Category: Press Releases

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Grand Challenges Canada and AVPN Launch Nexa Lighthouse to Fund Climate and Health Innovation Across Asia and the Pacific

— Nexa, the global climate and health innovation initiative, joins forces with The Lighthouse Fund to back locally led solutions to climate-driven health threats across Asia and the Pacific —

NEW DELHI, India, Aug. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), AVPN, and global partners today launched Nexa Lighthouse at the AVPN Global Conference 2026, a new initiative to fund locally led innovations that address the growing health impacts of climate change across Asia and the Pacific. Nexa Lighthouse brings together Nexa, a global climate and health initiative co-led by GCC and the Science for Africa Foundation, with The Lighthouse Fund, an AVPN-led initiative that invests at the intersection of climate and health. Nexa Lighthouse is co-led by GCC, which receives funding from the Government of Canada, and AVPN, together with Bayer Foundation, India Health Fund, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Sanofi Foundation, and Temasek Foundation

The first funding call for Nexa Lighthouse opens in October 2026 and will accept applications from innovators across Asia and the Pacific.

Nexa is a global climate and health innovation initiative that launched in June 2026 at London Climate Action Week, with a first funding call that sought promising solutions in Africa and the Americas. Nexa’s funding priorities were shaped by the largest climate and health survey to date, which engaged 6,400 respondents — health workers, scientists, innovators, policymakers and humanitarian workers — across 107 low- and middle-income countries. Nexa Lighthouse extends that work into Asia and the Pacific.

Rising temperatures, changing disease patterns and severe weather events disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, children, and underserved communities with limited access to healthcare. Nexa Lighthouse will support bold innovations that address three key climate-related drivers of health risk that emerged from the survey: changing vector patterns (driving malaria and dengue), extreme heat, and poor air quality.

“Addressing the impacts of climate change demands bold ideas and strong partnerships,” said the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development. “Through our partnership with Grand Challenges Canada, Global Affairs Canada supports initiatives like Nexa Lighthouse that help innovators develop solutions to protect health and strengthen resilience across Asia and the Pacific.”

The climate crisis has been described in The Lancet as the greatest global health threat of the 21st century, but global financing to address this challenge remains low. Only 0.5% of climate funding focuses on improving health outcomes.i Asia and the Pacific is the world’s most disaster-prone region, where more than four in five people face multi-hazard risks associated with slow- or sudden-onset climate events.ii Nexa Lighthouse responds to the pressures communities face as intensifying heat, shifting disease patterns, and worsening air quality drive new health risks and strain already overburdened health systems.

“The health effects of climate change are here, and the people most affected are already building solutions. What they need is capital and support that moves at their speed,” said Rahul Chandran, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer, Grand Challenges Canada. “Nexa Lighthouse changes that. We are proud to have Nexa join forces with The Lighthouse Fund and with partners across Asia and the Pacific who know these markets, know these innovators, and will join us to back them.”

“Asia and the Pacific will face some of the greatest health impacts of a changing climate, but the region is also home to innovators who are already developing solutions,” said Dhun Davar, Chief of Programmes and Deputy CEO, AVPN. “AVPN has been working to bring capital and collaboration to these locally led solutions through the Lighthouse Fund. Nexa Lighthouse builds on that work, bringing together new and existing partners to help promising climate and health innovations move from early ideas to solutions that can scale.”

Nexa Lighthouse will provide catalytic funding for growth-stage climate and health innovations that strengthen health systems adaptation and resilience and have strong potential for impact and scale. Proven solutions will each receive approximately US$250,000–US$2,000,000 in Transition to Scale funding, depending on the maturity of the innovation.

Innovations may take the form of a product, process, service, or delivery model that can deliver better outcomes than existing approaches and lead to transformational impact.

Philanthropic, public-sector and private-sector partners interested in joining Nexa Lighthouse, and potential applicants, can visit www.nexalighthouse.org to learn more.

About Nexa Lighthouse:

Nexa Lighthouse is a climate and health initiative co-led by Grand Challenges Canada, in partnership with the Government of Canada, and AVPN, bringing together Nexa and The Lighthouse Fund with a coalition of funding partners. It supports locally led innovations that help communities across Asia and the Pacific anticipate, adapt and respond to climate-related health threats, with a focus on extreme heat, mosquito-borne infections and poor air quality. Learn more at www.nexalighthouse.org

Nexa Lighthouse partners include Grand Challenges Canada, AVPN, Bayer Foundation, India Health Fund, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Sanofi Foundation, and Temasek Foundation.

About Grand Challenges Canada:

Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) backs Bold Ideas with Big Impact®. With anchor funding from the Government of Canada, GCC invests in bold, locally led innovations solving critical health and development challenges, and helps the most promising solutions reach millions of people around the world. GCC has supported more than 1,600 innovations in 110 countries and aims to reach 700 million people by 2035. Learn more at www.grandchallenges.ca

About AVPN:

AVPN is Asia’s largest platform for social impact, where over 700 resource providers, innovators and intermediaries from across 43 markets collaborate to mobilise capital. Grounded in deep regional expertise and partnerships, AVPN is building a thriving ecosystem that accelerates measurable progress toward inclusive growth, empowering Asia to lead the way in global impact. AVPN’s mission is to translate intent into impact by bringing together people, ideas, and resources for Asia. It does this by strengthening partnerships, fostering open collaboration, and enabling the coordinated flow of resources across markets and borders. Together with communities, AVPN is building a thriving impact ecosystem that drives a prosperous and inclusive Asia. Learn more at www.avpn.asia

Media contacts
Grand Challenges Canada: Gillian Mathurin, [email protected]
AVPN. Mehar Kakkar, [email protected]

i Rockefeller Foundation, Financing Climate-Health Solutions. https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/initiatives/financing-climate-health-solutions/

ii 1 UN ESCAP, Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2023. https://un-ggim-ap.org/sites/default/files/media/docs/Asia-Pacific%20Disaster%20Report%202023-Full%20report.pdf


GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9814528

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Digital Realty Selected to Develop 50 Megawatts of New Data Center Capacity in Singapore

Digital Realty’s new Jurong Island location will expand its Singapore platform with AI-ready, sustainable capacity designed to support the country’s next chapter of digital growth

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the world’s largest cloud- and carrier-neutral data center platform, today announced it has been selected under Singapore’s second Data Center Call for Application (DC-CFA2), with a provisional allocation of 50 megawatts (MW) of capacity to develop a new data center at Jurong Town Corporation’s low-carbon data center park on Jurong Island – a milestone that reinforces Singapore’s position as a trusted, connected and sustainable digital infrastructure hub for Asia.

The selection marks the next phase of Digital Realty’s long-term growth in Singapore and will expand the company’s ability to support customers deploying the next wave of AI inference, high-performance computing and enterprise digital workloads across Asia Pacific. Purpose-built for Singapore’s digital economy priorities, the new facility will be designed to meet DC-CFA2’s requirements for best-in-class energy efficiency and power more than 50% of its capacity through green energy pathways.

Digital Realty was selected through an open competitive process led by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The awarded proposals were recognized for their ability to strengthen Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for AI, digital infrastructure and network connectivity, as well as to contribute to innovation and economic development, and advance the country’s sustainability objectives.

“Singapore has long been a strategic market for Digital Realty, and we are honored to be selected under DC-CFA2 at such an important moment for the country’s digital future,” said Serene Nah, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty.

“Through DC-CFA2, we plan to expand on Jurong Island with next-generation AI-ready infrastructure. Sustainability is central to how we operate at Digital Realty, and we are committed to scaling responsibly as demand grows. We are grateful to the Singapore Government, lead agencies, our customers and partners for their continued trust and collaboration, and to our employees whose dedication makes this possible. We look forward to providing additional infrastructure to sustainably serve our customers in this leading global digital hub,” she continued.

Singapore has been a cornerstone of Digital Realty’s Asia Pacific strategy since establishing operations in the country in 2010. Today, it is home to Digital Realty’s regional Asia Pacific headquarters, Global Command Center, and three operational data centers with approximately 84 MW of combined capacity – giving the company a deep operating base from which to support Singapore’s continued growth as a regional digital hub.

Demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow as organizations expand cloud adoption, digital services, and enterprise data processing. AI is accelerating this growth across industries, including financial services, technology, logistics, and healthcare – sectors where Singapore plays an important regional role. As enterprises increasingly deploy AI in production, infrastructure requirements are also evolving. AI inference requires workloads to be located closer to users and enterprise data, supported by strong connectivity, resilience, and security.

Singapore’s combination of connectivity, trusted governance, and highly developed digital ecosystem positions it to play an increasingly important role in supporting these workloads across the region. Once operational, Digital Realty’s fourth Singapore data center is expected to strengthen this role by expanding the capacity available for high-value AI and enterprise deployments, connecting customers to its global PlatformDIGITAL® ecosystem. The new facility will expand Digital Realty’s interconnected Singapore campus and is connected globally via ServiceFabric®, a service orchestration platform that connects the campus with other Digital Realty and 3rd party data centers globally to enable seamless connectivity, data exchange, and workload deployment across sites.

The new Jurong Island facility will also build on Digital Realty’s longstanding sustainability initiatives in Singapore. The company’s existing Singapore operations already achieve 100% renewable energy coverage through direct retail energy agreements with Tuas Power. Digital Realty has also collaborated with IMDA on Singapore’s tropical data center standard, demonstrating that higher chilled-water operating temperatures can improve energy efficiency without compromising operational resilience.

Drawing on the tropical data center standard, Digital Realty increased operating temperatures by 2°C across two data halls, reducing overall energy consumption by approximately 2-3% during the pilot period. In addition, Digital Realty uses sophisticated Building Management Systems to monitor more than 30,000 infrastructure points across its Singapore facilities, including real-time Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

Digital Realty plans to continue investing in resilient digital infrastructure, advancing energy and resource efficiency, and deepening local partnerships that support innovation, talent development and Singapore’s long-term digital competitiveness.

About Digital Realty
Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) solution methodology for powering innovation, from cloud and digital transformation to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 55+ metros across 30+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For Additional Information

Media Contact
Joyce Ng
Digital Realty
[email protected]

Investor Relations
Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby
Digital Realty
(737) 281 – 0101
[email protected]

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the company’s partnerships and expected benefits, expected completion dates, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability goals, certifications and strategy and potential impact from sustainability initiatives customer demand and the company’s strategy. For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Registration Opens on 20 August for Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon

Cycling Enthusiasts Are Invited to Experience Spectacular New “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” Route

UCI International Road Race Returns: 100 of the World’s Elite Cyclists
Set to Battle for Championship Glory on a 100 km Racecourse

HONG KONG, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage Hong Kong’s largest cycling event of the year – the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon – on 11 October (Sunday). This year’s event continues to promote the spirit of sports for charity and features a host of exciting new elements, including a 56 km non-competitive ride on a “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” route that will take participants along the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass for the first time. The popular 32 km ride will continue to use the popular “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route. More than 6,500 places are available for the two non-competitive rides. Public registration opens from 20 August. The Cyclothon will also feature the highly anticipated return of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1.1 Road Race, with a new 100 km racecourse, drawing elite teams from around the world for a thrilling competition in Hong Kong.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “Starting in mid-September, HKTB will roll out a series of mega events, with the Hong Kong Cyclothon standing out as one of the most energetic and dynamic international sporting spectacles on our calendar. This year’s event promises a richer experience than ever. In addition to welcoming the return of the world-class UCI road race, which will feature 100 cyclists from 17 elite teams representing 11 countries and regions, we are introducing the new 56 km ‘Five Tunnels, Three Bridges’ route for the first time. We will also introduce the World University Trophy, bringing together student cyclists from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas universities ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. In addition, a wonderful Cyclothon Carnival will be held to engage the public. Through the Hong Kong Cyclothon, we aim to offer both locals and visitors a truly ‘Only in Hong Kong’ cycling experience, taking them across the city’s iconic bridges and landmarks while showcasing the unique scenery, where a bustling metropolis meets a stunning harbour. We warmly invite everyone to be part of this annual sporting extravaganza.”

Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) Executive Director Mr Adam Kwok said, “Sun Hung Kai Properties is delighted to be the title and charity sponsor of the Hong Kong Cyclothon for the eighth time. This year marks the highly anticipated return of the UCI 1.1 Road Race, which, along with other rides, will have its starting line moved to West Kowloon. This will allow world-class riders and cycling enthusiasts to experience the unique charm of West Kowloon. Set against the backdrop of the West Kowloon Cultural District, the event offers participants up-close views of landmarks such as IGC and ICC while showcasing the appeal of this international business and cultural hub.”

“Ahead of the Cyclothon, GO PARK Sai Sha will host interactive warm-up events with the world-class UCI riders. SHKP is also mobilizing its network to support this major sporting event, bringing joy to the community and encouraging sports for all. In support of Sports for Charity, all funds raised, together with top-up donations from SHKP, will be donated to charity organisations including The Community Chest to support those in need.”

56 km Ride Features New “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” Challenge
First-Ever Dash Through the Central Kowloon Bypass

The popular non-competitive ride of the Hong Kong Cyclothon has been upgraded this year. The previous 50 km route will be extended to 56 km and will span six districts: Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon City. The enhanced route will test participants’ fitness and endurance while providing an ideal opportunity to explore Hong Kong’s diverse urban landscapes, showcasing the unique blend of old and new districts. The new “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” route will take riders along roads rarely opened to cyclists, including the Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Eagle’s Nest Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Stonecutters Bridge. Riders will also be able to cycle along the Central Kowloon Bypass connecting Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak, which will be opened to a cycling event for the first time.

The 32 km ride will maintain its “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route, incorporating Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge, offering cyclists spectacular urban and natural scenery on a truly unforgettable journey.

The starting and finishing lines will be relocated to Museum Drive in the West Kowloon Cultural District. A dedicated viewing zone will be introduced, allowing more locals and visitors to cheer cyclists on from close quarters, witness the thrilling showdowns as riders make their final dash to the finishing line and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere.

Hong Kong Cyclothon 56km Ride
Hong Kong Cyclothon 56km Ride Hong Kong Cyclothon 32km Ride
Spanning six districts – Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon City – the 56 km ride offers a thrilling test of fitness and endurance.

 Cyclists in the 32 km ride will enjoy spectacular views of Hong Kong’s urban cityscape and its natural scenery.

UCI Road Race Returns with Elite International Cyclist Teams Competing in a 100 km Challenge

17 elite teams from 11 countries and regions will compete in the return of the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon UCI Class 1.1 Road Race. The international field includes six UCI WorldTeams, such as the XDS Astana Team from Kazakhstan, Alpecin-Premier Tech and Soudal Quick-Step from Belgium, and Team Jayco AlUla from Australia. The race will also feature six UCI ProTeams and four UCI Continental Teams.

Together with the Hong Kong, China Cycling Team competing on home soil, around 100 world-class cyclists will battle for honours and the coveted champion’s jersey. The participation of such a strong international line-up will establish the UCI 1.1 race as one of the most competitive road cycling events in Asia. Locals and visitors can visit the viewing zone on Museum Drive in West Kowloon Cultural District to watch elite international cyclists compete at the highest level. A giant screen will broadcast the races live, allowing spectators to keep up with the spellbinding race action throughout the day.

To mark the return of this world-class race, the professional race route has been upgraded to deliver a more exciting spectator experience. Unlike previous editions that featured a circuit race in Tsim Sha Tsui East, this year’s route will see nearly 100 elite cyclists race across multiple districts, setting off from Museum Drive and traversing sections including the Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and the Central Kowloon Bypass. Covering Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing and Kowloon City, the varied and challenging course will set the stage for high-speed competition among the world’s top riders. The new undulating 100 km route links iconic landmarks, including the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the International Commerce Centre (ICC). Its diverse terrain will challenge riders’ speed, endurance and tactical prowess, enhancing the sporting spectacle while showcasing Hong Kong’s distinctive cityscape to the world.

UCI Class 1.1 Road Race
UCI Class 1.1 Road Race
The UCI Class 1.1 Road Race returns to Hong Kong.

New World University Trophy Brings Together Cyclists from the World’s Top 100 Universities

A new non-competitive World University Trophy will be introduced within the 56 km ride this year, bringing together university cyclists from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions ranked among the world’s top 100 universities to strive together. Renowned universities from around the world, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, as well as leading institutions from London, Paris, Toronto and Kuala Lumpur, will field cycling teams to compete alongside elite cyclists from local universities, promoting cultural exchange through this major sporting event.

Cyclothon Carnival to Deliver a Mega Sporting Event Experience for All

Beyond the thrill of the races, the vibrant atmosphere of the Hong Kong Cyclothon will extend from the racecourse to the Great Lawn of Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District. HKTB will stage a dedicated cycling-themed carnival featuring a diverse programme of sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and culinary delights, allowing locals and visitors to fully immerse themselves in the excitement of this cycling extravaganza. Running from morning until evening, the carnival will feature stage performances that blend music and sports. A wide range of attractions will be available on site, including gourmet offerings, sports gear markets, emerging sports experiences, game and handicraft activity zones, and photo spots. The carnival promises a rich and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors of all ages and interests.

This year’s Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon continues to encourage participants to embrace the spirit of Sports for Charity by making charitable donations of HK$100 to HK$500 when registering for the event. All public donations, including part of the registration fees from the team categories of the 56 km Ride and 32 km Ride, as well as the full registration fees collected from the CEO Charity and Celebrity Ride and the Covation Family Fun Ride, will be donated in full to The Community Chest of Hong Kong. Sun Hung Kai Properties will also make an additional donation through other charitable organisations to support underprivileged communities and people in need.

As the venue partner of this year’s Hong Kong Cyclothon, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) will join hands with the HKTB to offer locals and visitors a range of special promotions. HKTB will provide a complimentary standard admission ticket to the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) for visitors from Chinese Mainland and overseas who register during the designated enrolment period. To enrich the Hong Kong Cyclothon experience, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) will also launch special Hong Kong Cyclothon packages for both M+ and the HKPM. Each package includes one museum admission ticket and one complimentary one-way WestK Ferry ticket, encouraging visitors to enjoy the stunning views of Victoria Harbour and explore the museums’ exhibitions. In support of the event, a number of restaurants and cafés in WestK Art Park will progressively begin operating from 8:00 am onwards, while more than 25 dining outlets across the District will offer exclusive discounts and special promotions for Cyclothon participants. Tokyobike HK, a cycling brand based in WestK will also introduce a special bicycle rental promotion with discounts of up to 20% on the day.

Public Registration Opens on 20 August

Cycling enthusiasts from around the world can register from 10:00 am on 20 August (Hong Kong Time) through the event website (https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/cyclothon.html). To ensure participant safety, all riders are required to attend and pass an official cycling skills assessment arranged by the organiser, unless they completed a Hong Kong Cyclothon in 2022, 2023 or 2024, or hold qualifications recognised by the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China.

For more information about the 2026 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, please visit: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/cyclothon.html

Members of the media can download the route maps & relevant images from the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2612&categoryTypeId=2

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr Chokie Cheng Tel: 2807 6342                Email: [email protected]
Ms Elisa Luk Tel: 2807 6236                Email: [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dfc0267a-64f9-4c7e-ba83-bfb6fb9cdfcb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a22dadfc-f1f4-4726-bea0-5885a3e6d6ac

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/171be648-3d2b-4877-8bde-fd7df8a537ab

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9812721

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Arla Foods Ingredients reduces gas emissions through significant investment in Videbæk

Arla Foods Ingredients

Arla Foods Ingredients

VIDEBÆK, Denmark, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arla Foods Ingredients is taking a major step towards reducing its CO2 emissions on dairy level. A newly completed 8 million euro investment in a new heating system for Production Tower 4 at the Danmark Protein plant in Videbæk will deliver annual savings of 2,500 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the annual heating consumption of more than 900 households using natural gas.

As part of the project, the tower is being converted from operating with a gas heater to being able to switch between heat from the plant’s existing steam system and a new electric heater. This will reduce the use of natural gas and allow renewable electricity to take over part of the operation. Calculations show that Tower 4 will be able to operate 100% on renewable electricity for 23% of the time.

“This investment improves operational reliability, strengthen security of supply and reduce our climate impact.” says Mogens Bøgh Pedersen, Director of the Danmark Protein plant.

Electrification significantly reduces CO2 emissions

Switching between steam and electricity allows Arla Foods Ingredients to use electricity when wind and solar power drive prices down and reduce consumption when prices rise, supporting flexible consumption in the Danish power grid while creating a strong financial business case.

The new solution is an important part of Arla’s strategy to electrify production and provides greater flexibility in energy consumption, enhanced reliability and opportunities for future development.

While the new heating system in Tower 4 is now operational, a similar project is being planned for Tower 5. Together, the investments in Towers 4 and 5 will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 5,200 tonnes annually, equivalent to the annual heating consumption of more than 1,900 households.

“In addition to delivering substantial CO2e savings, this investment also represents a very strong business case. We will also seek to scale across our other sites,” says Paul van Rooij, Vice President, Supply Chain, Arla Foods Ingredients.

Facts about the investment

  • Investment in new heating system for Tower 4: approx. EUR 8.3 million
  • Annual CO2 reduction (Tower 4): approx. 2,500 tonnes
  • Total potential (Towers 4 + 5): up to 5,200 tonnes of CO2
  • Based on Danish Energy Agency standards, 2,500 tonnes of CO2 corresponds to the annual heating consumption of 919 households, while 5,200 tonnes corresponds to 1,911 households.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ab0644d-a9e5-4c41-a217-6e33b0a4863e

Media contact: [email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9812562

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Asia Pacific Outpaces the World in Governance Gains, the Chandler Index Finds

BANGKOK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asia Pacific demonstrates the strongest improvement as a region in the latest 2026 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), with 79% of its governments recording higher scores this year and Singapore holding the top global rank for a fourth consecutive year.

Chandler Good Government Index 2026 Asia Pacific Rankings

Chandler Good Government Index 2026 Asia Pacific Rankings

Now in its sixth year, the CGGI measures the capabilities and effectiveness of 133 governments worldwide, across seven pillars: Leadership & Foresight, Robust Laws & Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence & Reputation, and Helping People Rise.

The findings were presented by Dinesh Naidu, Director (Knowledge) at the Chandler Governance Group (CGG), at a joint session titled “Future-Ready Governance in Asia and the Pacific,” as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok. The session also introduced the Future-Ready Governance Index (FRGI), a new benchmarking tool the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CGG are jointly developing for governments across Asia Pacific to navigate an era of uncertainty, structural transformation, and growing complexity.

Transforming Public Services in Thailand

A joint session on “Future-Ready Governance in Asia and the Pacific,” as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok

“Asia Pacific’s progress this year shows that sustained investment in institutions and public service delivery pays off, even in a difficult global environment. What stands out is how broad-based this has been. The region improved across six of the Index’s seven pillars since 2021, which suggests deliberate, sustained capability building in areas that matter most to citizens,” said Naidu.

The Index finds governance improvement is widespread, but not uniform
Home to just over half the world’s population, the 19 Asia Pacific countries in the CGGI recorded the largest improvement in average overall score of any region since 2021. The region also places five countries in the global top 20, with 11 in the top half of the Index. Singapore (1), Australia (11), New Zealand (13), South Korea (16) and Japan (17) are the region’s top five performers. The sharpest gains are concentrated in the Strong Institutions and Helping People Rise pillars.

Transforming Public Services in Thailand

A joint session on “Future-Ready Governance in Asia and the Pacific,” as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok

Thailand ranks 58th globally, in the upper half of the Index, anchored by a strong 18th-place global rank in the Financial Stewardship pillar, notably higher than its overall position. Financial Stewardship remains a persistent challenge across Asia Pacific: only three countries, Mongolia, Viet Nam and Japan, strengthened their scores in that pillar since 2021, highlighting how challenging fiscal consolidation and spending discipline have become.

Progress was uneven across the region. All four East Asian countries, China, Japan, South Korea and Mongolia, improved their overall scores since 2021. Viet Nam recorded the largest overall score improvement in Asia Pacific since the Index began. Oceania is the region’s strongest performer, with both Australia and New Zealand ranking in the global top 20. South Asia tells a more mixed story: only Nepal improved its overall score since 2021, though India’s most recent year-on-year results suggest a turnaround, with gains in Financial Stewardship and Helping People Rise.

Transforming Public Services in Thailand

A joint session on “Future-Ready Governance in Asia and the Pacific,” as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok

A practical tool for governments
Designed by practitioners for practitioners, the CGGI offers governments a diagnostic tool to benchmark performance and identify areas for capability development, drawing on evidence from peers across the region and around the world.

Transforming Public Services in Thailand

A joint session on “Future-Ready Governance in Asia and the Pacific,” as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok

“Asia Pacific’s governments have shown they can improve, and the CGGI provides the evidence base to identify which foundational capabilities need strengthening. Building on that, the Future-Ready Governance Index, which CGG and UNDP are jointly developing, is designed to help them build the capabilities to stay ahead of what comes next,” said Naidu.

The full 2026 Index, including country profiles, pillar scores, and historical comparisons, is available at https://chandlergovernmentindex.com/

Media Inquiries:
Kiara Kijburana | [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/675af18d-27e4-4276-b0f2-bd567314674f
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbf2fdd8-b15a-44b6-963d-2ab1d9ffdfb2
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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/689802c3-1a17-412c-a35a-f53b1bbbf375

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9812192

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Bitget Launches Fixed Coupon Notes for US Stock rTokens

Bitget Launches Fixed Coupon Notes for US Stock rTokens

Bitget Launches Fixed Coupon Notes for US Stock rTokens

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched the Fixed Coupon Note (FCN) Plan, bringing a structured product commonly used in traditional finance to tokenized US stocks. The new FCN structure allows users to subscribe with USDT and earn a predefined USDT coupon during the holding period.

Bitget is the first crypto exchange to combine the FCN structure with USDT settlement and US stock rToken delivery. The launch expands the ways users can access traditional financial assets through Bitget, moving beyond spot trading to structured strategies built around tokenized equities. The FCN Plan is designed for users who are interested in gaining exposure to US stocks but prefer to enter at a specific price instead of buying immediately at the prevailing market price. At launch, the product is linked to popular US stock rTokens including SNDK, MRVL, SKHY, NVDA, and MU.

Users subscribe with USDT and select a strike price at which they are comfortable acquiring the linked rToken. If the observation price at maturity is at or above the strike price, the user receives the USDT principal plus the predefined USDT coupon. If the observation price is below the strike price, the principal is converted into the linked rToken at the strike price, while the coupon is paid in USDT. The structure provides an alternative to placing a conventional limit order. While a limit order allows investors to wait for a preferred entry price, the capital allocated to that order can remain idle until it is executed. FCN enables the platform to set their target price in advance while earning a coupon during the product term, regardless of which of the two settlement outcomes occurs at maturity.

“There are times when you want exposure to a stock but the price is not where you want it to be,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “FCN gives users a set price they are comfortable buying at and earn while they wait. Bringing stocks onto Bitget was one part of building UEX. Now we are giving users more ways to access and use these assets, beyond simply buying and selling them on spot.”

The launch further expands Bitget’s rToken ecosystem and its Universal Exchange strategy, which brings crypto and traditional financial assets into a unified trading environment. By combining USDT, tokenized US stocks and a structured product mechanism used in traditional finance, FCN adds another route for users to access and manage traditional assets on Bitget.

FCN is a non-principal-protected structured product. If settlement occurs in rTokens, users remain exposed to movements in the price of the underlying asset and may incur losses if its price declines further.

To mark the launch, Bitget will run a limited-time FCN campaign from August 17 to September 18, 2026, with rewards available to eligible first-time and cumulative subscribers.

For more information about Bitget FCN, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry’s lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

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Templafy launches free document agent in Microsoft Marketplace

New conversational add-in lets users create, edit and review presentations with AI directly in PowerPoint

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Templafy, the agentic document generation platform, today announces the launch of the Templafy Agent Add-In, a free AI agent that enables users to create, edit and review presentations without leaving PowerPoint.

Available to download from Microsoft Marketplace, the add-in brings document agents directly into the presentation workflow, enabling both the creation of new presentations and facilitation of editing tasks. Through a conversational interface, users can ask the agent to create new slides, rewrite or translate a presentation, fix formatting, add editable charts and tables, review content, and much more, before it is shared.

Oskar Konstantyner, CPO at Templafy, comments: “AI has made it easier to start a presentation, but the work doesn’t stop there. Presentations are constantly edited, updated and reviewed by teams, and AI should enhance that process, not create a separate one. By bringing agents directly into PowerPoint, we’re extending AI from creation into iteration, so users can keep working with the agent as their presentation evolves, inside the workflow they already know. When connected to Templafy, this becomes even more powerful as the agent is grounded in company knowledge and governed centrally, bringing the speed of AI together with the context and control enterprises need.”

The add-in is free for individual PowerPoint users. For Templafy customers, the experience goes further by connecting the agent to approved company content and context, including templates and layouts, content libraries, brand rules, product information and business data. This enables teams to use AI while drawing on information and content their organization already trusts.

For enterprises, this can mean less time spent searching for the right slide, checking the latest messaging or correcting branding and formatting at the end of the process. Microsoft 365 administrators can also deploy the add-in to relevant users or groups across the organization, in addition to centrally distributing rules to AI document creation, taking away the burden of complex prompting or configuration from the individual.

The Templafy Agent Add-In for PowerPoint is available now.

Download the Templafy Agent Add-In for PowerPoint from Microsoft Marketplace.

Notes to editors

About Templafy

Templafy is the leading agentic document generation platform, enabling professionals to create accurate, compliant, and on-brand documents with maximum efficiency.

Our platform allows enterprises to curb AI in the moments that matter by giving AI agents the right context, guardrails, and company-approved knowledge to work from. Through our approach, AI agents apply a combination of AI generated content and rules-based automation to create high-quality and trustworthy documents at speed, without compromising organizational control or consistency, at a low and predictable token cost.

Accessible directly within tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, and AI Assistants including Claude, ChatGPT and Copilot, Templafy’s patented technology simplifies document workflows, reduces risk, and gives teams greater confidence in the documents that matter most.

More than 4 million users worldwide rely on Templafy to accelerate business content creation with AI. Trusted by industry leaders including KPMG and BDO, Templafy saves teams over 30% of the time they would typically spend on repetitive content, such as proposals, engagement letters, and audit reports, allowing them to focus on revenue-driving work instead.

For more information, press only:
Lucy Westman, Head of Global Communications, Templafy (+44) 7776 454 946, [email protected]

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Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Returns this Autumn

From 29 October to 1 November, Asia’s premier culinary celebration spotlights exceptional fine wines and exclusive Only in Hong Kong flavours, followed by a month of citywide culinary celebrations

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HONG KONG, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is set to return bigger and bolder this autumn, transforming the Central Stage, Central Harbourfront Event Space into a vibrant epicurean paradise from 29 October to 1 November 2026. Set against the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline, the festival will feature over 300 booths, including dedicated wine booths and dining partners, creating unique experiences for wine and food lovers alike.

Across four unforgettable days, visitors can indulge in world-class gastronomy, fine wines and vibrant live entertainment — all in one spectacular harbourfront setting. The culinary celebration will then continue throughout November with Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month, bringing exclusive dining offers, curated menus and gourmet experiences to restaurants and bars across the city.

A World-Class Celebration of Wine

Wine takes centre stage with an exceptional global line-up spanning China, France, Italy, Spain, Georgia and the United Kingdom, alongside brand-new pavilions from Australia, Canada and South Korea. From established Old World producers to emerging regions and contemporary trends such as sparkling teas, low-alcohol craft beers, Asian wines and creative cocktails, the festival offers something to suit every palate.

A major highlight this year is the spotlight on Bordeaux wines. Following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), visitors will enjoy unprecedented access to internationally acclaimed Bordeaux labels and exclusive tasting experiences throughout the festival.

The highly anticipated Grand Wine Pavilion will feature more than 20 exceptional selections of premium wine merchants. Within the Pavilion, over 20 expert-led masterclasses and tastings, hosted by Master Sommeliers and industry specialists, will guide guests through immersive journeys into celebrated wine regions, winemaking craftsmanship, and remarkable vintages.

Elevated Dining and Exclusive “Only in Hong Kong” Flavours

Equally anticipated is the Tasting Room, bringing together acclaimed chefs from Hong Kong and around the world. Specially created tasting menus — available exclusively during the festival — will be expertly paired with fine wines, offering guests an intimate and elevated exploration of culinary artistry and flavour innovation. This year’s line-up brings together a star – studded roster of culinary talents from around the world, including Chef Edward Lee, known to audiences worldwide through Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars; Chef Thierry Marx, the World-Renowned Master of French Gastronomy recognised for his French culinary vision and distinguished Michelin-starred career; Chef Chen Zhi Ping of Shanghai’s Meet the Bund, recognised by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, Black Pearl Restaurant Guide and Michelin accolades; and Chef Justin Yang Yan Bin of Hong Kong’s newly opened contemporary Chinese dining destination QUAN, who was named first runner-up in The Divine Dish China. Each will present exclusive culinary creations for Tasting Room guests.

Beyond the signature festival experiences, this year’s edition introduces an exciting new highlight: “Only in Hong Kong” Flavours. More than 100 restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments, luxury hotels and local favourites, will showcase a remarkable line-up of signature dishes celebrating Hong Kong’s rich and diverse culinary scene. From local chef-crafted specialties to iconic street food creations, these limited-edition offerings promise an authentic and unforgettable taste of the city.

Join the Festival — and Stay for Wine & Dine Month

From world-class wines to exclusive festival-only dishes, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026 promises a true feast for the senses. Beyond the four-day harbourfront celebration, visitors are invited to extend their stay and immerse themselves in Wine & Dine Month throughout November.

With special menus and exclusive offers at participating restaurants and bars across the city, Hong Kong transforms into a month-long showcase of culinary excellence — offering even more reasons to sip, savour and explore its dynamic dining scene. Mark your calendars now and join food and wine enthusiasts from around the world at Asia’s culinary capital.

To learn more about the festival programme and start planning your trip, please visit:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/wine-dine-festival.html

Members of the media can download the photos and videos from the following links: https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?CSRF=AiT1v80lSk6ghahjILrx&categoryId=2500&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms Natalie Chan
Tel: 2807 6216
Email: [email protected]		 Ms Irene Tsang
Tel: 2807 6541
Email: [email protected]

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WorkBuddy Brings AI-Native Productivity to Thailand, Helping Professionals Turn Ideas into Finished Work

BANGKOK, Aug. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WorkBuddy is bringing its AI-native desktop workspace to users in Thailand, giving professionals, developers, entrepreneurs and cross-border teams a practical way to turn everyday instructions into completed work.

Rather than functioning only as a chatbot, WorkBuddy is designed to understand a goal, break it into steps and carry out the work. Users can ask it to prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheets and documents, while multiple AI agents can work in parallel on different parts of a task.

Throughout August 2026, users in Thailand and around the world can use Hy3 large language model on WorkBuddy at no cost, through 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on August 31, 2026.

WorkBuddy is bringing its AI-native desktop workspace to users in Thailand
WorkBuddy is bringing its AI-native desktop workspace to users in Thailand.png

WorkBuddy is bringing its AI-native desktop workspace to users in Thailand

The experience includes specialist AI capabilities covering operations, design, data and development. WorkBuddy also supports a skills marketplace and connections with commonly used productivity and collaboration tools, allowing users to build workflows around the way they already work.

For individual professionals, the value is straightforward: less time spent switching between tools or repeating manual steps, and more support in moving from an idea to a usable result. For developers and entrepreneurs, WorkBuddy can also support research, content production, analysis and project work.

In Thailand, WorkBuddy Pro is priced at THB 361 per month—the lowest-priced plan among the paid AI subscriptions compared. It costs about half as much as ChatGPT Plus (THB 699) and substantially less than Claude Cowork (THB 580), giving users a more affordable way to access a professional AI workspace.

In Thailand, WorkBuddy adds localized support for users who need to understand regional markets. Through its Global Development Zone and AI Navigator+ capabilities, the platform provides country-focused expertise covering Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, with support across areas including market strategy, business development, finance and tax, human resources, legal compliance and public affairs.

WorkBuddy adds localized support for users who need to understand regional markets
WorkBuddy brings model access together through TokenHub

WorkBuddy brings model access together through TokenHub, allowing users to switch among supported AI models with a focus on stable use and cost control

WorkBuddy also brings model access together through TokenHub, allowing users to switch among supported AI models with a focus on stable use and cost control. Combined with specialist agents and integrated workflows, this gives users a practical way to access multiple AI capabilities without assembling separate tools for every task.

As AI becomes part of everyday work, WorkBuddy aims to help more people use AI not only to answer questions, but to complete real tasks — from planning and research to creation, analysis and delivery.

Contact:
Young Cao
[email protected]

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