BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 September 2026 – Light dances on the waterfront, art connects the world. The 2026 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Consumption Season & Liangma River International Arts Festival is now in full swing.
A Panorama of the City’s Nightscape
On the evening of September 24, the 2026 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Consumption Season & 2026 Liangma River International Arts Festival officially opened. This year’s annual theme is “AMAZING YOU.” The Light Consumption Season runs until October 11, spanning both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays for the first time; the Liangma River International Arts Festival continues until November 20, featuring ten major themes and over a hundred performances.
A Panorama of the City’s Nightscape As a vivid scroll of the city’s nighttime beauty, this year’s Light Consumption Season creates a vast space for nocturnal storytelling. With the Liangma River Cultural and Economic Belt and the Olympic Central Area as its two cores, the event links key districts such as CBD, Sanlitun, Chaowai UIC, Dawangjing, and Gaobeidian, unfolding a night-tour landscape where water and land intertwine. Visitors can board the Liangma River cruise “Light-Chasing” to watch light and shadow bloom in sequence upon the waves of Lotus Lake and North Lake; or stroll along the Chaoyang Park night-tour route, from the East Fifth Gate to the Shell Theatre, immersing themselves in the light-and-shadow night tour Romance of Light and Shadow.
Romance of Light and Shadow is jointly created by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group Co., Ltd. and other professional teams. With the narrative thread of “journeying toward an unexpected romance,” it is divided into three acts and seven chapters, transforming the entire Chaoyang Park into a borderless, three-dimensional theatre of light and shadow. Seven themed theatres are scattered across diverse settings—mechanical installations, waterborne cruises, floating stages—creating a unique experience of “one river, seven realms; a journey shared by water and land.”
A Stage for World Art Chaoyang’s night is also the world’s night. As an urban stage where Eastern and Western art converge, it uses the waterfront as its parlour, fostering encounters and dialogue among civilisations.
Under the night sky, the elegance of Chinese tradition flows—ancient architectural aesthetics, ink-wash imagery, and traditional Chinese music gatherings speak of Eastern romance. Meanwhile, global artistic forces gather along the Liangma River. A French creative team presents a floating piano and double bass duet; balloon artists from the Netherlands and France offer whimsical interactive performances; and the giant light installation Arch Flower by a French artist blooms like a magnificent flower, becoming a new landmark for visitors. Inside the Shell Theatre, more than ten exquisite performances take the stage in succession, including the waterside exclusive edition of Yang Liping’s Dynamic Yunnan, a retro jazz night with ZaZaZsu, and a performance by the Beijing Music Festival Youth Orchestra.
East and West, tradition and modernity, converge on this riverbank into an open and inclusive urban stage, vividly interpreting the city’s spirit of “Rising with the World.”
An Invitation to “Rise with the World” The Beijing Chaoyang International Light Consumption Season has now been held for four editions. Today, “Sleepless Chaoyang” has become a calling card of Beijing’s nighttime economy and a window through which the world can understand the vitality of Chinese cities.
Light is not only for viewing; it also weaves together the warmth of everyday life. During the event, Chaoyang District presents over a hundred integrated cultural, commercial, tourism, sports, and exhibition activities: during the 2026 China Open, the National Tennis Center creates an “immersive carnival”; the Olympic Forest Park hosts outdoor concerts, fluorescent night runs, and night rock climbing; the Olympic Park International Carbohydrate Festival brings together delicacies from across the country; and the Chaowai UIC Block launches the “READYGO City Playground,” featuring the nation’s exclusive “Batman Day,” the DC Merchandise Store, celebrity pop-ups, and the Stray Kids official pop-up SKZOO, appearing in turn.
Light-and-shadow performances, trendy consumption, sports and leisure, and the warmth of daily life interweave. Every visitor who comes from afar can find their own wonderful experience.
As the autumn breeze sweeps over the Liangma River, lights across the city come on one after another. Friends from all over the world are welcome to come to Chaoyang—to boat on the shimmering waterfront, stroll through dazzling streets, and feel the urban charm where past and present, China and the world, coexist. Sleepless Chaoyang awaits the brilliance of you.
Hashtag: #Chaoyang
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
KYOTO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2026 – Q-Games has announced that it will publish Beyond the Dark: Nightwatch, the upcoming horror game from French developer Atlantis Studio, across Asia, and has released a new trailer. It is a two-player asymmetric co-op horror game built around tension, communication, observation and trust.
Players must combine information from their individual perspectives as they work together to escape a haunted house far from civilization. Communication is essential for survival. By sharing information and coordinating their actions, players must overcome the horrors that await them and find a way out. The game also features Troy Baker, the renowned voice actor known for his roles in The Last of Us and Death Stranding. The Nintendo Store page for Asia is scheduled to go live on Thursday, October 22, with the game launching on Nintendo Switch 2 the same day.
ABOUT THE GAME Beyond the Dark: Nightwatch is a two-player horror experience. One player, the Explorer, enters the House in first person, searching for clues, solving mysteries and trying to escape before Gloam finds them. The other, the Overseer, stays behind the cameras, using surveillance systems, documents, and tactical tools to track what is happening and guide their partner.
The game supports couch co-op, GameShare, Local Network, and Online Play. Using GameShare, two players can play together even if the other console is either a Nintendo Switch 2 or a Nintendo Switch.
GAME FEATURES
A Two-Player Horror Experience: Built exclusively for two players, communication is essential for survival.
Asymmetric Exploration: Combine different perspectives to uncover the House’s secrets and stay alive.
An Oppressive Environment: Explore a claustrophobic house filled with hidden threats.
Communication Drives Escape: Share clear instructions, warn your partner of danger and coordinate actions to escape.
GameShare and Co-op: Play together via local co-op, GameShare, Local Network or online play.
BASIC INFORMATION Title: Beyond the Dark: Nightwatch Developer: Atlantis Studio Publisher: Q-Games Genre: Horror / Asymmetric Co-op Mode: 2 Player (Local Co-op, Couch Co-op, GameShare, Local Network, Online Play) Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2 Price: HKD 138 / TWD 490 / JPY 2,480 / KRW 24,000 / MYR 59 / SGD 21.99 / THB 450 / PHP 799 Discord PressKit
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – Held on 11 October 2026 at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore, AIMCONNECT 2026 gathered industry leaders from 11 countries under the theme “Where Mobility Meets the Future.” Organised by X Star Technology and Aimotion, the event welcomed representatives from more than 100 automotive organisations, over 60 financial institutions and around 20 technology companies to explore how collaboration across industries can create a more connected mobility ecosystem.
The event was opened by Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament, and Dato’ Tony Khor Chong Boon, President of the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM). Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and live technology demonstrations, participants examined how AI-driven solutions can improve customer experiences while ensuring transparency, security and responsible decision-making.
AIMCONNECT 2026 Highlights the Shift Towards Connected Mobility
During the keynote address, “The Next Mobility Economy: Intelligence, Connection, Trust,” X Star Technology CEO Shawn Yang highlighted the growing gap between consumers’ digital engagement and completed automotive transactions.
Shawn Yang noted that consumers increasingly begin their vehicle purchase journey online, with research showing strong demand for AI-supported decision-making. According to figures shared during the keynote, 90% of car buyers conduct online research before visiting dealerships, 63% expect to use AI during their next vehicle purchase and 67% believe AI will influence their financing decisions.
However, the automotive journey remains fragmented. Customers often move between dealerships, financing providers and multiple systems, creating unnecessary friction during purchasing and ownership processes.
“Customers are not lost in one stage; they are lost to the friction between them,” Yang said. Yang said. The CEO explained that the next stage of mobility innovation requires closer cooperation between automotive companies, financial institutions and technology providers. Rather than improving isolated parts of the journey, the industry must create connected experiences that allow information, decisions and services to move more efficiently between stakeholders.
During AIMCONNECT 2026, technology demonstrations showcased emerging solutions designed to address these challenges. X Star Technology presented its Xport platform, demonstrating one-click lead-to-loan matching and real-time approval capabilities. Aimotion, MStar, AI Wingman and MK.X also introduced their latest innovations, highlighting the potential of AI-enabled tools across the automotive value chain.
Building Trust as AI Takes a Greater Role in Decision-Making
A key theme throughout AIMCONNECT 2026 was the importance of trust as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly involved in customer-facing processes.
While AI can improve speed and efficiency, industry leaders emphasised that technology must operate within clear boundaries. Decisions involving financing, customer eligibility and financial commitments require transparency, human oversight and accountability.
Yang introduced X Star Technology’s proprietary Harness framework, which combines AI operating boundaries, human supervision and traceable data management. The framework is designed to ensure that AI systems operate within authorised parameters while allowing complex cases to be escalated for human review.
“In auto finance, a single flawed decision risks customer harm and regulatory non-compliance. For AI to operate across the customer journey with true autonomy, trust cannot be an afterthought; it must be engineered into the architecture from day one,” Yang said.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of balancing personalisation with privacy. While consumers increasingly expect services tailored to their needs, excessive automation or unnecessary intervention may reduce trust. Effective AI solutions must therefore combine intelligence with appropriate restraint.
Strengthening Connections Across the Auto Finance Ecosystem
Another major discussion at AIMCONNECT 2026 focused on how stronger collaboration between automotive companies, financial institutions and technology providers can create a more efficient and trusted financing experience.
During the panel discussion “Building a Connected Auto Finance Ecosystem,” moderated by MStar CEO Zhang Peng, industry representatives explored the role of data connectivity, cybersecurity and responsible technology adoption in shaping the future of automotive finance.
Speakers from Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, The CEO Circle and JWT Bespoke examined how financial institutions and mobility businesses can use technology to improve decision-making while maintaining customer confidence.
“Better data infrastructure and connectivity can help the industry make more informed financing decisions, but technology must go hand in hand with trust,” Zhang said.
The discussion emphasised that connectivity is not simply about collecting more data. A truly integrated ecosystem requires organisations to establish clear principles for how information is shared, protected and used. Customers must also understand what information they provide and how it contributes to a better service experience.
Matthew Duncan, Director and CEO of JWT Bespoke, highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with consumer protection, drawing from Australia’s experience in automotive and financial regulation.
“Regulation works best when it protects customers and still gives the industry room to improve how people buy and finance their cars,” Duncan said.
Exploring the Future of Vehicle Ownership
Beyond financing and transactions, AIMCONNECT 2026 also examined a broader question facing the mobility industry: how will consumers define vehicle ownership in the future?
The rise of leasing, subscription services, car-sharing and ride-hailing has expanded consumer choices, creating new possibilities beyond traditional ownership models.
During the panel “The Future of Owning a Car,” moderated by Shawn Yang, industry leaders discussed how changing consumer expectations may influence future mobility behaviour.
An audience poll showed a closely divided perspective. While 54% of participants believed flexible mobility solutions could become the preferred choice within the next decade, 46% expected vehicle ownership to remain the dominant preference.
The result reflected the complexity of future mobility trends. Rather than replacing ownership completely, emerging mobility models may provide consumers with more options depending on their lifestyle, financial situation and travel needs.
James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and President of BYD Philippines, shared insights into BYD’s technology development journey.
“BYD’s first phase was electrification, delivering performance. The second phase is intelligence, using AI to enhance the customer experience. The third phase will focus on integration,” Ng said.
Xiao Ting, CEO of MK.X, noted that increasingly capable AI assistants could change how consumers approach mobility decisions.
“The decision may increasingly be less about owning a car and more about finding the right mobility solution for each journey,” noted the CEO.
Ng also highlighted the broader applications of BYD’s technology beyond vehicles, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and renewable energy solutions that contribute to a wider technology ecosystem.
These developments suggest that the future mobility landscape will involve not only automakers, but also dealers, financial institutions and technology platforms adapting their services to meet changing consumer expectations.
AI Is Expanding the Vehicle Experience Beyond the Point of Sale
The role of artificial intelligence throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle was another key focus at AIMCONNECT 2026.
During the panel “How Is AI Reshaping Mobility?” moderated by X Star Chief Technology Officer Michael Jia, industry experts discussed how AI can support consumers beyond vehicle selection and purchase.
Panel participants included Carson Zhang of Aimotion, Connor Liu of Google Cloud, Dr Harold Teng of MK.X Technology and Bryan Tan of Carro.
When delegates were asked where AI would create the greatest impact, personalised ownership services ranked ahead of vehicle selection, automotive financing and in-car intelligence. The results suggested that industry participants see significant opportunities in improving the ownership experience after purchase.
Bryan Tan, Chief Scientist at Carro Group and CEO of Carro Indonesia, explained that vehicle value assessment is becoming increasingly influenced by new data sources. For electric vehicles, factors such as battery condition and charging history are becoming important considerations alongside traditional indicators such as mileage.
Tan also noted that markets such as Singapore have unique considerations, including the impact of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system on vehicle value.
These examples demonstrate how advances in automotive technology are influencing areas beyond driving performance, extending into finance, resale value and long-term ownership decisions.
However, industry leaders agreed that AI adoption must remain focused on practical benefits.
“The focus must remain on delivering practical benefits, enhancing safety and making mobility more intuitive for consumers,” Dr Teng said.
Collaboration Will Define the Next Stage of Mobility Innovation
Across the discussions at AIMCONNECT 2026, one common message emerged: the future of mobility will be shaped by collaboration.
Automotive manufacturers and dealers must better understand customer needs and reduce unnecessary friction throughout the ownership journey. Financial institutions must improve efficiency while maintaining responsible lending practices. Technology providers must develop solutions that meet operational, regulatory and customer expectations.
For policymakers and industry stakeholders, the challenge will be encouraging innovation while maintaining public confidence.
“No single company can transform the entire mobility journey on its own,” Xiao Ting said.
Zhang highlighted that the success of future mobility solutions should be measured not only by speed and efficiency, but also by how effectively the industry works together to serve customers.
“Progress should be measured not only by how quickly a loan can be approved, but by how well the industry works together to serve the customer,” Zhang said.
AIMCONNECT 2026 demonstrated that artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in mobility, but technology alone will not define the future. The next phase of automotive transformation will depend on building systems that are intelligent, transparent and connected — supported by stronger partnerships across the mobility ecosystem.
Hashtag: #XStar
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIMCONNECT 2026
AIMCONNECT 2026 brings together automotive leaders, dealers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), financial institutions, technology innovators and industry decision-makers to explore the future of automotive commerce and mobility.
Through industry dialogue, thought leadership sessions and live technology demonstrations, AIMCONNECT provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and collaborate on the next generation of connected mobility solutions.
New program enables third-party AI technology providers to integrate directly with Conductr, expanding platform capabilities and introducing annual partner fees and consumption-based revenue opportunities for Railtown.
Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – October 15, 2026 – Railtown AI Technologies Inc. (CSE: RAIL) (OTCQB: RLAIF) (“Railtown” or the “Company“) today announced the launch of its Technology Integration Partner Program, a strategic initiative that opens the Company’s Conductr AI platform to third-party technology providers, enabling their products, models and services to be integrated directly into Conductr and made accessible to its developer and enterprise customers.
The initiative represents an important step in Railtown’s strategy to establish Conductr as an open, extensible platform for artificial intelligence (AI) development, deployment and operations.
By enabling third-party technology companies to integrate directly with Conductr, Railtown intends to expand the range of AI capabilities available to its customers while creating additional commercial opportunities through partner participation fees and consumption-based services.
Rather than developing every component of the AI technology stack internally, Railtown is adopting an ecosystem-driven approach that allows specialized technology providers to contribute their innovations to the Conductr platform.
The Technology Integration Partner Program is designed to create value for three key participants: technology providers seeking broader distribution, developers and enterprises seeking access to advanced AI technologies, and Railtown through recurring partner fees and consumption-based revenue.
Opening Conductr to Third-Party Technology Providers
Through the Technology Integration Partner Program, third-party technology companies can integrate their products and services directly into the Conductr platform, making their technologies available to developers and organizations building and operating AI-powered applications.
Potential integrations include AI models, inference services, data infrastructure, specialized development tools and other technologies that complement Conductr’s existing capabilities.
For Conductr customers, these integrations are intended to simplify access to third-party technologies by making them available within a common development, deployment and operational environment.
For technology partners, the program provides an additional distribution channel through which their technologies can reach Conductr’s developer and enterprise customer ecosystem.
The initiative also allows Railtown to expand Conductr’s capabilities through partnerships with specialized technology providers, complementing the Company’s ongoing internal research and development efforts.
By integrating third-party technologies directly into Conductr, Railtown aims to reduce the complexity associated with evaluating, connecting and managing multiple independent AI services.
Building an Open Technology Ecosystem
Railtown’s Technology Integration Partner Strategy follows an ecosystem approach similar in principle to that adopted by established technology platforms such as Shopify, which has built an extensive network of third-party applications and technology integrations around its core commerce platform.
Rather than attempting to develop every technology or capability internally, these platforms enable independent technology providers to extend the functionality of their ecosystems, giving customers access to a broader selection of specialized products and services.
Railtown is applying this approach to the agentic AI market by opening Conductr to third-party technology providers, enabling their models, tools and services to be integrated directly into the platform and made accessible to Conductr customers.
The Company believes this strategy can accelerate the expansion of Conductr’s capabilities while providing technology partners with an additional channel to reach developers and enterprise customers.
As additional technologies become available through Conductr, Railtown believes the platform can become increasingly valuable to customers seeking a unified environment for building, deploying and operating AI applications.
A Commercial Model Designed for Recurring and Usage-Based Revenue
Railtown’s Technology Integration Partner Program introduces a standardized commercial framework designed to support the expansion of the Conductr ecosystem while establishing additional revenue opportunities for the Company.
Under the program, participating technology partners pay an annual integration and participation fee of US$7,500. The program also includes a 15% service fee on third-party usage through Conductr, creating a usage-based revenue stream that scales with platform adoption.
This structure provides Railtown with two complementary sources of revenue: annual fees associated with participating technology partners and consumption-based revenue as Conductr customers utilize integrated third-party technologies.
For technology partners, the program provides an opportunity to make their products and services accessible to Conductr’s developer and enterprise customers without having to independently develop and maintain a comparable deployment and operational platform.
For Conductr customers, the program provides access to an expanding selection of integrated technologies through a unified environment, simplifying the process of discovering, accessing and utilizing third-party AI services.
The Company believes this approach aligns the interests of Railtown, its technology partners and Conductr customers by creating a commercial ecosystem where each participant can benefit from broader technology availability and adoption.
Expanding Conductr’s Commercial Ecosystem
The Technology Integration Partner Program represents an evolution in Railtown’s approach to expanding the Conductr platform.
By establishing a framework for third-party integrations, Railtown intends to accelerate the introduction of complementary technologies while allowing its internal development teams to remain focused on Conductr’s core platform capabilities, including agent deployment, orchestration, data connectivity and observability.
The program also provides a commercial structure through which technology partners can participate in the Conductr ecosystem while maintaining their focus on developing and improving their own specialized technologies.
Railtown believes that combining its internally developed technologies with integrated third-party services can strengthen Conductr’s competitive positioning and provide customers with greater flexibility in selecting the AI technologies best suited to their applications.
“Our vision has never been to build every component of the AI technology stack ourselves. We believe the most powerful platforms are those that bring together the best compilatory technologies with our own and make them easily accessible to customers. By opening Conductr to third-party technology integrations, we’re creating an ecosystem where innovative technology companies can reach new customers, developers can access more capabilities through a single platform, and Railtown can participate in the commercial activity generated across that ecosystem,” said Cory Brandolini, CEO of Railtown AI.
“Much like the ecosystem approach that has helped established technology platforms such as Shopify expand their capabilities through third-party innovation, we believe Conductr can become a destination where developers and enterprises access a broad range of AI technologies without having to navigate multiple independent platforms. Importantly, our Technology Integration Partner Program also establishes a clear commercial framework that aligns the growth of our partner ecosystem with opportunities for recurring and usage-based revenue.”
Advancing Railtown’s Platform Strategy
The launch of the Technology Integration Partner Program complements Railtown’s broader strategy of providing an integrated platform supporting the development, deployment and operation of AI agents and applications.
Through Conductr, Railtown provides developers and organizations with access to AI agent development tools, contextual data infrastructure, deployment capabilities and production observability.
Opening Conductr to third-party technology integrations extends this strategy by allowing complementary technologies to become part of the platform’s broader ecosystem.
The Company believes that an open integration strategy can strengthen Conductr’s value proposition, encourage broader participation from technology providers and provide customers with greater choice and flexibility.
As the Technology Integration Partner Program develops, Railtown intends to continue identifying and working with technology companies whose products and services complement Conductr’s existing capabilities.
Through this initiative, Railtown aims to position Conductr as an increasingly comprehensive environment for AI development and operations, supported by a growing ecosystem of independent technology providers and a commercial model designed around recurring participation fees and platform consumption.
About Railtown AI Technologies Inc.
Railtown AI Technologies Inc. is a technology company developing AI-powered platforms and solutions designed to simplify the development, deployment and operation of intelligent applications.
Through its Conductr platform, Railtracks Agent Development Kit and Railengine data infrastructure, Railtown provides developers and organizations with tools to build, connect, deploy and monitor AI agents and applications.
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will,” “may”, “should”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company, the commencement of trading of the Company’s common shares on the CSE, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.
Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will only update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The 2026 survey of 19,000 people across 18 countries finds cost and stigma remain significant barriers to professional mental health support, with AI emerging as a way people work around them, particularly among non-natives
LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – New research from AXA Global Healthcare’s 2026 Mind Health Report, ‘Reaching the right support‘, finds that a third (33%) of people with a mental health concern who have not seen a professional say the cost of medical consultations and treatment has stopped them seeking help, while 15% cite fear of being stigmatised or judged negatively. But how much each barrier holds people back changes from one country to the next.
The cost of medical consultations and treatment is a bigger barrier in some countries than others. Half (50%) of respondents in Mexico and 49% in the Philippines say it stops them seeking help, compared with just 15% in Germany and 17% in Turkey. The research links these differences to how mental health care is funded. Where people pay for consultations and treatment directly, seeking support carries a greater financial burden than where care is publicly funded or covered by compulsory health insurance.
As a barrier, stigma varies too and is often rooted in social and cultural attitudes. The research finds it is a greater barrier in countries such as the UK, South Korea and Hong Kong than in Switzerland, Turkey and Thailand. Stigma is widely recognised as a reason people delay seeking help, and the research links it partly to how well people’s conditions are managed. In the UK, where a quarter (25%) cite stigma, just over a third (36%) of those with a condition say it is well managed. In Thailand, where 13% cite stigma as a barrier, that rises to over half (52%).
Those barriers also shape where people turn for support. The data points to a pattern: where cost is a bigger barrier, use of AI tends to be higher. In the Philippines, for example, seven in ten (71%) use AI tools for their mental health. People held back by stigma are also more likely to use AI, with 60% using it to search for information on managing their mental health, compared with 52% of those who are not.
“As a physician, I do not see AI as a replacement for therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists. I see it as a potential gateway to care. For many, it may provide a first, accessible step towards seeking help. But its future in mental health should be measured by whether it helps people access appropriate care earlier, identifies risk sooner and improves outcomes safely,” says Dr Anne Lepetit, Chief Medical Officer, AXA Health Business.
Non-natives (people living or working outside their country of birth) can face added challenges when seeking professional mental health care, from language barriers and distance from loved ones to unfamiliar healthcare systems. Knowing where to turn can be harder, and for many, AI is already part of that search. The research finds two in five (40%) use it to find suitable healthcare professionals or facilities, and they are more likely than natives to use it to search for information on managing their mental health (52% vs 47%). The cost of consultations and treatment is also their primary barrier to professional support (36%), which may point to the added complexity of navigating healthcare systems, eligibility and insurance in another country.
Whether their employees work at home or abroad, employers have an opportunity to reduce both barriers. A culture of trust and openness, where people can talk about their mental health without fear of judgement or consequences for their career, helps tackle stigma. But culture only goes so far if the right support is not there when someone reaches out. Solutions that offer confidential routes to help and ease the cost of consultations and treatment mean support is in place when employees are ready to seek it.
“This year’s Mind Health Report reinforces the importance of making professional mental health support easier to reach. Eight in ten employees say they would join mental health support programmes at work, yet two thirds say they’re not available or are unaware of them. Bridging this gap is an essential part of improving access to support, and one where organisations are uniquely placed to make a difference.
“At AXA, we help organisations create workplaces where mental health can be discussed openly, people can recognise when they may need support, and the care they need is easier to find and even easier to access. From mental health awareness training and self-check tools to dedicated services that support employees, our global solutions help employers make mental health a business priority, not just a benefit,” says Alain Zweibrucker, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Health Business and AXA Health International.
Hashtag: #AXA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AXA Global Healthcare
AXA Health International is part of the AXA Health business and specialises in international health and wellbeing solutions. AXA Global Healthcare operates as one of the commercial entities functioning within AXA Health International, providing premium international health insurance to individuals and businesses worldwide and has been protecting the healthcare needs of globally mobile citizens for more than 60 years. Customers are supported in more than 200 countries through a global virtual doctor service, second medical opinion, personal case management, and evacuation and repatriation assistance, with access to AXA’s global medical network of over 2 million healthcare providers. For more information visit axaglobalhealthcare.com.
Establishing a Research, Training and Validation Hub for Embodied AI to Accelerate Commercialisation and Industrial Adoption
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – As embodied AI emerges as a key direction in the global development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre (FLAIR), under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), is leveraging its years of accumulated technological expertise, industry networks and application experience to seize new opportunities arising from the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the “AI+” initiative. In support of Hong Kong’s strategy to advance new industrialisation, FLAIR today officially launched the Embodied AI International Applications Hub (the “Hub”), Hong Kong’s first platform dedicated to the training, validation and real-world deployment of embodied AI and humanoid robotics technologies.
As a key platform for embodied AI research, development and scenario validation in Hong Kong, the Hub not only provides real-world application environments, but also serves as an integrated innovation infrastructure for technology development, model adaption and training, system validation and scenario testing. Through the Hub, FLAIR will establish a continuous optimisation mechanism for embodied AI technologies, enabling humanoid robotics and embodied AI solutions to progress from laboratory research to large-scale industrial deployment. This will support the development of new productive forces in Hong Kong and reinforce the city’s position as an international innovation and technology centre and a regional AI R&D hub.
The Hub was officially inaugurated by Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, and Hon Sunny TAN, BBS, Chairman of HKPC. In its initial phase, the Hub brings together seven technology partners and eight international scenario partners to jointly advance the research, testing and innovative application of embodied AI technologies across manufacturing, smart logistics, retail services, inspection and maintenance, as well as public services.
Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said: “Humanoid robotics and embodied AI are key frontiers of the next wave of technological innovation, with tremendous potential to transform industrial operations and foster new quality productive forces. The establishment of the Embodied AI International Applications Hub by HKPC comes at an opportune time, providing technology partners with real-world applications for testing and optimising technologies, accelerating commercialisation, and supporting enterprises in expanding into international markets. The HKSAR Government will continue to support AI development through investments in research, funding and infrastructure, and work jointly with research institutions, tech companies, and industries to promote the large-scale development of technology, while ensuring safety and compliance.”
FLAIR: Driving the Development of the Embodied AI Industry through R&D and Validation Capabilities
Hon Sunny TAN, BBS, Chairman of HKPC, said: “The key to the development of embodied AI lies in whether robots can continuously learn and train to truly adapt to different scenarios and create tangible value. Over the years, FLAIR has continued to invest in AI and robotics R&D, building strong technical foundations in intelligent perception, autonomous decision-making, motion control and industrial applications. The Embodied AI International Applications Hub represents an important step in extending these R&D capabilities into real-world environments, enabling technology solutions to be trained, validated and optimised in Hong Kong before progressing towards industrialisation and international deployment. We hope this initiative will help position Hong Kong as a leading centre for innovation and application of embodied AI technologies.”
Building a Continuous Training and Validation Framework for Large-Scale Adoption of Embodied AI
As the technical lead of the Hub, FLAIR will establish a data-driven technology validation and optimisation framework through a closed-loop R&D process encompassing scenario definition, model adaptation and training, solution testing, performance evaluation, data feedback, technology iteration and revalidation. This framework will help enterprises continuously enhance the capability and reliability of embodied AI systems.
Unlike conventional technology showcase platforms, the core value of the Hub lies in its ability to leverage real-world scenario data and continuous operational testing to enable robots and embodied AI systems to learn operating patterns across different environments. This process continuously improves autonomous execution capabilities, task success rates, generalisation capabilities, safety and environmental adaptability. Such a continuous training and validation model is critical for advancing embodied AI technologies from proof-of-concept to commercial deployment.
Combining its AI and robotics R&D expertise, FLAIR will develop testing frameworks and evaluation standards tailored to the needs of different industries. Technologies will be assessed against multiple indicators, including operational accuracy, execution efficiency, system reliability, autonomous task completion rate, safety performance and environmental adaptability. These objective benchmarks will establish clear measures of technology maturity, helping industries reduce deployment risks and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions.
Leveraging Hong Kong’s International Advantages to Accelerate Global Market Expansion
In logistics applications, embodied AI systems must handle a wide range of parcel specifications, warehouse environments and operational workflows. In smart manufacturing, robots are required to adapt to diverse production processes, safety requirements and equipment standards across different markets. In industrial inspection and public facility management scenarios, humanoid and quadruped robots must also demonstrate advanced full-body control and autonomous operation capabilities in complex environments.
By integrating real-world operational scenarios from different countries and regions, the Hub enables technology solutions to undergo comprehensive training and validation before deployment. As an international city, Hong Kong uniquely combines access to the Chinese Mainland market with alignment to international standards, providing an ideal cross-regional proving ground for emerging technologies, helping enterprises to refine and validate their solutions in diverse application environments, and accelerating commercialisation and market expansion across both Chinese Mainland and overseas markets.
Bringing Together Industry, Academia, Research and Applications to Build an Embodied AI Innovation Ecosystem
During the opening ceremony, officiating guests presented plaques to the first batch of technology partners, including Beijing Xingdongjiyuan Co., Ltd. (Robotera), Unitree Robotics, Changzhou Microintelligence Co., Ltd, AI Squared Robotics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., AgiBot Innovation (Shanghai) Technology Co.,Ltd., Beijing Galbot AI Co., Ltd., and Rice Robotics.
In addition to technology partners, the first batch of international scenario partners comprise Government departments and international enterprises across a wide range of sectors. These partners will provide authentic, complex and diverse real-world application scenarios, enabling robotics technologies to be tested, validated and continuously optimised in environments closely aligned with the practical needs of Hong Kong and international markets. FLAIR also presented plaques to scenario partners. Representatives from scenario partners shared practical experiences in infrastructure development, smart manufacturing, aircraft maintenance and public services, demonstrating the application of Embodied AI technologies.
Looking ahead, FLAIR will continue working closely with industry partners, research institutions and technology companies to advance embodied AI research and development, standards validation and industrial applications through the Hub, fostering an internationally influential embodied AI innovation ecosystem. HKPC will also leverage its strong industry support and promotion capabilities to help mature technology solutions developed in Hong Kong reach international markets, further strengthening the city’s strategic position as a hub for embodied AI research, validation and application.
1. Professor SUN Dong, JP (Middle), Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Hon Sunny TAN, BBS(Right), Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), and Mr Edmond LAI(Left), Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Embodied AI International Applications Hub, marking the launch of Hong Kong’s first dedicated platform for embodied AI and humanoid robotics applications.
2. Officiating guests presented plaques to technology partners of the Embodied AI International Applications Hub, joining forces to advance the application of embodied AI technologies across logistics, manufacturing, retail, education and public service applications.
3. The Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre (FLAIR) presented plaques to scenario partners, bringing together Government departments and multinational industrial and investment organisations to promote the development and deployment of embodied AI technologies in real-world operating environments.
4. Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, toured the Embodied AI International Applications Hub and explored real-world applications of embodied AI technologies in logistics sorting, smart manufacturing, retail services and education.
5. Beijing Xingdongjiyuan Co., Ltd. (Robotera) showcased the M7 humanoid robot and an embodied AI logistics solution, demonstrating autonomous parcel identification and logistics sorting operations.
6. Unitree Robotics showcased its R1 humanoid robot and A2 quadruped robot at the Embodied AI International Applications Hub, demonstrating applications including factory inspection and autonomous mobility.
7. Changzhou MicroIntelligence Technology Co., Ltd. showcased the “MicroFlex” Embodied AI Flexible Production Line, highlighting industrial robots’ autonomous perception, decision-making and execution capabilities in smart manufacturing environments.
8. AI Squared Robotics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. showcased its AlphaBot 2 general-purpose intelligent robot, powered by the embodied foundation model AlphaBrain, demonstrating practical applications in retail and food-and-beverage service scenarios.
9. AgiBot Innovation (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd. showcased its general-purpose embodied robots and scenario-based solutions, demonstrating the application of embodied AI technologies across manufacturing, logistics, retail and public service environments.
10. Beijing Galbot AI Co., Ltd. showcased a smart retail scenario and embodied AI retail solution, demonstrating robots’ capabilities in merchandise management and customer service within real-world retail environments.
11. Rice Robotics showcased its latest production-grade semi-humanoid robot, NEX, in a simulated smart library and education setting, demonstrating applications in education and public services.
Hashtag: #FLAIR #HKPC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.
HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.
To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.
HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.
For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.
About Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre (FLAIR)
Founded by Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) in 2019, Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre (FLAIR) has been at the forefront of applied research and development in AI and robotics technologies, addressing major R&D challenges encountered by various industries. FLAIR is positioned as a deep tech research arm of HKPC. With a strong presence in Hong Kong, Germany, and Shenzhen, we will leverage our innovative technology solutions, successful spin-offs, and international networks to drive forward our aim of supporting Hong Kong in developing into an international I&T hub.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – Vingroup officially announces the establishment of VERTA International School, a new K-12 educational model built on a U.S.-oriented educational approach and designed for a generation growing up in an age when artificial intelligence is transforming how we learn, work and create. Guided by the philosophy Learn. Make. Matter., VERTA aims to develop students with strong academic foundations, independent thinking, and the ability to harness AI and technology to expand what they can do, solve problems and create value for others.
VERTA is a K-12 school system for Vietnamese and international students, located at 148 Giang Vo, Hanoi, and is scheduled to open in August 2027. The school will have a maximum capacity of approximately 800–1,000 students. Admissions for its first academic year will begin in October 2026, welcoming approximately 400 students from Grades 1 to 11.
As a new education brand developed by Vingroup alongside Vinschool, Brighton College Vietnam, Vin Nexus Center and VinUniversity, VERTA aims to nurture a generation growing up in the age of AI with the depth of knowledge, independent thinking, and strength of character to shape their own futures and create meaningful value.
VERTA’s educational philosophy is built around three guiding principles: Learn. Make. Matter.
LEARN – Build knowledge to think independently. Students develop strong academic foundations while being encouraged to take initiative, explore and learn through experience. The VERTA curriculum provides depth in mathematics, science, languages, social studies and the arts. In the upper grades, it expands to include AI and Advanced Computing, Engineering, Biomedical Science, Entrepreneurship and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Learning is also designed to be interdisciplinary, enabling students to connect knowledge across different fields, consider problems from multiple perspectives and draw on what they have learned to address them with increasing independence and ownership.
MAKE – Turn understanding into capability. Students apply what they learn to create tangible outcomes that can be tested, challenged and improved.They learn to move from questions to ideas, from ideas to design, and then through a process of building, testing, receiving feedback and refinement. VERTA aims to develop not only students’ ability to create, but more importantly the thinking that enables them to create purposeful solutions and products.
MATTER – Apply capability to create value. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge and capabilities to address meaningful problems and create value by connecting learning with the real world.This includes bringing real-world problems, authentic data, experts, and people who can use or critically evaluate students’ work into the learning experience.Vingroup’s wider ecosystem – spanning higher education, research, healthcare, technology, industry, green mobility and urban development – provides distinctive opportunities to connect learning at school with the world beyond the classroom.
Ms. Phan Ha Thuy, Chairwoman of VS Company, the Vingroup entity developing the VERTA Education System, said: “VERTA aims to equip students with the strong academic foundations needed to pursue demanding university pathways, while developing their ability to conduct research, reason, design and turn ideas into tangible outcomes; use AI and technology to extend their thinking; and tackle problems without predefined solutions. More importantly, by the time students leave VERTA, they should be able to learn new things independently, form their own judgments and take responsibility for their decisions.”
VERTA’s program will be taught in English, following a U.S.-oriented educational approach. In the early years, teachers will take a more active role in building students’ knowledge, learning habits and approaches to learning. As students mature and develop stronger foundations, they will gradually take greater ownership of their learning, exploring their strengths, selecting advanced courses, identifying questions they want to investigate and pursuing longer-term projects.
The school will be led by Dr. Tarek Razik, an international educator with more than 35 years of experience, who previously led Jakarta Intercultural School and the International School of Beijing. VERTA’s international teaching team will be selected based on professional qualifications and experience aligned with the school’s educational program.
With its emphasis on academic depth, AI and technology, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, VERTA offers a new educational option for Vietnamese students and families, while providing a learning environment built on a U.S.-oriented educational approach for international families living in Hanoi and surrounding areas.
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
Parents can learn more and register for admissions at https://admissions.verta.edu.vn/or contact the VERTA Admissions Team via hotline 1800 9499.
Hashtag: #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Strengthening Deepfake Fraud Detection, Unlocking Potential of GenA.I.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank” / “PingAnDB”) has successfully completed the “Anti-Fraud Strategy Platform” use case as part of the second cohort of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (“HKMA”) Generative Artificial Intelligence (“GenA.I.”) Sandbox, in partnership with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited. Through the sandbox, Ping An Digital Bank further strengthened its capabilities in detecting deepfake-related fraud, and explored the potential of an “A.I. vs A.I.” defense strategy, sharpening its fraud detection accuracy and enhancing customer protection.
Mr. Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of Ping An Digital Bank, said, “Ping An Digital Bank is honoured to participate in the HKMA’s second GenA.I. Sandbox cohort. The sandbox serves as an invaluable testing ground for banks to explore financial technology. Throughout the process, we received valuable guidance from the HKMA and shared practical experience with industry peers, advancing the development of anti-fraud efforts across the sector. This project successfully validated GenAI’s potential in deepfake detection, providing deeper insights into how AI identifies forged or synthetic faces across various scenarios. Sandbox testing results demonstrated a detection accuracy of over 96%. We believe the experience gained will help strengthen the industry’s ability to counter deepfake fraud, and build a more robust defence mechanism.”
Developed in partnership with OneConnect Financial Technology, the Anti-Fraud Strategy Platform leverages the proprietary technology of Ping An Group and OneConnect. The project focused on evaluating the platform’s accuracy in detecting deepfake technologies. By integrating cutting-edge A.I. facial recognition into the identity verification process, the platform verifies user selfies in real time to flag suspected forged or manipulated faces. This capability empowers teams to proactively monitor and prevent fraud, elevating the Bank’s overall risk management framework.
Looking ahead, Ping An Digital Bank will continue to leverage the technological edge of Ping An Group, increase its investment in A.I., and deepen the application of A.I. in daily operation, such as risk control and product innovation. The Bank remains dedicated to delivering a seamless, secure, and intuitive banking experience, striving to become the “user-friendly digital bank” in the mind of every customer.
Hashtag: #平安數字銀行 #PingAnDB #生成式AI #GenAI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Ping An Digital Bank
Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank,” “PingAnDB”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318). Ping An Digital Bank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer retail banking and business banking services. Backed by Ping An’s advanced technology, Ping An Digital Bank is elevating banking experience, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s integrated financial platform in Hong Kong.
Fully renovated to reflect Travelodge’s refreshed brand look and feel, the hotel is one of the few newly refreshed properties in Gangnam. It offers travelers a comfortable base in the heart of Gangnam, close to COEX and the district’s business, shopping, dining, fashion and cultural destinations.
More than just a place to sleep, Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul is designed around the essentials of a good stay, with well-appointed rooms, comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, a satisfying breakfast and practical spaces to relax and recharge.
Kevin Hayes, a business traveler from California, USA, who stayed for four nights, appreciated the practical amenities and smooth service throughout his stay. He shared, “The check-in process was quick and easy, and the room had everything I needed for a business trip. The fast Wi-Fi made it easy to stay connected and get work done, while the comfortable bed was a welcome bonus after a busy day of meetings.”
Comfort for Every Kind of Traveler
Whether travelling solo, as a couple, with family or in a group, guests can choose from Queen, Twin, Triple, Quadruple and Accessible Rooms.
The hotel offers a spacious co-working lounge, a fitness center, and meeting facilities for up to 60 people. Guests who need to work can use the business center as a casual workspace, while the guest lounge provides space to relax, with a microwave and hydration center available for added convenience.
Breakfast is provided by BON Food Service, an established Korean food-service operator with experience in catering and food-service operations. A GS25 convenience store is also scheduled to open at the hotel by the end of October.
Additional facilities include 43 parking spaces, self-service laundry, currency exchange kiosk, and a 24-hour reliable front desk.
Stay Close to Everything
Located in Yeoksam, Gangnam, Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul offers convenient access to Seoul’s business district, cultural landmarks and shopping destinations.
Just 600 meters away, Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs showcase Korea’s royal history, while Bongeunsa Temple, near COEX, offers a glimpse into traditional Buddhist culture.
Business travelers can reach COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, Starfield Mall and Library within 15 minutes by bus or subway. The Gangnam Station Shopping District offers dining, shopping and nightlife, while Lotte World, around 30 minutes away by subway, provides entertainment for families. For fashion, beauty and café culture, guests can explore Garosu-gil and Apgujeong Rodeo.
“Gangnam has so much to offer, from business and shopping to local culture. We’re excited to welcome guests to Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul, offering a comfortable place to unwind and a stay they can trust while enjoying everything the city has to offer,” said Anthony Yoo, Hotel Manager of Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul.
Stay Gold in Gangnam
To celebrate the opening, Stay Gold in Gangnam offers eligible guests booking directly from October 2026 to January 2027 the chance to win a 24K gold bar through the hotel’s Fortune Wheel and enjoy a complimentary Hanbok experience.
Members also enjoy Best Price Guarantee+, up to 5% cashback after their stay, and perks including Early Check-In and Late Check-Out. Sign up for free to unlock these benefits.
The opening marks another milestone in Travelodge Hotels Asia’s regional expansion. Reservations are now open via the official website.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Travelodge Hotels (Asia)
Travelodge Hotels Asia is a fast-growing hotel management and franchise company headquartered in Singapore, with operations across Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand.
With 18 hotels currently in operation and plans to expand to over 50 properties by 2030, the company focuses on delivering value-driven stays in strategic locations. Backed by more than 80 years of global brand heritage, Travelodge offers its signature experience centered on Comfort, Convenience, and Connection.
Project access road geotechnical investigations and detailed engineering advance as Focus progresses critical transportation infrastructure planning
Ottawa, Ontario – Newsfile Corp. – October 15, 2026 – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) (“Focus” or the “Company“), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce the engagement of Construction & Expertise PG (“PG“) to advance geotechnical investigations and detailed engineering for the proposed all-season access road to its flagship Lac Knife Graphite Project (“Lac Knife” or the “Project“) in Quebec.
The engagement marks an important step toward construction readiness and forms part of a broader infrastructure initiative supported by up to C$1,932,750 in combined non-dilutive federal and provincial funding. This includes newly approved non-repayable financial assistance of up to C$554,050 from the Societe du Plan Nord (“SPN“), representing 50% of eligible access road planning and development costs under its Northern Infrastructure Fund in Support of the Mining Sector (Enveloppe nordique d’infrastructures en appui au secteur minier), and previously announced support of up to C$1,378,700 from Natural Resources Canada (“NRCan“) through its First and Last Mile Fund (“FLMF“). The provincial contribution is dedicated exclusively to the access road, while the federal funding supports pre-construction planning for both the road and the electrical infrastructure required to connect Lac Knife to Hydro-Quebec’s power network.
Together, these complementary investments are helping advance the transportation and energy infrastructure necessary for Lac Knife’s development while allowing the Company to preserve capital for its broader project development and advanced materials strategy.
Advancing Lac Knife’s Access Road Toward Construction Readiness
The proposed all-weather gravel access road will connect the Lac Knife Project site to Highway 389, providing reliable year-round access to support future mine construction, personnel transportation, equipment mobilization and the eventual transportation of graphite concentrate. PG’s mandate encompasses geotechnical and geophysical investigations, subsurface characterization, evaluation of construction materials and engineering activities required to advance a construction-ready access road design. Key deliverables will include preliminary and final engineering drawings, technical specifications, a bill of quantities, detailed cost estimates, a construction schedule and tender documents to support future construction planning and procurement.
The program includes:
Approximately eleven (11) kilometres of geophysical investigations using seismic refraction and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), including associated data processing, interpretation and technical reporting.
Approximately sixty (60) geotechnical test pits along the proposed road corridor to characterize subsurface conditions, assess soil and foundation properties, and inform road design requirements.
Reconnaissance and sampling of potential borrow material sources, supported by laboratory testing of foundation soils and construction materials to evaluate their suitability for road construction.
Targeted geotechnical drilling at critical locations along the proposed road corridor, where warranted by field investigation results and subject to additional authorization.
High-resolution drone-based topographic surveys of the proposed road corridor and any revised alignments, to support final engineering design and future construction planning.
Development of geotechnical profiles, pavement design recommendations and associated technical reporting to support detailed road and drainage engineering.
The field investigation program has advanced substantially, generating critical technical data to refine engineering designs, optimize construction requirements and support the next phase of project development.
“Infrastructure is what transforms a mineral resource into a strategic asset,” said Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite. “With PG advancing the technical work required for our access road, we are translating project planning into tangible steps towards construction readiness. The support of the Governments of Québec and Canada allows us to advance this essential infrastructure while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and project development.”
The coordinated advancement of road access and grid connection planning is intended to strengthen Lac Knife’s development readiness, reduce infrastructure-related uncertainty and establish the technical foundation for future construction.
“Support from two levels of government for complementary infrastructure initiatives underscores the strategic importance of advancing Lac Knife,” said Jason Latkowcer, Vice President, Corporate Development of Focus Graphite. “We are systematically removing barriers to development, reducing risk and strengthening Lac Knife’s investment case, while leveraging non-dilutive funding to minimize shareholder dilution.”
Responsible Infrastructure Development
The Lac Knife Project is located on the Nitassinan, the ancestral lands of the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam (“ITUM“). Focus has maintained a collaborative relationship with ITUM since entering into a Pre-Development Agreement in 2014 and continues to advance project planning in collaboration with the community.
The Company’s infrastructure strategy prioritizes the use of existing transportation corridors wherever practical, with the objective of minimizing new environmental disturbance while supporting responsible project development.
The proposed access road and electrical connection are fundamental components of Lac Knife’s long-term development strategy. Together, they are intended to establish reliable year-round access and support the transition toward grid-connected mining and processing operations.
Lac Knife hosts one of North America’s highest-grade natural graphite deposits and serves as the upstream foundation of Focus Graphite’s strategy to establish an integrated advanced graphite materials platform serving battery, defence, nuclear energy and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
Qualified Person
The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Richard Pearce, PE, President of Brasil Insight Capital LLC., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI 43-101.
About Construction & Expertise PG
Construction & Expertise PG Inc. (PG) is an integrated engineering, construction and industrial maintenance company serving the mining and industrial sectors across Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded in 2006, PG has grown to more than 400 employees, with a permanent engineering office and laboratory in Wabush supporting the surrounding mining region. PG’s approach goes beyond traditional consulting and contracting. The company believes successful mining projects are built on strong relationships, trusted partnerships, safe execution and quality work. By bringing engineering, technical services and construction capabilities together under one organization, PG works alongside its clients as a long-term regional partner, from project development and technical investigation through construction and operations.
Focus Graphite is building an integrated graphite platform to supply the industries shaping the future. Through the development of world-class graphite resources, advanced processing technologies and higher-value advanced materials, the Company is positioning itself to support battery, defence, advanced manufacturing and other strategic industries across North America and allied markets.
The platform is anchored by the Company’s two 100%-owned graphite assets in Quebec. Lac Knife is one of North America’s highest-grade feasibility-stage graphite deposits, while Lac Tetepisca is one of the largest identified graphite resources globally. Together with strategic technology partnerships and government-supported innovation initiatives, these assets provide the foundation for a secure, scalable and increasingly integrated graphite supply chain.
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 engagement of Construction & Expertise PG and the anticipated completion of its geotechnical investigations, geophysical surveys, subsurface characterization, engineering studies and detailed road and drainage designs; the anticipated receipt and use of funding from the Société du Plan Nord and Natural Resources Canada’s First and Last Mile Fund; and the completion of planning, engineering, environmental studies, route optimization, permitting and design activities associated with the proposed all-season access road and Hydro-Quebec electrical connection.
Such forward-looking information also includes the advancement of the Lac Knife Graphite Project toward permitting, construction readiness and future development; the anticipated benefits of the proposed access road and related infrastructure planning, including improved year-round access, enhanced project readiness, reduced infrastructure-related development risk and support for future mine construction and operations; and the Company’s ongoing collaboration with Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam (ITUM), including project planning activities and the proposed use of existing transportation corridors wherever practical. Additional forward-looking information includes the Company’s ability to satisfy the terms and conditions of applicable funding agreements and obtain the full amount of committed government support; the timing and outcome of regulatory approvals, permitting processes and future development decisions; the Company’s ability to secure additional financing, government support, strategic partnerships and offtake arrangements; the future construction, development and operation of the Lac Knife Graphite Project; and the Company’s strategy to develop an integrated advanced graphite materials platform serving battery materials, defence, nuclear energy and advanced manufacturing supply chains in North America and allied markets.
The completion of detailed engineering and final infrastructure designs does not constitute authorization to commence construction, which remains subject to applicable permits, regulatory approvals, financing arrangements and future development decisions. The Company anticipates providing further updates, as appropriate, as the project progresses through subsequent design, permitting, financing and contracting phases.
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.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
www.hkpc.org/en
