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Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, announced today that Aly Beck of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty has joined the platform as the exclusive Local Expert for ZIP code 90274 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Unlisted’s technology creates new opportunities across the real estate landscape. Buyers gain access to homes that align with their lifestyle and long-term goals, not only those currently listed on the MLS. Homeowners gain insight into how their property fits within local demand and the ability to connect with interested buyers on their own timeline. Real estate professionals benefit from tools that elevate their expertise, strengthen community presence, and encourage more thoughtful, earlier conversations with clients and neighbors.

The platform uses publicly available data to generate a digital property profile for every home in the United States. These profiles can be searched and organized into curated collections that match a buyer’s criteria, even when homes are not actively for sale. For homeowners, the profiles provide clarity around market interest and help illuminate opportunities they may not have previously considered.

Each vetted real estate professional on Unlisted receives an agent profile connected to every home profile within their assigned ZIP code. Only one agent is selected per ZIP code, reinforcing Unlisted’s commitment to trusted local representation, deep market knowledge, and credibility. As the network continues to grow, Unlisted remains focused on transparency, connection, and opportunity throughout the home journey.

Aly brings a deeply personal, community-rooted approach to her role as a Local Expert. A lifelong Southern California resident and mother of three school-aged children, she offers firsthand insight into the neighborhoods, schools, and lifestyle considerations that matter most to families navigating major real estate decisions.

Recognizing the value of real estate investing early, Aly purchased her first home at just 19 while building her career as an account executive in computer sales in Nashville, Tennessee. Having entered the workforce at 15, she developed a strong work ethic and business acumen that continue to shape her client-focused approach today. She is both a Certified Palos Verdes Specialist and a Certified Probate and Trust Specialist, providing trusted expertise, discretion, and strategic guidance across a wide range of transactions.

Deeply involved in her community, Aly volunteers with local sports and 3 different local philanthropy groups. Known for her refined eye and ability to recognize a home’s true potential, she blends market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and white-glove service to deliver exceptional results while ensuring clients feel informed, confident, and supported throughout the process.

Speaking about the partnership, Aly shared: “Rancho Palos Verdes is a special place to live and raise a family, and the real estate decisions here are deeply personal. Unlisted gives buyers and homeowners a smarter, more transparent way to explore opportunities, and I’m excited to bring that experience to my clients.”

Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted, also commented on the announcement: “Aly’s commitment to her community, her professionalism, and her thoughtful approach to client care make her an outstanding Local Expert. She embodies the trust and attention to detail we aim to deliver in every ZIP code we serve.”

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents. To learn more about Aly, visit her Unlisted Profile or her website.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

Unlisted, a pioneering digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that are not for sale yet, is spotlighting the strategic approach and market leadership behind Arthur Goodrich, founder of The Goodrich Group at Sotheby’s International Realty. Goodrich serves buyers and homeowners across Napa and Sonoma Valley ZIP codes 94515, 94574, 94599, and 95448, bringing disciplined execution and long-term perspective to one of California’s most nuanced luxury markets.

Recognized by RealTrends as one of the Best Real Estate Agents in the United States for three consecutive years, Goodrich has built a reputation defined by preparation, discretion, and results. Having exceeded $150 million in his first five years in real estate, his track record reflects both market fluency and an ability to position complex properties effectively, even in challenging conditions.

Among his most notable transactions is the sale of 225 Franz Valley School Road, which closed at $13.5 million, marking the highest single-family residential sale in Napa Valley at the time since June 2023. The transaction underscored Goodrich’s ability to align pricing strategy, buyer expectations, and market timing at the highest level.

Another defining example was the sale of 3870 Mountain Home Ranch Road, a property with a challenged location but distinctive modern architecture. Rather than competing on conventional comps alone, Goodrich developed a strategy that emphasized the home’s design-forward appeal alongside its eligibility for short-term rental income within an approved area. The result was a sale that closed near asking price in record time, demonstrating the impact of focused positioning and clear seller guidance.

Goodrich’s approach is rooted in deliberate strategy and expectation management. Drawing on more than 30 years of corporate leadership experience, where he led national sales teams and growth initiatives, he brings operational rigor and business acumen to every transaction. Prior to real estate sales, he founded Mayastoga Property Group, a luxury vacation rental and concierge firm representing more than 25 homes across Napa Valley, further deepening his understanding of the region’s lifestyle and investment dynamics.

While Napa and Sonoma Valley remain central to his practice, Goodrich has also expanded his advisory reach to include San Francisco, where he spent 18 years building a strong professional network and where a significant portion of his clients maintain residences. This cross-market perspective allows him to guide buyers and sellers whose real estate decisions span multiple regions and priorities.

“Arthur brings clarity and intention to every decision,” said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted. “His ability to position properties thoughtfully and guide clients with confidence reflects exactly what Unlisted was built to support. He is a trusted advisor in markets where precision matters.”

Goodrich’s alignment with Unlisted reflects a shared belief that meaningful opportunities often emerge before a home ever reaches the public market. By enabling earlier insight, controlled visibility, and informed connection, the platform complements Goodrich’s disciplined, client-first approach.

Looking ahead, Goodrich remains focused on refining strategy, expanding his advisory footprint, and delivering outcomes grounded in preparation rather than reaction. His work continues to be defined not by volume alone, but by consistency, trust, and results achieved through intention.

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents. To learn more about Arthur Goodrich, visit his Unlisted Profile or The Goodrich Group website.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, today announced that Leslie Gossett Warden, a leading Austin real estate professional and global real estate advisor at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, has joined as the exclusive Local Expert for buyers and homeowners in ZIP codes 78703 and 78746. Recognized among Austin’s top 1% of agents, Warden brings over 17 years of experience, deep market expertise, and a design-forward approach to Unlisted’s growing national network.

Unlisted’s platform is designed to bring transparency and opportunity to every side of the real estate experience. Buyers can explore homes that capture their interest beyond what’s listed on the market, homeowners can control their home’s online image and gauge demand, and agents gain a new way to connect with clients and showcase their expertise.

Using publicly available data, Unlisted builds a digital property profile for every home in the country. These profiles allow buyers and agents to create tailored lists of homes that fit their needs — even if those homes aren’t currently for sale. Buyers can then join the Waitlist for the properties they love, signaling real-time interest and creating meaningful connections between homeowners, buyers, and agents.

Each Local Expert selected by Unlisted receives an agent profile connected to every home in their ZIP code. Only one agent per ZIP is chosen, reflecting their proven market knowledge, professionalism, and trusted reputation. As Unlisted continues to grow across the U.S., its mission remains the same: to empower buyers, homeowners, and agents through connection, transparency, and possibility.

With a degree in finance from Texas Christian University and a background spanning staging, art curation, and luxury real estate, Leslie Gossett Warden brings an elevated, detail-oriented perspective to every transaction. Her experience as a founding agent and Managing Partner at The Agency Austin, paired with her current role at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, has cemented her reputation as a trusted advisor with a passion for design and a deep understanding of Central Texas’s most desirable neighborhoods. Known for her creativity, precision, and client-first approach, Leslie helps homeowners and buyers navigate Austin’s dynamic market with confidence and care.

“I’m excited to be part of Unlisted’s growing community and to serve as a resource for homeowners and buyers across Austin’s most sought-after ZIPs,” said Warden.

“Leslie’s combination of market insight, design expertise, and dedication to client experience make her an incredible addition to Unlisted,” said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted. “She embodies the professionalism, warmth, and forward-thinking energy that define both Austin and our growing network of Local Experts.”

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com or UnlistedHomes.com/Agents. To learn more about Leslie Gossett Warden, visit her Unlisted profile or LeslieGossett.com.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, announced today that Alex Hachiya of Sotheby’s International Realty’s San Francisco brokerage has joined the platform as the exclusive Local Expert for ZIP codes 94114 and 94123.

Unlisted’s technology opens new possibilities across the real estate ecosystem. Buyers can explore homes that align with their lifestyle and long-term goals, not just those actively listed on the MLS. Homeowners gain a clearer picture of how their property fits into local demand and can connect with interested buyers on their own terms. Real estate professionals are equipped with tools that amplify their local expertise, deepen community relationships, and support more informed conversations well before a sale is underway.

The platform uses publicly available data to create a digital property profile for every home in the United States. These profiles allow buyers to search, organize, and track homes that meet their criteria, even when those homes are not currently on the market. For homeowners, the profiles offer transparency into interest and demand, helping them better understand their options over time.

Each vetted real estate professional within Unlisted’s network receives an agent profile that is connected to every home profile in their designated ZIP codes. Only one agent is selected per ZIP code, reinforcing Unlisted’s commitment to credibility, hyperlocal knowledge, and trusted representation. As the network continues to expand, Unlisted remains focused on fostering meaningful connection, clarity, and opportunity for everyone involved in the home journey.

Alex Hachiya brings decades of experience, deep market knowledge, and a reputation built on trust to his role as a Local Expert. Consistently ranking in the top 1 percent of San Francisco agents, Alex has successfully guided clients through both strong and challenging economic cycles. His client-first approach, availability, and skillful negotiation style have earned him the respect of both clients and colleagues across the industry.

With more than $750 million in San Francisco residential sales, Alex offers particular expertise in single-family homes, luxury condominiums, and income properties. His background in income property acquisition, management, and sales, combined with degrees in legal studies, linguistics, and Spanish from the University of California, Berkeley, enables him to serve a discerning local and international clientele. Known for his passion for problem-solving and long-term relationship building, Alex approaches each transaction with a focus on achieving thoughtful, win-win outcomes.

“San Francisco is a city of distinct neighborhoods and incredibly nuanced housing opportunities,” Alex Hachiya shared. “Unlisted creates a space where buyers and homeowners can explore those possibilities earlier and more thoughtfully. I’m excited to bring that level of insight and access to the communities I serve.”

Founder and CEO Katie Hill also commented on the announcement. “Alex exemplifies the caliber of expertise and integrity we look for in our Local Experts,” Hill said. “His deep understanding of San Francisco real estate and his commitment to client success make him an exceptional addition to the Unlisted network.”

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents. To learn more about Alex Hachiya, visit his Unlisted Profile or his website.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

The Global Recognition Awards has named FREUDINC LTD as a 2026 recipient, honouring founder Nathan McAdam Freud. FREUDINC LTD has been recognised with a 2026 Global Recognition Award for artistic accomplishment, a designation arrived at through psychometric evaluation, not public relations. Seven years ago, Freud was a drug addict with a court date and no clear future.

The distance between those two points is the story. It runs through a rehabilitation centre in southeast London, a soldier's quiet act of generosity, six consecutive Ironman finishes, a published book of poetry, and an oil painting that sold for £500 in April 2020. It now anchors a body of work that has generated returns of 3,600 percent over six years.

FREUDINC LTD was formally incorporated in England and Wales on January 30, 2026, under Company No. 17004465. The incorporation gave legal structure to what had been building informally since that first sale. This creative enterprise now operates across painting, poetry, endurance sport, and addiction mentorship, with an international exhibition calendar and a growing collector base.

The Moment That Set It in Motion

Freud grew up in Bermondsey and Peckham in southeast London. A court in Camberwell sent him to rehabilitation, where a soldier named David Skinner, from Inverness, handed him paints, pens, and paper with a single instruction: use your mind. Skinner had served his country; he understood what it meant to carry weight. The act was unhesitating and straightforward, and it proved to be the most consequential moment of Freud's life.

Skinner later took his own life. That loss is not a detail Freud uses lightly, and it is not peripheral to FREUDINC's identity. It is the centre of it. Every painting made, every race entered, and every person mentored carries the memory of Skinner, his name, his service, and the decision he made on an ordinary day to hand a broken young man a reason to continue.

Freud has been clean for seven years. He sold his first oil painting to the owner of his rehabilitation facility for £500 in April 2020. His work now sells for tens of thousands of pounds. In evaluating FREUDINC LTD's application, the evaluation panel used the Rasch model, a psychometric framework that constructs a linear measurement scale to enable precise comparisons across applicants working in different fields, and rated FREUDINC at the highest level across all six dimensions of artistic accomplishment: originality, international recognition and exhibitions, influence on artistic trends, cross-cultural impact, innovation in technique and medium, and preservation or evolution of cultural heritage.

Work Rooted in Documented Experience

What separates Freud's output from comparable work is not its subject matter but its source. The grief running through his paintings is not abstract; it has a name. His techniques and mediums have developed continuously since that first oil sale, and collectors paying high prices for the work reflect genuine market confidence. His published book of poetry, available on Amazon, extends the same voice into a second medium, coherent and self-sustaining rather than opportunistic.

"FREUDINC LTD represents precisely the kind of achievement this award was created to recognize, a founder who turned the most difficult circumstances into a creative and commercial body of work that operates at a world-class level and gives back meaningfully to the communities that shaped him," said Alex Sterling, spokesperson for Global Recognition Awards.

Freud's upcoming London show at Morocco Bound in Wandsworth is scheduled for September 20, 2026. It follows his planned participation in the IRONMAN Extreme Blacklake event in Montenegro on September 12, 2026. The sequencing is deliberate. FREUDINC treats endurance sport and fine art as expressions of the same discipline, the capacity to keep going when there is every reason to stop.

Mentorship, Endurance, and a Wider Reach

Freud has completed an Ironman event every year for six consecutive years, raising substantial funds for Cancer Research UK and the Beer Harris Memorial Trust. He has mentored hundreds of individuals through addiction recovery, not as a separate programme but as a direct continuation of his own experience, carried out in deliberate honour of Skinner. "Losing Skinner made the work more urgent, more necessary, and more deeply tied to the lives of those who encounter it," Freud said.

The result is a company whose relevance is felt equally in rehabilitation centres, international race circuits, and fine art collections. That breadth, achieved without institutional backing or inherited advantage, is what distinguished FREUDINC's application in the eyes of the Global Recognition Awards evaluation panel. Cross-cultural impact, the panel found, was achieved through the authenticity of the story itself, one that carries meaning across language and geography without requiring explanation.

FREUDINC is actively seeking a corporate sponsor to stand alongside the Montenegro and London events. A corporate partner will be represented at the IRONMAN Extreme Blacklake event and the Morocco Bound exhibition, carried by Freud and his support crew at all subsequent events where the partnership proves mutually beneficial. Organisations wishing to make contact are invited to do so directly.

David Skinner's name belongs in this story, not as a dedication, but as a foundation. He gave a young man from southeast London a set of paints and a reason to use them, and in the years since, that act has produced an internationally recognised artist, a six-time Ironman finisher, a published poet, and a mentor to hundreds, the kind of return on a single human gesture that no balance sheet is built to measure.

About Global Recognition Awards

The Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective industries. For more information, visit globalrecognitionawards.org.

Media Contact

Alex Sterling
alex@globalrecognitionawards.org

The Global Recognition Awards has named StrandScience, a U.K.-based health and wellness startup, a 2026 Global Recognition Award winner in the "Startup of the Year" and Customer Experience" categories, following rapid early growth driven entirely by educational content rather than paid advertising.

Founded in 2025 by wellbeing expert and author Jamie Kerr and hair loss specialist Jennifer Kerr, StrandScience reached six-figure revenue within 18 weeks of launch without external investment, influencer partnerships, or traditional marketing spend. The company sold more than 6,500 units within its first 22 weeks, relying exclusively on organic engagement through TikTok Live sessions.

In selecting StrandScience, the Global Recognition Awards cited its measurable performance and execution quality as key factors. The organization evaluates applicants using the Rasch measurement model, which emphasizes verified outcomes such as revenue growth, customer retention, and acquisition efficiency.

“StrandScience has achieved what most startups spend years and significant capital trying to replicate genuine customer trust earned in real time,” said Alex Sterling, spokesperson for Global Recognition Awards. “This level of execution, without reliance on paid media or legacy brand recognition, represents the standard this award is designed to recognize.”

StrandScience’s growth model centers on live, interactive education. Through structured TikTok sessions, the founders provide guidance on hair loss, hormonal health, menopause, postpartum recovery, and stress. Customers engage directly during these sessions and complete purchases via TikTok’s integrated shopping features, eliminating the need for traditional conversion funnels.

The company reports a 28% repeat customer rate and a 27.5% multiple purchase rate, figures that exceed typical benchmarks in the supplement industry and reflect sustained customer engagement without retargeting or promotional incentives. These metrics were among the verified data points that informed the Awards' evaluation process.

In addition to its product offerings, StrandScience operates the Hair Health Club, a support platform providing customers with access to diet plans, hormonal health resources, and daily live Q&A sessions. Products are manufactured in BRCGS AA-certified facilities to U.K. supplement standards, with third-party testing, GMP-certified production, and transparent labeling practices.

To date, StrandScience has maintained a deliberately focused growth strategy, operating on a single primary channel rather than expanding across multiple platforms. The company has not yet implemented paid advertising or broader e-commerce acquisition strategies, indicating that current performance reflects early-stage operations.

Looking ahead, StrandScience is developing additional infrastructure, including a diagnostic personalization quiz, subscription services, and expanded wellness systems targeting hair health, mood, aging, immune support, and cognitive function.

The Global Recognition Awards presented this recognition to highlight the company’s ability to build a scalable business through direct consumer education and measurable customer outcomes. As StrandScience expands beyond its initial constraints, its early performance provides a data-backed example of alternative growth strategies within the wellness sector. Global Recognition Awards looks forward to following the company's continued development.

About Global Recognition Awards

The Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective industries. For more information, visit globalrecognitionawards.org.

Media Contact

Alex Sterling
alex@globalrecognitionawards.org

James Vincent Eade, an author, chess educator and nonprofit founder, was recently named to the International Association of Top Professionals Top 50 Fearless Leaders for 2026. Throughout his nearly 50-year career, Mr. Eade has combined technology leadership, publishing and nonprofit work to expand access to chess education and promote the game as a tool for learning and professional development. The IAOTP recognizes Mr. Eade for his leadership, dedication and commitment to his industry.

In addition to being named a Top 50 Fearless Leader for 2026, Mr. Eade has also been bestowed the honor of IAOTP Top Author of the Decade. He will be honored at the annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City for his achievements.

The Journey to Global Recognition

Mr. Eade’s journey to international recognition began with a strong academic background. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1978. This was followed by a Master of Arts in human resources management and organizational development at the University of San Francisco in 1991.

In 1981, Mr. Eade joined Charles Schwab as a senior systems programmer. He eventually reached a director-level position at the company before leaving upon completing his master’s degree. That same year, he founded and published Master Piece Development with Hypermodern Press. This initiative led him to become the president of CalChess, the Northern California Chess Federation, from 1994 to 1995.

Also in 1995, Mr. Eade became the organizer of the Pan Pacific International Chess Tournament and president of Chess Journalists of America. A year later, he organized a chess Hall of Fame tournament and joined the policy board for the United States Chess Federation. Mr. Eade remained with the federation until 1999, after which he became a trustee at the U.S. Chess Trust, where he remains today.

From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Eade served as American Zone president of FIDE, the World Chess Federation. He also served as president of the U.S. Chess Trust from 2010 to 2019. It was also in 2019 that he launched The Eade Foundation, an organization that supplies chess sets and equipment to those who cannot afford them.

Beyond his professional contributions, Mr. Eade has produced several creative works, which have led to his recognition as an IAOTP Top Author of the Decade. He wrote “Remember the MacCutcheon” in 1991, “Chess for Dummies” in 1996, “The Chess Player’s Bible: Illustrated Strategies for Staying Ahead of the Game” in 2004, “Chess Openings for Dummies” in 2010 and “Freedom: Your Path to Recovery” in 2023.

Mr. Eade’s newest book, “No Blame, No Shame,” was published in 2025. He is also the producer of the “Calm Down With James Eade” podcast and “Change Your Mind” show on Amazon Fire, Roku, Spotify and LinkedIn.

Ongoing Leadership and Ambition for the Future

A leader in philanthropy, business and chess mastery, it is fitting that Mr. Eade has been honored with the IAOTP Top 50 Fearless Leaders award for 2026. His career has been recognized with several other awards and accolades, with this latest achievement speaking to the remarkable depth of his accomplishments.

Moving forward, Mr. Eade’s ambition is to build the chess community as a positive influence in the world. Through the Eade Foundation, he actively promotes chess literacy and notation and provides the equipment needed for play. Mr. Eade has come to excel in this role, and he intends to continue supporting students of chess as they find opportunities to learn.

In recent years, Mr. Eade has increasingly dedicated his work to addiction recovery advocacy, drawing on his own lived experience to help reduce stigma and expand awareness of recovery pathways. Through his books “Freedom: Your Path to Recovery” and “No Blame, No Shame,” as well as his ongoing involvement with the Eade Foundation, he focuses on empowering individuals and communities affected by addiction. 

Mr. Eade’s work highlights recovery models beyond traditional 12-step programs, including mindfulness-based and integrative approaches, and seeks to encourage individuals, clinicians and educators not to give up when conventional methods fall short. This pivot reflects a broader commitment that has defined the later stage of his career: using education, service and personal accountability to give hope to those who feel powerless.

About The Eade Foundation

James Eade is a bestselling author, podcast producer and chess master who aims to make chess accessible worldwide through his nonprofit, The Eade Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building communities through chess by expanding access to the game in underserved regions around the world. Eade is also a recovery advocate, using personal experience to help guide people toward sobriety. He has been featured by Apple News, Business Insider, Fortune Magazine, CEO Weekly, and USA Today. He is the recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Humanitarian Award, among other honors. For more information, follow on LinkedIn. 

About Marquis Who's Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

Media Contact

Marquis Who's Who
info@marquiswhoswho.com

Global Recognition Awards is pleased to announce that Samel Hospital has been named a recipient of the 2026 Global Recognition Award for its exceptional and measurable achievements in advancing clinical care through the development and deployment of AI-driven systems, setting a new standard for healthcare innovation in Brazil’s Northern Region and beyond.

The hospital has operated in Brazil's Northern Region for nearly 45 years, serves more than 150,000 covered lives through its own integrated health plan, and runs eight units across Manaus, including three hospitals, five medical centers, and two additional facilities currently under construction. With a workforce of more than 1,000 employees and over 900 physicians providing round-the-clock care, Samel Hospital stood out among this year's applicants for building a clinical AI system that physicians rely on every day — and for measuring exactly what it changed.

The 2026 Global Recognition Award recognizes outcomes, not ambitions.

A System Designed to Work Inside Clinical Reality

Samel Hospital’s central innovation is SAMIA (Samel Artificial Intelligence). Rather than designed as a research project, the SAMIA platform was built into the hospital's existing electronic medical record system and deployed directly within the workflows physicians already use. The platform manages digital pre-triage, structured anamnesis generation, automated clinical summaries, ICD-based diagnostic support, real-time drug interaction alerts, and individualized discharge guidance, all drawn from evidence-based clinical guidelines.

The numbers are precise. Following SAMIA's deployment in the Emergency Department, average patient wait times for medical evaluation fell by 33%. Diagnostic support using ICD logic achieves close to 90% accuracy, a figure that carries real weight in emergency settings where decisions are made under pressure and the margin for error is narrow.

What those figures point to, beyond performance, is adoption. The system is being used. Physicians are not working around it or abandoning it after implementation, which is the standard fate of many clinical technology rollouts. Specialist AI agents within SAMIA draw on current medical literature to support real-time decision-making, offering guidance specific to the patient and the moment rather than generic to the condition.

The Structure That Makes Long-Term Investment Possible

Many healthcare organizations pursue technology as a discrete initiative, kept separate from governance and financial planning. Samel Hospital is structured differently. Its vertically integrated model consolidates clinical quality, institutional governance, and financial oversight under a single framework. This alignment makes sustained technology investment viable rather than contingent on budget cycles or leadership changes.

That structure is reflected in how SAMIA was developed. The hospital's stated mission, providing preventive and curative care through a humanized approach, is not peripheral to how resources are allocated. It is the basis for those decisions. The platform was built as a clinical tool, not a marketing one, and that distinction shows in how it functions. Certification from Brazil's National Accreditation Organization validates the quality and safety standards embedded throughout the hospital's daily operations.

In evaluating Samel Hospital's submission, Global Recognition Awards used the Rasch model, a measurement framework that produces a linear scale enabling precise comparisons among applicants in a given category. Samel Hospital earned the highest possible rating of five across all seven innovation dimensions evaluated, including novelty, market impact, technological advancement, adoption rate, and disruption of existing paradigms. This perfect score reflects the depth of clinical integration and measurable impact that set Samel Hospital apart in this year's award cycle.

What the Evidence Suggests for Healthcare More Broadly

Healthcare AI in emerging markets has a well-documented pattern: early-stage tools attract attention, generate reports, and then fail to scale. The infrastructure to support them, including data standardization, clinical integration, and institutional commitment, is often absent. Samel Hospital's experience differs because it built that infrastructure before measuring outcomes, not after.

Alex Sterling, a spokesperson for Global Recognition Awards, noted the significance of that sequence. "What Samel Hospital has accomplished with SAMIA is not a technology demonstration; it is a functioning clinical system that is making patients safer and reducing the time they wait for care. That combination of scale, accuracy, and measurable clinical impact is exactly what a 2026 Global Recognition Award for Innovation is designed to recognize."

For healthcare systems in developing and established markets, the more useful takeaway from Samel's experience is not that AI works in hospitals. It is when institutions are built to support it that AI works. Samel Hospital's model is less a technological story than an institutional one, and that may be precisely what makes it worth studying.

About Global Recognition Awards

The Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective industries. For more information, visit globalrecognitionawards.org.

Media Contact

Alex Sterling
alex@globalrecognitionawards.org

The American Kratom Association (AKA) today expressed formal opposition to Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall’s procedural move to transition the bipartisan Kratom Consumer Protection Act into a total ban on kratom. The AKA asserts this action bypassed standard committee review and limited the opportunity for public testimony from Michigan consumers.

In a rare procedural sequence, Speaker Hall moved the legislation to the House floor for an immediate vote on a full kratom ban. This move replaces a previously proposed regulatory framework intended to oversee the sale and manufacturing of kratom products in the state.

“We believe this process overlooked essential scientific testimony,” said Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association. “Michigan residents were not afforded a full hearing on a regulatory approach that has been adopted in more than 20 other states.”

The original Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) aimed to establish several safeguards, including:

• Prohibiting the sale of adulterated or chemically altered products.
• Requiring clear labeling of alkaloid content.
• Establishing a minimum purchase age.
• Setting manufacturing purity standards.

The AKA argues that a total ban may lead consumers toward unregulated markets. This legislative shift follows a public campaign by Patti Wheeler, whose documentary attributes her son’s death to kratom — a claim the AKA maintains is not supported by conclusive toxicological data.

“It is concerning to see policy shaped by personal narratives rather than broader public health data,” Haddow added. “Many Michigan residents utilize kratom for personal wellness and harm reduction.”

Advocates like Michigan resident Melody Woolf have highlighted the distinction between natural kratom and synthetic compounds. Woolf previously represented consumers at a federal briefing where health officials, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recommended scheduling chemically manipulated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, rather than natural kratom leaf.

“The distinction is vital,” Haddow emphasized. “The AKA believes the primary public health risk stems from synthetic compounds marketed as kratom. A total ban on the natural leaf does not address the availability of these synthetic alternatives.”

The AKA cited the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) regarding kratom’s potential role in harm reduction. The organization concludes that the most effective path forward is a regulated market that removes dangerous synthetics while ensuring consumer access to labeled, natural products.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

Unibank has listed Armenia’s first-ever perpetual bonds on the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX) following a $26 million issuance that was fully placed within days, highlighting strong investor demand for strategic capital instruments.

The December 2025 offering comprised three tranches of perpetual bonds and was completed ahead of schedule as demand significantly exceeded supply. The securities are now available for manual and repo trading on AMX, adding liquidity to a product previously unavailable in Armenia. 

Perpetual bonds — instruments with no fixed maturity date — are widely used by banks to create robust capital buffer and diversify funding sources. Their introduction marks a structural step forward for Armenia’s domestic capital market.

Unibank’s AMD-denominated bonds offer a fixed coupon of 13.75% per annum for the first three years, resetting thereafter to the three-month Armenian government bond yield curve plus 6.5%. The USD-denominated bonds offer a fixed coupon of 8.3% during the initial three-year period, following which the coupon will reset on a quarterly basis to the 90-day SOFR plus 4%. The bonds got an option for the bank to call them for early repayment after the fifth year. The Deposit Guarantee Fund of Armenia insures investments in perpetual bonds in the same way as bank deposits.

Commenting on the issuance, Mesrop Hakobyan, chairman of the management board of Unibank, stated that the successful placement demonstrates growing market sophistication: “The introduction of perpetual bonds reflects both regulatory progress and investor readiness for more advanced capital instruments. The success of this issuance reflects growing confidence among domestic and international investors in the banking sector and in the overall development of Armenia’s capital market."

Unibank has placed 30 bond issues to date, with total bonds listed on AMX exceeding $120 million. The bank is among the most active issuers on the exchange and has consistently broadened Armenia’s capital market toolkit. At the AMX Awards, it was named “Best Equity Issuer on the Exchange” and “Best in Secondary Equity Market.”

“We are seeing increasing interest in the country's financial instruments, supported by macroeconomic stability, prudent fiscal policy and ongoing market reforms. The introduction of more sophisticated instruments such as perpetual bonds demonstrates that the investment environment is maturing and aligning with international standards. We believe Armenia offers compelling opportunities for investors and see substantial potential for further enhancing the attractiveness of the local capital market,” said Mesrop Hakobyan.

Armenia’s macroeconomic backdrop has further supported investor sentiment. According to preliminary data, Armenia’s GDP reached 7.2% in 2025, while annual inflation stood at 3.3%, providing relative stability for investors. The strongest growth was recorded in construction (21%), information and communications (18.6%), and finance and insurance (14.7%), while industrial production increased by 4.7% year-on-year.

Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on Armenia's Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Positive from Stable and affirmed the IDR at BB-. The Outlook revision reflects Armenia's higher international reserves and continued solid growth that will support fiscal consolidation consistent with debt stabilization over the medium term.

Unibank became the first bank in Armenia to conduct an IPO, listing its shares in 2015. Since then, the bank has raised about $70 million in equity capital. The bank has around 400 minority shareholders. The free float of its preferred shares exceeds the requirements for the Main (highest) Listing category of the AMX. Specifically, the free float of Class B preferred shares exceeds 17%, while the free float of Class C preferred shares stands at 86%.

Unibank has demonstrated steady growth in dividend distributions in recent years. The bank paid $11 million in dividends for 2023. The payout nearly doubled to $21 million for 2024, while the dividend distribution for 2025 is projected to increase by a further 20%.

Under the bank’s dividend policy, the target payout ratio is set at no less than 25% of the previous year’s net profit. In practice, this reflects the Bank’s strong commitment to shareholder returns while preserving sufficient capital to support sustainable growth and long-term strategic development.

For 2025, Unibank reported net profit of $30 million, up 38% year-on-year. Return on assets stood at 2.9%, while return on equity reached 21.6%, positioning the bank among the higher-return institutions in the domestic market.

Moody’s upgraded Unibank’s long-term deposit rating to B1 with a stable outlook, citing improved asset quality, profitability, and capital efficiency.

The bank serves more than 350,000 clients through 50 branches and 400 sales points. Key growth drivers include card products, residential mortgages, POS financing, supported by AI-based credit scoring technologies, and micro, and SME lending.

International money transfers remain a core business line. In 2024, Unibank launched UBPay, an Armenian payment and settlement system focused on instant cross-border transfers. Today, UBPay holds a significant share of Armenia’s money transfer market, handling about one-third of all transactions in the country. The system provides an intuitive API, allowing banks and money transfer companies to easily integrate transfer services and ensure smooth and reliable transactions.

Digital banking plays a central role in Unibank’s long-term strategy. Over the past two years, the number of digital clients has grown more than threefold.

The bank is actively implementing new technologies such as biometric identification services for mobile app onboarding and online lending, including POS loans within the digital ecosystem. Looking ahead, Unibank plans to further enhance the mobile app by integrating artificial intelligence–driven features and personalized financial insights.

Unibank’s trading platform, Unibank Invest, provides clients with access to major international exchanges, including NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE and XETRA, as well as OTC instruments. Clients can execute trades through the mobile app and the web-based terminal, which offers a customizable workspace for managing investments.

Unibank Invest also provides personalized advisory services, offering investment recommendations and helping clients build portfolios tailored to their financial goals and prevailing market conditions.

Unibank operates in full compliance with international regulatory standards and best practices in corporate governance, risk management, and financial transparency. Unibank’s majority shareholder is UniHolding GG Limited, a Cyprus-based company operating under European corporate and regulatory frameworks.

About Unibank

Unibank is one of Armenia’s leading technology-driven banks, committed to delivering innovative financial services that meet the evolving needs of its customers. It offers comprehensive retail and business banking services, along with Private Banking solutions tailored to high-value clients. To learn more, please visit www.unibank.am.

Media Contact

Lusine Khachatryan
lusine.khachatryan@unibank.am
+374 10 712222

China Natural Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR) ("CHNR" or the "Company"), a holding company that operates in exploration and mining business, today announced that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Feishang Group Limited, its principal shareholder ("Feishang"), to acquire 100% shares of a wholly owned subsidiary of Feishang that will own, directly or indirectly, 59.79% of the equity interest of HooRii Technology (HK) Limited ("HooRii"), a limited liability company incorporated in Hong Kong specializing in physical AI development, through the combination of IOT and artificial intelligence, to bring AI into the physical world (the "Acquisition"). The Company has established a special committee consisting of all of the independent directors to evaluate the Acquisition.

Pursuant to the LOI, the Acquisition's total consideration is estimated to range between US$37 million to US$40 million through a combination of cash and stock issuance. The Acquisition is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation, completion of due diligence, receipt of regulatory approvals, and necessary corporate approval, alongside other customary closing conditions.

This proposed Acquisition represents a pivotal strategic evolution for CHNR, advancing the Company's dual mandate to strengthen its core mining operations through AI and to build a scalable growth platform in cutting-edge AI and IoT technologies. CHNR plans to deploy HooRii's AI and IoT expertise to optimize mining workflows, enhance safety, and improve cost efficiency across CHNR's global assets, while leveraging HooRii's market-leading technology to expand into the high-growth physical AI market, diversifying beyond traditional resources.

Since its founding in 2021, HooRii has been at the forefront of IoT technology. Supported by Feishang, HooRii is a world-leading company at the intersection of AI and IoT, determined to become a key force in connecting artificial intelligence with the physical world, driven by the mission to "Bring your AI to the real world." HooRii initially focused on advancing the development and commercialization of the Thread protocol, successfully launching a series of hardware and software products and solutions that provided robust technical support for millions of IoT devices and thousands of developers worldwide.

In 2026, as OpenClaw became the most popular project in GitHub's history, a wave of personal AI assistants swept the globe. HooRii seized this momentum to launch ClawStage, the first embodied personal AI built on the OpenClaw architecture. This landmark product received widespread acclaim within a month of its launch, gaining over 10 million impressions and attracting more than 10,000 seed users. Since its inception, HooRii has secured multiple rounds of investment from renowned funds, including Plum Ventures, Eminence Ventures, and PreAngel, with total financing exceeding $7 million USD.

"Today's announcement marks a watershed moment for CHNR," said Wong Wah On Edward, chief executive officer of CHNR. "As an experienced company in the traditional industries, we recognize that embracing AI is not merely an opportunity — it is a necessity. This proposed acquisition would accelerate our transformation, enabling us to apply HooRii's innovative technology to our core mining business while unlocking new revenue potential in the fast-growing physical AI ecosystem. We are committed to balancing the strength of our heritage with the agility of a tech-enabled future."

"HooRii's journey from a start-up to a leader in physical AI is a testament to our team's innovation and vision," said Albert Licheng Zhu, chief executive officer of HooRii Technology. "Teaming up with CHNR will provide us with the financial strength, global reach, and operational scale to accelerate product development and market expansion. We are delighted to partner with CHNR to redefine the future of both AI and IOT and the resources industry."

Important Disclosure Regarding the LOI

The foregoing description of the LOI does not purport to be complete and are qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, which the Company plans to furnish as an exhibit on its current report on Form 6-K.

Investors are cautioned that the LOI is non-binding and serves only as a preliminary expression of intent. The Company provides no assurance that a definitive agreement will be executed or that the proposed acquisition will be consummated on the terms described, or at all. Furthermore, the Company can offer no guarantee regarding the timing of the potential closing, which remains subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions.

About HooRii Technology Limited

HooRii is a Hong Kong-based physical AI innovator specializing embodied personal AI built on the OpenClaw architecture. Supported by Feishang and many other venture capital funds, HooRii is dedicated to making AI accessible and intuitive for consumers and businesses worldwide.

About China Natural Resources, Inc.

China Natural Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR) is currently a holding company that operates in exploration and mining business. The Company is engaged in the acquisition and exploitation of mining rights in Inner Mongolia, including exploring for lead, silver and other nonferrous metal, and is actively exploring business opportunities in the healthcare and other non-natural resource sectors. Committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and shareholder value, CHNR is advancing a strategic transformation to integrate AI and technology across its business.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements." All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including the risk factors discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors. Other than as required under the applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Media Contact

Yicong Liu
contact@hoorii.io

U.S. farmers produced roughly 14 million bales of cotton last year. American shoppers and industries consumed in finished textile products an estimated 17.5 million bales of cotton in the same year, yet only three million of the bales were American.

In today’s ‘America First’ movement, Congress is taking back control of our domestic cotton product demand by introducing the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA).

“Lawmakers must do more to give producers a fair shot and provide real, tangible demand-based solutions to the challenges they face — that’s why I introduced the BACA bill,” said Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).

Hyde-Smith was joined in introducing the Buying American Cotton Act of 2025 (S. 1919) by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Marshall (R-KS) and John Boozman (R-AR), respectively, in May 2025.

Eight months later, BACA found a home in the House of Representatives, introduced by Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and boasting 56 congressional cosponsors. For more information on the mechanics of the bill, download the one-pager prepared by the American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA).

Plains Cotton Growers and the American Cotton Shippers Association are teaming up to take on The Hill March 24–26 to promote and prioritize BACA legislation to Congressional Members.

“The best way to make American farmers competitive is to create demand by leveraging the power of the U.S. economy. Currently, our competitors have better access to the U.S. consumer than our producers do. The President challenged U.S. agriculture to cultivate domestic demand while his trade agenda created export market access. That is what the Buying American Cotton Act does,” said Buddy Allen, ACSA president and CEO.

The legislation, if passed, would achieve the following:

• Increase demand for U.S. cotton, thereby increasing market revenue for U.S. cotton farmers;
• Incentivize investment in the domestic textile milling industry to increase the capacity of U.S. cotton processing;
• Incentivize relocation of labor-intensive cotton apparel production activities to countries closer to the U.S., reducing costs and improving supply chain efficiencies;
• Retain and create U.S. jobs in ginning, warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, supply chain management, and other affiliated services;
• Level the playing field for U.S. farmers who must compete against foreign cotton and manmade fiber competitors;
• Lower the cost of existing farm programs; and,
• Support existing industry initiatives that address country-of-origin concerns.

What if a single policy change could create purchasing habits that redirect millions of dollars in textile demand toward cotton grown by U.S. farmers?

Plains Cotton Growers Inc. is the nonprofit certified producer organization for cotton producers across the High Plains, covering 42 counties in the state of Texas. Our mission is to promote and protect the interests of our producers through legislative advocacy, research funding, product promotion and service. Our producers plant roughly 4 million acres annually and are responsible for 60% of the state’s cotton production and 34% of the nation’s cotton production.

The American Cotton Shippers Association is a trade association primarily made up of cotton merchants founded in 1924. Collectively, ACSA members handle the vast majority of U.S. cotton production and foreign growths traded globally. Our services consist of merchandising, delivery logistics, and risk management.

Expert List:

Buddy Allen, President and CEO of American Cotton Shippers Association

William H. “Buddy” Allen became the president and CEO of American Cotton Shippers Association on January 1, 2019. Allen serves on the Agricultural Advisory Board of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a contributor to Delta Strategy Group, a Washington, D.C.-based government affairs firm. Allen formerly served as the chairman of the Committee for International Co-operation Between Cotton Associations and was recognized in 2015 as a “Champion of Change for Sustainable Agriculture” by the White House.

After earning his degree from the University of Mississippi, Allen gained Capitol Hill experience from both the Office of United States Senator Thad Cochran and his involvement in The Macon Edwards Company, where he provided service to ACSA. He is a partner in A&J Planting Company, a vertically integrated agribusiness in Tunica, Mississippi.

Kody Bessent, CEO of Plains Cotton Growers

Kody Bessent, a native of Acuff, Texas, currently serves as the chief executive officer for Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. (PCG), a regional certified cotton producer organization covering 42 counties in the High Plains of Texas. The PCG territory annually plants an average of 3.75 million acres of cotton representing approximately 65% of Texas cotton production and 35% of the nation’s production. Bessent, in conjunction with PCG’s board of directors, oversees the organization’s legislative agenda on state and federal matters. He also supervises a staff of five professionals in carrying out the mission of proactive representation of the region’s cotton producers on policy initiatives, cotton research and market development at a local, state, and national level. Bessent also administers and works to enhance the PCG Political Action Committee, which was established in 2015.

Shea Ishee, Vice President of American Cotton Shippers Association

Shea Ishee joined the American Cotton Shippers Association in June of 2020, where she currently serves as vice president. In the role, she oversees membership engagement, manages ACSA’s political action committee, and supports the development and implementation of the association’s strategic plan. Additionally, Ishee serves on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts, and Hemp to the United States Department of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative.

Steve Olson, Cotton Producer in Plainview, Texas

Steve Olson never planned to be a farmer — he wanted to be an engineer designing and maintaining combines. After working as a hired hand during the last years of college, he fell completely in love with farming. “I didn't come from a farm family, so no one told me that I couldn't start farming on my own and make it,” he added. “It has been an incredible struggle at times but through perseverance we have been more successful than I ever imagined we would. My wife, Cindy, has been right beside me through the worst and the best times.” Steve started farming in 1989 and has incorporated diverse crop rotation and regenerative agriculture practices into his operation.

Cotton is his main cash crop with about 1,100 acres. Yields range between 1,100–1,800 pounds, usually around 1,300 pounds. Steve is focused on learning how to build amazing root systems that help mitigate the risk we face trying to grow crops in this arid and hot region of Texas. Strip-till has played an important role in being able to maintain yield while placing fertility at varying depths with the precision that comes with using RTK guidance to precisely place seed to sub inch accuracy. His leadership in strip-tell led Orthman to invite him to be a part of their Precision Tillage team where they teach other producers how to farm more sustainably.

Brady Raindl, ECOM USA U.S. Purchasing Manager

Brady Raindl has been a cotton trader with ECOM USA, LLC for 20 years and is the U.S. purchasing manager overseeing sourcing operations across the Cotton Belt. He is a past president of the Texas Cotton Association, Lubbock Cotton Exchange, and serves as a director of the American Cotton Shippers Association and National Cotton Council of America.

About Plains Cotton Growers (PCG)

Plains Cotton Growers Inc. is the nonprofit certified producer organization for cotton producers across the High Plains, covering 42 counties in the state of Texas. Our mission is to promote and protect the interests of our producers through legislative advocacy, research funding, product promotion and service. Our producers plant roughly four million acres annually and are responsible for 60% of the state’s cotton production and 34% of the nation’s cotton production. For more information, visit www.plainscotton.org.

Media Contact

Kara Bishop
Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Plains Cotton Growers
kara@plainscotton.org
+1 806-792-4904

The King Faisal Prize has set March 31 as the final deadline for submitting nominations for its 49th edition (2027) across five categories, marking the start of the evaluation process by international selection and judging committees.

Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail said nominations are open to universities, institutions, and research centers across the Prize’s five categories: Islamic Studies (focused on “Contemporary Applied Jurisprudential Studies”); Arabic Language and Literature (focused on “Institutional Efforts in Arabic Language Processing”); Medicine (focused on “Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Medicine”); and Science (focused on “Chemistry”).

Alsebail added that King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam is awarded to individuals and institutions with distinguished contributions to serving Islam and Muslims intellectually, scientifically, and socially through impactful initiatives and programs.

The General Secretariat stated that nominations may be submitted via email at nominations@kingfaisalprize.org or through the official portal at www.kingfaisalprize.org/nominations, where full guidelines and eligibility criteria are available.

Since its establishment nearly five decades ago, the Prize has honored 308 laureates from 45 nationalities.

Each category award includes a certificate featuring Arabic calligraphy summarizing the laureate’s achievements, a 200-gram 24-karat gold medal, and a cash prize of SAR 750,000 (approximately $200,000).

On the opening day of Hong Kong FILMART, global leading game enterprise, MOONTON Games, hosted a film-game intellectual property (IP) launch conference under the theme "From Spark to Spotlight," officially announcing its cross-border upgrade from the game industry to full ecological incubation of film-game IPs. At the event, MOONTON Games unveiled three flagship original IPs —  "You Ming Zhi," "Cetus," and "Project: Lovania" — spanning Eastern fantasy, sci-fi adventure, and cozy genres, with diversified formats including feature films, animated series, and video games. An industry forum was held to explore the new-era development of film-game integration.

Distinguished guests attended the conference, including Cloud Zhang, Head of ByteDance's Game Business and CEO of MOONTON Games; Yaguang Ma, also known as Link Ma, Head of MOONTON Games' Lighthouse Studio; renowned screenwriter Ran Ping; celebrated author Jiang Nan; acclaimed animation director Shen Youbafang; Wang Shanshan (Film and Television Director of "Science Fiction World"); as well as leaders from the National Radio and Television Administration; the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; numerous media representatives; and industry peers.

Founded in 2014, MOONTON Games has crafted a portfolio of classic game IPs loved by gamers worldwide. Its debut at Hong Kong FILMART marks the launch of MOONTON Games' global incubation journey for premium IPs with a brand-new vision, completing a cross-dimensional creative leap from a digital game kingdom to a cinematic light and shadow realm, and empowering Chinese culture-rooted original content to shine on the international stage. MOONTON Games' Lighthouse Studio, the core vehicle for its film-game IP development, made its official debut at the conference, and its unwavering commitment to long-term creative philosophy has become the cornerstone of Moonton's film-game integration layout. The three distinctive original IPs form MOONTON Games' first film-game IP matrix; all anchored in high-quality content, they pose profound emotional inquiries around "What it means to be human, what it means to live," with unique themes and expressive formats.

You Ming Zhi: Rooted in Chinese Folk Customs, Forging a Benchmark for Eastern Fantasy Theatrical Animated Films

As MOONTON Games' maiden cross-border film and television project, the Eastern fantasy IP "You Ming Zhi" — deeply rooted in Chinese folk culture — officially kicked off at the conference. The IP builds a distinctive worldview where the world is governed by animal Spirits of Light, and humans embark on a quest to uncover their own history and the meaning of survival. Breaking free from the clichés of traditional immortal and chivalric fantasy, it returns to a narrative core rooted in mortal life and journey experiences. The growth story of protagonist Zhou Chu mirrors the self-discovery and identity exploration of contemporary young people, embodying both profound Chinese cultural heritage and universal emotional resonance.

The IP's first concept short film made a stunning debut at the conference. Wanzhou Yu, the IP producer, shared that creative inspiration stemmed from personal emotional resonance, aiming to create a humanistic Eastern fantasy work where the protagonist achieves inner growth through witnessing rather than conquering. Cloud stated that this IP was chosen as the starting point of MOONTON Games' cross-border endeavor for its compelling narrative rooted in Chinese folk customs that transcends media boundaries; it reflects and MOONTON Games' aspirations to set an aesthetic and narrative benchmark for it with the ceremonial essence of film. Yaguang Ma highlighted the IP's pure creative team, original worldview and systematic aesthetic system, believing it to be an IP seed with sustainable growth potential for a decade. A landmark announcement was made: national first-class screenwriter Ran Ping officially joined the project as the animated film's screenwriter. Ran Ping noted that the IP's allure lies in exploring profound propositions of civilization, loneliness and coexistence through a fantasy lens, integrating the traditional heritage of ancient supernatural tales with modern narrative consciousness, and a great fantasy work ultimately reflects reality. The MOONTON Games team presented Ran Ping with a framed original art poster of the IP, marking his official joining in a highly ceremonial way.

Cetus: Debut of a Dieselpunk Sci-Fi IP, Launching a Global Co-creation Plan

Following "You Ming Zhi," MOONTON Games released the high-concept sci-fi IP "Cetus," with the first concept short film of its diesel-punk post-apocalyptic adventure animated series also unveiled at the event. The IP constructs a post-apocalyptic world shrouded in a sea of clouds, where humans have built a unique civilization based on whaling in an isolated island setting, and cling to hope and resolve amid ruins and steel.

Cetus boasts celebrated author, Jiang Nan, as co-creator and acclaimed sci-fi animation director, Shen Youbafang, as director — two core creative forces with profound expertise in building grand worldviews and crafting sci-fi animations. Yaguang Ma commented that Jiang Nan has endowed "Cetus" with a profound textual foundation and epic grandeur, while Shen Youbafang masterfully captures and presents the distinctive texture of this sea of clouds world to audiences. Jiang Nan explained that the core of "Cetus" is to depict the essence of humanity in desperate situations: even if only one tower remains in the world, there will still be stories, warmth, and dignity. Shen Youbafang frankly shared that the challenge and joy of creation both lie in building a dieselpunk visual system that blends industrial ruggedness with the warmth of life, making every gear and rust mark an integral part of the narrative. Moonton also announced the official launch of the "Cetus" global co-creation plan at the conference, opening up the IP's worldview setting to global sci-fi writers, illustrators, animators and game designers, and inviting creators worldwide to jointly build this magnificent sea of clouds universe. The plan is jointly promoted by MOONTON Games and "Science Fiction World," the benchmark platform for Chinese sci-fi literature. Cloud, Wang Shanshan and three other distinguished guests launched the plan with a jigsaw puzzle ceremony, marking "Cetus" as the first Chinese diesel-punk sci-fi IP nurtured by global creators.

Project: Lovania: A Cozy Game Surprise Debuts, Creating a Spiritual Haven

As a delightful surprise at the conference, MOONTON Games launched the original cozy game, "Project: Lovania," whose promotional short film brought a warm and heartfelt experience to the audience. The game builds a fairy-tale wonderland named the "Hometown Never Forgotten," where players take on the role of a little puppet and embark on a magical adventure following a long-eared star. In the game, players can build exclusive homes, customize their avatars, and pursue the starlight and the moon hidden in fascinating stories. In an era driven by efficiency, "Project: Lovania" centers on the core of healing, serving as a warm emotional complement to MOONTON Games' IP matrix and adding greater diversity to the company's film-game IP layout.

For The Future: MOONTON Games Releases the Core Strategy for Film-Game Integration

At the conference, MOONTON Games showcased the creative aspirations and team spirit of Lighthouse Studio through a corporate short film, with original aspiration and unwavering faith as the studio's core tenets. On behalf of the studio, Yaguang Ma released MOONTON Games' core strategy for film-game integration, stating that the establishment of Lighthouse Studio stems from MOONTON Games' persistent commitment to long-term content creation. The studio rejects rushed content production, focuses on returning to the essence of creation itself, and builds a tailored creative ecosystem for the sustainable growth of premium IPs.

MOONTON Games' film-game integration layout is not a simple cross-media expansion, but is centered on building a living, evolving world. Each IP is enabled to naturally evolve into diverse formats including games, films and animations, based on a complete worldview and a profound emotional core. Cloud emphasized that MOONTON Games has always believed that a good story transcends media and time, and the core of film-game integration is to take high-quality original content as the foundation, allowing IPs to realize value amplification and enduring vitality across different media. The three IPs released at the event represent the first implementation of this core strategy, and Moonton will continue to deepen its focus on original content creation, fueling the incubation and growth of more film-game IPs in the future.

Industry Elites Gather at the Forum to Explore the Key to Success for the Future of Film-Game Integration

After the IP release session, MOONTON Games hosted an industry forum themed "What is the Decisive Factor for the Future of IP-Based Film-Game Integration," moderated by Li Xingwen, a famous cultural critic and Chief Editor of "Film and Television Critic." Cloud, Ran Ping, Jiang Nan, and Huang Haibo, Director of Phoenix TV Movie Channel, engaged in an in-depth discussion from diverse professional perspectives.

The forum delved into core topics including the key factors for translating film-game integration concepts into practical execution, the essential traits of IPs with sustainable cross-media vitality, the creative differences between animation and traditional film and television production, the creative adaptation of literary IPs for film and game cross-border development, the new forces urgently needed in the film and television industry, as well as the opportunities and challenges for game enterprises venturing into the film and television sector. Combining their rich practical experience and insightful industry observations, the guests offered multi-dimensional insights and ideas for the industrial development of film-game integration, helping the on-site audience gain a clearer and more in-depth understanding of its future development trends.

MOONTON Games' film-game IP launch conference at Hong Kong FILMART marks the official launch of the company's global film-game IP layout, emerging as a pivotal practice for game enterprises in cross-border film-game integration. From deepening its roots in the game industry to incubating film-game IPs, MOONTON Games takes these three original IPs as its starting point, integrating the essence of Chinese culture with modern creative expression. With its long-term creative philosophy and open co-creation operation model, Moonton sets a new paradigm for the development of the global film-game integration industry. As the conference theme "From Spark to Spotlight" implies, this launch is not the end of MOONTON Games' cross-border film and game journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. In the future, Moonton's Lighthouse Studio will continue to polish high-quality original content, drive the in-depth integration and global development of film-game IPs, and let Chinese original film-game IPs shine brightly on the world stage.

About MOONTON Games

Established in 2014, MOONTON Games is a global video game company dedicated to gaming development, publication, and esports. With more than 2,000 employees worldwide, the company operates offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Latin America, and China. It has successfully launched several high-profile mobile games globally and has built long-term relationships with governments and esports organizations in more than 30 countries around the world. "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" is its current star game and the leading mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game worldwide. For more information, visit en.moonton.com.

About Lighthouse Studio

Lighthouse Studio is a studio under MOONTON Games that creates original content. It currently owns three IPs: "You Ming Zhi," "Cetus," and "Project: Lovania." The studio adheres to the principle of "Innovation as the Core, Content Is King," deeply exploring the integration of storytelling and artistic expression in its commitment to building an immersive art world that combines emotional resonance and visual tension. With its relentless pursuit of quality, Lighthouse Studio leverages its cutting-edge aesthetic vision and technical capabilities to continuously push the boundaries of creativity, establish a complete chain from the core settings of IP, aesthetic innovation to multi-form content development, and create benchmark IPs with global recognition and cultural influence — whether it's games, film and television, or animation.

Media Contact

Peter Ping
peterping@moonton.com

Enrollment is now open for the 2026–2027 school year at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Oklahoma, a tuition-free online public charter school serving students in grades K-12 across the state.

Virtual Preparatory Academy of Oklahoma offers families a flexible online learning option that combines rigorous academics with the structure of live instruction from certified teachers. In addition to core coursework, students can explore expanded opportunities in STEM and aerospace pathways, connecting classroom learning with future careers.

A Rigorous Online Learning Experience

Students at Virtual Preparatory Academy of Oklahoma participate in structured online classes designed to support academic success while allowing families flexibility in their daily schedules.

Students benefit from:

• Prep-school expectations with public school access. Students receive rigorous academics in a tuition-free online environment.
• Live instruction from certified teachers. Students participate in structured classes rather than self-paced worksheets.
• Flexible learning without sacrificing quality. Families get the benefits of online education with strong academic accountability.
• Expanded STEM and aerospace opportunities. Students can explore aviation, engineering, robotics, and other STEM pathways through a specialized aerospace program.
• Career-connected learning for the future. The program introduces pathways such as drone operation, aircraft maintenance, and other aviation-related careers.

Enrollment Information

Enrollment is open for students in grades K-12 who reside in the state of Oklahoma.

Families can learn more or apply at oklahoma.virtualpreparatoryacademy.com/admissions or contact (405) 666-5177.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online School

In what ways is online learning different from classroom learning?

Students follow the same academic standards, curriculum, and graduation requirements as they would in a traditional public school. The difference is that instruction happens online, offering flexibility in where and when students learn.

Why do some families choose online school?

Online learning can provide flexibility, personalized support, and a safe learning environment. It may be especially helpful for students who thrive at a different pace or who need a schedule that fits their family’s needs.

How can parents support their child’s success?

Supporting routines, celebrating effort, monitoring progress through the learning platform, and maintaining communication with teachers can all help students build independence and confidence.

How do students stay engaged in an online environment?

Students benefit from consistent routines, regular check-ins, clear expectations, and encouragement. Feeling supported and seeing their progress can help maintain motivation.

What technology or supplies are needed?

Students generally need a computer, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet learning space. Some schools may offer laptops for families who qualify—families can contact the school for more details.

Are there opportunities for students to socialize?

Yes. Online schools offer live instruction, group projects, student clubs, and other activities that encourage connection and social interaction.

Can students move to another school if needed later?

Online schools follow state academic standards so students stay academically aligned. If your family’s needs change, the school team can assist with next steps.

About ACCEL Schools

ACCEL Schools is an educational service provider to more than 100 public charter schools serving K-12 students across the United States. The organization directly manages or supports brick-and-mortar, online, and hybrid schools tailored to the needs of the communities they serve. ACCEL Schools supports a range of innovative educational models, including college prep, career and technical, classical, dropout prevention, and other specialized academic pathways. For more information, visit accelschools.com.

About Virtual Preparatory Academy

Virtual Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free online public charter school that brings college-preparatory learning to families across the country. Students learn through live instruction with certified teachers, high academic expectations, and personalized support. In Oklahoma, students can also access a specialized Aerospace and STEM program that introduces career pathways in aviation, engineering, robotics, and related fields. By combining flexible online learning with rigorous coursework and career-focused opportunities, Virtual Prep prepares students for success in college and beyond. For more information, visit oklahoma.virtualpreparatoryacademy.com.

Media Contact

Warren Cohn
warren@rocketshippr.com

Brains Bioceutical Corp. (“Brains Bio” or the “Company”), a global leader in natural, GMP-compliant cannabinoid pharmaceutical ingredients, today announced it has been granted a Certificate of Suitability (CEP) for its Cannabidiol (CBD) pharmaceutical ingredient by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Healthcare (EDQM). The CEP, which will be listed under BSPG Laboratories, its wholly owned subsidiary, on the EDQM CBD CEP register, confirms that Brains Bio’s naturally-derived CBD fully meets European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) character, specification, and methodology requirements for use in pharmaceutical development and commercial drug products.

This milestone follows the Company's previously announced CEP application pathway initiated in August 2024, and represents a significant advancement in the regulatory standardisation of cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical ingredients.

What the CEP Means for Drug Development Partners

For pharmaceutical manufacturers advancing cannabinoid-based programs, the CEP functions as a consolidated regulatory anchor. Drug developers may reference it directly within European marketing authorisation applications, materially reducing duplicative ingredient assessments across multiple jurisdictions, simplifying lifecycle management, and accelerating timelines from clinical development through to commercialisation.

The certification centralises regulatory oversight through EDQM, replacing the need for parallel submissions to individual national authorities and delivering the consistency and predictability that serious pharmaceutical programs demand.

This matters most for companies operating in EU-regulated markets where CEP status is frequently a prerequisite in tender and procurement policies. Brains Bio’s naturally-derived ingredient now carries the highest available regulatory certification in the category.

A Platform Built for What Comes Next

The CEP arrives as Brains Bio advances one of the most operationally active cannabinoid drug development platforms in the world. The Company's expanding drug portfolio spans late-stage development programs across glaucoma, opioid use disorder, and epilepsy in the United States, early market access programs targeting Australia and Brazil, and discovery-stage programs exploring next-generation molecular entities. Clinical programs are progressing across multiple jurisdictions, with regulatory submissions and anticipated approvals expected across several assets.

Each of these programs is supported by Brains Bio’s pharmaceutical-grade ingredient supply. The CEP establishes that ingredient as a regulatory-ready reference point across the full scope of EU and Ph. Eur.-aligned markets globally, including the UK, Germany, Latin America, and the MENA region where the Company is actively pursuing registration and early access strategies. For US-aligned programs, Brains Bio’s active FDA Drug Master File provides the equivalent regulatory foundation.

For pharmaceutical and biotech companies building cannabinoid-based drug programs, the practical implication is straightforward: sourcing from Brains Bio means sourcing from the premier naturally-derived CBD supplier whose ingredient is backed by this level of global regulatory standing.

The Industry's Most Complete Credential Portfolio

The CEP adds to what is now the most comprehensive regulatory credential portfolio for a naturally-derived cannabidiol pharmaceutical ingredient: ICH Q7 compliance, an active FDA Drug Master File, EU ASMF, NSF certification, Kosher and Halal certification, MHRA GMP, over 500 commercial batches, and 36-month stability data. These capabilities position Brains Bio to support pharmaceutical partners across the full drug development lifecycle, from early-stage research and clinical programs through to commercial supply at scale.

For manufacturers evaluating sourcing options in EU-regulated and EU-aligned markets, Brains Bio’s naturally-derived ingredient now carries the highest available regulatory certification in the category. The depth and breadth of the Company’s credential stack reduces regulatory execution risk for drug developers and reflects a manufacturing platform built for the long-term demands of global pharmaceutical supply.

"This is what years of building the right way looks like," said Ricky Brar, CEO and chairman of Brains Bioceutical Corp. "Every certification we have earned, and now the CEP, exists because we refused to cut corners when others did. The companies building serious drug portfolios need a partner whose quality credentials are beyond question. That is Brains Bio."

About Brains Bioceutical

Brains Bioceutical (“Brains Bio” or “Brains”) is a diversified cannabinoid life sciences company with a late-stage portfolio spanning pharmaceutical assets targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders with high unmet needs, proprietary therapies, and advanced technologies. Headquartered in Vancouver with manufacturing operations in the UK, Brains operates one of the world’s only EU-GMP certified facilities capable of producing pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids — including cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) — at scale. With the recent completion of its state-of-the-art Phase 2 manufacturing facility, Brains Bio is well positioned to meet growing demand as customers advance through clinical development to commercialization. The company serves pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and veterinary partners worldwide. For more information, visit brainsbioceutical.com.

Media Contact

Calvin Rasode
calvin@brainsbio.com

Geely Auto Group today announced it is expanding its strategic partnership with NVIDIA. Moving beyond traditional hardware supply, the companies are collaborating across three core dimensions: physical AI for the continuous evolution of smart vehicle capabilities, enterprise AI for cloud computing and platform synergy, and industrial AI for the digital transformation of manufacturing and R&D.

Highlights

• Geely Auto Group is expanding its strategic partnership with NVIDIA across physical AI, enterprise AI, and industrial AI to build a full-chain intelligent mobility ecosystem.
• In autonomous driving, Geely's G-ASD system will integrate with Alpamayo, Cosmos, and NuRec technologies. In addition, Geely, along with ecosystem partners, will develop and commercialize Robotaxis using the NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion platform
• Geely will leverage the NVIDIA AI supercomputing platform, Nemotron models, NeMo software, and the NVIDIA AI Enterprise suite to advance its AI technologies and agentic AI capabilities, while upgrading its cloud and enterprise infrastructure.
• Geely will leverage NVIDIA Omniverse and Vision AI agents to accelerate industrial automation.
• Geely will leverage NVIDIA edge computing and AI models to deliver agentic in-vehicle experiences, with Dimensity Auto Cockpit C-X1 debuting as a next-generation platform for infotainment and in-vehicle AI.

Geely and Afari Technology's G-ASD system, which utilizes a Smart AI Agent architecture and the WAM (World Action Model) is deepening its cooperation with NVIDIA. The G-ASD system will integrate NVIDIA Alpamayo, NVIDIA Cosmos, and NVIDIA NuRec technologies to improve development, simulation, and validation efficiency.

In addition, Geely, along with ecosystem partners, will develop and commercialize Robotaxis using the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Hyperion  autonomous vehicle architecture to enhance generalization capabilities and safety redundancies in complex driving scenarios.

For cloud and AI infrastructure, Geely will utilize the NVIDIA AI supercomputing platform, combined with the NVIDIA Nemotron open-source model, NVIDIA NeMo software, and the NVIDIA AI Enterprise suite. This integration is designed to accelerate enterprise-level AI evolution, upgrading capabilities from R&D data processing to intelligent business decision-making, and driving Geely's operational transition into an "AI organization."

For in-vehicle experiences, Geely will be the first in the industry to deploy the Dimensity Auto Cockpit C-X1, jointly developed by NVIDIA and MediaTek (MTK). Featuring NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPU with second generation Transformer engine and nvFP4 support, the C-X1 is specifically optimized for LLM and VLM inference performance, with unmatched token processing throughput and memory bandwidth efficiency. Additionally, Geely will utilize the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX platform and a breadth of optimized AI models for AI Box differentiated in-vehicle applications driving continued innovation inside the car.

The partnership also extends to industrial AI, encompassing the application of Vision AI agents, factory automation based on NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, and AI-driven industrial design and CAE (computer-aided engineering) workflows. Through these AI interventions, Geely aims to significantly shorten R&D cycles and achieve highly flexible and automated manufacturing processes.

With the launch of more all-new car models such as the Zeekr 8X, Geely is accelerating the application of AI capabilities from the laboratory to real-world scenarios, ushering in a brand-new era of smart mobility.

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited today announced its financial and operational results for the full year of 2025. Driven by a 90% year-on-year increase in New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales, the company achieved record revenue of CNY 345.2 billion and a core net profit of CNY 14.41 billion. Total global deliveries reached 3.02 million vehicles.

Highlights

• Revenue reached an all-time high of CNY 345.2 billion (up 25% YoY), with core net profit rising 36% to CNY 14.41 billion.
• Total global deliveries hit 3.02 million vehicles. New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales surged 90% YoY to 1.68 million units.
• Under the "One Geely" strategy, Geely Galaxy sales grew 150% to 1.24 million units, becoming the fastest NEV brand to reach one million annual sales.
• Geely’s G-ASD became the first Chinese ADAS to receive EU certification. The company also expanded its export volume to 420,000 units across 88 countries.

Following the "One Geely" strategy, Geely Galaxy led the NEV expansion with 1.24 million units sold. Zeekr delivered 224,000 units, maintaining top market positions in the luxury MPV and large SUV segments. Lynk & Co recorded a 23% sales increase, reaching 350,000 units. Concurrently, the internal combustion engine segment remained stable, with the China Star series selling 1.21 million units.

Geely launched a full-stack AI architecture featuring the World Action Model (WAM). In autonomous driving, Geely’s G-ASD system became the first Chinese Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to receive European Union certification. The company also established a strategic partnership with NVIDIA for next-generation intelligent mobility.

Geely’s global footprint expanded significantly, with total export sales reaching 420,000 units. The Geely brand entered 13 new markets, including the UK, Italy, and Brazil, bringing its total network to over 1,200 outlets across 88 countries. Zeekr expanded its operations to over 50 countries, while Lynk & Co grew its global retail presence to over 860 stores. To support international volume, Geely operationalized new localized production facilities in Egypt and Indonesia.

In corporate governance and sustainability, Geely achieved an MSCI ESG AA rating and reported a 25.5% reduction in per-vehicle lifecycle carbon emissions compared to its 2020 baseline.

Author Nina M. Kelly, PhD, is developing a new edition of her nonfiction book, “Grace Has a Silent Voice,” titled “Life in the Key of G,” with an expanded emphasis on resilience in times of tragedy. The updated edition will further examine themes of perseverance in the face of loss. She is also continuing her work through her children’s books, supporting her ongoing work promoting literacy initiatives for children.

Dr. Kelly is the proprietor of HoneyBee TreeHouse LLC. She holds a doctorate in mythological studies and depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and completed postdoctoral certifications through Assisi International Institute. Her professional background spans medicine, executive film production, literature and arts leadership.

Storytelling in Medical Recovery Research

“Grace Has a Silent Voice” acknowledges silent heroes and examines resilience in the face of tragedy. Dr. Kelly is currently rewriting the new edition while also drafting her fourth children's book. Her publishing efforts reflect her focus on supporting children's literacy and the use of storytelling to increase personal development.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kelly has emphasized the role of story and imagery in times of tragedy to help the healing process. Her doctoral dissertation, “Myth Making and Modern Medicine: A Case of Kidney Transplantation,” was a significant milestone in her career. Through her research at Louisiana State Medical School in New Orleans, she used stories and images to reduce the incidence of post-operative rejection episodes among kidney transplant patients. This pilot study resulted in 50% fewer rejection episodes. She observed that the patients, who once feared they would not survive, not only recovered quicker but also later wanted to give back to the community and share their recovery success.

Dr. Kelly cited her dissertation as the highlight of her career. She noted the importance of observing patients regain stability and a renewed sense of direction following transplantation.

A Career in Arts, Film and Service

In addition to her literary work, Dr. Kelly is an Emmy Award-winning film executive producer. She served as executive producer of the documentary “A New Lease On Life: K9 for Warriors,” which received four Emmy Awards. She also executive-produced “Folds of Honor,” recipient of the Humanitarian Award; “The Voice of a Generation: The Life of Larry King;" and the short film “Dandelion,” which earned the Judges’ Award.

Dr. Kelly's published works include three Mother’s Choice Award-recognized children's books, “Honeybee Treehouse," “Athena the Brave,” and “Athena, Tudor and the Eagle.” She has collaborated with programs and figures, including Larry King and Jack Canfield, on books such as “The Big Question," “Success Mastery,” “Success Breakthrough,” and “Leo Learns a Lesson.”

Dr. Kelly has held leadership roles as president and chief executive officer of the Children's Bureau and the New Orleans Opera, visiting committee chair for Loyola University Music School, the vice president of Shreveport Opera and president and chief executive officer of the Southern Repertory Theater. Her civic involvement has included service on numerous nonprofit boards. She received the Atticus Award and the Most Outstanding Dedication to Volunteering Award for her work with the Juvenile Justice Organization in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Maternal Values, Integrity and Faith

Dr. Kelly attributes her success to her life and the values instilled in her from her mother, who died when she was seven, her father, Irvin J. Kelly II, and her great aunt, Rosalie Kelly. “If the community is good to you, it is imperative that you are also good to your community” is a guiding principle she was taught and lives by. Her inspiration to serve others also stems from her great aunt, one of The ARC’s founders. She also dedicates her work to her mother and father’s teachings of integrity, humanitarian efforts and religious philosophies.   

Dr. Kelly intends to complete a book based on her dissertation research and to prepare the next edition of “Grace Has a Silent Voice” for publication. Through her continued work in literature, film and humanitarian service, she remains focused on sharing stories that encourage empathy, cultural awareness and literacy among young readers.

About HoneyBee TreeHouse

Nina M. Kelly, PhD, is a mythologist, humanitarian, bestselling author and executive film producer. She is the proprietor of HoneyBee TreeHouse, LLC and earned a doctorate from Pacific Graduate Institute. Dr. Kelly produced an award-winning documentary, “A New Leash on Life: K9 for Warriors,” and wrote several award-winning children's books. She's preparing the next edition of “Grace Has a Silent Voice” while supporting children's literacy initiatives. For more information, visit ninamkelly.com.

About Marquis Who’s Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education,
art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

Media Contact

Nina M. Kelly
HoneyBee TreeHouse LLC
nina@honeybeetreehouse.com

Hermest Hair Clinic has been recognized in the category of Hair Transplant Surgery at the European Awards in Medicine 2025, an international ceremony honoring healthcare providers for excellence in patient care, safety protocols and clinical innovation. The award ceremony took place Nov. 27, 2025, in Rome, Italy, bringing together medical professionals and healthcare organizations from across Europe and global healthcare networks.

The recognition highlights Hermest Hair Clinic’s approach to surgical precision, structured treatment planning and post-operative care in hair restoration procedures. Organizers of the European Awards in Medicine state that recipients are selected based on factors including treatment safety standards, patient satisfaction, and the use of established medical protocols.

The award comes amid rising global demand for hair transplantation procedures, particularly in Turkey. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), demand for hair transplant procedures continues to grow worldwide as techniques such as FUE-based methods advance and success rates improve through structured post-operative care.

Turkey has emerged as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in hair restoration, with thousands of international patients traveling each year for treatments addressing male pattern baldness, female hair loss and other hair restoration needs.

Clinical Leadership and Surgical Approach

Hermest Hair Clinic is led by Dr. Ahmet Murat, a physician specializing in hair restoration surgery with experience in advanced FUE, Sapphire FUE and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) procedures.

Dr. Murat’s work focuses on natural hairline design, long-term graft survival planning and individualized donor area management. The clinic’s surgical team emphasizes evidence-based practices aligned with ISHRS guidance, particularly in donor preservation, graft handling and post-operative care.

Patients considering hair restoration procedures often prioritize factors such as density design, graft angulation and natural growth direction — areas that Hermest incorporates into its surgical planning.

Turkey’s Role in Global Hair Transplantation

Turkey has become a central hub for hair restoration procedures, with clinics in Istanbul and Ankara performing a high volume of treatments each year. This procedural frequency allows surgeons to refine techniques and treat a wide range of hair types and conditions.

Many clinics serving international patients provide integrated treatment packages that may include accommodation, airport transfers, medication and aftercare kits, interpreter services and digital follow-up monitoring. These services are designed to simplify the treatment process for patients traveling internationally.

According to ISHRS reports, the high number of procedures performed in the region has contributed to improvements in graft survival optimization, graft placement patterns and long-term density planning.

Treatment Techniques and Planning

Most modern hair transplant procedures rely on follicular unit extraction (FUE) and related variations. Common techniques include:

• Follicular unit extraction (FUE): Individual graft extraction from donor areas with minimal visible scarring.
• Sapphire FUE: Use of sapphire blades to create smaller channels for graft placement, supporting precise implantation and healing.
• Direct hair implantation (DHI): Direct graft implantation using implanter pens, allowing detailed control of angle and direction.

Clinics frequently use digital planning tools such as graft calculators, density mapping and simulation software to help patients understand expected results.

Methodology

Hermest Hair Clinic applies a structured surgical system that combines technique with safety planning. These methods are intended to support graft survival and reduce potential complications during recovery.

• UNIQUE FUE® Method: This approach focuses on controlled graft extraction and placement designed to support natural hairline transitions and minimize donor area trauma. It integrates customized graft angulation, density planning per square centimeter and multi-zone implantation strategies.
• AIS Protocol (All-In Safety Protocol): Hermest’s internal protocol standardizes surgical safety and aftercare procedures, including sterile surgical environment controls, graft hydration and handling standards, staged implantation procedures and a structured recovery timeline.

Patient Experience and Recovery

Patients traveling internationally for hair transplantation procedures in Turkey typically remain in the country for three to four days, allowing time for surgery, the first washing session and early healing checks.

After returning home, many clinics continue monitoring recovery through digital follow-up systems, which may include scalp care guidance, medication schedules, monthly growth updates and long-term progress tracking over six to 12 months.

Turkey Prices vs. Global Prices

Patients frequently compare hair transplant pricing across countries when evaluating treatment options. Typical 2025–2026 cost ranges include:

• Turkey: $2,000–$4,500 USD (typically includes procedure, hotel accommodation, VIP transfers, medication and aftercare)
• United States: $6,500–$12,000-plus USD (procedure generally priced separately from travel and aftercare services)
• United Kingdom: £5,000–£10,000 (procedure typically priced without bundled services)

The difference is often attributed to integrated service models and lower operational costs, rather than differences in surgical techniques.

About Hermest Hair Clinic

Hermest Hair Clinic is a medical practice specializing in advanced hair restoration procedures, including FUE, Sapphire FUE and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI). Led by Dr. Ahmet Murat, the clinic focuses on evidence-based surgical techniques, natural hairline design and structured post-operative care to support long-term patient outcomes. Hermest serves an international patient base and incorporates digital planning tools and safety protocols to guide treatment and recovery. For more information, visit www.hermestclinic.com.

Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified dermatologist or licensed medical professional before undergoing any medical or surgical procedure.