN Newswire

New Report Reveals Widespread Misunderstanding of Consumer Messaging App Security Across Government and Critical Infrastructure

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, Apr 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - BlackBerry Secure Communications, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB), today released The State of Secure Communications 2026, a survey of 700 security decision-makers across government and critical infrastructure in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore. The findings reveal a widening gap between confidence in communications security and the reality of risk exposure - with significant national security implications. Among the most striking findings: 83% of security leaders report that WhatsApp is being used for sensitive discussions inside their organizations.The Sovereignty ParadoxOwnership and control of the infrastructure behind sensitive communications is emerging as a critical blind spot, exposing gaps in data sovereignty. While 55% prioritize sovereign control, virtually all (98%) rely on foreign-hosted platforms not built for confidential communications or high-security environments. Meanwhile, 52% are concerned telecom networks could be monitored or disrupted - a tangible risk already demonstrated by espionage campaigns targeting network operators, such as Salt Typhoon and more recently, UNC3886 in Singapore."Consumer messaging apps were never designed to handle sensitive communications, protect confidentiality, or meet the demands of high-security environments," said Christine Gadsby, Chief Security Advisor, BlackBerry Secure Communications. "They rely on phone numbers, not verified identities - and encryption protects the channel, not who is on it. That gap is already being exploited, as recent intelligence warnings show, and governments and critical infrastructure organizations are responding by moving toward communications infrastructure they own and trust."Confidence Built on MisunderstandingThese findings come as intelligence agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe issue fresh advisories about state-backed espionage attacks targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts of public officials and journalists. This highlights how the threat surface is shifting from networks to consumer messaging platforms now embedded in daily critical operations.Yet 88% of security leaders surveyed expressed confidence in their current messaging app security. That confidence is built on a fundamental misread of what these platforms actually protect, significantly increasing risk exposure. The report reveals critical gaps in encryption literacy among the very leaders responsible for safeguarding communications:52% mistakenly believe encryption protects metadata - including location data, IP addresses, and communication patterns47% believe it prevents impersonation, deepfake, or spoofing attacks41% assume communications remain secure, even after a device has been compromisedThis gap between perception and reality is now playing out in real-world incidents, with governments increasing restrictions and warnings about the use of consumer apps for sensitive communications, recognizing that encryption alone does not address the full risk.The Risks of Improvised Crisis ResponseThese gaps become most visible when organizations are under pressure. While 90% say they are confident in managing major incidents, fewer than half (49%) have a unified platform to coordinate response.In practice, the survey shows many rely on a patchwork of everyday tools - from group chats (54%) and email threads (51%) to shared spreadsheets (29%) and phone trees (19%). Familiar as they are, these tools were never designed for crisis coordination, and cannot deliver the real-time visibility, command and control or secure cross-agency communication that major incidents demand.Limits of "Good Enough" SecurityOverall, the findings point to a consistent pattern: security leaders across government and critical infrastructure are relying on communications platforms not designed for the security, sovereignty or crisis demands they now face. The issue is not encryption alone, but architecture. Many consumer platforms generate and retain metadata, operate under foreign data-access laws, and lack the controls required for high-value or classified communications.As threats evolve, from account compromise to large-scale surveillance, what may appear "secure enough" can quickly become a costly attack surface. The question is no longer whether these platforms are being exploited. It is whether the organizations relying on them recognize the risk.To learn how BlackBerry Secure Communications is protecting governments and critical infrastructure worldwide with interception-resistant, government-grade secure voice and messaging, visit BlackBerry.com/SecureCommunications.Survey MethodologyThe State of Secure Communications 2026 was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of BlackBerry. The survey included 700 security decision-makers across government and critical infrastructure organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore. About BlackBerryBlackBerry (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) provides enterprises and governments the software and services that power the world around us. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, its high-performance foundational software enables automakers and industrial leaders to unlock new applications and business models without compromising safety, security, or reliability. With a deep heritage in Secure Communications, BlackBerry delivers a highly secure, extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management.For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.Media Contacts:BlackBerry Media Relations+1 (519) 597-7273mediarelations@BlackBerry.comSOURCE: BlackBerry Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
閱讀更多
伊朗革命衛隊排擠總統,軍事控制擴大 News

伊朗革命衛隊排擠總統,軍事控制擴大

(SeaPRwire) - 據 Iran International 週二發布的一份報告顯示,伊朗伊斯蘭革命衛隊(IRGC)是伊朗武裝部隊的精英分支,已阻撓總統佩澤希齊揚(Masoud Pezeshkian)的總統任命,並在最高領袖莫傑塔巴·哈米尼(Mojtaba Khamenei)周圍建立了消息人士所稱的安全警戒線。報告聲稱,IRGC 實際上已接管了關鍵的國家職能。Foundation for Defense of Democracies 伊朗項目高級總監 Behnam Ben Taleblu 告訴 Digital:「這向來只是時間問題,而非是否會發生的問題,IRGC 勢必會比過去三十年更進一步。」根據該報告,隨著佩澤希齊揚政府與軍事領導層之間的緊張關係加深,佩澤希齊揚已陷入「完全的政治僵局」。據報的這一轉變可能會產生遠超伊朗國界的重大影響。分析人士表示,一個更強大的 IRGC 可能意味著一個更具對抗性的伊朗,更不願意在與華盛頓的談判中妥協,且更傾向於繼續在整個地區進行軍事升級。隨著美伊談判已經陷入停滯,且德黑蘭是否會派談判代表參加下一輪談判的不確定性日益增加,革命衛隊的崛起讓人們對伊朗真正的決策者是誰,以及是否有任何文職官員仍能代表政權發言產生了新的疑問。Ben Taleblu 表示:「但如果認為這是一場政變,那就錯了。多年來,這一直是伊朗的發展進程,因為該政權在每個關頭都選擇衝突而非合作,並放任其安全部隊坐大。」消息人士告訴 Iran International,佩澤希齊揚最近任命新情報部長的努力在 IRGC 指揮官 Ahmad Vahidi 的直接壓力下宣告失敗,並稱包括前國防部長 Hossein Dehghan 在內的所有擬定人選均被拒絕。Vahidi 據報堅持認為,在戰爭狀態下,所有關鍵和敏感職位必須由革命衛隊直接挑選和管理,直至另行通知。外交政策分析師兼記者 Lisa Daftari 告訴 Digital:「以任何標準衡量,Vahidi 即使在政權的強硬派精英中也被視為激進分子,他的崛起是一個警告,表明德黑蘭的戰爭機器現在掌握著話語權。」在伊朗的體制下,總統傳統上只有在獲得最高領袖批准後才會提名情報部長。但由於莫傑塔巴·哈米尼近幾週的狀況和行蹤不明,IRGC 似乎越來越多地在沒有文職監督的情況下採取行動。報告聲稱,佩澤希齊揚多次尋求與哈米尼進行緊急會面,但一直無法取得聯繫。根據 Iran International 的說法,一個由 IRGC 高級官員組成的「軍事委員會」現在控制著權力中心,阻止政府報告呈報給莫傑塔巴,並有效地將他與民選政府隔離開來。儘管如此,分析人士表示,據報的權力鬥爭反映了伊朗的一個長期趨勢,即革命衛隊穩步擴大了其對政治、經濟和國家安全的影響力。Ben Taleblu 認為,佩澤希齊揚顯然被邊緣化不應被視為與過去的戲劇性斷裂,因為這位總統從未行使過重大的獨立權力。他說:「那些擔心佩澤希齊揚可能被邊緣化的人,需要考慮幾個月前當該政權在街頭屠殺 4 萬名伊朗人時,他實際上能做什麼或不能做什麼。」佩澤希齊揚於 2025 年憑藉溫和與改革的承諾當選,但他一再發現自己受到安全機構和神職領導層的束縛。最新報告顯示,隨著伊朗面臨日益增長的外部壓力和內部不確定性,這種動態已急劇加劇。其中一項最引人注目的指控涉及最高領袖辦公室內的一名強大安全官員 Ali Asghar Hejazi。據 Iran International 報導,莫傑塔巴·哈米尼的一些親信現在正試圖將 Hejazi 趕下台,因為他反對莫傑塔巴接替其父親。報告稱,Hejazi 向專家會議(Assembly of Experts)的成員發出警告,稱莫傑塔巴缺乏成為最高領袖的資格,且世襲繼承將違反阿里·哈米尼(Ali Khamenei)制定的原則。據報 Hejazi 還警告說,讓莫傑塔巴掌權實際上會將國家交給革命衛隊,並永久邊緣化文職機構。這一警告似乎越來越反映出已經發生的事實。革命衛隊在 1979 年伊斯蘭革命後成立,旨在保衛政權,其發展早已遠遠超出了軍事力量的範疇。它現在控制著伊朗經濟的主要部分,監督國家的導彈和核計劃,並對幾乎每個政府部門施加影響。分析人士表示,最新進展表明 IRGC 不再在幕後運作,而是公開成為德黑蘭的主導力量。伊朗駐聯合國代表團拒絕置評。本文由第三方廠商內容提供者提供。SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/)對此不作任何保證或陳述。 分類: 頭條新聞,日常新聞 SeaPRwire為公司和機構提供全球新聞稿發佈,覆蓋超過6,500個媒體庫、86,000名編輯和記者,以及350萬以上終端桌面和手機App。SeaPRwire支持英、日、德、韓、法、俄、印尼、馬來、越南、中文等多種語言新聞稿發佈。
閱讀更多
Seven HKTDC Lifestyle and Licensing mega events to open next week ACN Newswire

Seven HKTDC Lifestyle and Licensing mega events to open next week

HONG KONG, Apr 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Seven annual lifestyle and licensing mega events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) are set to open next week. These include the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle on 27-30 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, HKCEC; and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong co-organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, held concurrently at AsiaWorld-Expo on 27-30 April; and the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference on 27-29 April at the HKCEC.Global exhibitors will showcase offerings spanning gifts and premiums, stylish houseware, trendy fashion, innovative materials for garment and homeware, gerontechnology, cultural and creative design products, sustainable products, green printing and packaging and intellectual property. The events fully leverage Hong Kong's unique connectivity between Chinese Mainland and international markets, reinforcing the city's position as a regional creative hub and international business centre, and actively aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and dual circulation development strategy.HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Jenny Koo said: "The HKTDC has long facilitated trade exchanges across industries through organising a wide range of conferences and exhibitions, fulfilling Hong Kong's roles as a super connector and super value-adder while showcasing its strengths in new quality productive forces, product quality and creativity. This year, the seven mega lifestyle and licensing exhibitions and conference are being held concurrently during the final week of April. Buyers can enjoy a one-stop sourcing experience across all fairs, fostering cross-industry and cross-sectoral exchanges, generating greater synergies, and helping expand customer bases and business opportunities."The seven mega exhibitions and conference are expected to attract some 5,600 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. First-time exhibitors this year include participants from Finland, Germany, Iceland, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.Home InStyle welcomes new pavilions from Xinjiang and Wuhan; The Gifts & Premium Fair features new pavilions from Shanxi, Jilin, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Zhejiang, with the Zhejiang pavilion, organised for the first time by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Commerce, bringing together 50 local enterprises. The Printing & Packaging Fair includes a new Fujian Quanzhou pavilion and Fashion InStyle features new pavilions from Jiangsu Sheyang, India and Indonesia, offering buyers an even more diverse range of sourcing options.The HKTDC continues to encourage the industry to embrace sustainable development and promote the use of innovative materials. This year, the seven fairs will collectively bring together over 820 green exhibitors. In addition, approximately 80 exhibitors will showcase innovative material products spanning houseware, home textiles, fashion, printing and packaging, and other sectors.Reimagine themed floor converges gifts and homeware creative inspirationIn keeping with market developments, HKCEC Hall 5 has transformed into aReimagine themed floor this year. The Reimagine floor presents a new vision of future lifestyles by seamlessly connecting the innovative, design and cultural creative elements of both the Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle. This enables buyers to gain a one-stop overview of the latest global lifestyle homeware and gifting trends, while inspiring industry players to reimagine the boundless possibilities of future products and creative inspiration. The floor has several highlighted zones, including the Gifts & Premium Fair's new Selection of ASEAN and The Bespoke Hub and the Hong Kong Smart Design Global Awards, Home InStyle's Cultural and Creative Avenue and Gerontech and Innovative Material Pavilion.The Hong Kong Smart Design Global Awards, organised by the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), is renamed this year in recognition of Hong Kong's original design talent. The grand finale will be held during the Gifts & Premium Fair, with all finalist entries displayed on-site, giving exhibitors direct access to international buyers to enhance brand visibility and expand collaboration opportunities.The Cultural and Creative Avenue brings together over 110 exhibitors from over 10 countries and regions, presenting distinctive brands and designs that celebrate diverse cultural heritages. The zone once again partners with Pantone, using the PANTONE 2026 Colour of the Year "Cloud Dancer" as its theme to curate home décor settings, helping buyers understand how colour coordination can be harnessed to create stylish living spaces.Innovative materials debut at Home InStyleGlobal ageing is driving sustained growth in silver market demand, with the industry actively developing gerontechnology living products and solutions incorporating smart technologies to support home fitness, rehabilitation and daily living needs. Meanwhile, the development and application of innovative materials have also become a focal point in the homeware market. In response to these trends, Home InStyle will showcase innovative materials applied to the homeware and home textiles market for the first time this year. Building on the success of last year's gerontech living product showcase, both elements have been brought together in the Gerontech and Innovative Material Pavilion, funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, with over 20 local exhibitors joining to inject fresh innovation into the homeware market.A series of events will also be held during the fairs, covering the silver economy, market trends, culture and innovation, and sustainability, helping the industry stay abreast of the latest market developments. Among them, the HKTDC, will co-organise a thematic seminar with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council, inviting representatives from the FHKI, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and technology experts, to explore how to respond to the silver market through the introduction of the "Silver Q Mark" and certified gerontech living products. On sustainability, the Business Environment Council and representatives from eco-conscious enterprises will also analyse trends and breakthroughs in sustainable home and gift design.Fashion InStyle reveals how diverse materials collide to drive fashion innovationFashion InStyle features multiple exhibition zones, including Designer Spotlight, Materials Bazaar, Fashion Accessories, Women in Style, Bridal & Evening Wear, and Athleisure, etc. Among them, NEXT@Fashion InStyle (NEXT), the highlighted zone organised by HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, returns in full force this year, demonstrating how materials innovation in fashion can drive industry transformation and advance sustainability.This year, the Philippines is NEXT's featured partner, powered by The Philippine Trade and Investment Centre – Hong Kong (PTIC-HK) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), more than 25 Philippine exhibitors showcasing the unique strengths of their local fashion materials. NEXT has also brought together over 60 global exhibitors from an ever-wider geographical reach, spanning not only Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and the Philippines, but also other Asian markets such as Indonesia and Thailand. This year, several Nordic countries join the showcase, including Iceland, Finland and Sweden, further elevating NEXT's international profile and cementing its role as a global exchange platform for leading future fashion trends.NEXT has once again invited Han Chong, founder and creative director of contemporary fashion brand Self-Portrait, to serve as the project ambassador. Chong will lead six local designer brands in selecting forward-looking materials from eight suppliers to develop five cross-disciplinary design projects. This year marks the first time that materials sourced from outside Hong Kong are incorporated into the designs. The collections explore three overarching themes namely cultural & heritage, sustainability, and technology and functionality. All completed designs will be unveiled at the NEXT Fashion Parade on the second evening of the Fair (28 April).Two PrintPack Fairs present latest trends of smart technology and green packagingThis year's Printing & Packaging Fair introduces new products and solutions in smart packaging and innovative materials, with a spotlight on advanced RFID and anti-counterfeiting packaging technologies. Some exhibitors will also present packaging products made from plant-based or bio-based materials. The popular Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone returns once again, facilitating buyers identify packaging options that are more eco-friendly, efficient and practical.DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong focuses on premium printing and packaging solutions for high-end goods including jewellery, watches, cosmetics and fine wine. Many exhibitors will showcase distinctive packaging designs for six-star hotels and luxury brands, highlighting exceptional craftsmanship and refined brand aesthetics. The two fairs will also feature a series of seminars covering AI, sustainability and creative design. Representatives from FUJIFILM and BW Design Centre will share insights into the application of AI in printing and design. On the sustainability front, seminars will explore on new materials, smart technologies and innovative design in packaging, examining how the industry can enhance sustainability through the adoption of advanced materials. On creative design, renowned designers will discuss how design excellence, strong brand imagery and innovative elements can elevate product appeal and reinforce brand distinction.Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference connect global opportunities Now in its 23rd edition, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, Asia's flagship licensing event, brings together over 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) from multiple countries and regions, including Bandai Namco, Doraemon and LINE FRIENDS, spanning licensing categories such as arts and culture, animation and characters, brand extension, entertainment, lifestyle and sports. The event serves as a cross-regional and cross-sectoral business expansion platform for global licensors, brands and IP owners worldwide.The Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme, organised by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA) and sponsored by the CCIDA of the HKSAR Government, will once again participate in the Licensing Show. The dedicated DLAB Hong Kong Pavilion will showcase close to 40 local IPs and brands. Some IPs, including Animomo and Emo Neko Club, tap into the increasingly popular "emotional economy" concept, forging deeper emotional connections with consumers through emotional value, nostalgic elements and heartwarming stories. The Hong Kong Licensing Force Showcase also returns, collaborating with Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Design Institute and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to showcase innovative licensing concepts and design prowess of the next generation of creative talent.As e-commerce economy continues to flourish and IP market sales models continue to evolve, the show introduces for the first time a dedicated "IP and e-Commerce Support Services" Zone. Aligned with the HKSAR Government’s policy direction to actively enhance Hong Kong companies’ competitiveness on cross-border e-commerce platforms, it brings together e-commerce platforms, KOLs, marketing and PR firms to help brands and IPs expand into e-commerce markets and capitalise on online business opportunities.The concurrent Asian Licensing Conference, under the theme "Connecting Creativity, Unlocking Licensing Power", brings together industry leaders to explore the latest developments and opportunities in the global licensing market. Key topics this year include "Global Licensing Trends to Watch in 2026", "Perfectly Imperfect: The Rise of Fugglers in the Emotional Economy", Winning Off the Field: The Business Strategy behind Successful Sports Licensing", "The LBE Revolution: Engaging Audiences Beyond the Screen" and "VTubers: Redefining Entertainment in the Digital Age", offering the industry forward-looking insights and analysis.EXHIBITION+ Integrates online and offline experiences; AI boosts sourcing efficiencyThe seven exhibitions and conference continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format. In addition to the physical fairs, the “Click2Match” will leverage AI to provide business matching for exhibitors and buyers. Buyers can also use “Scan2Match” to scan exhibitors' QR codes, bookmark exhibitors and continue discussions online during or after the fairs. The fairs will also introduce an AI-driven SmartBot service on-site for the first time, enabling buyers to search more swiftly for products and exhibitors and instantly generate personalized visit routes.Photo Download: http://bit.ly/3OSQRvFIntroducing highlights of the seven lifestyle and creative events at today’s press conference were (from left to right) Katherine Fang, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee; Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC Home InStyle and Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Organising Committee; Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC; Helena Chiu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exporters' Association; and Zacharias Cheng, President of the Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA)Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair exhibitor Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Manufactory Ltd unveils its new Series 116 vacuum flask blind box, designed by Hong Kong illustrator Pen So and Hong Kong contemporary artist Jerry Cho. Each piece features intricately illustrated Hong Kong streetscapes, making it highly collectibleHome InStyle exhibitor features a smart fitness training system at the Gerontech and Innovative Material Pavilion. Powered by AI and data-driven training, the system collects and analyses user data to formulate personalised exercise plans, enabling seniors to build strength at homeNEXT@Fashion InStyle features designs that offer contemporary reinterpretations of cultural heritage. Design studio Tigerstrolling fuses Song Brocade, a national-level intangible cultural heritage, with denim, while weaving in Hong Kong cultural elements to breathe fresh street energy into the intangible cultural heritage traditionHong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair exhibitor introduces eco-friendly wet-pressed pulp moulded packaging boxes made primarily from wood pulp and sugarcane pulp. Biodegradable and fully recyclable, the boxes also offer moisture-proof, waterproof, oil-resistant and dust-resistant propertiesDeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong exhibitor showcases packaging boxes made of carbon fibre. Previously used in automotive and sports equipment, the material is now being applied to lifestyle products for its lightweight and impact-resistant propertiesHong Kong International Licensing Show exhibitor presents their pixel-art IP character Potatoz and a series of products inspired by the IPEvents Details:EventsEvent DateOpening HoursVenueHong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 27–29 Apr(Mon–Wed)30 Apr(Thu) 9:30am – 6:30pm9:30am – 5:00pm HKCECHome InStyleFashion InStyleHong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair27 Apr(Mon)28–29 Apr(Tue–Wed)30 Apr(Thu)10:30am –5:30pm 9:30am – 5:30pm9:30am – 3:30pm AsiaWorld-ExpoDeLuxe PrintPack Hong KongHong Kong International Licensing Show27–28 Apr(Mon–Tue) 29 Apr(Wed) 9:30am – 6:30pm 9:30am – 5:00pm HKCECAsian Licensing ConferenceMedia enquiriesFor enquiries, please contact:Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, HK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong KongPandagon:Fraser LiTel: 6083 5623Email: pandagon.limited@gmail.comHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clayton LauwTel: 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org HK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing ConferenceRaconteur: Molisa LauTel: 6187 7786Email: molisalau@raconteur.hkBetsy TseTel: 9742 7338Email: betsytse@raconteur.hk HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Winnie KanTel: 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgHKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
閱讀更多
Bally’s Intralot outlines markets that made the evoke deal attractive iGame

Bally’s Intralot outlines markets that made the evoke deal attractive

(AsiaGameHub) - Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Intralot, explained the markets that drew the company’s attention when the chance to bid for evoke arose. During the operator’s recent FY2025 earnings call, Reeves noted that Italy—with its entry barriers—wasn’t an initial standout for Bally’s Intralot, though it does hold appeal for the firm. Earlier this week, Bally’s Intralot confirmed it’s in talks with evoke about a potential offer for all of the company’s issued and soon-to-be-issued share capital at 50 pence per share, totaling approximately £225 million. Reeves continued: “Romania is a desirable market and was on our radar. There’s also a complementary angle—evoke is a solid player in Spain, and we already have a footprint there, so that makes sense. “For any M&A opportunity, you need to consider all factors holistically. We have to follow all proper procedures. I see these deals as a way to speed up our growth—building an international presence like evoke’s would take years at that scale, so we’ll evaluate all options. It’s a logical match.” evoke runs the brands 888casino, 888sport, 888poker and William Hill in Italy and Spain, while the group also offers 888 and Winner in Romania. Reeves repeated his earlier remarks about the evoke deal: that the acquisition is a ‘compelling opportunity’ to bring Bally’s Intralot’s operating model to a significantly larger business, with the potential to transform its financial performance through substantial synergies. However, the Bally’s Intralot CEO also highlighted the value of evoke’s UK retail locations, describing them as generating ‘good cash’ and an added benefit of the deal under consideration. Entering a new tax era with strength Bally’s Intralot is well-positioned to expand its UK presence if it proceeds with the evoke acquisition. In Q1 2026, the firm’s UK net gaming revenue (NGR) reached £147.9 million, up roughly 10.5% year-over-year (YoY), with every month of the quarter showing growth compared to the prior year. UK online revenue in January and February hit £95.7 million, an 11.1% YoY increase, while March posted double-digit growth. “We entered the tax change from a position of strength, not retreat,” noted Reeves. Image: Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock Nearly two weeks after the remote gaming duty hike, the CEO reported that UK NGR for April so far is up double digits YoY to £32.2 million, with healthy player numbers and wager volumes. “We have not lost customers to competitors and we have not lost them to the unregulated market. Our brands are robust, our product is competitive and our player base is growing. Active players are up 7% YoY. While some competitors have been reducing marketing, we have been gaining players.” Reeves continued: “Wagers per player are lower year on year; that is intentional. We’ve tightened our offerings as part of our mitigation program; we are generating more efficient revenue from a larger player base. That is good business. I said on previous calls that a less competitive market would benefit operators with our scale and margin profile. 19 days into the new tax regime, I am more confident in that view than ever.” Where we stand Last December, evoke launched a strategic review of its operations, which included ‘a potential sale of the Group, or some of the Company’s assets and/or business units’. Despite evoke’s £1.8 billion in debt and Bally’s Intralot’s own £4.5 billion in liabilities, the deal is being framed as a potential rescue for the UK giant—meaning Bally’s does not need to absorb all of evoke’s debt. Bally’s Intralot has set a deadline of no later than 5pm UK time on 18 May 2026 to confirm whether it will make an offer for evoke or announce it does not intend to pursue the deal. “We entered the tax change from a position of strength, not retreat.” Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer at Bally’s Intralot The company has told shareholders, debt holders and other stakeholders that its financing will align with its stated financial policy goals within its existing framework if the proposal results in a completed transaction. evoke has advised its shareholders not to take any action regarding the proposal. The company is set to publish its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (FY25) on 29 April. Any offer is subject to customary conditions and approvals, and Bally’s Intralot reserves the right to adjust the offer’s terms—including price, form and mix of consideration, and transaction structure. Looking for more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all multimedia content at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
Hitachi to establish a new company with Nojima under a strategic partnership to accelerate growth of its home appliance business JCN Newswire

Hitachi to establish a new company with Nojima under a strategic partnership to accelerate growth of its home appliance business

TOKYO, Japan, Apr 21, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501, “Hitachi”) and its subsidiary, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (“Hitachi GLS”) have decided to establish a strategic partnership with Nojima Corporation (“Nojima”) to achieve sustainable growth and enhance the value of the Hitachi-branded home appliances business.In the home appliance market, customer needs are diversifying, and the pace of change is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Through this partnership, Nojima will capture the “voice of the customer” through its sales and service frontlines, while Hitachi will leverage advanced, highly reliable manufacturing technologies to bring higher-quality products to market more quickly, thereby contributing to the further strengthening of “Japanese reliable monozukuri”. In addition, by providing high-touch services rooted in Japanese standards of quality, we will further enrich customers’ lives. To further advance these efforts, we will strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders across the home appliance supply chain—from suppliers to a wide range of sales channels—more than ever before.An overview of the new company to be established, the strategic partnership between Hitachi GLS and Nojima, and the related capital restructuring aimed at taking the home appliance business to the next stage is provided below.Overview of capital restructuring to establish the partnershipOn April 21, Hitachi GLS entered into a share purchase agreement under which it will establish a new company for its home appliance business and transfer 80.1% of the shares of the new company to a special purpose company (“SPC”) managed by Nojima, to enhance the competitiveness of the business and achieve sustainable growth.In addition, with respect to Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances B.V. (“AHHA* 1”), which was jointly established by Hitachi GLS and Arçelik A.S. (“Arçelik”) and operates the Hitachi-brand home appliance business in overseas markets, Hitachi GLS and Arçelik have entered into a share purchase agreement concerning the 60% stake in AHHA held by Arçelik. The rights and obligations (contractual position) under this share purchase agreement will be succeeded by the new company through the company split.Upon completion of these agreements, the new company will become a consolidated company of Nojima. Hitachi GLS will retain 19.9% shares in the new company.*1 Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances B.V. ('AHHA') was established on July 1, 2021, as a joint venture between Arçelik and Hitachi GLS to handle the Hitachi-branded home appliance business in overseas markets. The ownership ratio of AHHA is 60% for Arçelik and 40% for Hitachi GLS. https://www.hitachi.com/en/press/articles/2021/07/0701/Through this series of share transfers, management resources for the home appliance business in Japan and overseas will be integrated under the new company. The new company will continue to provide customers with Hitachi-branded home appliances, from manufacturing through after-sales service. Through the strategic partnership between the two companies, we will strengthen the customer-driven business model cultivated in the Japanese market and expand it globally, thereby ushering the Hitachi-branded home appliance business into a new stage of growth.The series of share transfers is expected to be completed during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027 (FY2026), following the receipt of necessary clearances and approvals under competition laws and other relevant regulations. The transfer price for 80.1% shares of the new company to be transferred from Hitachi GLS to Nojima is approximately 110 billion yen, and the final transfer price will be determined following adjustments. The impact of the share transfer on Hitachi’s consolidated financial statement is not material. Hitachi will accelerate its growth to maximize corporate value of Hitachi group and toward achieving the goals of the management plan, “Inspire 2027”, by utilizing the proceeds from these transfers in accordance with its capital allocation policy.Following the establishment of the new company, Hitachi GLS will continue to drive the air conditioning business as a core business within Hitachi’s Urban Solutions & Services Business Unit (“USBU”). In collaboration with Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd., both of which belong to USBU, Hitachi will further strengthen its integrated service offerings for building and facility management, energy management, and cooling through “HMAX for Buildings.” As One Hitachi, we will work to address social challenges by providing comfortable spaces, optimizing maintenance costs, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the efficiency of data centers, a market expected to see continued growth.Noriharu Amiya, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, HitachiTo ensure sustainable growth of the home appliance business, we have decided to establish a new company under Nojima. Through Nojima, we will be able to understand market trends and customers’ latent needs more quickly, and by closely integrating these insights with Hitachi’s long-cultivated “Japanese monozukuri”, we are confident that the strengths of both companies will come together to further enhance the value of Hitachi-branded home appliance products.Following the completion of the capital reorganization, Hitachi GLS will aim to maximize value by centering on its air-conditioning business and digital solutions, while also strengthening collaboration with the building systems business and the energy business.Hitachi’s Connective Industries Sector, which includes USBU under its umbrella, will continue to pursue business portfolio reforms to further enhance corporate value. At the same time, it will expand the deployment of “HMAX by Hitachi,” a suite of next-generation solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure, and will strive for sustainable growth through the resolution of social challenges.Hideki Osumi, President and Representative Director, Hitachi GLSWe are very pleased that this strategic partnership with Nojima will enable us to establish a new company that can further pursue the sustainable growth of the home appliance business on a global basis.The new company will develop, and manufacture products based on the genuine needs that Nojima identifies through its day-to-day interactions with customers and deliver them to a broader range of customers. It will also create a virtuous cycle in which customer feedback and insights from after-sales service are reflected in the next stage of product development. Through these efforts, the new company will deepen collaboration with the many stakeholders that have supported the home appliance business to date. These include municipalities with production sites and supply chains, as well as a wide range of sales channels such as major electronics retailers nationwide and regional appliance stores. Through such collaboration, the new company will open up a new stage of growth. Each employee involved in the home appliance business will maximize the strengths they have cultivated over the years, delivering happiness to customers around the world through Hitachibranded home appliances.Following completion of the capital reorganization, Hitachi GLS will drive its air conditioning business as part of integrated operations within USBU. We will respond to growing cooling and heating needs across a wide range of fields, including buildings and data centers, through strong products and digital capabilities.Hiroshi Nojima, Representative Executive President, NojimaWe are truly honored to have been given the opportunity to work together in advancing the Hitachi brand, which has long been cherished for its outstanding technological capabilities and high-quality products. This partnership represents a new challenge in combining our strength in customer touchpoints with Hitachi’s advanced technologies. By directly incorporating the “voice of the customer” gathered through Nojima’s stores into product development, we aim to establish a framework that creates a continuous cycle from manufacturing through after-sales service, and to deliver products built on a strong commitment to quality to an even greater number of customers. Through this business model, we are committed to preserving and passing on to future generations the strengths of Japanese manufacturing—namely, high-quality monozukuri—and the reliability of the Hitachi brand.About HitachiCompany name: Hitachi, Ltd.Established: February 1, 1920 (Founded in 1910)Head Office: 1-6-6 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, JapanRepresentative: Toshiaki Tokunaga Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Consolidated Revenues: JPY 9,783.3 billion (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2025) Business Description Development, production, sales, and provision of services for products related to Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, Connective Industries, and other businessesNumber of Consolidated: Employees 282,743 (as of March 31, 2025)URL: https://www.hitachi.com/en/About Hitachi GLSCompany name: Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.Established: April 1, 2019Head Office: Hitachi Atago Annex 2-15-12 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, JapanRepresentative: Hideki Osumi President and Representative DirectorConsolidated Revenues: JPY 367.6 billion (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2025)Business Description: Sales of home appliances, air conditioning systems, and equipment products; provision of engineering and maintenance services; and delivery of products and solutions utilizing digital technologiesNumber of Consolidated Employees: Approximately 5,100 (as of March 31, 2025)URL: https://corp.hitachi-gls.co.jp/enAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. And Hitachi GLS is responsible for sale of (and provision of engineering and maintenance services for) home appliances, air conditioning equipment and other equipment and devices; and provision of products and solutions utilizing digital technologies. Based on the idea of "More smiles to life for one and all. A more comfortable tomorrow for people and society. With innovations that deliver happiness to the world, we open new doors to the future. ", we seek to gain a closer understanding of customer lifestyles. By resolving individual customer lifestyle issues, through well-designed and sophisticated products and services utilizing of the Hitachi Group's value chain and digital technologies, we aspire to be a company that contributes to improving the quality of life for customers around the world. www.hitachi-gls.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
閱讀更多
Global Turbine Asia Advances Aerospace Growth, Capabilities and Talent Development Through Strategic Partnerships ACN Newswire

Global Turbine Asia Advances Aerospace Growth, Capabilities and Talent Development Through Strategic Partnerships

KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. (“GTA” or the “Company”), a Malaysian-based engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) and support service provider serving military and civil operators in Malaysia, and a Certified Maintenance Centre (“CMC”) for Safran Helicopter Engines, today exchanged two Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with Airbus Defence and Space (“Airbus DS”)and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (“UPNM”), as well as a Note of Understanding (“NoU”) with Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (“PERHEBAT”). The signings were witnessed by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence, Malaysia.MoU exchange between Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. & Airbus Defence & Space, witnessed by YB Dato' Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence, MINDEF, Malaysia.Note of Understanding between Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd & Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera, witnessed by YB Dato' Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence, MINDEF, Malaysia accompanied by YBhg. Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali, Secretary General, MINDEF, Malaysia.MoU exchange between Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. & Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, witnessed by YB Dato' Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence, MINDEF, Malaysia.The MoUs reflect GTA’s strategic focus on strengthening the aerospace and defence ecosystem through cross-border commercial cooperation, talent development, research partnerships and long-term capability building, aligned with evolving regional industry needs.GTA’s MoU with Airbus DS will evaluate opportunities to develop Malaysia’s military aircraft MRO capabilities and assess GTA as a potential Industrial Collaboration Programme (“ICP”) beneficiary, which will advance local aerospace self-reliance, facilitateknowledge and capability transfer, and supply chain integration, pending approvals.Through its MoU with UPNM, GTA aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in research, innovation, talent development, and technical services. Areas of cooperation may include joint R&D, training and postgraduate pathways, technical advisory services, workshops and centres of expertise, as well as potential industry-on-campus initiatives, subject to approvals and separate agreements where required.GTA’s NoU with PERHEBAT supports the career transition of retiring Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and veterans by providing industrial training, workplace exposure, and potential employment opportunities. The collaboration includes job-skills alignment, programme monitoring, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability and well-being of Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (“ATM”).Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Dato Mohd Radzi, Executive Chairman of Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd., said, “These MoUs mark an important step in strengthening GTA’s role within the aerospace and defence ecosystem, not only as an engine support and MRO provider, but also as a long-term partner in capability development, talent cultivation and strategic collaboration.”She added, “Together, these partnerships reflect our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient and future-ready platform for the industry.About Global Turbine Asia Sdn BhdGlobal Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd (“GTA”) is an independent engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) and support service provider for military and civil engines in Malaysia. A Malaysian-based and a Certified Maintenance Centre (“CMC”) for Safran Helicopter Engines, GTA was established in 2010 and provides a range of engine support solutions including Support By The Hour, AOG and helpline support, technical assistance, spare parts and tooling, global support package, standard exchange, repair and overhaul, and training. Based at the Helicopter Centre, Malaysia International Aerospace Centre, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, GTA also highlights certifications and approvals including DGTA Approved Maintenance Organization, CAAM Maintenance Organization Approval and EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organization Approval.For more information, visit https://globalturbineasia.com/.Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd.Distributed By: MNAIR PR Consultancy Sdn Bhd on behalf of Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd.For more information, please contact:Asyraf HakimiTel: +60 11-2377 4173Email: a.hakimi@swanconsultancy.bizFor media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:Ameera HaniTel: +60 14-224 3296Email: ameera@mnairpr.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
閱讀更多
Blueprint Gaming’s Italian success fuels European growth iGame

Blueprint Gaming’s Italian success fuels European growth

(AsiaGameHub) - As Blueprint Gaming pushes forward with its European growth strategy, Italy has become a key market for the supplier. Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR & Events, talks about the company’s quick ascent in the region, why localisation matters, and how a player-centric approach is influencing its next stage of expansion. What’s your take on Blueprint Gaming’s current standing and growth trajectory in the Italian market? Italy has turned into one of our most notable success stories lately. We’ve evolved from a well-known brand to a rapidly growing leading supplier in Italy’s online casino sector, with our games available on roughly 85% of licensed operators in the market. This growth is evident in our results. In the last year, we saw a 41% rise in market growth, far outpacing the broader Italian online casino market, which grew by 17%. Games like King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas, Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus, and The Goonies Quest for Treasure Jackpot King have been among the top-performing releases with several operators, solidifying our status as a trusted content provider. We’re experiencing robust momentum across our offerings—including Megaways, Jackpot King, and branded titles—and performance data shows Italian players are highly engaged with our games. This gives us plenty of confidence to keep investing in the market and expanding both our game library and our partnerships. Why is Italy a strategic growth focus for Blueprint, and what sets this market apart? Italy is one of Europe’s largest and most established regulated markets, so it’s a core part of our global growth strategy. The mix of size, stable regulations, and a savvy online casino audience creates an environment where we can build a long-lasting, sustainable business—something our consistent growth since 2018 has shown. What makes Italy unique is its players’ character. They’re well-informed slot players with distinct tastes, yet they also react very positively to content that connects with local culture—particularly football and iconic entertainment brands. Our success with culturally relevant games like the Maradona series underscores just how crucial localisation is. This blend of maturity and enthusiasm is precisely the type of setting where we excel, letting us pair tried-and-true game mechanics with themes that strike a chord with local players. Which key product updates or upcoming releases are most important for Italian players and operators? For Italy, we’re heavily focusing on titles that have already become fan favourites. Our Megaways and Jackpot King games keep performing well, along with branded slots like The Goonies Quest for Treasure Jackpot King—one of our most successful launches in the market. Our core franchises have also seen great engagement. The Kong series, for instance, remains popular with Italian players—King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas is our top-performing game in the market, and follow-up releases have kept that momentum going. We regularly update these franchises with new mechanics and features to keep them fresh. This includes big upcoming branded releases like Game of Thrones, plus ongoing investment in culturally relevant content. Our Maradona-themed games have already yielded excellent results—including a top-ranked game in early 2025—and we’re eager to build on that success with new football-focused content tied to major global events like the 2026 World Cup. How does Blueprint customize its product roadmap or content for the Italian market? We never simply replicate our UK roadmap for Italy. We begin with Italian data and feedback: how players place bets, what volatility levels they like, which themes and brands appeal to them, and which mechanics keep them returning. This approach has been a major factor in our market success. Games like Maradona El Diez show how impactful true localisation can be—combining globally recognized mechanics with themes that have real cultural significance. The outcome is content that not only launches well but maintains strong performance over time. Using this insight, we decide which existing franchises to prioritize, which new titles to speed through certification, and whether we need to create something that feels distinctly Italian. This is why our content consistently achieves strong engagement metrics, including high plays per user across our key series. How is Blueprint boosting its presence in Italy, and how are recent team additions supporting future growth? Our growth in Italy has been fueled as much by our team as by our products. We’ve invested in a dedicated local team, including an Italy Country Manager and a new Italian Head of AM – International, to ensure we have on-the-ground experts who understand the market and can communicate with our partners effectively—both literally and metaphorically. This local presence is vital for maintaining and expanding our reach, which already covers most licensed operators in the country. It also allows us to strengthen partnerships and make sure our content strategy aligns closely with what operators need. Our team stays in regular touch with Italian operators, sharing insights that shape our roadmap and promotional plans. We’re also building stronger relationships with affiliates, streamers, and other local stakeholders to boost visibility and drive long-term performance across our game library. What are the biggest opportunities in Italy over the next 12 to 18 months, and how do you plan to take advantage of them? We identify three major opportunities over the next 12 to 18 months. First, expanding our presence with current partners by offering more exclusive launches, customized investments, and aligned roadmaps that truly set their offerings apart. Second, growing our market share further. Even though we already cover about 85% of operators, there’s still space to increase our slot wallet share and solidify our position in the market. Third, doubling down on what makes Italy unique: strong branded content, culturally relevant mechanics, and football-focused experiences. The success of games like Maradona El Diez— which performed well for a long time across major operators—demonstrates the potential of this strategy. Our plan is simple: keep listening to Italian players and operators, keep investing in local insights and partnerships, and keep delivering high-performing games and franchises that feel tailor-made for this market— not just adjusted for it. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
GMG’s Graphene Engine Oil Additive G(R) LUBRICANT: Patent Granted in USA; Allowed in China ACN Newswire

GMG’s Graphene Engine Oil Additive G(R) LUBRICANT: Patent Granted in USA; Allowed in China

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Apr 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd (TSXV: GMG) (OTCQX: GMGMF) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to advise that GMG's patent for GMG's Graphene Engine Oil Additive, G® LUBRICANT, has now been granted for 20 years in the USA and allowed in China. This is in addition to the previously announced G® LUBRICANT patent accepted for the European region. There are various other countries around the world where this patent application is progressing as well, which are shown in Figure 1.Figure 1: World Map of G® LUBRICANT Patent ProgressTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/293352_gmg_figure1.jpgAbout G® LUBRICANT: G® LUBRICANT is what management believes to be a transformative graphene liquid concentrate additive designed to enhance the performance of diesel and gasoline (petrol) engines. This product has the potential to reshape the future of the global liquid fuels industry and offers an innovative solution that optimizes efficiency and power for stationary or mobile engines. G® LUBRICANT, a graphene liquid concentrate that can be added to any mineral or synthetic oil used in an internal combustion engine in a 1:100 dosage, has been verified by the University of Queensland to increase fuel efficiency by up to 8.4% in a diesel engine as announced in February 2025. [1]The amount of graphene in the final engine oil once G® LUBRICANT is mixed in is only ~ 1:10,000. As a result, G® LUBRICANT can be used safely in any internal combustion engine. Over the past four years, GMG has conducted environmentally controlled testing of G® LUBRICANT in internal combustion engines monitored and verified by The University of Queensland. GMG's test results have been corroborated by similar savings realized by customers over a number of years of field testing.US$ 1.4 Trillion Global Diesel IndustryWhilst G® LUBRICANT can be used to reduce fuel consumption in both diesel and gasoline/petrol engines GMG intends to focus on the diesel market initially, which is largely B2B focused, and therefore, more targeted as far as fuel cost savings and performance. GMG calculates, prior to the recent increase in diesel prices, that global diesel fuel sales totaled US$1.4 Trillion per annum[2] including taxes and duties on approximately 28 million barrels of diesel per day as detailed by the US Energy Information Administration2. Figure 3 shows the top 34 countries in the world with diesel fuel sales greater than US$10 Billion per annum.Figure 2: Total Diesel Fuel Sales in 2025 US$ BillionTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/293352_gmg_figure2.jpgEstimated US$ 1.2 Billion Per Annum Global Diesel Market For G® LUBRICANT Assuming an average fuel savings of 8.4%, GMG believes that a conservative estimate of the potential market for G® LUBRICANT is 10% of the fuel savings realized by users annually. Assuming G® LUBRICANT pricing equal to 10% of the savings realized, GMG estimates that the potential global revenue for G® LUBRICANT is US$ 1.2 Billion sales per annum based on 2025 actual sales. Figure 3 shows GMG's estimates of potential annual sales of G® LUBRICANT by country.Figure 3: Total G® LUBRICANT Sales Opportunity based off 2025 Total Diesel Fuel SalesTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/293352_gmg_figure3.jpgCraig Nicol, CEO & Managing Director of the Company, commented "This is great progress to secure the valuable graphene lubricant patent for engine oil use in the major markets of Europe, China and the USA."Jack Perkowski, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the Company, commented: "Congratulations to the team on progressing further with building their competitive position in securing patents in the most valuable markets for G® LUBRICANT".About GMG:GMG is an Australian based clean-technology company which develops, makes and sells energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene manufactured via in house production process. GMG uses its own proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its natural elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications.The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications. In the energy savings segment, GMG has initially focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving coating) which is now being marketed into other applications including electronic heat sinks, industrial process plants and data centres. Another product GMG has developed is the graphene lubricant additive focused on saving liquid fuels initially for diesel engines.In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries"). GMG has also developed a graphene additive slurry that is aimed at improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries.GMG's 4 critical business objectives are:Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processesBuild Revenue from Energy Savings ProductsDevelop Next-Generation BatteryDevelop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution CapabilityFor further information please contact:Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "believes" "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward‐looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, GMG and any allowed, accepted or granted patents or patent applications, the transformative nature of G® LUBRICANT, the potential for G® LUBRICANT for the global liquid fuels industry and its ability to optimize efficiency and power for engines, G® LUBRICANT's ability to increase fuel efficiency and the amount thereof, the safety of G® LUBRICANT in internal combustion engines, the fuel efficiency savings experienced by customers, GMG's intention to focus on the diesel market and expectations for the market size of diesel or G® LUBRICANT and commercialisation activities for G® LUBRICANT.Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including the patent and potential market size of G® LUBRICANT. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation that GMG does not receive or receive on a timely basis the fully signed consent notice from the and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated November 4, 2025 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.[1] https://graphenemg.com/gmg-unveils-g-lubricant-engine-performance-testing-results-a-transformative-graphene-energy-saving-solution-for-the-multi-trillion-dollar-global-liquid-fuel-industry/[2] Using EIA diesel volumes for 2023 and www.globalpetrolprices.com diesel prices per country as of January 15th 2025To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/293352 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
閱讀更多
eyeDP Secures Strategic Investment to Drive Expansion and Product Innovation iGame

eyeDP Secures Strategic Investment to Drive Expansion and Product Innovation

(AsiaGameHub) - eyeDP has successfully closed its late-stage Seed funding round on March 28. Backed by a close-knit network of seasoned angel investors and strategic industry leaders, this investment marks a key milestone, providing the company with the focus and resources to execute its strategic plans over the next 12 months. Since launching in 2025, eyeDP has seen rapid early growth, driven by strong pilot results and rising demand for more advanced document intelligence solutions amid a surge in AI-powered fraud. This next phase centers on ongoing product development, expanding the array of document types the platform can process, enhancing accuracy, and advancing toward fully automated, dynamic intelligent document processing. At the same time, eyeDP is investing in team expansion to support its growing scale and the increasing complexity of the challenges it addresses. eyeDP delivers AI-powered document intelligence that brings clarity to every document, enabling clients to operate with full confidence. The platform runs continuously, scanning documents around the clock, connecting data points, and flagging risks in real time, eliminating the need for manual checks or second-guessing. In a landscape where risks often lie in the fine details, eyeDP provides a consistent layer of oversight and trust, giving teams the confidence to move faster without compromising control. In addition to its strong pilot performance, eyeDP has also established a number of strategic partnerships to accelerate market adoption. These include an integration with the Provenir Data Marketplace, a reseller agreement with Devcode, a distribution partnership with Crucial Compliance, and a collaboration with IDVcheck to strengthen anti-money laundering capabilities. Collectively, these announced partnerships, alongside others that cannot yet be disclosed, reflect growing industry confidence in eyeDP’s technology and its ability to deliver at scale.Warren Russell, CEO at eyeDP, commented: “We’ve been building toward this for quite some time. This investment gives us the ability to stay focused on what matters most: improving our product, scaling the team, and solving a problem that only grows more complex as fraud evolves. Our goal is simple: to provide regulated organizations with clarity and confidence in every decision they make.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
閱讀更多
Demanlink Unveils Sarawak’s First Telecommunications Smart Pole in Siburan and Debuts its First Built-to-Suit Tower in Bintulu ACN Newswire

Demanlink Unveils Sarawak’s First Telecommunications Smart Pole in Siburan and Debuts its First Built-to-Suit Tower in Bintulu

Milestone deployments strengthen 5G connectivity, enhance digital access in urban developments and transport networks.SARAWAK, Malaysia, Apr 21, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Demanlink Connexion Sdn. Bhd. (“Demanlink”), a Sarawak-based telecommunications infrastructure company, today announced the successful deployment of two tailored connectivity solutions for communities in Siburan and Bintulu. The Company deployed Sarawak’s first telecommunications smart pole, a multi-function street infrastructure in Siburan, and Demanlink’s first built-to-suit (B2S) site in Kampung Jepak, Bintulu. Both solutions comprise future-ready 5G equipment and serve to enhance connectivity coverage in the state’s growing urban areas and transport networks.Situated at the heart of Taman Impiana, Siburan, the smart pole delivers seamless 5G connectivity for residents and commuters in the area. Its compact, multi-functional design supports 5G-ready equipment and enables co-location for multiple Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), optimizing infrastructure use and network coverage. It also functions as a lamp pole, enhancing visibility for both drivers and pedestrians alike.In addition, Demanlink’s maiden B2S site in Kampung Jepak, Bintulu will deliver seamless network coverage for the surrounding residential and commercial areas as well as a nearby transport network. The new telecommunications site is also strategically located close to six schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, enabling students and educators to access digital learning platforms and online educational resources with high-speed connectivity. The tower is also expected to strengthen mobile coverage along nearby stretches of the Pan Borneo Highway, improving connectivity, navigation and safety for users of the state’s key transport corridor.Hanad Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of Demanlink said, “Technology is a powerful socioeconomic catalyst. These deployments are about more than coverage. They are about giving communities in Siburan and Bintulu the digital foundation to participate in Sarawak's growth. As the state works toward its 2030 digital economy ambitions, Demanlink's role is to make that infrastructure a reality, one community at a time."Following these deployments, Demanlink continues to expand its footprint across Sarawak in partnership with key local and industry stakeholders. Most recently, the company completed an In-Building Coverage (IBC) deployment at One Shell Square Miri, bringing high-speed 5G connectivity to one of the state's key energy sector hubs. Building on this momentum, Demanlink is also currently deploying several high-speed 5G IBC sites across Sarawak, further growing its portfolio of macro sites, smart poles, and in-building solutions to serve the state's evolving connectivity needs.With a clear focus on delivery excellence, speed-to-market, and local collaborations, Demanlink aims to play a long-term role in strengthening Sarawak’s connectivity landscape and enabling inclusive economic growth across communities and enterprises.About Demanlink Connexion Sdn. Bhd.Demanlink is an independent Sarawakian telecommunications infrastructure company focusing on providing shareable and future-ready telecommunications solutions in Sarawak. Demanlink aims to be a key player in Sarawak’s growth journey through achieving its digital goals and ensuring digital equity throughout the state, in partnership with investor(s) such as EdgePoint Infrastructure.For more information, visit https://edgepointinfra.com/demanlink.Media contact:Annushia Balavijendran Communications, EdgePoint Infrastructure Email: annushia@edgepointinfra.com Nur Amalia Binti RosshaimiNarro CommunicationsEmail: amalia@narrocomms.comTimothy GunapalanNarro CommunicationsEmail: timothy@narrocomms.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
閱讀更多