Asia PEVC, Author at AsiaPEVC.com

Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. Announces Bought Public Offering of Units for Gross Proceeds of C$5 Million

Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) (OTCQX: GMGMF) (“GMG” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (“Red Cloud“), as sole underwriter and bookrunner, pursuant to which Red Cloud has agreed to purchase for resale 5,555,556 units of the Company (each, a “Unit“) at a price of C$0.90 per Unit (the “Offering Price“) on a “bought deal” basis in a public offering for gross proceeds of approximately C$5,000,000 (the “Underwritten Offering“).

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share“) and one common share purchase warrant (each, a “Warrant“). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share“) at a price of C$1.35 at any time on or before that date which is 36 months after the Closing Date (as herein defined).

The Company has granted to the Underwriter an option (the “Over-Allotment Option“, and together with the Underwritten Offering, the “Offering“), exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time for a period of up to 30 days after and including the Closing Date, to purchase for resale the number of additional Units equal to up to 15% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Underwritten Offering at the Offering Price to cover over allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company to fund ongoing operations including, but not limited to, commercial development, product development and working capital.

In connection with the Offering, the Company intends to file a prospectus supplement (the “Supplement“) to the Company’s final short form base shelf prospectus dated March 7, 2025 (the “Shelf Prospectus“), with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, except Quebec. The Units may also be sold in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“) and in such other jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws provided that no prospectus, registration statement or similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction, and provided the issuance of the Units (including the underlying securities) is permitted under laws applicable to the Company (including the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Copies of the Shelf Prospectus and the Supplement to be filed in connection with the Offering can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Shelf Prospectus contains, and the Supplement will contain, important detailed information about the Company and the Offering. Prospective investors should read the Supplement, the Shelf Prospectus and the other documents the Company has filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca before making an investment decision.

The Offering is expected to close on or about September 3rd, 2025 (the “Closing Date“), or on such date as agreed upon between the Company and Red Cloud. The closing of the Offering is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange to list, on the Closing Date, the common shares of the Company issuable from the sale of Units as well as upon the exercise of the Warrants.

This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

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 to improve the performance of lithium ion batteries.

GMG’s 4 critical business objectives are:

Produce Graphene and Improve/Scale Cell Production Processes
Build Revenue from Energy Savings Products
Develop Next-Generation Battery
Develop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution Capability

For further information please contact:

Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223
Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041

Neither 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 Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian 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”, “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, statements regarding the expected size and terms of the Offering, the anticipated timing of closing the Offering, the ability of the Company to satisfy all conditions to closing the Offering, and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions concerning the business objectives of the Company; the Company’s ability to carry out current planned capital projects, research and development, manufacturing, production, sales and marketing programs for its graphene and graphene-enhanced products and solutions; that the Company will receive the necessary regulatory approvals for the Offering; use the proceeds from the Offering as anticipated; the Company’s performance and general business and economic conditions.

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: the risk that the Company is not able to use the proceeds from the Offering as anticipated by management; the risk that the Company does not receive the requisite regulatory approvals for the Offering; overall economic conditions; technical de-risking and market acceptance for the Company’s products and solutions; the introduction of competing technologies or products; stock market volatility; environmental and regulatory requirements; competitive pressures; change in market conditions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward looking statements; the volatility of global capital markets; political instability; the failure of the Company to obtain regulatory approvals, attract and retain skilled personnel; unexpected development and production challenges; unanticipated costs and the risk factors set out under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated October 3, 2024 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 outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263207

Innovative Vaccine Engine Continues to Drive Growth: CanSinoBIO Enters a New Growth Cycle

In the first half of 2025, the structural transformation of the pharmaceutical industry continued to deepen. Driven by favorable policies, product upgrades, and technological innovation, the vaccine industry maintained a stable and positive growth momentum. As a leading enterprise in China’s innovative vaccine sector, CanSino Biologics Inc.(Stock Code: 688185.SH, 6185.HK, “CanSinoBIO” or “the Company”) once again delivered a solid performance.

According to its 2025 interim report, CanSinoBIO achieved revenue of RMB 382 million in the first half, up 26% from a year earlier, extending its growth streak. Although the company has yet to turn profitable, losses have narrowed significantly, with the reduction exceeding 94% compared to the same period last year. This reflects improved operational quality and lays a solid foundation for steady full-year growth. With core products selling strongly and multiple pipeline programs advancing, CanSinoBIO’s long-term growth story is steadily taking shape.

Meningococcal Vaccine Portfolio Continues to Scale Up, Unlocking Growth Drivers
CanSinoBIO’s two currently marketed meningococcal conjugate vaccines—the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4, Menhycia) and the bivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV2, Menphecia)—remain the company’s key revenue drivers. In particular, the sustained scaling-up of MCV4 demonstrates strong market competitiveness and is central to CanSinoBIO’s growth narrative.

In 2024, Menhycia and Menphecia together generated nearly RMB 800 million in sales revenue, representing year-on-year growth of over 40%. In the first half of 2025, driven by deeper channel penetration and higher terminal market coverage, the sales of both vaccines continued to grow steadily. During the same period, the company’s meningococcal vaccine portfolio generated sales of over RMB 364 million, representing more than 38% year-on-year growth and providing a solid foundation for earnings.

As the only MCV4 in China, Menhycia effectively covers four meningococcal serogroups—ACYW135—and leverages the high-safety CRM197 carrier protein technology. With outstanding clinical immunogenicity and safety, it has become the preferred choice for many parents seeking meningococcal vaccination for their children.

Furthermore, Menhycia’s market potential is still being unlocked. The vaccine has been submitted to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for an expanded age indication—from the current “children aged 3 months to 3 years (47 months)” to “children aged 3 months to 6 years (83 months).” If approved, this will directly broaden its coverage, strengthen penetration in the non-national immunization program market, and inject greater certainty into CanSinoBIO’s growth over the next two to three years, further consolidating the company’s leadership in the meningococcal vaccine field.

iPneucia Officially Launched, Setting a New Benchmark for Differentiated Pneumococcal Vaccine
In June, CanSinoBIO’s self-developed product—the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, iPneucia)—was officially approved for market launch, marking the company’s entry into the RMB 10 billion-plus pneumococcal vaccine market and the beginning of a new growth cycle.

Pneumococcal diseases remain a serious global public health concern, with particularly high morbidity and mortality rates among children under five years old. Addressing the remaining immunization gaps in China, the launch of iPneucia fills the domestic technological void in high-end 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, demonstrating CanSinoBIO’s leadership in differentiated innovation.

Compared with existing competing products in the market, iPneucia achieves breakthroughs in three major dimensions. First, it offers more targeted protection, focusing on four high-risk serotypes—19F, 19A, 7F, and 3—that together account for over 60% of pneumococcal disease cases among Chinese children. Clinical trial data show that its Geometric Mean Concentration (GMC) of antibodies is significantly higher than that of competing products. Second, in carrier protein technology, it adopts the globally pioneering CRM197+TT dual-carrier technology, overcoming the immune interference limitations of single-carrier vaccines. This both reduces the risk of immune suppression when co-administered with other vaccines and significantly enhances immunogenicity. Finally, in manufacturing safety, iPneucia uses an animal component–free fermentation process, reducing risks associated with animal-derived biological factors. It also employs no formaldehyde detoxification and adds no phenol during production, significantly improving vaccine safety.

With these three advantages, iPneucia could potentially become another “ace” for CanSinoBIO in the infant bacterial vaccine market, following Menhycia. Notably, iPneucia shares a highly overlapping target population with Menhycia, creating strong channel synergies that will accelerate commercialization and enable the company to quickly capture market share in the RMB 10 billion-plus pneumococcal vaccine segment.

Combination Vaccine Strategy Progresses Steadily
Beyond this, CanSinoBIO’s long-term potential lies in its continued build-out of a “Combination Vaccine” portfolio. Compared with traditional monovalent vaccines, multi-conjugate vaccine and polyvalent vaccine can prevent multiple diseases with a single injection, significantly improving vaccination efficiency and willingness—representing a key global direction in vaccine technology development.

Following the quadrivalent vaccine Menhycia and multi-valent vaccine iPneucia, CanSinoBIO’s DTcP-Hib-MCV4 pentavalent vaccine—a representative combination vaccine—has attracted strong market attention. In February this year, it received clinical trial approval, marking a “zero-to-one” breakthrough for the company in the high-end combination vaccine sector.

The DTcP-Hib-MCV4 pentavalent vaccine can simultaneously prevent pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease, and infection by the four meningococcal serogroups (ACYW135), achieving “protection against five diseases with a single shot”. This significantly reduces the number of injections and improves compliance among infants. More importantly, its core component Menhycia has already undergone commercial validation in China and enjoys a strong reputation, providing robust support for the combination vaccine’s development. This “point-to-surface” product upgrade logic enables CanSinoBIO to advance in the combination vaccine market with greater efficiency and confidence. With the government placing high importance on combination vaccine R&D and offering policy support, CanSinoBIO is well-positioned to capture this high-value market.

R&D-Driven Growth with a Clear Product Pipeline and Strong Reserves
While consolidating its existing market advantages, CanSinoBIO continues to strengthen its mid-to-long-term growth momentum through robust R&D capabilities and differentiated pipeline planning.

Its DTcP for infants and young children has entered priority review and is expected to fill a domestic market gap. The Tdcp for people aged 6 years old and above has completed Phase III subject enrollment, enabling full life-cycle immunization coverage. The tetanus vaccine’s registration application has been accepted, and it is expected to offer superior safety and immunogenicity data compared with existing products. The Recombinant Poliomyelitis Vaccine, funded by Gates Foundation, has initiated clinical trials in Indonesia and has also received domestic clinical trial approval. Globally innovative Protein Based Pneumococcal Vaccine (PBPV) and inhaled tuberculosis vaccines have entered clinical research and proof-of-concept validation.

The company has now built a rich pipeline covering multiple technology platforms and full life-cycle segments, including meningococcal vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, diphtheria tetanus pertussis vaccine, polio vaccines, tuberculosis vaccines, and zoster vaccine. Several major products are entering critical stages of registration review or clinical trials. Meanwhile, CanSinoBIO’s continuous breakthroughs in key technology platforms support a strategic shift from reliance on single products to sustained pipeline output.

Overall, in the first half of 2025, CanSinoBIO maintained the strong growth momentum seen since 2024, proving that its closed-loop capabilities from product R&D to commercialization have become increasingly mature. Against the backdrop of ongoing national policy support for innovative vaccines and domestic high-end vaccine substitution, CanSinoBIO—leveraging its solid R&D foundation, differentiated pipeline layout, and efficient commercialization execution—is accelerating the realization of its long-term growth potential and moving steadily toward becoming a global leader in innovative vaccines.

Focus Graphite Provides Update on Patent Application for Advanced Anode Materials Containing Silicon

Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) (“Focus” or the “Company“) is pleased to provide an update on the status of its patent application entitled “Advanced Anode Materials Comprising Spheroidal Additive-Enhanced Graphite Particles and Process for Making Same” (Canadian patent application No. 3,209,696).

The Company reports that no further prior art has been cited in the examination process. The remaining requests for clarification from the examiner are minor in nature, primarily relating to formality issues in the description and figures. Focus is pleased with this outcome and has retained MBM Intellectual Property Law (“MBM“) of Ottawa, ON, to prepare and submit claim amendments and expects a positive resolution.

In support of its application, Focus has also received the International Preliminary Report on Patentability (“IPRP“) issued during the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT“). The IPRP confirmed that the Company’s amended claims are both novel and inventive, strengthening the intellectual property protection around Focus’ proprietary anode material technology.

Additionally, the Company submitted amended claims under the Patent Prosecution Highway (“PPH“) for the Canadian case. These amendments, which reduced the number of claims to avoid excess fees, form the basis for the Company’s ongoing patent strategy.

Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite, commented, “This positive progress in our patent application process represents another important milestone in advancing Focus Graphite’s downstream strategy. The recognition that our claims are both novel and inventive underscore the uniqueness of our technology and its potential to contribute meaningfully to next-generation lithium-ion battery anode materials.”

The Company will provide further updates as the application advances.

About MBM Intellectual Property Law

MBM is an independent, Canadian-owned boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to intellectual property law headquartered in Ottawa. For over 30 years, MBM has provided strategic IP advice and protection for clients ranging from start-ups and universities to multinational corporations. With a diverse team of patent and trademark agents, lawyers, and scientists, MBM manages global patent, trademark, and design portfolios and is recognized for delivering practical, cost-effective solutions. Proudly independent, MBM focuses on building long-term client relationships and maximizing the value of innovation.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.

Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.

Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining – we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.

Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals – reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.

For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com

Investors Contact:

Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
dhanisch@focusgraphite.com
+1 (613) 612-6060

Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
jlatkowcer@focusgraphite.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “projected,” “estimated,” and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the anticipated outcome of Focus Graphite’s patent application process; the Company’s ability to address and resolve the examiner’s remaining objections; the expectation of securing patent protection for spheroidal additive-enhanced graphite materials; the potential strategic, commercial, and technological benefits of securing such intellectual property; and the advancement of the Company’s downstream strategy to supply advanced graphite materials for lithium-ion batteries in North America and globally.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263193

HKTDC Chairman promotes Hong Kong’s business advantages in Thailand

Meeting government and business leaders to enhance Hong Kong-ASEAN ties

To promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and enhance trade and economic cooperation between Hong Kong and Thailand and the wider ASEAN region, Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), visited Bangkok and met with senior government and business leaders.

Prof Ma spoke on a panel at the Singapore Regional Business Forum organised by the Singapore Business Federation. He said, “Businesses are diversifying amid the changing landscape. Asia remains a major engine for economic growth, underpinned by the rise of emerging markets, like ASEAN and the Middle East. China, with its industrial base and vast population, is a stabilising force in an ever-changing world. And Hong Kong, given its superconnector and super value-adder roles, is a dynamic platform linking Mainland China with the world.”

Aside from the event, Prof Ma met with Chantawit Tantasith, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand, and Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong-Thailand trade and economic cooperation.

Prof Ma noted: “Thailand is an important trade and investment partner for Hong Kong. I am delighted that I had the opportunity to exchange insights with the Ministry of Commerce and leading enterprises in Thailand as well as political and business leaders from Singapore to further strengthen the economic ties between Hong Kong and Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.”

As a statutory body, the HKTDC promotes, assists and develops Hong Kong’s external trade, while supporting Hong Kong businesses to tap into the opportunities in ASEAN. The HKTDC’s flagship events, such as the Asian Financial Forum and the Belt and Road Summit, serve as ideal platforms to highlight the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong as well as the city’s advantages in professional services, while facilitating cross-regional collaboration.

Photo Download: http://bit.ly/4lBDJFA

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:

Sam Ho

Tel: (852) 2584 4569

Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (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 Mainland China, 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.

Spritzer Sparkling Adds a Fizzy Twist to Merdeka and Hari Malaysia 2025 with “Kasi Sparkling, Baru Kick!”

This Merdeka and Hari Malaysia, Spritzer Sparkling is adding an extra pop to the nation’s celebrations with “Kasi Sparkling, Baru Kick!”. This high-energy campaign is a tribute to Malaysia’s favourite pastime – bonding over hearty food and thirst-quenching drinks. From the eternal “Where to eat?” debates to late-night mamak sessions that stretch into early mornings, these shared moments are part of what makes us Malaysian.

Inspired by the lively, welcoming atmosphere of mamak restaurants nationwide – the melting pot where Malaysians of every race, language, and background gather – Spritzer Sparkling is bringing a fun twist to your favourite local beverages with exciting engagement games and prizes to be won at selected mamak outlets, guaranteed to refresh your senses and spark national pride.

Mamak Culture, Now with More Sparkle
From teh ‘o’ to sirap limau and asam boi, Malaysian drinks are iconic in their own right. Spritzer Sparkling is taking these familiar flavours and giving them a bubbly boost at some of your favourite neighbourhood mamak restaurants, creating new taste experiences that blend tradition with modern fun.

Mamak restaurants have always been the heart of get-togethers for Malaysians from all walks of life; where friends, families, and even strangers share tables, stories, and laughter. This campaign captures that same magic in every sip, celebrating the diversity of our people while proving that great taste knows no boundaries.

Photo 1: The three new Spritzer Sparkling drink recipes in the Kasi Sparkling, Baru Kick! Campaign

A Campaign Video That is Bursting with Energy
Showcasing the Malaysian spirit, “Kasi Sparkling, Baru Kick!” is a colourful, feel-good celebration video featuring “Aneh”, the friendly mamak waiter. Infused with a twist on our favourite thirst-quenchers, the campaign highlights three mouth-watering drink recipes, each given an irresistible sparkling twist, brought to life by a vibrant local cast speaking different regional dialects, with Aneh delivering the mamak’s urban rhythm in his signature rap style.

Watch it now on Spritzer Water YouTube channel and feel the fizz yourself.

Photo 2: Kasi Sparkling, Baru Kick! campaign video

Join the Festivities Nationwide
From Merdeka to Malaysia Day, the celebration will come alive with a sparkling kick at selected mamak chain outlets – including Restoran Nasi Kandar Subaidah, Restoran Hameediyah, and Nasi Kandar Bestari. Enjoy exclusive combo deals featuring the new sparkling drink creations and join exciting roving roadshows designed to surprise, delight, and refresh your taste buds.

Whether you are there for the food, the drinks, or the atmosphere, you will not want to miss this limited-time celebration. All event details, locations, and recipes are available at the official campaign page: sparklingmerdeka2025.spritzer.com.my

So, this season, let us raise our glasses to unity, flavour and fizz. Your favourite local drinks are getting a sparkling new twist—Malaysian flavours with extra kick—ready to enjoy at home or at your favourite mamak. Taste the celebration, anywhere you are.

About Spritzer

Established in 1989, Spritzer is Malaysia’s largest producer of bottled water, offering a wide range of products that include natural mineral water, distilled water, sparkling water, carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, and non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks.

Our water is sourced from deep underground aquifers within 430 acres of pristine rainforest, naturally protected from pollution. It takes over 15 years to filter through ancient rock layers, becoming enriched with essential minerals, particularly silica, which supports collagen formation for healthy skin and strong bones.

Spritzer is committed to sustainability and innovation, using 100% recyclable packaging and working toward becoming a fully circular brand by 2030. Our Industry 4.0 facilities and zero-energy automated warehouse demonstrate our dedication to efficiency, environmental care, and forward-thinking growth.

For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.

For media inquiries please contact:

Imelia Kyra
Associate Consultant, Narro Communications
E: imelia@narrocomms.com

Winnie Chin
Head of Public Relations, Spritzer Bhd
E: winniecgl@spritzer.com.my

Australian Breakthrough by Cholrem: Cyclodextrin Therapy Reverses Heart Disease, Hailed as Greatest Advance Since Statins

Australian Company Announces Landmark Paper Showing Cyclodextrin Therapy Reverses Heart Disease, Hailed as ‘Greatest Development Since Statins’

Cholrem Pty Ltd, an Australian pharmaceutical research company, has published a landmark study in Cardiology Research and Cardiovascular Medicine, revealing that its proprietary cyclodextrin-based therapy Cavadex reverses atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the world’s leading cause of death.

Angiogram: Plaque Reduced Within 6 Weeks

The peer-reviewed case series demonstrates rapid symptom relief and significant regression of arterial plaque, marking a potential paradigm shift in heart disease treatment. The study followed 20 high-risk patients with advanced angina, with 18 (90%) reporting substantial symptom improvement (P0.0001) compared to expected outcomes. Objective imaging confirmed unprecedented results, including Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score reductions (e.g., from 591 to 521) and a 70% coronary artery blockage reduced to 27%. Cavadex, formulated with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), stimulates the body’s natural vascular repair, offering a faster, more effective approach than existing therapies.

The late Professor Laurie G. Howes, a renowned Australian cardiologist and study co-author, called Cavadex “the greatest pharmacological development in cardiology since statins.” U.S. cardiologist Dr. James C. Roberts, who has treated hundreds with the therapy, noted, “We’re seeing rapid, profound improvements in high-risk patients, with objective plaque regression and an excellent safety profile, leveraging a TGA- and FDA-approved molecule.”

Cholrem, founded by Kyle Hodgetts – a heart disease patient who pioneered Cavadex after conventional treatments failed – has supplied over 20,000 units globally. Despite HPβCD’s non-patentable status limiting industry investment, Cholrem is driving this breakthrough forward. The company urges global medical communities to launch large-scale trials to validate these findings for millions suffering from heart disease.

About Cholrem Pty Ltd: Cholrem is dedicated to advancing cyclodextrin-based therapies to combat ASCVD, the world’s top killer, with a mission to deliver innovative, life-saving treatments. Cardiology Research and Cardiovascular Medicine Published Paper: https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/cyclodextrin-therapy-for-atherosclerotic-cardiovascular-disease-a-case-series-on-plaque-regression-and-symptomatic-improvement

Contact Information
Kyle Hodgetts
Cholrem Pty Ltd Founder & CEO
info@cholrem.com
+61 424830574

SOURCE: Cholrem Pty Ltd

The 35th Food Expo and concurrent fairs attract over 500,000 visits

Multiple offers and theme days boost consumption and traffic

– The Food Expo, Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo successfully concluded today, bringing together approximately 1,890 exhibitors and welcoming over 500,000 visits.
– The per capital spending across the five fairs reached HK$1,630.
– 48% of respondents believe that health, green and organic food trends are worth paying attention to. Halal food and beverage label at the expo helps promote the development of halal foods.
– The five theme days, along with a series of exciting activities effectively boosted local consumption and created a bustling atmosphere.
– The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM) featured 21 prominent speakers who shared innovative achievements and development trends in the globalisation of Chinese medicine.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo successfully concluded today. Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, which opened to both industry professionals and the public for the first time, wrapped up successfully on 16 August. The five exhibitions featured some 1,890 exhibitors and attracted over 500,000 visits. The bustling atmosphere resulted in a per capita spending of HK$1,630, once again demonstrating the appeal of this annual event and the public’s purchasing power. Over at Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, there were some 18,500 buyers from 64 countries and regions. Apart from Hong Kong, buyers came from Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, as well as ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, among others, highlighting Hong Kong’s significant role as a key food trade hub globally. Additionally, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products, organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions, also concluded successfully on 15 August.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, stated: “This year, the event featured five major themes across several exhibitions, complemented by a variety of exciting activities that encouraged people to spend locally. The atmosphere was vibrant, fully reflecting the public’s enthusiasm for gourmet food and trendy products. Due to weather conditions on the first day, the opening hours of the public fairs from Friday to Sunday were extended to provide exhibitors with greater opportunities to maximise sales and enhance visitor experiences. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair, which opened to the public over all three days for the first time, attracted significant attention and praise.”

Despite challenges from sluggish trade in traditional markets and geopolitical challenges, the HKTDC has consistently focused on driving innovation, helping small and medium-sized enterprises seize global development trends, and creating opportunities through innovative and flexible thinking.

Ms Chong added: “At this year’s Food Expo and Food Expo PRO, we specifically curated products and services related to halal food, the silver economy, and food technology to meet emerging market demands and capture more business opportunities for exhibitors. We are pleased to see that the five exhibitions successfully generated more business for exhibitors, and the public enjoyed the culinary and shopping experience fully.”

Per capita spending reached HK$1,630; increased interest in halal foods
During the exhibition, the organisers conducted a random sampling survey, interviewing some 1,440 visitors. The per capita spending reached HK$1,630. Over 58% of respondents reported spending HK$1,000 or more at the exhibition, and over 30% indicated that their actual spending exceeded their original budget, demonstrating a strong and thriving consumption atmosphere during the event. The survey results also showed respondents believe that health, green and organic food (48%), and nutritional supplements (36%) trends are worth paying attention to. Among the respondents who are aware that the exhibition has a halal food and beverage label, more than half of the respondents (52%) believe it helps promote the development of halal foods.

Vibrant consumption at the exhibition: encouraging sales performance
As a highly anticipated annual event in the city, the Food Expo is dedicated to highlighting exquisite delicacies and fine wines from around the world. Director of exhibitor Yick Cheong Ho (HK) Limited, Joan Chui, stated that the Flavours of Intangible Cultural Heritage theme day has drawn extra interest and expected revenue of approximately HK$900,000.

Some exhibitors are further expanding their business through the Food Expo. Huaying Lei, the chairman of Mayang Blue Phoenix Agricultural Development Co., Ltd from Mainland China stated that the company had signed a RMB60 million contract with a Hong Kong client for agri-products including high-quality edible eggs. Lei believed the Food Expo offers a perfect platform to showcase their wide-ranging products from Hunan Province.

The concurrently held Beauty & Wellness Expo offered visitors a diverse range of premium products, with brand Mars, a Taiwan whey protein brand, the brand marketing manager Roy Wong said, “This year, the visitor traffic exceeded our expectations and we expect our on-site sales will increase by 30% to HK$200,000.”

The Home Delights Expo showcased a variety of trendy household items and furniture. Andy Tsang, the design director of Renovation Guide Consultant Limited – specialising in interior design and decoration and participating in the expo for the first time – said, “Such a large number of new customers visiting our booth went above and beyond our expectations. We provided quotations to over 20 new clients, and we estimate that sales turnover will be around HK$2-3 million.”

Trade exhibitions expand business networks; thriving opportunities in halal food
The 3rd Food Expo PRO and the 35th Food Expo introduced halal food and beverage label last year to help exhibitors expand their market for halal products. This year, more than 120 food suppliers showcased halal products from around the world, a 20% increase compared to last year. Daniel Chan, Director of Hong Kong exhibitor, Koon Chun Hing Kee Soy & Sauce Factory Ltd., said the company had seen many buyers from different countries and regions and discussed cooperations with five Mainland China and local distributors and restaurants and also met a buyer from Indonesia through the Click2Match platform.

The new “Coffee” zone also debuted this year, showcasing coffee products, accessories, and machines from various origins. Jin Lu, Operations Director of CSFA Holdings Shanghai Co. Ltd., stated that the company has engaged with nine exhibitors from Mainland China, the U.S., South Korea, and other regions. The company is interested in placing a coffee beans order of approximately 50 metric tons (worth around RMB3 million) from a Yunnan-based supplier, as well as a RMB700,000 order for premium hairtail fish from a Korea exhibitor.

The highlight zone, “Food Science and Technology,” brought alternative and future food to the attention of professional buyers. My Care Healthcare Limited, a manufacturer of modified soft diet products for the elderly. Founder Francis Ho said they had discussions with nearly 120 buyers on the first day. On the last day of the fair, HKTDC arranged specialised medical industry buyer tours of which there were two potential buyers and the company is in talks with two hospitals to discuss the potential of supplying soft meals to them.

The Okinawa Prefectural Government Hong Kong Representative Office organised four Okinawan companies to participate in the Food Expo PRO and successfully connected with buyers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and international markets. Director Yasutoshi Nohara stated the fair helps them generate around HK$4 million in orders every year. Mr Nohara said the expo has been instrumental in providing them with a great opportunity, particularly to introduce Okinawan products in the Greater Bay Area and expand beyond Hong Kong with items that have not been shown in other markets before, such as soft shell turtle and Motobu beef.

Sichuan Sentaiyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has participated in the Food Expo PRO for four consecutive years, promoting healthy products. The company’s CEO, Liu Lei shared, “On the first day of the Expo, we met a long-time Hong Kong client in person for the first time, leading to a successful deal worth over US$5 million. The HKTDC also introduced several potential buyers from Japan, Singapore, and other regions and we expect deals to be finalised soon.” Mr Lei also mentioned that through the hktdc.com Sourcing platform, the company received around 30 inquiries before the expo and arranged on-site meetings with several clients. The “EXHIBITION+” hybrid model has significantly boosted the company’s visibility and secure more business opportunities.

The Hong Kong International Tea Fair opened to trade and public visitors on all three days for the first time. Yip Wing-chi, Founder of exhibitor, Lock Cha Tea House, welcomed this arrangement and noted that there was a significant increase in traffic, creating a lively atmosphere. The public participation has effectively boosted business. Mr Yip said this year’s sales were three times higher than last year.

Hybrid model connecting local and overseas opportunities
This year, both Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair continued to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, enabling global food and tea buyers to engage in business discussions through both physical exhibitions and online platforms. Until 23 August, exhibitors and buyers can still utilise the “Click2Match” smart matching platform for online discussion and to explore business opportunities.

Chinese Medicine Conference Gathers Experts and Scholars to Promote Industry Exchange
The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products, organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association in partnership with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions, has successfully concluded. The conference unveiled the latest professional information on traditional Chinese medicine and shared innovative achievements and development trends in the globalisation of Chinese medicine. Held concurrently with the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, the event covered diverse fields such as food, beauty, health, home products, and Chinese medicine, successfully creating a synergistic effect, providing a broad platform for industry exchange.

Photo download: http://bit.ly/4mrgT4S

To learn more about the opinions of exhibitors and buyers, please visit:

HKTDC Food Expo PRO	foodexpopro.hktdc.com
Hong Kong International Tea Fair	hkteafair.hktdc.com
HKTDC Food Expo	hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo	hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Home Delights Expo	homedelights.hktdc.com
The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM)	icmcm.hktdc.com

Media Enquiries
Ogilvy Public Relations:

Rex Cheuk	Tel:(852) 5618 9908	email: rex.cheuk@ogilvy.com
Leanne Pok	Tel:(852) 9379 9694	email: leanne.pok@ogilvy.com
Daisy Leung	Tel:(852) 9275 7704	email: daisy.leung@ogilvy.com

HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:

Stanley So	Tel:(852) 2584 4049	email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org
Serena Cheung	Tel:(852) 2584 4272	email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw	Tel:(852) 2584 4472	email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

CENTRESTAGE 10th anniversary set to dazzle in September

– Unprecedented scale and global reach at this year’s event, with Guo Pei’s Hong Kong solo couture debut showcasing Asia’s fashion flair

– Some 260 brands from 24 countries and regions set to participate, a new high for the event, with the UK debuting as Partner Country to present works by leading British designers
– Internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei will stage her first solo couture show in Hong Kong, unveiling 30 meticulously crafted pieces under the theme “Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance”
– Aligning with market trends, the fair will introduce a new Accessories Zone and will once again feature the Circular Fashion Zone to promote the development of sustainable fashion
– The Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show will celebrate the creative journey of local brands; around 30 fashion shows will be staged during the fair – the highest number in the event’s history

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), CENTRESTAGE – the annual gala event for the Asian fashion industry – takes place from 3 to 6 September 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Unveiling a grand celebration of style for its 10th anniversary edition, this year’s CENTRESTAGE sees a record participation of some 260 brands from 24 countries and regions. The programme features more than 40 events, including around 30 fashion shows and parades – another record for the event. The four-day showcase is open to industry professionals and the public free of charge, welcoming visitors from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas to experience the charm and creativity of Asia’s fashion capital.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Over the past decade, CENTRESTAGE has become the perfect meeting point for fashion brands and designers from across the globe, and Asia in particular, to showcase their latest creations. As the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are truly privileged to welcome internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei to present a collection at CENTRESTAGE ELITES, marking her first solo couture show in Hong Kong. As the flagship fashion event for Asia, CENTRESTAGE not only celebrates virtuosity in design and craftsmanship, but also propels both local and international brands into the broader Asian market, supporting the vigorous development of the local fashion industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global fashion hub and world-class East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.”

This year’s CENTRESTAGE welcomes fashion brands from across the globe, including pavilions from the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Japan and Thailand. The UK is participating for the first time as the “Partner Country” of CENTRESTAGE, showcasing unique creations from various British designers. Globally acclaimed fashion maestro Jimmy Choo will not only attend CENTRESTAGE in person but also spotlight his visionary initiative – the Jimmy Choo Academy – showcasing works by emerging designers nurtured by the Academy. The Czechia pavilion will present personalised fashion labels that incorporate art-glass design; the Japan pavilion will spotlight emerging designers and brands, showcasing the creative force of Japan’s new generation; and the Thailand pavilion returns on an unprecedented scale, leading more than 40 brands to the show and expressing the rich diversity of Southeast Asian style. Brands from South Korea, Singapore and other countries will also exhibit their collections at the fair.

CENTRESTAGE ELITES sees Guo Pei’s first solo couture show in Hong Kong
The prestigious opening event, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, takes place on 1 September at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District, with internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei presenting her first solo couture show in Hong Kong. Guo Pei was the first Chinese designer invited to join the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) while also consecutively presenting 10 showcase collections in Paris. She previously participated in HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter in 2010, closing the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza with a spectacular finale.

For CENTRESTAGE ELITES, Guo will present 30 one-of-a-kind couture creations under the theme “Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance”, drawing inspiration from the dazzling, fleeting moment of flowing molten gold. Fusing traditional craftsmanship with modern art, the collection epitomises her unparalleled artistry and technical mastery. In a gesture that honours both tradition and innovation, Guo has invited students from Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to collaborate on the opening piece for the show.

This grand occasion will be livestreamed on the CENTRESTAGE website and Instagram, the HKTDC’s YouTube channel, Facebook and official pages, and across multiple platforms including ViuTV Facebook and Yahoo HK. On the second day of the event (4 September), Guo Pei will appear in person for a master sharing session, offering rare in-person insights into her creative journey and design philosophy.

Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show celebrates designers’ creative journey
On the evening of 3 September, the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show will take the stage under the theme “A Decade in Design: What is Seen’ What is Felt'”, exploring Hong Kong designers’ creative journeys. Four Hong Kong designer brands – ANGUS TSUI, ARTY:ACTIVE, IP AXIS INDUSTRIALSTUDIO and selfFab. – will showcase their innovative collections, merging visual impact and emotional narrative to spotlight the unique creativity of Hong Kong fashion design.

Six thematic zones showcase sustainability and diversity
CENTRESTAGE will be staged across six distinctive thematic zones, each offering its own unique appeal. The new Accessories Zone will present an array of fashion jewellery, handbags, footwear and other refined fashion accents, where style and function are seamlessly intertwined. The Athleisure Zone will champion activewear that unites aesthetics with practicality, reflecting the growing prominence of sports-inspired looks. The Craftsmanship Zone will showcase exquisite techniques and artisanal mastery that pay homage to heritage skills, while the Contemporary Zone will unveil forwardâ€‘thinking, avantâ€‘garde creations from cuttingâ€‘edge designers. The Urban Zone will spotlight youthâ€‘driven trends, including labels such as Petrolhead, helmed by artist Louis Cheung, which fuses motorcycle culture with a streetwear edge. Completing the lineup, the Circular Fashion Zone will advocate the possibilities presented by sustainable style, headlined by the 15th Redress Design Award Final at which the winning ecoâ€‘conscious collections will be showcased, promoting the industry’s focus on environmentally friendly design.

The four-day fair will present a rich variety of happenings, including student showcases from PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles and the Hong Kong Design Institute, as well as an interdisciplinary exhibition from the Fashion Farm Foundation that combines music, art, product design and intangible cultural heritage, featuring traditional crafts such as gold-thread embroidery in bridal gowns and the making of Canton silk. A record-breaking total of 28 fashion shows will be held throughout CENTRESTAGE, featuring brands such as 112 mountainyam, CAMMIE CHAN CHEONGSAM, DorisKath, and KOWLOON CITY BOY that showcase the vibrant energy of the fashion industry.

LOCAL POWER 2025, a cross-cultural project curated by Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association, will officially launch during CENTRESTAGE. This initiative will bring together designers from Hong Kong and Korea, presenting a thoughtfully curated exhibition and runway show that will help to foster cultural and creative exchanges between the two places. “THREAD OF CREATIVITY – Fashion Design Competition 2025″ and Knitwear Innovation and Design Society Limited (KIDS) featuring the Young Knitwear Designers’ Contest 2025 will also be held during the fair period.

The HKTDC will continue to invite buyers from around the world to source at CENTRESTAGE, including major multi-brand stores such as WDLT 117 Apparel Inc. from Canada, Zalora from Indonesia, Sugar Srl from Italy and Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores from Japan.

Spotlighting new talent at the YDC
The grand finale of CENTRESTAGE 2025 on Saturday, 6 September will be the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC), dedicated to discovering and nurturing new local talent. This year’s competition will continue to promote a spirit of innovation and experimentation, allowing participants to fully showcase their creativity while injecting fresh talent into the industry. Charles Jeffrey, the designer behind the London label Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, has been invited as guest judge, joining a panel of other industry professionals to select winners from the 10 finalists vying for four major awards: Champion, Excellence Award, Best Art Direction and My Favourite Collection. Members of the public are invited to participate by casting votes online (https://bit.ly/YDC2025_IG_Vote_Now) for their favourite collection. Designer brands JESSE LEE and gnastiy.com, both former participants in the YDC, will showcase their new season special collections alongside guest performers at this year’s YDC finale.

CENTRESTAGE will be staged in parallel with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME, with visitors able to view the latest products from some 400 watch and fashion brands at the same venue. The fairs will also feature the CENTRESTAGE x Watch & Clock Lucky Draw. The brand-new CENTRESTAGE Instagram account (@centrestage_hktdc) is now officially live and will be updated with the latest event information and fashion trends. Everyone is welcome to follow and stay closely connected with all the latest happenings at CENTRESTAGE.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/47uYUFO

Websites
– CENTRESTAGE: https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en
– CENTRESTAGE ELITES: https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en/centrestage-elites
– CENTRESTAGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centrestage_hktdc/?hl=en
– Fashion Hong Kong: https://www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/en
– Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/en

Media enquiries
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing
Diana Tang Tel: (852) 9199 6723 Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok Tel: (852) 6291 4283 Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Sharon Ha Tel: (852) 2584 4575 Email: sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.org
Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

HKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (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 Mainland China, 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.

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

CCIDA’s website: www.ccidahk.gov.hk

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Focus Graphite Announces Board Changes and Upcoming International Trade Mission with Natural Resources Canada

Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) (“Focus” or the “Company“), a leading Canadian graphite developer advancing high-grade projects in Québec, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Susan Rohac, ICD.D, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mrs. Rohac replaces long-serving director Robin Dow, who has stepped down from the Board to focus on personal pursuits and other interests, and will continue to support a smooth transition.

Susan Rohac had an extensive thirty-four (34) plus year career at the Business Development Bank of Canada (“BDC“), holding various leadership roles. Her final role was as Managing Partner of the Climate Tech venture capital fund, which she held from 2017 to May 2025. In this role, she oversaw a pan-Canadian team of investment professionals and managed a portfolio of over $1 billion in assets. This portfolio included a fully deployed $600 million fund I and a $500 million fund II launched in 2022 that focused on investing in Canada’s most promising clean technology companies. Susan has invested in a diverse range of climate technologies across various sectors, including energy, mobility, built environment, carbon management, and industry & resource space, including advanced materials and critical minerals. In 2024, Susan was recognized as a Climate Leader by the Clean50 and received the Clean16 award. She holds undergraduate degrees in both science and finance and an executive MBA from the University of Ottawa. In 2024, she also obtained her ICD.D governance designation from the University of Toronto. Passionate about the environment and climate technologies, Susan currently sits on several governance and advisory boards and is actively involved with a few organizations that are aligned with her interests.

“We are delighted to welcome Susan to our Board,” said Jeff York, Founder and Chairman of Focus Graphite. “She brings a strong track record in corporate finance and scaling industrial technologies, with a deep appreciation for Canada’s critical minerals opportunity. Her experience and connections in the industry will be invaluable.”

“I am honored to join Focus Graphite at such an important moment,” said Ms. Rohac. “The shift to green energy is driving unprecedented demand for secure supplies of critical minerals, and Canada has an opportunity to lead in building a reliable, sustainable graphite supply chain here at home. Beyond batteries, graphite is essential for advanced manufacturing and defense applications that underpin national security. I look forward to working with the team to help strengthen North America’s self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on foreign supply.”

Mr. York added, “On behalf of the company and our shareholders, I want to thank Robin for his years of service and leadership. His guidance helped position Focus for its next phase of growth.”

Focus Graphite is also pleased to announce its participation in the Canadian Critical Minerals Investment Forum, an international trade mission organized by Natural Resources Canada and Invest in Canada. The event will be held in Tokyo, Japan from August 26-28, 2025, and in Korea from August 29-30, 2025. Focus Graphite is one of only two Canadian graphite companies attending the Forum, which brings together global investors, government officials, and industry leaders to advance critical minerals partnerships. In addition to the Forum, the Company will hold a series of bilateral meetings in both countries to further strategic discussions with potential partners and customers.

On August 14^th, 2025, Focus Graphite visited its Lac Knife project site near Fermont, Québec. The Company was pleased to host a representative from Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation (“KOMIR”) alongside its newest board member, Susan Rohac. During the visit, Focus also met with officials from the Town of Fermont to provide a corporate and project update, highlighting recent progress and outlining the Company’s pathway toward advancing Lac Knife to a fully permitted mining operation.

In connection with Ms. Rohac’s appointment, the Company has granted her 250,000 stock options pursuant to its Stock Option Plan. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.35 per common share and will expire on August 17, 2030. They are subject to the terms of the Plan as well as the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/262819_1a756ef144f309ad_001.jpg

Image 1: Focus Graphite executives, IOS Geosciences, and a representative from KOMIR visit the Lac Knife project near Fermont, Québec, August 14, 2025

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Image 2: Focus Graphite executives and IOS Geosciences visit with representatives from the Town of Fermont, QC, August 14, 2025

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/262819_1a756ef144f309ad_002full.jpg

About Invest in Canada

Invest in Canada is Canada’s foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction and promotion agency. We find the best to invest in Canada. This means working with our partners across the country and worldwide to attract global companies and support their expansion plans in Canada.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.

Our Lac Tétépisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining – we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.

For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com

Investors Contact:

Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
dhanisch@focusgraphite.com
+1 (613) 612-6060

Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
jlatkowcer@focusgraphite.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the advancement of the Lac Knife project through permitting and development activities, the Company’s participation in the Canadian Critical Minerals Investment Forum in Japan and Korea and the potential outcomes of related bilateral meetings, the anticipated benefits of Ms. Rohac’s appointment to the Board of Directors, the Company’s ability to establish strategic partnerships and secure future customers, and its positioning as a near- and long-term supplier of specialty graphite materials within North America and globally.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262819

Qunabox Group Deliver Strong H1 2025 Performance with Over 30% Growth in Revenue and Gross Profit

In the first half of 2025, the artificial intelligence (AI) sector emerged as one of the most prominent structural investment themes in capital markets, sparking significant market enthusiasm. The market capitalization of leading companies in multiple AI-related segments saw significant increases, and the overall sector valuation rose markedly. As a result, the AI sector has become a high-prosperity track favored by institutional investors for portfolio allocation.

Market analysts expect AI applications to emerge as a breakout sector as artificial intelligence deepens its integration across industries. Companies demonstrating both product innovation and real-world deployment capability are likely to draw heightened investor appetite. Among them, Qunabox Group (00917.HK), with its forward-looking strategic layout in “AI + Consumption Scenarios,” along with sustained high-intensity investment in technology and strong product commercialization capabilities, is poised to stand out in this wave of technology-scenario integration, potentially establishing itself as one of the most promising growth companies in this sector.

On August 15, Qunabox Group released its 2025 interim results. In the first half of 2025, the Company achieved robust growth driven by continuous advancements in business model innovation, service capabilities enhancement, industry reputation building, and improved team execution. Leveraging its competitive advantages accumulated through years of sustained investment in AI, Qunabox Group seized the policy-driven opportunities in AI and consumption industries. The Company achieved revenue of RMB676.2 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 31.3%, while gross profit rose to RMB385.5 million, up 37.0% year-on-year, maintaining strong growth momentum and solidifying the Company’s leading position in China’s AI interactive marketing industry.

Strategic Upgrade: Comprehensive Industrial Expansion from AI+ Marketing to AI+ Consumption Scenarios
In response to the profound transformation brought by the AI industrial revolution, Qunabox Group has fully upgraded its core strategy to focus on “AI + Consumption Scenarios”. The Company is concentrating on two key application scenarios – AI+ Marketing and AI+ Entertainment – while accelerating innovation in AI-powered services and product development. To support this strategic shift, the Company significantly increased its research and development investment in the first half of 2025 to RMB77.8 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 107.7%. As of 30 June 2025, Qunabox Group has established a robust technological moat, with cumulative registrations of 159 software copyrights and 34 patent applications.

In terms of technology research and development, Qunabox Group has built an AI technology middle platform that reinforces its foundational technical architecture. By innovatively adopting a modular design approach, the Company has developed a reusable AI capabilities pool, significantly enhancing research and development efficiency and strengthening the scalability of its technologies across diverse application scenarios. Meanwhile, its self-developed multi-modal neural integrated collaborative engine—the AI-OMNI Engine (AI-Orchestrated Multimodal Neural Integration) —has achieved key technological breakthroughs, successfully empowering the three core layers of “perception, decision, execution,” significantly enhancing edge intelligence and multi-scenario adaptability.

Notably, Qunabox Group has also made forward-looking advancements in the field of AI Agent. According to the Company’s 2025 interim report, it has deeply integrated AI Agent technology with its self-developed terminal operation and maintenance (O&M) large model, establishing a more intelligent O&M management system. This technological integration not only enables intelligent task dispatching and automated maintenance guidance, but also drives the transformation of O&M models from traditional “reactive maintenance” to “proactive prevention.” Industry analysts believe this move significantly enhances the professional capabilities and execution efficiency of terminal operation teams, marking a critical step in Qunabox Group’s journey toward operational intelligence. Moreover, it provides solid operational support for the large-scale implementation of the company’s “AI + Consumer Scenarios” strategy.

Rapid Unleashing of the “AI+ Marketing” Business Flywheel Effect
In terms of marketing business, Qunabox Group has built a high-growth business flywheel by continuously driving the coordinated evolution of five core elements including product, client, data, technology and operations. In the first half of 2025, Qunabox Group’s marketing service revenue reached RMB568.0 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 37.9%; gross profit was RMB353.3 million, up 43.8% year on year. Among these, revenue from the standardized marketing services segment increased by 34.3% year on year, while revenue from the high-margin value-added marketing services segment grew by 63.1%, effectively boosting the Company’s overall profitability.

On the one hand, while maintaining strong and stable partnerships with brand customers, Qunabox Group further tapped into the potential of KA customers by expanding service application scenarios, enriching and optimizing AI interactive marketing products, developing data strategy products, and refining its marketing product portfolio and service pattern, thereby broadening its collaboration with major customers. Leveraging its proprietary AI-OMNI Multi-modal Neural Synergy Engine, the Company has achieved dual breakthroughs in AI digital shopping assistants—enhancing both intelligent interaction capabilities and visual expressiveness—thereby significantly boosting customer engagement and conversion rates at offline terminals. In the first half of 2025, the average revenue per KA customer increased to RMB16.2 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 52.2%, providing strong support for high-quality revenue growth. On the other hand, by leveraging its technological and operational capabilities to advance the modularization of its marketing system, the Company enhanced its flexible combination capabilities between standardized marketing services and value-added marketing service modules, enabling complementary synergy, flexible integration, and efficient reuse between standardized and value-added services.

It can be said that Qunabox Group’s “AI + Marketing” strategy has evolved from technological leadership to systematic growth, forging a five-dimensional moat integrating products, clients, data, technology, and operations—laying a robust foundation for sustained future growth.

“AI+ Entertainment” Goes Global: Middle East Expansion Marks the Start of Ambitious Worldwide Growth
In addition to marketing scenarios, Qunabox Group is actively capitalizing on the emerging “emotional consumption” trend in expanding the boundaries of AI entertainment applications. The Company has strategically positioned “AI + Entertainment” as a new frontier, aiming to build world-leading AI-powered indoor entertainment spaces, with the Middle East market as its first stop for global expansion. In the first half of 2025, Qunabox Group established an Overseas Entertainment Division, focusing on the strategic planning, product design, and commercialization of AI indoor entertainment spaces, to further strengthen the execution efficiency and market expansion of this business.

Currently, the Division has completed its organizational structure and preparation for the first batch of venues, successfully obtaining the relevant local licenses. At the same time, core tasks such as product design and optimization, software and hardware system development, and the construction of content ecosystems are steadily progressing. Industry experts suggest this move may represent a strategic play in Qunabox Group’s global “IP incubation” initiative. By leveraging AI-generated technology and deep user behavior insights, the Company could develop original virtual characters and interactive experiences that balance local cultural relevance with global appeal. Through cross-media storytelling and digital asset management, these efforts may cultivate high-value original IPs. Such IPs are expected to serve as the core driver for AI entertainment spaces while extending into diverse monetization scenarios—including digital merchandise, brand collaborations, and fan engagement—significantly enhancing both user retention and commercial potential.

In addition, Qunabox Group will deepen its diversification layout around the “AI + Consumption Scenarios” strategy. Through strategic acquisitions and ecosystem synergies, the Company will systematically extend its business boundaries and value chain depth to achieve high-quality, scalable growth.

From a medium-to-long-term perspective, AI will continue to be the core driving force of industrial transformation, accelerating its penetration into marketing, entertainment, retail, and other scenarios. As a leading company in AI consumption scenarios, Qunabox Group remains at the forefront of AI industry applications through continuous strategic upgrades, technological innovation, and product implementation, building a long-term, sustainable, and high-quality growth flywheel. With the ongoing advancement of its “AI + Consumption Scenarios” strategy, Qunabox Group will unlock new frontiers for innovative growth.