Category: What’s News Asia

Consumer trust in the four most reputable Asian countries, China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea, has strengthened significantly in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) over the past five years. Western Europe’s reputation in the region has remained stable, but trust in the United States has declined sharply, the Rothman Intelligence Unit’s 2026 Consumer Reputation Index Survey of 12,000 consumers found.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – First compiled in 2021, the Rothman Consumer Reputation Index (CRI) measures how much consumers trust a “country brand”, and how far a product’s “made in” label sways their purchase decisions. Country of origin is a major factor in consumer choices in Central and Eastern Europe: more important than online reviews, or even the product brand itself.

Research from multiple surveys between 2021 and 2023 identified which Asian countries have a positive reputation among Central and Eastern Europe’s roughly 110 million consumers, finding China, Singapore, Japan and South Korea as the most valuable Asian country brands. Since then, the survey has continued tracking how these Asian countries perform compared with their main Western European rivals, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and with the United States, in ten countries of the CEE region: Austria, Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Serbia.

In the first survey, “Made in Germany” had the highest value in all ten countries, with the United States and France also scoring above 7. Since then, Japan has overtaken France and the United States, taking second place behind Germany in most of the countries in the region, and this year it became the most trusted country brand in Poland, as Polish consumers now rate it (7.5) above Germany (7.0), the first time an Asian country has topped a national ranking anywhere in the region.

Japan, however, is far from the biggest winner in terms of improvement. While Japan’s average score has risen by 0.43 points since 2021, trust in China as a country of origin improved by 0.63 points, Singapore’s score rose by 0.66 points, and South Korea’s by 0.72 points over the past five years.

The survey also shows a more mixed picture since 2023 on the regional average, as South Korea and Singapore, the two biggest winners over the five years, and Japan made most of their advance by 2023 and have since consolidated well above their 2021 levels, while China is the only one that has continued to climb. China’s rise mirrors the decline of the United States, which has lost exactly as much as its biggest global rival has gained – 0.63 points. As a result, the average consumer trust gap between China and the United States has narrowed from 2.0 points in 2021 to 0.74 in 2026.

In Austria, all four Asian economies now outscore the United States, and South Korea also edges ahead of the United States in Bulgaria and Slovenia. Singapore’s strongest ground is Central Europe – Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Slovenia, where Singaporean origin scores above 6 and ranks ahead of “Made in China”.

The “Asian four” are the biggest gainers overall since 2021, increasing their average reputation score by 0.61 points, while Germany and France have remained stable, adding 0.13 and 0.16 points to their 2021 scores respectively.

The 2026 results confirm that a product’s country of origin remains a stronger purchase driver in Central and Eastern Europe than the brand itself: 59% of consumers say where a product is made matters to their choice, against 55% for online reviews and 50% for the brand.

Price is still the dominant factor (86%), followed by recommendations from friends and family (64%).

As Zsofia Balatoni, Chief Strategy Officer at Rothman, highlights, “Three years ago our survey already showed that Asia had momentum in Central and Eastern Europe. The 2026 results show the trend has held. Japan now competes with Germany for first place in Poland, China has never been rated higher, and South Korea and Singapore have closed more than half of their gap with America since 2021. Consumers in Central and Eastern Europe buy the country before the brand, and Asia’s country brands are increasingly valued.”
Hashtag: #Rothman #ConsumerReputationIndex #CRI #China #Japan #Singapore #SouthKorea #CEE #Europe #Asia

https://rothmanglobal.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rothmanglobal/

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Methodology

The Rothman Consumer Reputation Index survey, completed by the Rothman Intelligence Unit on 1 September 2026, was conducted in twelve countries, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia, with 1,000 respondents in each country (n = 12,000), representative by age, gender, place of residence and education, using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI; CAPI in Serbia and Montenegro). The margin of error is ±3.2 percentage points for shares and about ±0.2 points for index scores at country level. The Consumer Reputation Index (CRI) records how positively or negatively a product’s country of origin would influence a purchase decision on a scale of 0 to 10. Scores above 5 indicate positive sentiment. Montenegro and North Macedonia were surveyed for the first time in 2026. Regional averages and all comparisons with the 2021 and 2023 waves use the ten countries surveyed in every wave.

About Rothman Intelligence Unit

Rothman Intelligence Unit (formerly Rothman & Roman Intelligence Unit) is a think-tank providing data analysis, research and intelligence about emerging economies, including Central and Eastern Europe, mapping CEE’s economic potential, political landscape and the region’s role in forming EU regulations. Rothman Intelligence Unit is part of Rothman, a strategic communications and advisory firm headquartered in Singapore.

For more information, please visit: www.rothmanglobal.com

Why manufacturers, businesses, brands and policymakers across Asia-Pacific should be in the room as new rules reshape how materials move.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – Companies selling into Europe are about to find out whether their supply chains are ready for the rules. On 21 November, the European Union will ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries, and its new vehicle and packaging regulations will increasingly require recycled content in the products they sell. Just days before, on 16 and 17 November, the Plasticity Forum Kuala Lumpur (KL) 2026 will bring brands, manufacturers, plastic makers, and policymakers to M Hotel in Kuala Lumpur to ask how the region secures the materials it needs and stays competitive as the rules tighten.

Southeast Asia’s supply of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is already feeling the shift. Thailand and Indonesia halted plastic scrap imports in January 2025, and Malaysia has tightened its plastic waste import rules and, since April 2026, banned e-waste imports outright. That material is critical to products destined for the EU. Under the EU’s vehicle rules, new vehicle models must contain at least 15% recycled plastic from 2032, rising to 25% from 2036, and its packaging rules set recycled-content minimums from 2030. Wider eco-design rules are also expected to reach products such as electronics and textiles in the coming years. Manufacturers will need reliable, compliant supply to keep selling into major markets.

“The old model of shipping waste to wherever it is cheapest to process is ending, and the rules are changing faster than many businesses have planned for,” said Mr. Douglas Woodring, Founder of the Plasticity Forum.

“It is the best of times for corporate pledges and the hardest of times for operational reality. You cannot make a product to the new standards if the raw material is locked behind borders or left in landfill. The businesses that start building compliant supply chains now will be the ones still selling into these markets.”

Over two days, the Plasticity Forum KL 2026 will tackle the policy and market questions behind that challenge, from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and investment to consumer demand and the UN Plastics Treaty, with sector sections on electronics, automotive, and food-grade plastics. A candid panel of brands, plastic makers, and recovered plastic suppliers will cover the good, the bad, and what works in practice, and roundtables will feed into a closing session, “From Plasticity 2026 to the World”, gathering the messages delegates want to take to brands, regulators, investors, and the UN.

“Southeast Asia is where this shift is being felt most keenly, and Kuala Lumpur is the right place to work out what comes next. The region has a chance to build higher-value, more resilient circular material systems rather than simply react to new rules,” Mr. Woodring added.

Since its launch at the Rio+20 Earth Summit in 2012, the Plasticity Forum has been staged in 13 cities around the world and returns to Greater Kuala Lumpur, which also hosted the forum in 2018. The Plasticity Forum KL 2026 will take place on 16 and 17 November at M Hotel for anyone with a role in the plastics supply chain who wants to help shape what comes next.

Organisations can take part in Plasticity KL 2026 by attending, by contributing insights and sharing the event with their networks, or by supporting the forum as a sponsor, exhibitor or supporter. For registration and partnership details, visit Plasticity Forum.

https://plasticityforum.regfox.com/plasticity-2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Future-ready infrastructure supports digital learning across 24 schools and approximately 10,000 students

OKINAWA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – ALE International, operating under the trade name Alcatel-Lucent, in collaboration with Rikei and Prostaff, has deployed a future-ready Wi-Fi 7 network for the Okinawa City Board of Education, supporting digital learning across 24 elementary and junior high schools and approximately 10,000 students.

As Japan’s education system prepares for wider adoption of digital learning materials by 2030, school networks will need to support more connected classrooms, higher device density and more flexible teaching models. For the Okinawa City Board of Education, this meant building a resilient and scalable connectivity foundation while simplifying network operations across multiple school sites.

The Okinawa City Board of Education required a high-performance wired and wireless network capable of supporting growing digital learning demands across 24 schools. It also needed centralized visibility and management across both wired and wireless infrastructures, compatibility with existing classroom tools, and reliable wireless performance in environments affected by radio frequency interference from nearby facilities.

Working with Rikei and Prostaff, Alcatel-Lucent designed and implemented a network architecture combining next-generation Wi-Fi 7 access points, high-performance switching and centralized management through OmniVista Network Management Platform. A Proof of Concept was conducted to validate wireless performance, compatibility with existing systems and the ability to operate effectively in complex radio frequency environments.

The deployment provides Okinawa City’s schools with a reliable, high-speed network foundation to support digital learning at scale. The new infrastructure delivers Wi-Fi 7 connectivity across the 6GHz and 5GHz bands, improves responsiveness for digital learning applications and enables more consistent classroom connectivity across all schools. The transition from the previous infrastructure was completed smoothly while maintaining support for existing classroom technologies.

The new network also provides a centralized and scalable operational foundation across all 24 schools. By consolidating visibility and management of the wired and wireless infrastructure, the Okinawa City Board of Education can simplify day-to-day network operations and more efficiently manage the growing number of connected devices and digital learning applications.

“Digital learning only works when the network behind it is reliable,” said Ms. Yuko Shima, Deputy Chief Administrator, Educational Support Center, Instructional Department. “We needed infrastructure that could support today’s classrooms while giving our schools the flexibility to evolve as education becomes more digital. Alcatel-Lucent and its partners understood this requirement and delivered a network foundation that supports both our immediate needs and our long-term goals.”

“Our objective was to help Okinawa City build a high-performance and reliable digital learning environment across all schools,” said Tee Jyh Chong, Senior Vice President Sales & Services, Asia Pacific. “By combining Wi-Fi 7, high-performance switching and centralized management, we are helping the Okinawa City Board of Education simplify operations, strengthen connectivity and prepare for the next phase of digital education.”

Hashtag: #AlcatelLucent

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Alcatel-Lucent

ALE International, operating under the trade name Alcatel-Lucent, is a leading multinational technology company providing networking and communication solutions which enable organizations and industries to accelerate their operational efficiencies and competitiveness. In the Cloud. On Premises. Hybrid. All solutions have built-in security, limited environmental impact and are fully compliant with data protection requirements of organizations and individuals at a national sovereignty and international industry level.

Alcatel-Lucent focuses on three pillars: Environment Sustainability, Social Responsibility, and Corporate Governance, providing technology solutions for the good of the environment, people, and business.

Over 100 years of innovation have made the company a trusted advisor to more than a million customers across the world. With headquarters in France and more than 3,000 business partners worldwide, ALE International achieves an effective global reach with a local focus.

The Alcatel-Lucent name and logo are trademarks of Nokia used under license by ALE.

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About Okinawa City Board of Education

Okinawa City Board of Education is responsible for the operation and development of 24 elementary and junior high schools serving approximately 10,000 students. As part of its commitment to digital transformation in education, the Board continues to invest in modern learning environments that enhance teaching, improve student experiences, and support long-term educational outcomes.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – ESG Symposium 2026 is advancing from a forum for dialogue to regional-level action. Under the theme “ASEAN in Action: Powering Inclusive Green Transition,” the Symposium builds on last year’s proposals to advance three key agendas: Energy Transition, Just Transition and Climate Adaptation. It also links these agendas with Public–Private–People Partnership (4P) collaboration, in order to move approaches from the policy level to implementation in the business sector and local communities, and to bring lessons from Thailand into consideration for adaptation in other ASEAN contexts.

ESG Symposium 2026 is organized as a regional collaboration platform by SCG together with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and partners from all sectors. It connects leaders and experts from government, business, finance, international, organization and academia
to exchange knowledge and practices. It also brings them together to shape responses to ASEAN’s key challenges, namely energy security, adaptation to climate change, and the creation of a green economy and green jobs that distribute opportunities and strengthen the region’s resilience.

Mr. Joe Phelan, Executive Director – Asia Pacific, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), said: “The sustainability transition is linked to competitiveness, security and investment, which presents both a significant challenge and an important opportunity for ASEAN. The key lies in connecting policy, investment, technology and people through collaboration among government, business, the financial sector and communities, in order to drive ASEAN toward sustainable growth over the long term.”

In Thailand, the business sector will play an important role in turning global direction into collective action, particularly by helping SMEs and entrepreneurs in the supply chain adapt and grow alongside the green economy. Dr. Phacharaphot Nuntramas, Krungthai Chief Economist & JSCCIB Economist, noted: “Thailand must use the Green Transition as an opportunity to enhance its competitiveness and attract future investment. The key is end-to-end implementation, creating an inclusive transition in which large businesses help upgrade SMEs in their supply chains so that they can adapt and grow together. In addition, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is ready to carry the proposals from this forum forward through the Reinvent Thailand platform, together with the business sector and other stakeholders.”

Three Key Agendas: From Progress to the Challenges Ahead This year’s discussions build on the proposals from last year, with each agenda reflecting both the progress made and the new challenges that must be advanced jointly. The aim is to develop approaches suited to Thailand’s context and to apply the lessons to other areas and contexts.

1) Energy Transition: Building energy security alongside competitive costs and decarbonization
Last year’s proposals aimed to unlock access to renewable electricity through Third Party Access (TPA), Direct PPA and the reduction of regulatory constraints, so that the private sector could genuinely drive the transition. This year, the discussion moves toward raising the “readiness of the energy system,” including enhancing the capacity and flexibility of the power grid, grid-forming technology, and adjusting the Power Development Plan (PDP) to align with future energy demand. It also looks further ahead to new technologies and energy sources such as Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and biofuels, as well as ASEAN-level cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid. Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan, Research Fellow in Energy Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), proposed establishing an energy system that balances security, competitive costs and decarbonization targets. She recommended accelerating the development of resilient infrastructure and energy systems, increasing the role of solar and bioenergy, upgrading grid infrastructure, developing energy sources, and liberalizing the energy market. This would enable businesses to access clean energy, ensure uninterrupted power transmission and distribution, and support future demand.

2) Just Transition: Enabling SMEs, workers and communities to grow together Last year, SMEs were supported through knowledge and tools such as NZAP and Go Together. This year, additional approaches include Funding Connect and SME Green Transition Plus for industrial SMEs, to help entrepreneurs gain greater access to knowledge, technology, funding and business opportunities.
Mr. Veerachai Monsintorn, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Chairman of Small and Medium Industry Institute and Chairman of Thai-Chinese Economic and Investment Institute, proposed that support for entrepreneurs be tailored to their capacity to adapt, so that assistance is designed to match their needs. He suggested starting with a selected pilot group to create a comprehensive prototype, covering support in knowledge, technology, skills, standards, market access and funding sources through Funding Connect, before distilling lessons and scaling up. The goal is for entrepreneurs, workers and communities to access opportunities from the green economy and grow together.

3) Climate Adaptation: From post-disaster response to advance preparedness Building on last year’s discussion of Water Resilience, this year the focus extends to an AI Simulation Platform for assessing flood risk and infrastructure vulnerability. There are plans to make the platform publicly accessible, and to look further toward ASEAN-level Risk Mapping and Simulation to help prepare for risks from floods, storms and other disasters. Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongsak Suttinon, Head of the Department of Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, proposed shifting from addressing problems after impacts occur to forecasting and reducing risks in advance. He suggested developing a One Water Data Center to integrate water data, forecasting systems and early warning systems together with local communities. This would go alongside investment in dual-use infrastructure that serves both normal and crisis conditions. He also proposed extending water management toward a Water Economy, in order to reduce losses, sustain business continuity, and create economic and social value in local areas.

Mr. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, said: “From the proposals and actions of the past year, we now see clear progress across all three agendas: Energy Transition, Just Transition and Climate Adaptation. The key challenge today is to take what we have learned and done over many years and scale it up more broadly. We have seen that Public–Private–People Partnership, or 4P, can deliver real results: the public sector creates conditions conducive to action, the private sector brings technology and capital to experiment, and the people’s sector participates in defining the needs of each area, which is the Area-Based Approach. Drawing on lessons from Saraburi Province, we should take this 4P model and scale it to other areas, starting by studying the needs and problems of each area while identifying suitable partners, so that lessons can be turned into real action and cooperation can be extended with other countries.

If we can expand this kind of collaboration in a concrete way, it will accelerate change and build a competitive economy while effectively addressing climate change. Most importantly, it will open the way for every sector to grow together.”

Hashtag: #SCG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

New York, New York – Newsfile Corp. – October 7, 2026 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, nuclear fuel cycle capabilities and nuclear transportation solutions, today announced its participation in recent and upcoming investor conferences.

• Inaugural ROTH Emerging Nuclear Technology Conference on October 1^st in New York, NY.
• TD Cowen’s 11th Annual Nuclear Roundtable on October 8^th, held virtually.
  
  • Management will participate in a fireside chat at 2:50 p.m. ET, with the webcast link and a replay available for approximately 30 days on NANO Nuclear’s investor relations website at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/news-events/events.
• 3^rd Annual Daiwa Miami Conference on November 19^th, in Miami, FL.

To request an invitation or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with management at one of the conferences above, please contact your respective investment bank representatives.

About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is a North American advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel supply chain, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services.

Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include the proprietary KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the ZEUS™ system, a portable solid core battery reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™ system, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, bolstered by the May 2026 acquisition of Secured Transportation Services (STS), is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world and provides nuclear engineering and materials transport services in the U.S. and globally. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy.

HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:
Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release and presentations and discussions at the investor conferences described herein, and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management and collaborators in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “explore,” “plans”, “aim,” “goal,” “believes”, “potential”, “future,” “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” or derivations of these words and other words of similar meaning about the future, although forward-looking statements could be denoted by other terms as well. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, risks associated with conditions to closing the asset purchase agreement, which may not be satisfied, including for reasons beyond NANO Nuclear’s control, as well as the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (“CNSC”) or related state or other U.S. or non-U.S nuclear licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complementary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) risks related to our ability to obtain key vendor, technology and customer contracts and the significant funding necessary to execute on our business plan, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the U.S. Department of Energy, and the NRC, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating a developing business a highly regulated, competitive and rapidly evolving industry, including that our plans may change and we may use our cash on hand faster or in different ways than anticipated as our business requires. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – October 7, 2026 – Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) (“Founders” or the “Company”) announces assay results from Upper Antino-Froyo Zone (the “Froyo Zone”) drilling at its Antino Gold Project (“Antino” or the “Project”) in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). Drill hole FR256 returned 54.0 metres (m) of 8.45 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) from 303.0 m, including 24.0 m of 17.42 g/t Au, on a parallel structure approximately 100 m east of the high-grade zone intersected in FR249 (28.0 m of 14.27 g/t Au, announced August 6, 2026) (Figure 2).

Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, “FR256 returned 54.0 metres of 8.45 g/t gold from a second, parallel structure 100 metres east of FR249, where we hit 28.0 metres of 14.27 g/t gold in August. Lower in the same hole, FR256 also extended the FR249 zone down-dip. These results reinforce the scale and high-grade potential of the gold system at Upper Antino. Our drilling continues to identify new structures and extend known zones at depth, and the system remains open. We look forward to further defining its extent through our ongoing step-out program for the balance of 2026.”

Highlights

• Second, parallel high-grade structure: 54.0 m of 8.45 g/t Au from 303.0 m (~275 m vertical), including 24.0 m of 17.42 g/t Au (FR256), approximately 100 m across strike to the east of the previously released 28.0 m of 14.27 g/t Au (FR249; Figure 2)
• FR249 zone extended approximately 75 m down-dip: 11.0 m of 3.59 g/t Au from 464.0 m (~420 m vertical) (FR256; Figure 3)
• Gold mineralization near surface: 16.5 m of 4.21 g/t Au from 30.6 m (FR264; Figure 3)
• Drilling ongoing: 16 holes totalling 5,809 m are reported in this release, and step-out drilling on both structures is planned for the remainder of 2026

Drilling at Upper Antino continues to step out along and across strike, testing for parallel structures and the down-dip extent of the gold-bearing shear zones that define the target. FR256 intersected 54.0 m of 8.45 g/t Au from 303.0 m within a second, parallel structure approximately 100 m across strike to the east of the previously reported 28.0 m of 14.27 g/t Au in FR249. Deeper in the same hole, FR256 returned 11.0 m of 3.59 g/t Au from 464.0 m, extending the FR249 zone approximately 75 m down-dip. As elsewhere at the Froyo Zone, the gold is hosted in steeply dipping, northwest-trending shears and is associated with quartz-carbonate veining, pervasive sericite alteration and pyrite plus pyrrhotite. FR252, drilled from the same pad as FR256, intersected multiple gold-bearing shears, returning 4.0 m of 10.22 g/t Au from 291.0 m, 14.0 m of 1.41 g/t Au from 319.0 m and 14.0 m of 4.22 g/t Au from 401.0 m.

Shallow drilling has also intersected mineralization up-dip within the oxide profile: FR264 returned 16.5 m of 4.21 g/t Au from 30.6 m (Figure 3). The Froyo Zone remains open along strike and at depth, and the Company will complete follow-up drilling over the remainder of 2026.

Stock Options and RSU Grant
The Company also announces that, pursuant to its Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), it has granted a total of 115,000 stock options (“Options”) and 74,725 restricted share units (“RSUs”) to officers and employees of the Company. The Options are exercisable at a price of C$8.20 per share and expire five years from the date of grant. The Options and 43,375 of the RSUs vest over a period of three years, with one-third vesting on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries from the date of grant. The remaining 31,350 RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

About Founders Metals Inc.
Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company owns a 100% royalty-free interest in the Antino Gold Project, a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package representing the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the Guiana Shield. Founders is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector and is backed by a strategic investment from Gold Fields Limited. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname’s next major gold camp.

Figure 1: Antino Gold Project Property Map¹

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/317828_3dab24c1f4c1fa2f_001full.jpg

¹ Results shown in Figure 1 were previously disclosed by the Company in news releases dated August 24, 2023; July 22, 2024; September 24, 2024; November 7, 2024; December 11, 2024; February 20, 2025; April 23, 2025; June 23, 2025; June 24, 2025; December 11, 2025; January 22, 2026; April 2, 2026; April 30, 2026; June 23, 2026; July 15, 2026; August 6, 2026; and September 9, 2026, each available on the Company’s website and under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Figure 2: Upper Antino Plan Map²

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/317828_3dab24c1f4c1fa2f_002full.jpg

² Results shown in Figure 2 were previously disclosed by the Company in news releases dated December 7, 2023; December 21, 2023; July 22, 2024; August 6, 2026; and September 9, 2026, each available on the Company’s website and under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Figure 3: Upper Antino-Froyo Zone Section³

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/317828_3dab24c1f4c1fa2f_003full.jpg

³ Results shown in Figure 3 were previously disclosed by the Company in news releases dated November 30, 2023; December 21, 2023; June 27, 2024; and August 6, 2026, each available on the Company’s website and under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Table 1: Upper Antino-Froyo Zone Assay Results

Drillhole	From (m)	To (m)	Interval (m)	Au (g/t)
FR271	0.00	17.10	17.10	0.32
and	91.00	93.00	2.00	3.21
and	134.00	144.00	10.00	0.67
and	264.00	267.00	3.00	1.47
FR270	NSA
FR269	346.00	372.00	26.00	0.64
incl.	355.00	361.00	6.00	1.79
and	396.00	405.00	9.00	0.94
FR268	NSA
FR265	36.60	46.00	9.40	1.53
FR264	30.60	47.10	16.50	4.21
FR262	32.10	45.60	13.50	0.97
FR261	44.10	51.60	7.50	0.77
and	324.00	332.00	8.00	0.47
and	354.00	361.00	7.00	0.55
and	366.00	376.00	10.00	0.93
and	428.00	434.00	6.00	0.81
and	462.00	473.00	11.00	0.53
FR258	0.00	9.60	9.60	0.55
and	122.00	134.00	12.00	1.36
and	322.00	332.00	10.00	0.48
FR256	303.00	357.00	54.00	8.45
incl.	324.00	348.00	24.00	17.42
and	464.00	475.00	11.00	3.59
and	697.00	702.00	5.00	0.78
FR255	128.00	134.00	6.00	0.57
and	181.00	192.00	11.00	0.50
FR252	44.10	54.60	10.50	0.80
and	291.00	295.00	4.00	10.22
and	319.00	333.00	14.00	1.41
and	401.00	415.00	14.00	4.22
and	421.00	430.00	9.00	2.43
FR244	0.00	21.60	21.60	0.58
incl.	11.10	17.10	6.00	1.50
and	96.00	100.00	4.00	1.02
FR237	0.00	6.60	6.60	0.58
and	15.60	26.10	10.50	0.50
and	32.10	44.10	12.00	0.53
and	72.60	76.00	3.40	1.21
and	103.00	114.00	11.00	0.84
and	192.00	202.00	10.00	0.31
FR235	NSA
FR233	38.10	47.00	8.90	0.83
and	346.00	352.00	6.00	0.53

Intervals are down-hole core lengths. True widths of mineralization are estimated to be approximately 75% of the down-hole interval based on currently available results and observations. All are diamond drill holes. Interval average grades are calculated with uncapped gold assays, as insufficient drilling has been completed to determine capping levels for higher-grade gold intercepts. Widths are calculated using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off grade with <5.0 m of internal dilution of zero grade material, and a minimum composite length of 2.0 m. Intervals below 3.0 gram-metres are omitted. NSA means No Significant Assays.

Table 2: Upper Antino-Froyo Zone Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Elevation (m)	Azimuth (°)	Dip (°)	Depth (m)
FR271	817133.60	401298.20	191.27	249.99	-50.23	339.50
FR270	816643.33	402463.00	187.74	260.00	-50.21	254.00
FR269	816784.50	401904.50	175.41	80.05	-54.98	413.00
FR268	816730.00	402473.00	201.16	260.13	-50.42	200.00
FR265	816916.50	401088.00	170.76	240.04	-50.29	110.00
FR264	816940.50	401043.00	168.65	240.09	-50.25	101.00
FR262	816925.50	401067.00	166.12	240.15	-50.35	101.00
FR261	817448.00	400915.00	199.00	240.12	-60.31	599.00
FR258	817438.00	400824.00	204.61	240.00	-70.19	386.10
FR256	817358.67	401106.00	168.57	260.00	-65.00	761.00
FR255	817480.67	400751.58	214.81	240.21	-55.10	260.01
FR252	817358.59	401105.90	168.57	260.25	-55.35	595.91
FR244	817203.33	400976.00	155.00	245.00	-55.00	401.00
FR237	817248.33	400940.33	169.44	240.00	-65.00	392.05
FR235	816655.33	400879.00	226.38	270.00	-50.00	290.00
FR233	817233.33	401230.67	150.10	250.00	-60.00	605.00

Coordinates are reported in WGS 84 / UTM Zone 21N.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Per: “Colin Padget”
Colin Padget
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Contact Information
Costner Morrison, Director, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 604 404 9413 | costnerm@fdrmetals.com

Katie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate Development
Tel: +1 604 712 1790 | katiem@fdrmetals.com

Quality Assurance and Control
Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 10.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA/QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Diamond drill core is HQ diameter through oxide intervals and predominantly NQ diameter in deeper drilling. All samples are half core, split using a diamond saw.

Qualified Persons
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding true-width estimates, the interpretation of drill hole FR256 intersecting a parallel structure, mineralization remaining open and the potential for further mineralization expansion, planned follow-up drilling, the grant of Options and vesting and exercise thereof, long-term value creation and the Company’s prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; the risk that additional drilling does not confirm the geological interpretation described herein; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – Hong Kong has again been rated as the world’s freest economy, according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report, published on October 6 by the Canada-based Fraser Institute. Hong Kong remained top among 165 jurisdictions worldwide with Switzerland in second place.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomed the latest report, noting that, among the five areas of assessment, the city continued to be ranked first globally in “Freedom to trade internationally” and second in “Regulation”.

“The Fraser Institute’s report once again affirms Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy and its open, efficient and fair business environment,” a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said. “Amid increasing global economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining its free port status, zero-tariff policy, and simple and low tax regime, providing a secure, stable, fair, predictable and internationalised business and investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.”

“One country, two systems” advantages

The HKSAR Government highlighted that, under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the Chinese Mainland and maintains close connections with the rest of the world.

“While offering convenient access to both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong continues to practise common law in both Chinese and English,” the spokesman said. “It also offers financial, shipping, trading and professional services that align seamlessly with international best standards, supported by an efficient government structure and a clean and professional civil service.”

These strengths enable Hong Kong to fully leverage its roles and functions as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, making it the best gateway for Mainland enterprises to enter international markets and for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland.

Attracting investment and talent

So far this year, Hong Kong has continued to scale new heights in various international competitiveness rankings covering finance, innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent, reflecting wide recognition by the international community of Hong Kong’s core strengths and the HKSAR Government’s efforts to promote high-quality social and economic development.

Indeed, Hong Kong’s favourable business and living environment, coupled with the proactive and concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community, continues to attract enterprises and talent from around the world.

Last year, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland exceeded 11,000, an increase of 11 per cent over 2024 and a record high.

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), established by the HKSAR Government in 2022, has successfully attracted over 120 strategic enterprises to date, including many global industry leaders with a market capitalisation or valuation exceeding $100 billion and possessing cutting-edge technologies.

On talent attraction, from end-2022 to August this year, over 670,000 applications were received and over 470,000 were approved under various talent admission schemes, with more than 310,000 individuals having arrived in Hong Kong.

Over the past year, Hong Kong recorded considerable growth in funds raised through initial public offerings, bank deposits and assets under management in the asset and wealth management business, reflecting international investors’ confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong.

Looking ahead

Last month, the HKSAR’s Chief Executive, John Lee, announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the 2026 Policy Address.

Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan states that Hong Kong will remain committed to a free and open economic system and the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, all of which are Hong Kong’s core strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework.

“These efforts will inject stronger impetus into social and economic development, open up broader development prospects for local enterprises and the public, and provide greater opportunities for enterprises, investors and talent worldwide,” the spokesman said.

Hashtag: #HongKong #Freest #Economy #Investment #Talent

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – IX Asia Indexes Company Limited (“IX” or the “Company”) today announced that it has discontinued the real-time dissemination all of its ixCrypto Indexes. This follows the Company’s corporate announcement on 24 September 2026 on “Index Dissemination Security Protection”. The real-time service, currently available on Bloomberg and through Nasdaq to global vendors, has ceased from 18 September 2026 for Nasdaq and 6 October 2026 for Bloomberg and official website. The decision is made after serious rescues of the real time dissemination with the cloud service providers, but situation is still not under control at satisfactory level. IX decided to step back and review current AI environment used by hackers before deciding to resume real time dissemination in the future. The matter will be discussed in the quarterly index review with index advisory committee on 15 October 2026.

The ixCrypto Indexes were among the first world market indexes to provide a true and fair representation of crypto market player distribution and performance, built on the foundation of rigorous governance and a rules-based, transparent methodology. The indexes were designed to meet institutional standards of index construction, distinguishing them from many of the less transparent benchmarks that have characterized the digital asset space.

“From the outset, we insisted on a high level of governance in constructing the ixCrypto Indexes, and we are proud to have been one of the first index families globally to deliver a true and fair picture of the crypto market’s player distribution and performance,” said Irene Wong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IX Asia Indexes. “While we are discontinuing real-time dissemination, our commitment to the digital asset community remains. We will continue to provide day-end index values and to conduct our quarterly index reviews, ensuring that market participants retain access to a reliable, governed benchmark for the crypto asset class.”

We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Should you have any questions, please contact us on enquiry@ix-index.com.

About IX Asia Indexes and IX Asia Index Advisory Committee
IX Capital International Limited is an award-winning index and investment advisory company. The index business arm- IX Asia Indexes, providing real-time digital asset and innovative indexes, disseminated 24×7 globally and built on robust infrastructure. Since the launch of the first crypto benchmark index (“IXCI”) launched in Hong Kong in December 2018, the ixCrypto index series expand into 29 indexes designed for exchange futures products, mark-to-market, and fund managers’ portfolio construction purposes. To ensure the professionality and impartiality of the index methodologies and operations, IX Asia Indexes has established its index advisory committee with representation from different industries, including fund management, exchanges, brokerage, financial blockchain experts, crypto service providers, etc. The committee will meet quarterly a year to discuss matters relating to the IX Asia Indexes, including to review and to comment the data sources, methodologies, and operations of IX Asia Indexes, to provide guidance to the future development of new IX Asia Indexes and to handle other issues and decisions on an as-needed basis.

IX Asia Indexes was awarded the Fintech Award (wealth investment and management) 2019 and 2021 organised by ETNet. It as well won an award for Startup of the Year and Basic Technology (Big Data) from Hong Kong Fintech Impetus Awards 2022 by Metro Broadcast and KPMG. It also won Asia Pacific Enterprise Achievement Award 2024 by Echolade. IX Asia Indexes completed its IOSCO compliance statement and obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2022 UKAS certification.

Website: https://ix-index.com/
Advisory Committee: https://ix-index.com/committee.html

About IX Crypto Indexes
The ixCrypto index (“IXCI”) is the first crypto index launched in Hong Kong. It was launched on 12 December 2018. It is denominated in USD with a base value of 1000 and a base date on 3 December 2018. Designed to be easy to understand while providing a good representation of the crypto market, ixCrypto index aims to cover the top 80% of the cumulative free-float adjusted market capitalization in the crypto universe and, at the same time, the crypto currencies should fall within the top liquid cryptos ranked by trading volume in the 90 days preceding the review date. The index is to be reviewed quarterly and with a fast entry rule. Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. Real time index data together with ixBitcoin Index and ixEthereum Index can be obtained from IX Asia Indexes Data Services and Bloomberg terminal on IXCI <GO>. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI”, “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged.

ixCrypto Index is first disseminated every 1-hour in May 2020. In November the same year, the dissemination is upgraded to every 15- second and made available to the world via the Nasdaq Global Index Data Service. In March 2021, ixBitcoin Index (“IXBI”) and ixEthereum Index (“IXEI”) are launched, and together with IXCI, are available to the world via Nasdaq. In April 2022, the index dissemination upgraded to every 5-second interval and made 24×7 since 23 June 2022. On 23 July 2024, a separate direct connection with Bloomberg is established to allow Bloomberg real time subscription with 10 indexes. Today, over 26 real-time indexes are available to customers on the IX Crypto Index API subscription and Bloomberg subscription. For free delayed IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) and most major information vendors.

The vendor tickers are shown below:

Index Name	Bloomberg Ticker		NASDAQ	Reuters Ticker
	Real-time	Delayed
ixCrypto Index	IXCI	IXCI2	.IXCI	.IXCI
ixBitcoin Index	IXCBI	IXCBI2	.IXBI	.IXBI1
ixEthereum Index	IXCEI	IXCEI2	.IXEI	.IXEI1

For further information about ixCrypto Index and other available indexes including IX Crypto spot price index series, please visit company official webpage https://ix-index.com.

Hashtag: #IXAsiaIndexes #ixCryptoIndexes

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – Azbil Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 6845) announces that it will participate as a Platinum Partner at Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC 2026 (hereinafter “ITAP”), taking place from 21 – 22 October 2026, at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore.

Leveraging HANNOVER MESSE’s expertise, ITAP 2026 is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. Under the theme “Transform Tomorrow Today,” this year’s edition addresses a critical shift across regional manufacturing: accelerating the adoption and commercial deployment of digital technologies to drive productivity, resilience, and sustainable growth.

At ITAP, Azbil will showcase its theme, “Automation Solutions Driving Evolution and Co-Creation,” demonstrating how its solutions help customers turn operational data into actionable insights, optimize performance, and address evolving industry challenges. As a trusted automation partner, Azbil looks forward to engaging with manufacturers, facility operators, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore new opportunities for innovation.

Guided by its Purpose, “Expanding Technological Frontiers, Unlocking Human Potential,” Azbil will continue to create new value through its advanced measurement, control, and automation technologies and through co-creation with customers and partners, contributing to more reliable, efficient, and sustainable industrial operations.

Event Overview

Event	Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC 2026
Dates	21 – 22 October 2026
Location	Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore Hall 406, Booth B3
Registration	Registration site (Free registration for Visitor Pass)
Product Showcase	Advanced automation Control Valve 6000 Series: Engineered for optimal flow control performance, the Control Valve 6000 Series provides precise and stable control for industrial processes. Designed for reliability and efficiency, it helps plants maintain consistent performance while supporting safe and sustainable operations. we.ble™: we.ble is Azbil’s unified brand for Next-Gen Solution for plants and factories. By bringing together Azbil’s applications and services, it enables more seamless use of data and closer integration across operations. Through collaboration and co-creation with customers and partners, Azbil aims to support safe, stable, and efficient operations. Building automation Intelligent Building Management System (IBMS): An open and scalable platform that integrates, monitors, and controls multiple building systems through a unified interface. It provides operational insights that support efficient facility management and efforts to improve Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

For details, please visit the following website.

• https://www.azbil.com/corporate/seminar/back_index.html

* Posted information is accurate as of the date of announcement.

Hashtag: #Azbil #ITAP

https://www.azbil.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/azbil-southeast-asia-and-india/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Azbil Corporation

Azbil Corporation, formerly known as Yamatake Corporation, is a leading company in building and industrial automation, using its measurement and control technologies to provide customers with high value-added solutions to make their operations more efficient and sustainable. Founded in 1906, the Azbil Group consists of 30 companies and operates in 16 countries, providing cutting-edge solutions and services to meet the diverse needs of its global customers. As of March 31, 2026, the Azbil Group employed about 9,000 people worldwide and generated JPY 298.9 billion in revenue. To learn more about Azbil Corporation and its solutions, please visit Azbil’s website at https://www.azbil.com.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – The World Green Organisation (WGO) successfully hosted the Sustainable Finance & Climate Innovation Exchange 2026 (ESG XCHANGE 2026) on 9 September 2026 as part of the Hong Kong Green Week 2026 event series, bringing together more than 100 senior executives, industry experts and professionals from banking, investment, insurance, real estate, technology, artificial intelligence, GreenTech, ESG and sustainability, professional services and other sectors.

The event was supported by AWS Hong Kong as Event Partner and BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited as Strategic Partner, with Hong Kong Institute of Circular Economy and Cantabrigian Consulting Limited serving as Supporting Organisations.

The event featured a distinguished line-up of senior leaders and experts from the financial, technology, GreenTech, business and social impact sectors to exchange perspectives on the future of sustainable transformation., including:

• Mr. Ronald Young, Head of Sustainable Banking Development, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
• Dr. William Yu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, World Green Organisation
• Mr. Chris So, Managing Director, AWS Hong Kong
• Mr. Terry Yung, Chief Investment Officer, BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited
• Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited
• Mr. Eugene Li, Head of Outsourcing, GBA NATC Director, IBM
• Mr. Ronald Cheung, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifewood Data Technology Ltd.
• Ms. Annie Cheung, Executive Director and CEO, Peoplebank Hong Kong Limited
• Mr. Peter Wong, Deputy CEO, Dialogue-in-the-Dark HK Foundation
• Mr. Angus Chan, Senior Manager, GreenTech, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
• Mr. Arthur Lam, Co-founder and CEO, Negawatt Utility Limited
• Mr. Terence Chow, Senior Generative AI Go-To-Market Specialist, AWS
• Mr. Eric Chau, Enterprise Partner Success Strategist, AWS

From Sustainable Finance to Climate and Technology Innovation

The forum explored how capital, technology, innovation and people can work together to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy. Speakers shared practical experience and forward-looking perspectives across sustainable finance, GreenTech, artificial intelligence, ESG innovation, talent development, accessibility and social impact.

A keynote presentation by Mr. Ronald Young, Head of Sustainable Banking Development at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, highlighted key initiatives advancing sustainable finance in Hong Kong. Mr. Terry Yung, Chief Investment Officer of BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited, shared an investment perspective on sustainable transformation, while Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of BOC Life, highlighted the role of corporate engagement, strategic partnerships and innovation support in advancing ESG solutions and creating wider societal value.

The discussions reinforced Hong Kong’s role in international finance, technology and innovation, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in turning ESG strategies into measurable business, climate and societal value.

AI as an Enabler of Sustainable Transformation

Artificial intelligence emerged as a key theme throughout the event, with speakers examining how AI and data technologies can support ESG decision-making, improve operational efficiency, strengthen climate and sustainability intelligence, and accelerate innovation across industries.

At the same time, discussions also highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption, workforce reskilling, accessibility and social inclusion, ensuring that technological advancement creates broader opportunities for businesses and society.

Turning ESG Strategy into Real-World Impact

Speaking at the event, Dr. William Yu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the World Green Organisation, highlighted that sustainable transformation requires the collective participation of finance, technology, business and society.

The future of ESG transformation will increasingly depend on how effectively organisations combine finance, technology, AI, human capability and cross-sector collaboration to create measurable business, climate and societal value.

WGO will continue to develop the ESG XCHANGE series as a platform to connect different sectors, promote practical partnerships and translate ESG strategies into business value, climate impact and societal value.

Hashtag: #WGO

https://www.thewgo.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-green-organisation
https://www.facebook.com/worldgreenorganisation
https://www.instagram.com/worldgreenorganisation/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About World Green Organisation

The World Green Organisation (WGO) is an independent non-governmental organisation concerned with environmental conservation and environmentally related livelihood and economic affairs. It provides a holistic approach to a fully integrated three-pronged solution that combines social, environmental and economic dimensions for a paradigm shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways.