SINGAPORE, May 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Choosing from the many Credit Cards available in Singapore can feel overwhelming, especially when each option highlights different rewards, fees, and benefits. A card that aligns with your lifestyle can help you manage expenses better while offering value through rewards, convenience, and flexibility. Whether your spending leans towards dining, travel, shopping, or daily essentials, understanding a few key factors can help narrow down choices that match how you live and spend.Here are some important factors that can help you evaluate Credit Cards based on real lifestyle needs rather than just promotional offers.1. Understand your monthly spending patternsBefore comparing Credit Cards, it can help to look closely at where your money usually goes each month. Some Singaporeans may opt to spend on dining and food delivery, while others may prioritise groceries, transport, or online shopping. Identifying these patterns can help you shortlist Credit Cards that reward the categories you use most often. This approach can make rewards feel more relevant, rather than spread across benefits you rarely use.2. Evaluate rewards structure and earning ratesCredit Cards offer rewards in different forms, such as cashback, reward points, or air miles, and each structure suits different spending habits. Cashback Cards may appeal to those who prefer straightforward savings, such as earning rebates on eligible categories, often capped at a monthly limit. Rewards or miles cards may suit frequent travellers or shoppers who enjoy redeeming points later.It's also worth checking the base earn rate, which is what you earn on regular spending, and the bonus earn rates offered for certain categories like dining, travel, or online shopping. Many cards also set bonus caps, meaning the higher rewards only apply up to a certain amount of spending each month. Understanding these details can help you see how much you can realistically earn based on your usual spending.3. Consider annual fees versus actual benefitsAnnual fees for Credit Cards in Singapore can range from around SGD 150 to over SGD 500. Some premium cards offer perks such as lounge access, dining privileges, or travel insurance. However, these additional benefits provide better value if you use them often enough to offset the higher fee. Many cards also provide fee waivers for the first year, which can help users test whether the card fits their lifestyle. Comparing the annual fee against how realistically you will use the perks can help determine whether the overall value feels balanced for your spending habits.4. Assess eligibility and income requirementsIn Singapore, most Credit Cards have minimum annual income requirements, usually starting from SGD 30,000 for citizens and permanent residents, and higher for foreigners. Premium cards may require annual incomes of SGD 120,000 or more. Understanding eligibility early can help avoid unnecessary applications and credit checks. Choosing a card aligned with your income range can also help ensure smoother approval and manageable credit limits that fit comfortably within your financial situation.5. Review interest rates and repayment flexibilityWhile Credit Cards can offer convenience and rewards, interest rates in Singapore often range between 25% and 28% per annum if balances are not paid in full. Some cards offer repayment features, such as instalment plans that split larger purchases into smaller monthly payments, or balance transfer options that can help consolidate existing credit card outstanding balances at a lower interest rate for a promotional period. Looking at repayment features, interest calculations, and payment flexibility can help support responsible usage, especially during months with higher expenses or unexpected costs.6. Check overseas usage and foreign currency feesFor those who travel or shop internationally, foreign currency transaction fees are an important consideration. Most Credit Cards in Singapore charge around 3.25% on overseas transactions. Some travel-focused cards may offer lower fees or even 0% FX fees on eligible transactions, while others may provide higher miles earn rates for foreign spend. Evaluating how often international spending occurs can help decide whether such features can add value or if a general-purpose card works just as well.Final thoughtsChoosing the right Credit Card is less about chasing the biggest offer and more about finding a match for your lifestyle and spending habits. By considering rewards, fees, perks, and usability through a practical lens, Credit Cards can become a supportive financial tool rather than a confusing product. Taking time to compare options thoughtfully can help ensure the card you select continues to add value as your lifestyle evolves.Disclaimer: This content is published by iQuanti Singapore Pte. Ltd., an external marketer engaged and compensated by UOB Ltd.Contact Information:Name: Sonakshi MurzeEmail: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.comJob Title: ManagerSOURCE: iQuanti Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Representatives from More Than 40 Countries Discuss New Models of Global Growth in Moscow
MOSCOW, May 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 2nd Open Dialogue "The Future of the World: A New Platform for Global Growth" took place in Russia, bringing together experts and young researchers from more than 40 countries who proposed ideas on the development of the economy, technology, education, and the environment. The key unifying principle of the event was a focus on people, international cooperation, and the search for new models of global growth through dialogue and the practical implementation of ideas. The large-scale three-day program at the Russia National Centre has concluded, combining expert discussions, presentations by authors of the best essays from around the world, and informal communication with experts.According to the official remarks, the Open Dialogue has achieved a global footprint that covers the entire planet."Experts, business leaders, and researchers from 120 countries took part in the essay and creative works competition, including representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, North and South America. All authors and researchers, with diverse experiences and perspectives, were united by a strong and bold idea: to form a shared understanding of the future — the future of a world entering an era of profound structural change. It is evident that no country can develop in isolation, at the expense of other states or to their detriment. Furthermore, modern global challenges require a joint response and collective efforts. This means that the model of global development will be sustainable and fair only if it is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, and takes into account the interests of all countries," the honorary guest of the event stated.According to the Russian leader, a multipolar architecture of global development is being formed before our eyes. Within it, an important role is played by states that understand and value national sovereignty.The results of the large-scale event were summarized by Russian economist Maxim Oreshkin: "Russia, in a number of areas, is an advanced country in terms of the development of digital platform solutions. Our approach is one of joint development. When Russian digital platforms enter other countries' markets, they bring data localization, local partner involvement, training for local personnel, and the development of their own competencies in platform solution development. Russia comes to develop together, not to collect colonial rent from countries that lack access to technological solutions. We are in favor of developing together."Maxim Oreshkin noted that the reach of the Open Dialogue will continue to grow each year. According to him, significant attention is being paid to the stage of implementing the ideas proposed in the essays. A mentorship format has been introduced — Russian businesses and international companies are beginning to work with essayists, involve them in their projects, and help bring their ideas to life.At the 2nd Open Dialogue, the best essay authors were identified in four areas: "Investing in People," "Investing in Connectivity," "Investing in Technology," and "Investing in the Environment."The winner in the "Investing in Technology" track was Aya Arfaoui, a student of Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. She raised the issue of the digital sovereignty of developing countries. According to her, international institutions do not provide sufficient influence in regulating the digital space.Solomon Gardie, a postgraduate student at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, became the winner in the "Investing in Connectivity" track. His essay focused on connectivity and the mobility of sovereign data. He proposed a system in which data is processed and anonymized before cross-border transfer, and only in this form can it be used for the common good. He also noted that, within cooperation in the BRICS+ framework, one of the first areas could be healthcare, particularly epidemiological monitoring and disease control.In the "Investing in the Environment" track, the winner was Soumya Bhowmick, a research fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (India). In his presentation, he stated that for almost 100 years, the world has focused on measuring GDP, which does not reflect a country's real wealth.The winner of the "Investing in People" track was Lubinda Haabazoka from Zambia. In his speech, he noted that for real convergence among countries of the Global South, not only declarations of multipolarity are needed, but also practical changes in key systems of interaction — primarily in education, which directly affects opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange.The future should be built around the individual, their health, agency, and a long, meaningful life, rather than around technologies and outdated systems, believes Dr. Selina Neri, co-founder, CEO, and dean of Future Readiness Academy (UAE), and an expert of the 2nd Open Dialogue in the "Investing in People" track. According to her, this requires new approaches to education, work, and technology development that focus on human flourishing, sovereignty, and the practical implementation of ideas rather than copying ineffective models.More than 1,600 authors from all continents submitted their works to participate in the 2nd Open Dialogue. Seventy-five essay authors hold academic degrees. The conclusions drawn from the discussions will be reviewed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and will be reflected in its business program. Essayists and experts will also be engaged in activities within the BRICS platform and involved in preparations for the Russia–Africa Summit.Social LinksTelegram: https://t.me/gowithRussiaMedia ContactsBrand: Russia National CentreContact: Media teamEmail: pressa@russia.ruWebsite: https://en.russia.ru Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Robert Kiyosaki Cautions That a 2026 Market Crash Might Escalate Into a Depression
(AsiaGameHub) - Robert Kiyosaki has reiterated his warning that a significant market downturn may occur in 2026 or 2027, advising that investors who are ready should focus on acquiring solid assets at discounted prices rather than panicking. Good to Know Kiyosaki says a “giant crash” could arrive in 2026 or 2027. He has repeatedly named Bitcoin, gold and silver as assets he prefers over fiat money. His latest warning frames falling markets as a chance for prepared investors, not a reason to freeze. Kiyosaki Sees A Crash As A Buying Window According to Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," the next economic downturn could be so serious that it mirrors a depression. In an April post on X, he informed his followers that his intention is to leverage a potential 2026-2027 crash to purchase assets at reduced costs instead of retreating. He wrote: “In coming giant crash of 2026-27… I plan on growing richer not poorer. I wish the same for you.” Kiyosaki connected this perspective to previous market collapses, noting that his wealth increased during the crashes of 1987, 2000, 2008, 2015, 2019, and 2022. His argument was not that crashes are comfortable, but that declining prices offer investors with available cash an opportunity to buy desired assets at more affordable levels.He also wrote: “In a crash, recession, and depression, great assets go on sale. Get richer by purchasing assets on sale.” This concept requires some caution for those new to Bitcoin. While a declining market can offer lower entry points, prices may also continue to fall for an extended period. No forecast should be considered a certainty, regardless of the source's prominence in finance. Much of Kiyosaki's recent analysis is centered on his concept of an “Everything Bubble.” He contends that high levels of debt, lenient monetary policies, and diminishing confidence in fiat currencies have made stocks, real estate, pensions, and government-supported systems vulnerable. He cautioned just six months ago that this “Everything Bubble” might burst imminently. This rationale clarifies his frequent endorsement of Bitcoin, gold, and silver. Bitcoin differs from corporate stocks or real estate due to its predetermined supply limit and its independence from a central bank for issuance. In Kiyosaki's view, this positions it as a long-term safeguard against currency devaluation and over-leveraged financial systems.However, Bitcoin remains a volatile asset. A market crash can depress Bitcoin's value along with other risky investments, particularly when investors are liquidating holdings for cash. Therefore, a measured strategy is preferable to a reactive one. Investors with conviction in Bitcoin typically employ tactics like making smaller, consistent purchases, maintaining cash reserves, and refraining from using borrowed funds to invest during price declines. Kiyosaki's point that lower prices can benefit prepared investors may be valid. However, the more prudent lesson is straightforward: establish a plan before market conditions deteriorate, understand your reasons for holding an asset, and never base a Bitcoin investment strategy solely on fear. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Spelinspektionen Introduces Stricter Spelpaus Checks Starting From August
(AsiaGameHub) - Swedish gambling operators will be subject to more stringent technical regulations for Spelpaus starting August 1, 2026, following Spelinspektionen’s approval of new self-exclusion check standards. Good to Know Spelinspektionen approved the new rules on April 23 and published them on April 29. Licensed operators must utilize unique Actor ID and API Key credentials. Operators remain accountable for compliance, even when third-party vendors handle checks. Updated API Regulations Define Clearer Spelpaus Responsibilities Sweden is tightening controls on how gambling operators connect to Spelpaus, the national self-exclusion register used across the regulated market. Under the new rules, every licence holder will receive a unique Actor ID and API Key. Operators must use these credentials whenever they verify if a player has self-excluded from gambling. The system will apply to registration, login, and direct marketing processes. Spelinspektionen has also separated technical pathways. Operators must use a login API for player registration and login checks, while direct marketing checks must go through a dedicated marketing API. A check is only considered complete once it clearly confirms whether the person is listed in the self-exclusion register.The rules also clarify one key point: the licence holder remains responsible. Operators can use third-party service providers for technical checks, but they cannot transfer compliance duties. The assigned Actor ID and API Key must stay in use at all times. Spelpaus became part of the Swedish gambling market after the 2019 regulatory reform. Licensed operators must block users who have self-excluded, with exclusion options of one month, three months, six months, 12 months, or longer. The register received updates in 2023, including easier access to gambling harm guidance and an option for players to extend their exclusion period. However, some integration details are still missing. The new regulations set the broader technical framework but do not yet include full API specifications, response formats, or service performance standards. Operators will need these details for final integration planning.Spelpaus also faced scrutiny last year after a documentary alleged a data breach. Spelinspektionen rejected the claim and stated the information remained encrypted. A spokesperson said at the time: “There is no information about whether the self-excluded person is addicted to gambling or not.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Rush Street Interactive Increases 2026 Guidance Following Record Q1 Revenue of $370.4M
(AsiaGameHub) - Rush Street Interactive kicked off 2026 with record-breaking revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and net income, then raised its full-year forecast following robust growth across online casino markets. Key Highlights Rush Street Interactive’s revenue increased 41% to $370.4 million in Q1. Adjusted EBITDA jumped 81% to an all-time high of $60.2 million. RSI upwardly revised its 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $1.49 billion to $1.54 billion. RSI’s Q1 Results Surpass Expectations, Fueled By Casino Growth Rush Street Interactive delivered a stronger-than-anticipated first quarter to investors, with revenue beating Wall Street forecasts by $39.57 million. Earnings per share hit 14 cents, two cents above analyst estimates. The Chicago-based online casino and sports betting operator also reported a record net income of $26.2 million, marking a 134% rise from $11.2 million in the prior year’s quarter. The market reacted swiftly, with RSI shares climbing nearly 20% in after-hours trading. Before this surge, the stock had already gained 96.08% over the previous 12 months. Player growth was a major driver of the quarter’s success. Monthly active users (MAUs) reached approximately 839,000, up 51% year over year. North America recorded around 296,000 MAUs, a 46% increase, supported by 62% growth in online casino markets. Latin America—including Mexico—saw roughly 543,000 MAUs, a 54% jump.Average revenue per monthly active user (ARPU) underscored regional differences. RSI generated $317 per MAU in the U.S. and Canada, compared to $54 per MAU in Latin America. Adjusted sales and marketing costs totaled $46.2 million, accounting for 12.5% of revenue. Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of RSI, said: “We are pleased to report another strong quarter of results, setting new records once again for revenue, net income and adjusted EBITDA.” He also highlighted faster player growth and record first-time depositors during the quarter, stating:“The continued acceleration we’ve seen in revenue and player growth is particularly exciting. “In our North American online casino markets, MAUs grew an impressive 62%, surpassing the 51% growth we achieved in the fourth quarter of 2025.” RSI now projects full-year 2026 revenue between $1.49 billion and $1.54 billion, equivalent to 31% to 36% year-over-year growth. Adjusted EBITDA guidance was also raised to $230 million to $250 million, implying growth of 50% to 63%. The updated guidance includes only markets where RSI currently operates, plus the expected July 2026 launch of iGaming in Alberta, Canada. It also assumes consistent tax structures in existing markets, including Colombia’s temporary emergency 16% tax decree. Schwartz noted that RSI maintained disciplined marketing spending while enhancing user acquisition, retention, and the player experience. This balance allowed the company to grow its user base without letting promotional costs get out of hand. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Robinhood Stock Drops After Q1 Profit Miss Despite Revenue Gain
(AsiaGameHub) - Robinhood announced an increase in both first-quarter profit and revenue; however, the trading platform failed to meet Wall Street's earnings forecasts, resulting in a roughly 6% decline in its stock during after-hours trading. Key Highlights Robinhood's net income increased by 3% to $346 million, equating to 38 cents per share. Revenue grew by 15% to $1.07 billion, bolstered by prediction markets and subscription services. The number of traded event contracts reached a quarterly record of 8.8 billion. Prediction Markets Offset Weakness in Crypto Trading During the first quarter, Robinhood experienced growth in its user base and platform assets, alongside record activity in prediction markets, yet investors prioritized the company's failure to meet earnings targets. The company recorded a net income of $346 million, an increase from the previous year's $336 million. Earnings per share came in at 38 cents, slightly missing the 39 cents anticipated by analysts. Following the announcement, shares fell in late trading by approximately 6%.The revenue figures painted a more positive picture. Overall revenue surged 15% to $1.07 billion, and revenue from transactions increased 7% year-over-year to $623 million. Conversely, transaction-based revenue saw a 20% dip from the prior quarter, with cryptocurrency acting as a hindrance. As prices for digital assets softened, crypto trading revenue plummeted 47% to $134 million. Some of this pressure was alleviated by prediction markets. The trading of event contracts reached a record 8.8 billion for the quarter, providing Robinhood with an additional growth avenue distinct from stocks, options, and crypto. Additionally, the firm is expanding into areas such as credit cards, banking, and access to venture capital. Subscriptions provided a further boost. Revenue from Robinhood Gold jumped 32%, while the subscriber count for Gold rose 36% to 4.3 million. Other revenue streams grew by 57% to $85 million, primarily driven by subscriptions. Furthermore, net interest revenue climbed 24% to $359 million. Operating expenses increased by 18% to $656 million, largely due to elevated spending on marketing and growth initiatives. Despite this, adjusted EBITDA grew by 14% to $534 million.Metrics for users also showed improvement. The number of funded customers increased by 6% to 27.4 million, investment accounts grew by 8% to 29.1 million, and total assets on the platform soared 39% to $307 billion. Net deposits for the quarter totaled $17.7 billion, and average revenue per user rose 8% to $157. Chief Financial Officer Shiv Verma stated that the diversification of the business has reduced Robinhood's vulnerability to specific product cycles. He remarked: “It’s a much more durable business relative to 2022.” Nevertheless, demand for prediction markets has displayed inconsistency. Following the conclusion of the football season, volumes dropped by 29% month-over-month. Meanwhile, analysts have expressed concerns regarding diminished retail trading activity amidst macroeconomic uncertainty. Chief Executive Officer Vlad Tenev noted that Robinhood continues to develop its broader role in personal finance. He commented: “Driven by our relentless product velocity and innovation, Robinhood is increasingly positioned at the center of our customers’ financial lives, just as we enter the early innings of the Great Wealth Transfer.” Verma further added: “In Q1, customers remained engaged and rapidly adopted new products, leading to a 20 percent-plus annualized net deposit growth rate, double digit growth across equities and options, and record volumes for prediction markets, futures, and index options.” He also stated: “And Q2 is off to a good start in April, as equity and option trading volumes are on track to be the highest month of the year, and even with tax season, net deposits are approximately $5 billion month-to-date.”Robinhood has also updated its 2026 outlook for adjusted operating expenses, raising it to a range of $2.7 billion to $2.825 billion to fund investments in artificial intelligence, tokenization infrastructure, and new account offerings. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Evoke Reports £549M Loss as William Hill Owner Proceeds with Shop Closures
(AsiaGameHub) - Evoke posted a far larger 2025 loss, as elevated UK gambling taxes and a sizeable impairment charge weighed on the firm that owns William Hill and 888. Good to Know Evoke recorded a £549.1 million pre-tax loss in 2025, an increase from the £220.9 million posted the prior year. Revenue climbed 2% to £1.78 billion, whilst EBITDA rose 43% to £301.3 million. The firm intends to shut down roughly 270 William Hill betting outlets. Evoke’s Financial Results Reveal the Pressures Driving Retail Store Cuts Evoke saw revenue growth in 2025, yet elevated UK duties and a £440.3 million impairment charge pushed the group further into the red. Pre-tax losses more than doubled to £549.1 million ($741 million), up from £220.9 million ($298 million) recorded in the previous year. The firm nonetheless noted stronger underlying trading performance. Total group revenue rose 2% to £1.78 billion, while EBITDA increased 43% to £301.3 million. Still, the UK and Ireland remained a struggling region, with revenue down 2% to £1.17 billion as both online and in-store sales softened. Chief Executive Officer Per Widerström stated that the November changes to UK betting duties shifted the market’s economic dynamics. He commented:“The substantial UK duty hikes announced in November marked a fundamental change in the economics of our biggest market, and will have a significant impact across the regulated gambling sector.” Finance Director Sean Wilkins noted that Evoke has thus far experienced minimal short-term disruption from the new rules: “In the first 30 days, honestly, we haven’t seen any impact. The company is satisfied with how the UK&I online business is performing.” Outside of the UK and Ireland, Evoke saw more positive performance. International revenue climbed 9.3% to £606.9 million, while EBITDA rose 49.2% to £175.4 million. Italy, Denmark and Romania contributed to this growth, though Romania has grown more challenging for regulated gambling operators.“Romania is experiencing robust black market growth following the tax hike, and as regulated operators, this is negatively impacting our business,” Wilkins stated. This financial pressure is now leading to a more streamlined retail strategy. As iGaming.org reported earlier in April, Evoke will shut down roughly 270 William Hill betting shops after reviewing underperforming locations. The closures are projected to result in hundreds of job losses, though Evoke has not confirmed a specific number. Widerström commented: “We conducted a highly detailed review of our retail store portfolio, and have identified 230 locations that we will close. We have over 1,000 excellent shops that deliver top-tier service and entertainment to our customers, and obviously, with this more efficient retail network, we have sufficiently enhanced long-term sustainability, cash flow and profitability.” This review is part of broader initiatives to cut costs, safeguard cash flow and tackle the roughly £1.9 billion in net debt the firm holds. Widerström stated: “We have taken decisive action to lessen the impact of these changes and preserve long-term shareholder value, including launching a strategic review and rolling out major operational changes across the entire business.”A potential change in ownership is still a possibility. As we reported last week, Evoke is in discussions regarding a potential takeover by Bally’s Intralot, in a deal that values the company at around £225.3 million. “Our priority for 2026 is firmly focused on cash generation and balance sheet strength,” Wilkins noted This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
US Senate Prohibits Prediction Market Bets for Members and Staff
(AsiaGameHub) - The U.S. Senate has implemented an immediate prohibition on prediction market activities for senators and their staff, following renewed concerns regarding trades linked to political events, military actions, and non-public government information. The measure was approved unanimously without a recorded vote. Key Details The Senate's ban extends to its members, staff, and officers. Senator Bernie Moreno initiated the resolution, which Senator Alex Padilla subsequently expanded to encompass staff. Both Kalshi and Polymarket have expressed support for the restriction. Washington Enhances Prediction Market Regulations Prediction markets are now subject to a new directive in Washington. Senators and their staff are no longer permitted to engage in trading on platforms that allow users to place wagers on real-world occurrences, ranging from election results to foreign policy developments. Senator Bernie Moreno championed this rule amid growing apprehension that officials might leverage sensitive information for personal financial benefit. He stated, “engaging in any way in a prediction market or trying to place bets where we might have inside information deteriorates our confidence that our constituents have in us.” The Senate's action was prompted by several reports concerning prediction markets that raised significant ethical questions. One notable instance involved a U.S. Army soldier accused of using classified information to profit from a market related to Venezuelan politics. Other reports highlighted rapid trading activity surrounding military and geopolitical events, including those connected to Iran.Kalshi itself has faced scrutiny over political betting within its platform. The company recently fined and suspended three congressional candidates after they placed trades on their own electoral races. Despite these issues, the two most prominent prediction market operators have endorsed the Senate's decision. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour described it as a “great step to increase trust in our markets by making it an industry standard.” Polymarket also voiced its support for the rule, commenting, “We’re in full support of this. Our Rulebook & Terms of Service already prohibit such conduct, but codifying this into law is a step forward for the industry.” The House of Representatives may soon follow suit. Representative Ashley Hinson has indicated her intention to introduce a similar resolution, and other lawmakers have also advocated for broader limitations on prediction market trading by government officials. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Ontario’s iGaming Wagering Reaches New High of $9.59 Billion in March
(AsiaGameHub) - In March, Ontario's iGaming sector achieved a new milestone as licensed digital gambling platforms processed $9.59 billion in total bets across poker, sports wagering, and casino games. Key Highlights The total amount wagered on Ontario's online gambling platforms hit a record monthly peak of $9.59 billion. Revenue for operators reached $387 million, representing a 13% increase compared to February. Digital casino games accounted for 82% of the overall revenue generated by operators. Online Casino Activity Drives Growth in Ontario iGaming The majority of March's growth was fueled by Ontario's online casino sector. The iCasino handle increased by almost 26% year-over-year, producing $318.5 million in revenue. Consequently, casino offerings represented 82% of all operator income within the province's regulated iGaming landscape. Expansion continued across the broader market as well. The handle for March slightly exceeded the prior record of $9.52 billion set in January, with revenue climbing 30% compared to the previous year. While the $387 million in monthly revenue was 13% higher than February's figures, it did not surpass the $426 million peak recorded in December 2025. Comparatively, sports wagering showed less strength. Although Ontario sportsbooks saw $1.08 billion in bets during March—returning the segment to the billion-dollar mark—this figure was a 9% decrease from March 2025 and represented the lowest monthly total for sports betting since September. Poker experienced a stronger month, despite its relatively small market share. Peer-to-peer poker set records with $183 million in wagers and $6.9 million in revenue. Despite these highs, poker accounted for under 2% of the total iGaming volume in Ontario. The number of active accounts rose to 1.235 million, a 17% increase year-over-year. Nevertheless, March saw the fewest active accounts since September, a trend partially attributed to the closure of several platforms during that timeframe. During the first quarter of 2026, residents of Ontario bet $27.8 billion on authorized iGaming websites. Over this three-month period, operators brought in $1.13 billion in revenue. This ongoing expansion has maintained political focus on the advertising of gambling services. Bill 107, known as the Stop Harmful Gambling Advertising Act, seeks to modify the Gaming Control Act of 1992 to prohibit licensed operators and their affiliates from advertising gambling across all media channels. Proponents of the bill highlight public health statistics gathered since the market was regulated in 2022. Following the launch, inquiries to ConnexOntario—the provincial helpline for mental health and addiction—surged by 144%. Currently, approximately one-third of Canadians between the ages of 18 and 29 engage in online gambling, with one in four within that demographic reporting significant harm. Opponents suggest that a complete ban on advertising might make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between regulated platforms and illegal ones. The European Casino Association has cautioned that in certain jurisdictions with stringent advertising restrictions, unlicensed operators capture over 70% of the online gambling revenue. At present, the prospects for Bill 107 appear slim. While the Liberal Party introduced the legislation, they do not hold a majority in the provincial parliament. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
MGM Resorts Posts $4.5B in Q1 Revenue, With Macau Bolstering Its Quarterly Results
(AsiaGameHub) - MGM Resorts announced an increase in first-quarter revenue, driven by strong performance in Macau and accelerated digital growth—though profits and adjusted EBITDAR declined across most of its operations. Key Highlights MGM Resorts’ Q1 net revenue rose 4% year-over-year to $4.5 billion. Net income decreased 16% to $125 million, while adjusted EBITDAR fell 9% to $580 million. MGM China’s revenue grew 9% to $1.1 billion, and digital revenue surged 43% to $183 million. Macau and Digital Segments Boost MGM’s Performance MGM Resorts saw revenue growth across all core segments in Q1, but only the digital division improved in terms of reducing its adjusted EBITDAR loss. The company reported $4.5 billion in net revenue, with adjusted EBITDAR dropping to $580 million and net income sliding to $125 million. Macau delivered one of MGM’s stronger results. MGM China’s revenue climbed 9% to $1.1 billion during the quarter, which included the Chinese New Year period. Table game winnings in Macau exceeded $1 billion—an 18% rise from the prior year—though adjusted EBITDAR still fell 4% to $273 million. Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts, said: “It’s always difficult to say Macau is ‘stable’, but I feel good about it, I feel very good about our market position and what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.”He also noted that MGM remains “under-suited” in Macau and plans to expand hotel capacity there. The digital segment also made positive progress. Revenue from LeoVegas (not BetMGM) increased 43% to $183 million. The digital division’s adjusted EBITDAR loss narrowed from $34 million to $26 million. MGM expects this loss to continue shrinking, though tax and regulatory changes in Brazil may add extra costs. Gary Fritz, MGM Chief Commercial Officer and president of digital, said: “We’ve indicated in that past that we would see the loss this year for the digital segment halving relative to last year, we might see a little bit more investment this year than that, given some of the regulatory changes and tax changes in Brazil, but we’re definitely anticipating the loss to materially narrow…which then sets us up in 2027 for close to a break-even year, if not 100% getting there.” Las Vegas delivered a mixed performance for MGM. Revenue reached $2.2 billion—just $4 million above last year—while adjusted EBITDAR fell 8% to $749 million. Hotel revenue stayed nearly flat at $751 million, but casino revenue dropped 5%, table game winnings slipped 1%, and slot machine winnings also declined 1%.Hornbuckle said: “The market’s changed, the consumer has changed. Luckily for us we have a lot of luxury product and brands that can cater to that, and it’s going to continue.” He added: “Despite many headwinds, we have yet to see a slowdown. That doesn’t mean over the summer that can’t happen, because booking cycles still remain short.” MGM has tested all-inclusive Las Vegas packages at Luxor and Excalibur as operators aim to attract back value-driven and first-time travelers. COO Ayesha Molino said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response to the all-inclusive package, we’ve seen really steady momentum since we first deployed that and the customer response has been really good.” She noted a “significant portion” of demand came from new customers. Apart from quarterly results, discussions about an NBA team in Las Vegas drew attention. MGM co-owns T-Mobile Arena, the primary current option for a potential NBA team in the city. Hornbuckle said he was “already under three NDAs” and added: “T-Mobile is part of that conversation, whether it’s short-term or long-term, all roads lead to it for now…so we’re intimately involved in those conversations.” MGM Osaka remains on schedule. Hornbuckle stated the Japan integrated resort is progressing “on time and on budget for a 2030 opening.”MGM reported total liabilities of around $38 billion, roughly flat from last year. The company also repurchased $90 million in stock during Q1. Shares closed Wednesday down 1% at $39.27—still up about 24% over 12 months but below 2023 highs near $50. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Formula 1 Appoints FanDuel as Its First U.S. Betting Partner
(AsiaGameHub) - Formula 1 has appointed FanDuel as an official sports betting operator for the U.S. and Canada, marking the racing series’ first betting collaboration in the American market. Good to Know FanDuel is now the first U.S.-based betting operator to form a partnership with Formula 1. The agreement features betting guide materials and editorial integration across all F1 platforms. The announcement comes just as Formula 1 prepares for the Miami Grand Prix. FanDuel Secures New Role Across F1 Platforms Formula 1 has integrated FanDuel into its North American betting strategy as interest in the series continues to rise across the U.S. and Canada. The deal grants FanDuel betting integration across Formula 1’s platforms, plus editorial content and betting guide features linked to race weekends. For F1, this partnership introduces a regulated betting partner in two markets where the series has invested years in expanding its fan base. Jonny Haworth, director of commercial partnerships at Formula 1, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome FanDuel as our new Official Betting Operator for the United States and Canada—markets where enthusiasm and engagement with Formula 1 keep growing. “As sports betting becomes a more prominent part of how fans—particularly those in the U.S.—interact with sports, it’s crucial we have a robust, well-established partner to execute our strategy and maintain our momentum in the market.” The FanDuel partnership follows another recent betting agreement for F1. This past March, Formula 1 inked a multi-year deal with Betway covering Canada, Mexico, and several other global markets. FanDuel also brings extensive league experience. The sportsbook already serves as an official partner of MLB, the NBA, and the WNBA, and now adds Formula 1 betting content to its portfolio. Karol Corcoran, managing director of FanDuel Sportsbook, said: “Being named an Official Betting Operator for Formula 1 is an exciting milestone as we upgrade our sportsbook product to deliver more interactive experiences for fans. “Formula 1 generates a massive amount of real-time data, and our platform is designed to turn that into engaging betting opportunities for fans. This partnership will allow us to offer even more immersive, data-driven experiences throughout race weekends.” The timing aligns with a North American segment of the F1 calendar. The Miami Grand Prix kicks off May’s races, while the Canadian GP at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve follows later. Oscar Piastri and McLaren head to Miami hoping to build on recent performance, though Piastri warned race weekends can still shift quickly. As per Reuters, Piastri said: “I think last year, and even 2024, we had a significant advantage at a track like this, but this year we don’t—so we’ll have to wait and see. “I think it’s going to be a weekend full of changes, and we’ll need to stay ahead of things better than everyone else. If we can do that, there will still be opportunities to finish higher than we might expect.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Nevada Sports Betting Revenue Nearly Doubles Despite Decline in March Handle
(AsiaGameHub) - Nevada sportsbooks saw a lower volume of wagers in March, yet operators' improved performance resulted in a significantly more profitable month compared to the previous year. Good to Know The Nevada sports betting handle hit $763 million in March, an 11.3% decrease from the same month last year. Revenue surged 107% to $46 million, with operators retaining 6% of all wagers. Mobile betting represented 72.1% of all action, accounting for $550.4 million in online wagers. Nevada Handle Falls While Sportsbooks Keep More Despite considerable betting activity from the NCAA Tournament and the beginning of the MLB season, Nevada's sportsbooks accepted fewer bets this March than in March of the prior year. Data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board shows retail and online operators took in $763 million in bets. This figure was approximately $98 million less than in March 2025, when the state recorded a handle of about $860 million, its highest monthly total since the end of 2023. Once again, mobile betting dominated the market. Online sportsbooks handled $550.4 million, constituting 72.1% of the month's total. Nonetheless, mobile handle was down 10.1% year-over-year.Nevada has now experienced year-over-year declines in handle for the first three consecutive months of 2026. February's total also fell below $700 million for the first time since August, making March's rebound above that threshold a slight improvement. Reduced visitor numbers in Las Vegas may have contributed to the lower betting volume. The revenue picture was starkly different. Sportsbooks recorded $46 million in winnings for March, a 107% increase from the $22.3 million won in March 2025. The 6% hold rate equaled February's percentage, delivering a far more successful month for operators even with a smaller amount wagered. Online operators were responsible for $36.7 million of the total revenue, a 135% year-over-year rise. The state generated $3.1 million in tax revenue from sports betting based on the March figures. Basketball was the clear leader for the month. Fueled by conference tournaments, March Madness, and NBA betting, the sport brought in $36.8 million in revenue, a 50.2% jump from March of last year.Other sports contributed $8.5 million, and hockey added $6.1 million. The combined category encompassing tennis, soccer, MMA, boxing, auto racing, and golf saw a substantial year-over-year increase. Football, however, proved costly for operators, as successful bettors led to sportsbooks posting a $9.6 million loss during the first complete month without NFL games. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
HKTDC’s seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events successfully attract over 95,000 global buyers
HONG KONG, Apr 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today successfully concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, attracting over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for sourcing and business negotiations. Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair attracted over 32,000 buyers, Home InStyle drew some 20,000 buyers, and Fashion InStyle gathered some 12,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 9,600 buyers attend the concurrent events. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 21,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured over 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers. Non-local buyers at these fairs came primarily from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and Japan, while significant growth was also recorded in buyer numbers from the Philippines, Canada, and Türkiye, underscoring the fairs' strong international appeal.Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “In alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will continue to actively develop its role as a regional intellectual property trading hub, further enhancing its international competitiveness in the cultural and creative industries and IP transactions. The seven flagship events fully showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property, offering global buyers a rich and diverse array of sourcing options, while connecting exhibitors with international buyers and partners to unlock business opportunities. HKTDC will continue to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantage of connecting Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world, foster cross-sector international trade collaboration, and reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international trade hub."Nearly half of respondents expect sales growth, industries actively explore new marketsTo further gauge the latest trends in the lifestyle products market, HKTDC conducted a questionnaire survey of 1,541 exhibitors and buyers during the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle. The key findings are as follows:Market and industry outlook:- Nearly half (49.0%) of respondents expected their overall sales would rise in the next one to two years, while 44.6% foresaw that sales will remain stable. The greatest operational challenges identified were fluctuations of global economy (47.8%), conflict-led crisis such as geopolitical tensions, energy and food insecurity, supply chain chaos (37.2%) and growing protectionist measures (33.7%)- Respondents believed sales prospects are promising or very promising over the next two years in ASEAN countries (69.0%), Taiwan (67.9%), India (66.7%), Korea (65.2%) and Chinese Mainland (63.0%)- The markets that exhibitor respondents are actively exploring include Europe (34.0%), ASEAN countries (18.3%), North America (16.0%), Middle East (13.6%) and Australia (12.8%)Product trends:- In the gifts and premiums market, respondents believed the strongest growth potential lies in: cultural gifts (19.7%), sustainable gifts (18.6%), and tech gifts (18.6%)- In the furniture and home products market, designer furniture & houseware products (27.3%), interior decoration & handicrafts (27.1%), and smart home technology (23.0%) were considered to have the most growth potential- In the fashion market, respondents believed designer clothing / branded clothing (42.4%), urban clothing (34.5%), and womenswear (31.9%) have the strongest growth potentialCross-sector opportunities and synergies help exhibitors tap into new marketsThe seven annual lifestyle and licensing events span diverse industries and cultural creativity. Semk Holdings International Limited, a major player in character IP licensing, exhibited at the Gifts & Premium Fair, showcasing a range of B.Duck co-branded IP products. CK Kwok, the company’s Co-founder, Executive Director & VP said the company successfully draw strong buyer interest and connected with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe and Southeast Asia.The UAE made its debut at the Gifts & Premium Fair this year. Mohanmed Alayat, Founder of Dubai exhibitor Alpha Art, said: “On the first day alone, we connected with around 40 new clients from Asia, Europe, the United States and Africa, and received enquiries for customised products. We anticipate potential orders over the course of the fair to total around US$1 million.”Gifts & Premium Fair seals three MOUs, deepening Hong Kong’s trade ties with the Chinese Mainland and overseas marketsThe Gifts & Premium Fair also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an international trade platform bridging markets worldwide. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Fujian Sub-Council signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the HKTDC respectively, aiming at encouraging enterprises from Shanxi and Fujian to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to “go global”, while further strengthening their trade ties with Hong Kong. In addition, the Busan Economic Promotion Agency also signed an MOU with the HKTDC to promote gift products from Busan, Korea, to international markets through Hong Kong’s platform, unlocking new business opportunities for companies in the gift sectors of both Hong Kong and Korea.Innovative materials help exhibitors discover new fashion opportunitiesFashion InStyle featured the returning NEXT@Fashion InStyle (NEXT), a key highlighted zone organised by HKTDC, sponsored by the HKSAR Government's Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, with over 60 world-wide new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou, returned to NEXT this year after successfully connecting with a Thai exhibitor at last year’s edition. It also collaborated with a Hong Kong designer brand Ponder.er, applying its patented, self-developed epoch-poly fabrics to create dynamic and expressive designs.Mary Ma, Founder of Textile Library, stated: "This year, we have brought two latest self-developed materials to Hong Kong, warp-print fabrics and the ice-crack series of crackle finishing, showcasing the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The materials drew strong interest and praise from international buyers and have already yielded several concrete cooperation intentions and promising follow-up business opportunities.”Some exhibitors achieved remarkable results on their first participation of Fashion InStyle. Hin Pi, Operations Manager of New High Limited, a local exhibitor specialising in swimwear and sportswear, said: “We connected with some 50 potential buyers from around the world. It was particularly surprising and encouraging to meet buyers from Dubai and North Africa, which will greatly facilitate our expansion into new overseas markets. Four to five buyers have already expressed clear interest in cooperation, with expected total orders totally about US$100,000.”In addition, Baek Kyunghoon, Procurement Manager of Kolon Industries FnC, a leading Korean fashion group, connected with suppliers from Sweden, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam at the fair. The company plans to apply sustainable and high-tech materials to its sports collections. Vanessa Tirol Lacerda, Creative Director of Brazilian e-commerce fashion brand Amaro, said the diverse range of innovative materials was highly inspiring, especially the salmon skin leather and pineapple fibre fabrics. She has already established cooperation with exhibitors from India and Chinese Mainland, with an expected initial order of approximately US$100,000.Many internationally renowned brands and major retailers, including New Zealand’s Karen Walker, the United Kingdom’s The Business Fashion, Thailand’s Jaspal Group, and India’s SD Retail, successfully identified potential business collaborations.Home InStyle this year introduced innovative materials for homeware and home textiles for the first time. Hong Kong exhibitor Lotux International Holdings Co. Limited presented biodegradable cutlery and food containers made from lotus stems, alongside deodorising cat litter made from lotus fibre. Daphne Wan, the company's Sales Director, said: “Our innovative eco-friendly materials and pet products attracted strong interest from visitors. We are currently in discussions with a houseware company on the joint development of eco-friendly straws. The Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association has also expressed interest in using our sustainable materials in furniture production.”Driving the development of high value-added gerontechnology and cultural & creative design IndustriesHome InStyle attracted exhibitors showcasing new products. Exhibitor allcareAI Limited, which specialises in gerontechnology, debuted its infection-prevention mobile toilet at the fair. CEO Phil Woo stated: "In the first two days alone, we received over 20 enquiries, including from local care homes, medical and rehabilitation service providers, as well as potential partners from Chinese Mainland, Japan, Australia, Europe and Southeast Asia. This reflects the sector’s growing demand for gerontechnology and infection-control care solutions."He also shared that the Reimagine themed floor, which brought together the innovative products of Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle, helped raising the profile of the gerontech industry and showcased its diverse applications to industry players from different sectors, offering a single platform to explore the latest trends in innovative materials and home lifestyle.In addition, TFE Holdings Limited showcased a distinctive concrete coffee machine at the Cultural and Creative Avenue. Ivan Wong, Executive Director and Product Director, said: “We have engaged with over 20 potential buyers from Hong Kong, France, Dubai, as well as Southeast Asian markets including Malaysia and Thailand. We expect to secure around 15 orders worth about US$1 million in total.”The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong attracted global buyers seeking sourcing opportunities. Among them was buyer Hot Packaging LLC from Middle East, which visited the Printing & Packaging Fair to source eco-friendly packaging solutions. Anas Bin Haneef, the company’s Senior Commercial Officer, said: “I connected with around 12 new suppliers from the Chinese Mainland. We expect to place initial trial orders for innovative corrugated paper bags and other sustainable products, with an estimated value of US$35,000 to US$75,000. We plan to introduce corrugated paper bags, biodegradable moulded fibre products and bagasse paper bags to the e-commerce market in the UAE and across the Middle East as greener alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.”Packaging design also created new opportunities for exhibitors. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy Limited participated in DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong for the first time this year, connected with printers and design firms, including companies from Southeast Asia and Korea, opening up potential collaboration on branding solutions for major enterprises. Founder William Yeung also shared that a Thai trade media outlet, which had initially approached the company for an exhibitor interview, later expressed interest in becoming a client, a clear demonstration of the fair’s ability to turn exposure into tangible business opportunities. He added that the company's participation is expected to generate around US$400,000 in business.Buyers also affirmed the fairs as efficient sourcing platforms. Henry Huang, Vice President, Global Product Development at Umbra Ltd, a Canadian buyer at Home InStyle, said: “We identified around 20 potential suppliers from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Thailand and Taiwan, offering products such as photo frames, desktop novelties and shoe racks. We also joined six business matching meetings during the fair and expect total orders to reach up to US$100,000.” Meanwhile, Jaime Gonzalez, Commercial Director of Mexico’s Promo Life and a buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, said the Reimagine themed floor brought together cultural creative, innovative and design elements, enabling buyers to capture market trends and evolving lifestyle in one place. He added that featured zones such as the Smart Design Global Awards, Selection of ASEAN and The Bespoke Hub also helped buyers discover design-led, customised and regionally inspired gift ideas. He also revealed plans to spend US$200,000 on keychains and magnets from a Hong Kong exhibitor.Licensing industry goes global through HKTDC platformAt the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, Hong Kong exhibitor Postgal Workshop has reached an agreement with Malaysia based M&M Creations Holdings Sdh. Bhd., involving its IP “Din Dong”, with the collaboration estimated to be worth over US$200,000. CEO of M&M Creations Holdings Sdn. Bhd. commented that “Hong Kong International Licensing Show has sparked many new ideas. We look forward to collaborate with more Hong Kong IPs for the Malaysia market.”At the Asian Licensing Conference, industry leaders shared emerging trends in the licensing industry, including shifts in consumer behaviour, and new IP development models. Maura Regan, President and CEO of Licensing International, stated: " We remain convinced that we'll see significant growth across property types. Overall, the licensing industry is not slowing down. Consumers continue to demand immersive experiences, from theme parks to branded hotels to pop-up shops to retail experiences.”Photo download: https://bit.ly/4cDT1II HKTDC seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events concluded successfully today, attracting over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for on-site procurementAlgernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (centre), Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC Home InStyle and Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Organising Committee (second left), Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTD (second right), Helena Chiu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exporters' Association (first left), Zacharias Cheng, President of the Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA) (first right), attended networking receptions of seven flagship lifestyle and licensing eventsReimagine themed floor debuted in Hall 5 this year, bringing together thematic zones from Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle, including the Smart Design Global Awards, which showcased all shortlisted entries and promoted Hong Kong’s original designs to the worldThe Cultural and Creative Avenue of Home InStyle gathered over 110 design institutions and cultural brands from more than 10 countries and regions. The zone once again teamed up with Pantone, drawing on the 2026 Colour of the Year, “Cloud Dancer”, to create a series of home display settings that showcase how color pairing shapes livingThe Fashion Parade of highlighted zone NEXT@Fashion InStyle, showcasing garments designed by designer brands using innovative fashion materials supplied by global material suppliersThe Philippines joins NEXT@Fashion InStyle as featured partner, powered by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong (PTIC-HK) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Buyers actively engaged with Philippine exhibitors to explore potential collaboration opportunitiesThe Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, organised by the HKTDC and the CIEC Exhibition Co. (HK) Ltd, featured comprehensive printing and packaging solutions - from mass market to premium packaging solutions – catering to diverse market needsHong Kong International Licensing Show brought together over 330 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and across Asia Pacific, showcasing more than 600 brands and intellectual property projects across various sectors, including arts and culture, animation and characters, brand extension, and entertainment and sports licensingChinese Mainland ethnic designer A-Niu A-Ga signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong's Chinese Arts & Crafts (HK) Ltd. to promote the globalisation of designs featuring Chinese ethnic elements, such as Yi cultureThe Hong Kong International Licensing Show attracted many industry professionals to the venue to learn about the latest development in the licensing industryWebsitesHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enHong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/enHome InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/enFashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/enHong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/enDeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: https://www.hktdc.com/event/deluxeprintpackhk/enHong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/enMedia enquiriesFor enquiries, please contact:Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, HK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong KongPandagon:Fraser LiTel: 6083 5623Email: pandagon.limited@gmail.com HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clayton LauwTel: 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org HK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing ConferenceRaconteur: Molisa LauTel: 6187 7786Email: molisalau@raconteur.hkBetsy TseTel: 9742 7338Email: betsytse@raconteur.hk HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Winnie KanTel: 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgHKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
ULVAC Establishes Japan-Based Production for Rare-Earth Magnet Vacuum Melting Furnaces
Chigasaki, Japan, May 1, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - ULVAC, Inc. anticipates that orders for its continuous vacuum melting furnaces dedicated to rare-earth magnets will approximately triple year on year, driven primarily by magnet manufacturers in Europe and North America. In response to this growth in orders, ULVAC has decided to establish a new production system for these furnaces in Japan. By adding a production site in Japan to its existing facility in China, ULVAC will build a dual-site supply structure, providing customers with diversified supply options.Continuous vacuum melting furnace for rare-earth magnetsBackgroundRare-earth magnets are essential core components used in advanced equipment across a wide range of industries, including electric vehicles, wind power generation, HVAC systems, data centers, and space applications. While global demand is expected to continue expanding, driven by decarbonization and the proliferation of AI, near-shoring—the relocation of production closer to end markets—is accelerating, particularly in Europe and North America, as global supply chains remain heavily dependent on China.ULVAC has long manufactured rare-earth magnet vacuum melting furnaces through its Chinese subsidiary, providing dedicated service to the market for many years. This facility will continue to serve as a key production site for stable supply to customers in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, growing demand from new magnet manufacturers, primarily in Europe and North America, has increased calls for a geographically diversified supply structure. To ensure stable equipment supply in response to this expanding global demand, ULVAC has decided to establish a new production system in Japan.Overview of Japan-Based ProductionItemDetailsTarget ProductContinuous Vacuum Melting FurnaceJapan-Based Production CapacityUp to 12 units per yearStart of OperationsSeptember 2026 (planned)Start of ShipmentsShipments to commence sequentially ULVAC's StrengthsSince its founding in 1952, ULVAC has been developing Japan-produced vacuum melting and deposition equipment, accumulating approximately 70 years of technological expertise. The Company is one of the few equipment manufacturers in the world offering a comprehensive lineup covering the key vacuum processes in rare-earth magnet manufacturing, including melting, sintering, and aging. ULVAC holds a market share exceeding 70%* in each of its continuous furnace product lines for these major processes. The continuous vacuum melting furnace, for which the Japan-based production system is being established, handles the melting and casting process—the starting point of magnet material production. The alloy microstructure formed at this stage has a decisive impact on final magnet performance. With a cumulative delivery record of over 400 units, ULVAC's advanced production engineering capabilities essential to the magnet manufacturing process have been highly regarded by leading global magnet manufacturers over many years.*Based on our researchFuture OutlookAs new entrants continue to emerge in the rare-earth magnet market, customer needs are shifting beyond standalone equipment supply toward comprehensive mass-production line start-up support. ULVAC will further strengthen the stable supply of its manufacturing equipment for rare-earth magnets, including vacuum melting furnaces.Simultaneously, ULVAC will expand its scope to provide total optimization of mass-production lines, aiming to become an integrated engineering company specializing in magnet production technologies.About ULVAC, Inc.Since its founding in 1952, ULVAC, Inc. has been a comprehensive vacuum equipment manufacturer, providing manufacturing equipment, components, analytical instruments, materials, and services based on its core vacuum technology. Working with customers across a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic components, displays, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, ULVAC is committed to driving cutting-edge innovation and creating new value. https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/For more information:ULVAC, Inc. Strategic Planning DepartmentInquiry Form: https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/contact/general.html Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
全球饥荒恐慌因霍尔木兹危机升温，可能引发八年期苏伊士规模中断
(SeaPRwire) - 分析师警告称，随着霍尔木兹海峡危机期间食品价格攀升且脆弱的供应链承压，全球对饥荒的担忧日益加剧，这增加了出现苏伊士运河级、长达八年的长期中断风险。冲突进入第62天时，美国维持对进出伊朗港口的船只实施海军封锁，而伊朗则继续有效关闭该海峡。"最好的情况是，美国和伊朗在未来几周内达成协议，海峡重新开放，" Vespucci Maritime首席执行官兼合伙人拉尔斯·延森（Lars Jensen）告诉Digital。"而且这必须是一个能让人信任的协议——伊朗对协议足够满意，不会突然再次关闭海峡。"即便如此，供应链恢复正常仍需数月时间。"唐纳德·特朗普总统于4月21日宣布，他将推迟对伊朗的新一轮打击，直到伊朗提出长期和平提案，这实际上无限期延长了14天的停火协议。特朗普表示，华盛顿对伊朗港口的封锁已见成效，并敦促德黑兰"放弃抵抗"，因为该水道的紧张局势正在升级。"最坏的情况是，我们可以参考1967年至1975年苏伊士运河关闭八年的情况，"延森说。"尽管苏伊士运河对全球经济至关重要，但在那八年里，重新开放运河被证明是不可能的，"他说。苏伊士运河在阿以冲突后于1967年至1975年关闭，此后多次遭遇中断，包括2023年以来的红海袭击事件，这推高了保险成本，形成了"影子封锁"并抑制了航运量。对于霍尔木兹海峡而言，延森表示，对农业生产至关重要的化肥是最关键的因素，任何持续的中断都可能迅速波及全球粮食系统。"化肥是最重要的元素。全球30%的海运化肥来自波斯湾，"延森说。"化肥价格已经在快速上涨，"他警告称。"在富裕国家，这意味着收获季节的食品价格会更高；而在贫困国家，这意味着农民现在买不起化肥，"延森补充道。"这将导致本季晚些时候收成下降，进而导致极贫困国家的食品价格快速上涨。这种情况会增加饥荒和冲突的风险。"截至周四，美国和伊朗之间的外交努力仍很脆弱，几乎没有进展迹象。据报道，德黑兰市中心的恩格尔拉布广场（Enqelab Square）一栋建筑上悬挂着一条巨大横幅，上面写着："霍尔木兹海峡将继续关闭；整个波斯湾是我们的猎场。""货船不通过海峡的原因很简单——商业公司不想看到其海员可能丧生，"延森补充道。本文由第三方内容提供商提供。SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/)对此不作任何保证或陈述。 分类: 头条新闻,日常新闻 SeaPRwire为公司和机构提供全球新闻稿发布，覆盖超过6,500个媒体库、86,000名编辑和记者，以及350万以上终端桌面和手机App。SeaPRwire支持英、日、德、韩、法、俄、印尼、马来、越南、中文等多种语言新闻稿发布。
遇害选美皇后婆婆经国际追捕后落网
(SeaPRwire) - 墨西哥官员周四宣布，经过两周的追捕，当局已逮捕了涉嫌杀害前墨西哥选美皇后的在逃岳母嫌疑人。据当地媒体El País报道，当局称，27岁的卡罗莱娜·弗洛雷斯·戈麦斯（Carolina Flores Gómez）于2017年当选下加利福尼亚州环球青少年小姐，4月15日在墨西哥城最富裕的社区之一的公寓内遭枪击身亡。墨西哥官员表示，在墨西哥当局获得逮捕令并与国际刑警组织（Interpol）协调发布红色通缉令后，埃里卡·玛丽亚·埃雷拉（Erika María Herrera）在委内瑞拉被抓获，这使得委内瑞拉执法部门能够在涉嫌谋杀案发生后找到并拘留她。“被拘留者目前由该国当局羁押，同时正在进行必要程序以正式将其引渡至墨西哥，”墨西哥城总检察长办公室表示。据当地报道，在社交媒体上出现显示这位岳母在现场的视频证据后，埃雷拉被确认为谋杀案调查的主要嫌疑人。据墨西哥媒体Record报道，受害者在波朗科（Polanco）社区的公寓内被发现，身上有12处枪伤，包括头部6处和胸部6处。该公寓是她与埃雷拉的儿子亚历杭德罗（Alejandro）以及这对夫妇8个月大的孩子共同居住的地方。El País补充称，有报道显示，这名儿子在第二天报案前允许其母亲逃跑，这引发了掩盖事实的可能性，因此他也在接受调查。当地媒体Reforma发布的婴儿监视器录制的视频似乎捕捉到了涉嫌谋杀发生前的时刻，当时儿子就在附近照顾婴儿。在视频片段中，可以看到这位母亲跟着弗洛雷斯进入一个房间，随后听到多声枪响和一声尖叫。作为回应，儿子抱着孩子走进画面，质问母亲发生了什么事。令人费解的是，玛丽亚（Maria）对儿子的回应显得冷漠无情。“没什么，她只是让我生气了，”这位母亲一边走开一边说。“你在做什么？她是我的家人，”他说。随后可以听到这位母亲解释道：“你是我的，她把你抢走了。”弗洛雷斯的母亲雷纳·戈麦斯·莫利纳（Reyna Gomez Molina）告诉Univision News，这名儿子据称因担心孩子会被送进寄养家庭而推迟报案。“他认为如果自己被捕，孩子就会被送进儿童之家。他特意录制了视频，以便在他离开处理所有文书工作时，他们知道如何喂养孩子。这是他告诉我的，”她补充说，她提出照顾孙子的提议被拒绝了。据该媒体报道，她还要求儿子澄清在报案前是否一直待在受害者身边，但没有提供更多细节。本文由第三方内容提供商提供。SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/)对此不作任何保证或陈述。 分类: 头条新闻,日常新闻 SeaPRwire为公司和机构提供全球新闻稿发布，覆盖超过6,500个媒体库、86,000名编辑和记者，以及350万以上终端桌面和手机App。SeaPRwire支持英、日、德、韩、法、俄、印尼、马来、越南、中文等多种语言新闻稿发布。
Datavault AI 定于 2026 年 5 月 15 日（星期五）召开电话会议，讨论 2026 年第一季度财务业绩
宾夕法尼亚州费城, 2026年5月1日 - (亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com) - Datavault AI Inc.（“Datavault AI”或“公司”）（纳斯达克股票代码：DVLT）是一家专注于数据变现、凭证认证、数字互动及实物资产（“RWA”）通证化技术的供应商，今日宣布将于2026年5月15日（星期五）美股开盘前公布其2026年第一季度财务业绩。财报发布后，Datavault AI 将于同日美国东部时间上午 8:30 举行电话会议并进行实时网络直播。电话会议及网络直播信息• 日期：2026年5月15日（星期五）美国东部时间上午8:30• 美国境内拨入号码：1-877-709-8150• 国际拨入号码：1-201-689-8354 -- 或点击 此处 供参会者使用的国际免费接入号码• 网络直播接入：点击此处• Datavault AI 首席执行官内森尼尔·布拉德利（Nathaniel Bradley）和首席财务官布雷特·莫耶（Brett Moyer）将进行演讲。本次网络直播的回放将于今天稍晚时间在 Datavault AI 网站的“投资者/演示文稿”栏目中发布：点击此处关于 Datavault AI Inc.Datavault AITM（纳斯达克股票代码：DVLT）在 Web 3.0 环境中引领着人工智能驱动的数据体验、资产估值及变现领域。公司基于云的平台提供全面的解决方案，其声学科学和数据科学部门致力于协作创新。Datavault AI的声学科学部门拥有WiSA®、ADIO®和Sumerian®等专利技术，以及业界首创的基础性空间和多声道无线高清音频传输技术，其知识产权涵盖音频时序、同步及多声道干扰消除等领域。数据科学部门则利用Web 3.0和高性能计算的优势，提供体验式数据感知、估值及安全变现的解决方案。Datavault AI 的平台服务于多个行业，包括为体育与娱乐、活动与场馆、生物技术、教育、金融科技、房地产、医疗保健、能源等领域的超算软件提供授权服务。Information Data Exchange® 通过将现实世界中的物理对象安全地关联到不可篡改的元数据，支持数字孪生以及姓名、肖像和形象的授权，从而促进具有诚信的负责任人工智能发展。该公司的技术套件完全可定制，提供基于人工智能和机器学习的自动化、第三方集成、详细分析与数据、营销自动化以及广告监控等功能。投资者联系爱德华·巴杰投资者关系副总裁ebarger@dvlt.ai 媒体联系艾伦·华莱士公共关系主管marketing@dvlt.ai 来源：Datavault AI Inc Copyright 2026 亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Datavault AI Schedules Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2026 Financial Results on Friday, May 15, 2026
PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Datavault AI Inc. ("Datavault AI" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:DVLT), a provider of data monetization, credentialing, digital engagement, and real‑world asset ("RWA") tokenization technologies, today announced that it will report financial results for its first quarter of 2026 prior to market open on Friday, May 15, 2026.Following the release, Datavault AI will host a conference call and live webcast on the same day, at 8:30 a.m. ET.Conference Call and Webcast InformationDate: Friday, May 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ETParticipant Dial-in (US): 1-877-709-8150Participant Dial-in (International): 1-201-689-8354 -- or Click HERE for participant International Toll-Free access numbersWebcast Access: Click HereDatavault AI CEO, Nathaniel Bradley, and CFO Brett Moyer, will be presenting.A replay of the webcast will be made available later in the day in the Investors/Presentations section of the Datavault AI website: Click HereAbout Datavault AI Inc.Datavault AITM (NASDAQ:DVLT) is leading the way in AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization of assets in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company's cloud-based platform provides comprehensive solutions with a collaborative focus in its Acoustic Sciences and Data Sciences divisions.Datavault AI's Acoustic Sciences division features WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies and industry-first foundational spatial and multichannel wireless, high-definition sound transmission technologies with intellectual property covering audio timing, synchronization, and multi-channel interference cancellation. The Data Science division leverages the power of Web 3.0 and high-performance computing to provide solutions for experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization.Datavault AI's platform serves multiple industries, including high-performance computing software licensing for sports & entertainment, events & venues, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, energy, and more. The Information Data Exchange® enables Digital Twins and the licensing of name, image, and likeness by securely attaching physical real-world objects to immutable metadata, fostering responsible AI with integrity. The Company's technology suite is fully customizable and offers AI- and machine-learning-based automation, third-party integration, detailed analytics and data, marketing automation, and advertising monitoring.Investor ContactEdward BargerVP, Investor Relationsebarger@dvlt.aiMedia ContactAlan WallaceHead of Public Relationsmarketing@dvlt.aiSOURCE: Datavault AI Inc Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com