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Landmark MOU Gives Philippine Game Design Students a Direct Pathway to Publish, Distribute, and Compete on the World Stage

LOS ANGELES, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – Xsolla, a global video game commerce company that helps developers launch, grow, and monetize their games, today announced a strategic partnership with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), the pioneering institution behind the Philippines’ first full degree program in Game Design and Development. Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Manila, the collaboration will provide Benilde students with direct access to Xsolla’s global publishing infrastructure, giving the next generation of Filipino game developers a real, tangible pathway to reach players worldwide.

The MOU was signed in the presence of distinguished witnesses, signatories, and guests, underscoring the broad institutional support for the initiative. Ms. Bianca Pearl Sykimte, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Export Marketing Bureau, and Mr. James Ronald Ho, President of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), served as witness signatories.

At the center of the partnership is the co-development of a dedicated, Benilde-branded game launcher and distribution platform, a curated space where student-developed games can be showcased, published, and made available to a global community for learning, portfolio development, and player feedback. Beyond the platform itself, Xsolla will provide students and faculty with technical training, platform support, and analytics tools to strengthen both curriculum development and commercial readiness.

The Philippines has rapidly emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic game development ecosystems, with Benilde at its academic core. Since launching the region’s first dedicated GDD degree program in 2009, the institution has produced graduates who have gone on to build studios, ship titles, and carry a distinctly Filipino creative perspective onto the global stage. This partnership accelerates that momentum, connecting Benilde’s creative pipeline directly to Xsolla’s worldwide commerce and distribution network.

“Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting growth frontiers in global gaming right now, and the Philippines is leading that charge,” said Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla. “What Benilde has built over the past decade is remarkable: a generation of developers with real craft, real ambition, and stories that deserve to be heard beyond their borders. This partnership is about making sure those stories reach the world. Xsolla exists to help developers at every stage go further, and that mission starts here, with the next generation.”

“The talent is here. The creativity is here. What students need is the infrastructure and the global reach to turn their work into something the world can actually play,” said Eric Lee, Head of Partnerships for APAC at Xsolla. “That’s exactly what this partnership delivers. We’re giving Benilde’s developers not just a platform, but a launchpad and everything Xsolla has built to help them grow and win once they’re on it.”

The partnership also opens pathways for joint research initiatives and educational outreach that spotlight socially relevant student works, further positioning Philippine game development as a creative and commercial force in the global industry.Hashtag: #Xsolla

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

About Xsolla

Xsolla is a global commerce company that builds and provides all the things developers need to launch, grow, and monetize video games. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company supports studios of every size, from indie to AAA, with solutions across direct-to-consumer commerce, intelligent payments, entertainment-based IP, and player engagement products. Xsolla helps developers fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games at scale. Trusted by more than 60% of the top 100 highest-grossing games, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record across 200+ geographies with access to over 1,000+ local payment methods worldwide. Grounded in a deep belief in the future of gaming, Xsolla is resolute in bringing opportunities together and unlocking growth for creators everywhere.

About De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde is a higher education institution in Manila, Philippines, known for its industry-driven programs and commitment to creative and technological innovation. Through its School of Management and Information Technology (SMIT), Benilde pioneered the Philippines’ first full degree program in Game Design and Development in 2009, establishing game development education as a distinct academic discipline and producing a new generation of Filipino game creators.

To learn more about Xsolla’s partnership with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, visit: https://xsolla.pro/De-La-Salle-College-of-Saint-Benilde

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – There is a particular kind of exhaustion that comes not from the stress itself, but from carrying it in silence — unsure whether it is serious enough to mention, or whether anyone would truly understand.

A newly completed Hong Kong study suggests there may finally be a way to bridge that gap. The AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group has completed a Hong Kong-based study conducted in the 2025–2026 academic year, comparing the effectiveness of human hypnotherapists against AI in delivering hypnotic experience-based stress relief experiences. The findings were striking: a significant proportion of participants felt that both approaches yielded virtually equivalent levels of relaxation — and more than 60% reported preferring their AI session after the fact.

Over 400 Applicants: A Reflection of a Generation in Need of Being Heard

The research team recruited participants experiencing family-related stress via Facebook. Within a short period of the post going live, over 400 individuals voluntarily applied — a figure that speaks not only to the pervasiveness of stress in modern life, but also to a growing willingness among the public to prioritise their own emotional wellbeing and actively seek self-care solutions.

From the applicant pool, 48 participants were randomly selected to take part. Each participant underwent two separate hypnotic experience stress relief audio sessions, each lasting approximately one hour — one recorded by a human hypnotherapist, and one fully generated by AI, including both the script and voice. Participants then compared their personal experiences of both sessions.

What Humans Can Do, AI Can Do Too

In the most critical area of comparison — stress relief effectiveness — the largest single group of participants (41.7%) rated the AI and human sessions as equally effective. On a scoring basis, the AI hypnotic experience averaged approximately 2.92 points, compared to 2.58 points for the human session — with AI coming out marginally ahead.

The study further found that nearly 90% of participants indicated they would enjoy a session if it genuinely helped them feel relaxed. In other words, what people truly care about is whether it works — not whether the voice behind it belongs to a human or a machine. On this front, AI has passed the test.

Over 60% More Willing to Share Their Feelings with AI

The results around personal preference were perhaps the most eye-opening. When asked which session they enjoyed more, 62.5% of participants chose the AI experience — and among women, that number climbed even higher, to 68.4%.

So what made AI the preferred choice? Researchers believe it comes down to one simple thing: feeling safe. With AI, there is no worry about being judged. No fear of saying the wrong thing. No awkwardness. About 1 in 4 participants said they actually found it easier to talk openly with AI — because it communicates in a way that feels clear, calm, and natural, much like everyday conversation.

The truth is, some things are just easier to say when no one is watching. That is not a flaw in human nature — it is simply how many of us work.

When it came to privacy, the findings were equally reassuring. More than half of all participants said they had no concerns about AI handling their personal information. Only a very small number — just 2.08% — said they felt uncomfortable. This points to a growing sense of trust in AI tools among the general public.

AI Reads the Data; Therapists Read the Person

Beyond the hypnotic experience itself, the local research team also evaluated AI’s capability as an analytical tool — with equally impressive results.

AI was able to rapidly process large volumes of participant responses, objectively assess individual stress levels, and identify underlying patterns. For instance, AI identified that 35% of participants independently expressed a desire for “personal space” or “better soundproofing” in their homes. On the surface, these may seem like trivial lifestyle concerns — yet AI connected this pattern to the reality of Hong Kong residents living in constrained spaces, highlighting a deeper psychological sense of having “nowhere to breathe”. This level of insight would be difficult to uncover through manual review of dozens of questionnaires alone.

AI also observed that many participants habitually occupied the role of “problem-solver” or “mediator” within their households, suppressing their own emotional needs in the process. Researchers noted that this reflects a widely recognised social phenomenon — the pressures faced by eldest daughters and the so-called “sandwich generation,” caught between the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents and raising children. AI’s ability to rapidly identify these hidden emotional burdens allows therapists to bypass lengthy preliminary assessments and focus more swiftly on the core issues that require their attention.

AI Is Here to Help, Not to Take Over

The local research team emphasises that the study was never intended to position AI as a replacement for human therapists. Rather, the aim is to explore how the two can work in tandem. Much like how blood test reports assist physicians in diagnosis, AI can play an analogous supporting role in the mental health field — organising data, identifying patterns, and lowering barriers to seeking help, so that mental health professionals can direct their energy towards the moments that truly require a human touch.

Those who proactively seek psychological support remain a minority, often deterred by the fear of inconvenience, social stigma, or the awkwardness of speaking up. If AI can serve as the bridge that encourages more people to take that first step, that alone may be its most meaningful contribution to society.

Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute

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

About Hypnosis Institute

Hypnosis Institute is dedicated to helping people in Hong Kong lead healthier and more fulfilling lives through hypnotic experience. We offer accessible and practical hypnotic experience training programmes designed to integrate hypnotic techniques into everyday life, with a focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.

Hypnosis Institute is Hong Kong’s only hypnotic experience professional development platform that simultaneously operates a research group, social innovation group, practical training group, crisis psychological support group, charitable initiatives, networking events, therapeutic services, and a comprehensive training pathway.

As the sole Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine (AIM) in the United States, the sole overseas Hong Kong academy of UK educational institution Study House (Quality Licence Scheme), and the sole specialist hypnotic experience training school in Hong Kong under Cambridge International College in the United Kingdom, Hypnosis Institute provides internationally recognised qualifications that contribute to the advancement of the industry.

Founder Charles Leung is a trainer of trainers in the field of hypnotic experience, and has been specially appointed by the Association for Integrative Medicine as the Chief Instructor for Specialist hypnotic experience in Greater China. He has trained over 1,000 hypnotherapists and instructors, upholding the highest standards of professional development in the mental health field.

The Institute’s programmes integrate a comprehensive range of methodologies, including hypnotic experience combined with MBTI personality profiling, DISC behavioural analysis, mental health coaching, emotional education, and the HiddenMe Cards inner child tool — providing a holistic and personalised approach to hypnotic experience practice. Instructors specialise in paediatric hypnotic experience, Internal Family Systems (including inner child) hypnotic experience, stress and insomnia relief hypnotic experience, interpersonal relationship hypnotic experience, as well as hypnotic experience in reminiscence and palliative care.

Driven by the belief that everyone can harness the power of hypnotic experience to enhance their mental wellbeing, Hypnosis Institute is committed to sharing psychological knowledge and providing professional support in the areas of emotional management, life challenges, and the professional development of the hypnotic experience industry.

Follow us at hypnosisinstitute.com.hk, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for the latest updates.

Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute

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

關於Hypnosis Institute

Hypnosis Institute致力於通過催眠治療，幫助香港人實踐更健康、更充實的生活。我們提供易於理解和應用的催眠訓練課程，旨在將催眠技巧融入日常生活，重點關注壓力管理、情緒健康和個人成長，為香港唯一同時擁有研究小組、社創小組、實戰小組、危機心理支援小組、慈善活動、交流聚會、治療服務及完善培訓階梯的催眠治療師成長平台。

作為美國整合醫學會 (Association for Integrative Medicine) 唯一香港分會、英國教育機構 Study House (Quality Licence Scheme) 唯一香港海外學院和英國劍橋國際學院 (Cambridge International College) 在香港唯一的專科催眠治療培訓分校，我們提供有助於業界發展的國際認證，創辦人Charles Leung為催眠界導師之師，獲美國整合醫學會特邀出任專科催眠治療大中華區首席導師，培育超過一千位催眠治療師及導師，秉承心理健康領域最高的專業發展標準。

課程整合了一系列方法，包括催眠與MBTI性格學、DISC行為學、心理健康教練學、情緒教育、及HiddenMe Cards內在小孩工具，提供一連串個性化的催眠治療方法。導師專精於兒科催眠治療、內在家庭系統 (包括內在小孩) 催眠治療、緩解壓力及失眠催眠治療、人際關係催眠治療、以及懷緬及寧養服務催眠領域。

在相信每個人都能將催眠應用到生活提升心理健康的驅動下，Hypnosis Institute致力於分享心理學知識，為情緒管理、處理人生困擾和催眠治療師行業發展提供專業支援。

追蹤 hypnosisinstitute.com.hk、Facebook、Instagram 和 YouTube 以獲取我們的最新資訊。

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – BizPal Malaysia hosted BizPal Day 2026, an invite-only event bringing together investors, SME founders, and ecosystem partners in Johor, where the company formally introduced CapitalOS, its corporate finance platform, and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Malaysian partners My Education Platform and VA Partners.

Held at deMori @ FCC Signature, the event featured a live platform demonstration, partner showcase, and networking sessions aimed at facilitating engagement between founders, advisors, and investors.

Introducing CapitalOS

CapitalOS, BizPal’s corporate finance platform, was presented through a live demonstration during the event. The system integrates operational, brand, and financial data into a structured framework designed to support investor readiness and due diligence.

According to BizPal, the platform is intended to help SMEs organise their business information into formats aligned with investor expectations, enabling clearer communication during fundraising discussions.

“SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal Malaysia.

MOUs Expand Distribution Network

The event also included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BizPal and two Malaysian partners, My Education Platform and VA Partners. Both organisations will serve as authorised distributors of BizPal’s education and advisory programmes across Malaysia.

The partnerships expand BizPal’s reach within the SME ecosystem by working with local organisations that support business development and capability building.

“Partnering with BizPal allows us to introduce structured, investor-ready methodologies to the SME community we serve,” said Mr. Jeff Lee, Director, My Education Platform.

A representative from VA Partners is expected to provide a statement following final endorsement.

Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX)

During the event, BizPal also presented the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX), an ecosystem initiative designed to connect experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.

The initiative provides a structured environment for mentorship supported by data-based evaluation and standardised assessment criteria aligned with investor expectations. GMX was first introduced during BizPal’s Data Fundraising Masterclass in December 2025 and was presented to a broader network of partners and investors at BizPal Day.

Next Steps

Following the event, BizPal plans to expand the adoption of CapitalOS and continue developing its partner network across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs #BizPalDay

https://www.bizpal.tech/
https://www.facebook.com/simplyfi.sg

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

About BizPal

BizPal provides data-driven corporate finance solutions designed to help ASEAN SMEs become investor-ready. Its platform, CapitalOS, integrates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that supports business evaluation and investor engagement.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – Cangio Tourist City Corporation, the developer of Vinhomes Green Paradise, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to introduce IHG’s hotel brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio in Ho Chi Minh City. The collaboration will not only enhance the project’s service ecosystem to international standards, but also lay the foundation for a leading coastal mega urban development, reinforcing Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio’s position on the global tourism and resort map.

Under the agreement, IHG will develop four hotels with a total of more than 1,000 rooms at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, including InterContinental Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms, and Garner Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms.

InterContinental Saigon Can Gio, a world-renowned luxury brand, will deliver premium hospitality experiences tailored to international travelers and domestic guests seeking high-end accommodation. Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio, one of the largest upscale hotel brands globally, will cater to frequent travelers with modern, flexible spaces designed to optimize productivity and foster connections.

Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio will expand the destination’s accommodation offering with efficient, high-quality stays focused on value, making the development more accessible to a broader range of guests. This also marks the official debut of both brands in the Vietnamese market.

According to the development timeline, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio are expected to open in 2028, followed by InterContinental Saigon Can Gio and Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio in 2030.

In this partnership, Vinpearl, a member of Vingroup, will act as the project operator and lead the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, while coordinating with all stakeholders throughout the development and operational phases.

Together with Vinpearl’s world-class hospitality brand, the addition of four premium IHG hotels will help realize a 7,000-room accommodation ecosystem at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, meeting the growing demand for extended stays and diverse experiences year-round in Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City.

Complementing the hospitality offering, a series of large-scale entertainment and resort facilities unique to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio will further elevate the destination. These include the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park featuring the world’s tallest artificial snow mountain and nearly 200 attractions, the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater, the 800-hectare Paradise Lagoon, the five-star international cruise port Landmark Harbour, and two 18-hole international-standard golf courses. Together, these developments aim to position Can Gio as a globally-recognized tourism and resort hub, targeting 40 million visitors annually and standing alongside leading destinations in Vietnam and worldwide.

Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between IHG and Vingroup. Bringing four of our standout brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as well as our strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. With brands spanning multiple segments, we believe this collaboration will help create an integrated hospitality ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of travelers at one of Vietnam’s most significant developments.”

Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, said: “We selected IHG not only for its global brand portfolio but also for its proven operational expertise across international markets. Introducing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio is a key step in completing our service structure and establishing international operating standards for the mega project’s hotel system. With this partnership as a foundation, we believe Vinhomes Green Paradise will progressively emerge as a world-class destination, where a fully integrated ecosystem continues to enhance its appeal to residents and both domestic and international visitors.”

Vinhomes Green Paradise is located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began on April 19, 2025, with a total area of 2,870 hectares. The development features three sides facing the sea and is adjacent to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. The project is being developed to leading ESG++ standards, integrating green, smart, ecological, and regenerative principles.

The development benefits from a well-connected transport infrastructure network, including the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, which will reduce travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City to just 13 minutes, the Can Gio Bridge, the interchange connecting Rung Sac Road with the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing route, enabling travel between two major tourism hubs in just 10 minutes.

With a diverse range of accommodation options, internationally-standardized hotel systems, and a wide array of cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment facilities aligned with green, smart, and community-friendly principles, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio stands out as a rare mega urban development that both sets new benchmarks for ESG living and delivers a world-class tourism and resort experience.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

https://vinhomes.vn/en

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

About IHG Hotels & Resorts:

IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 21 brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs with over 160 million members. IHG currently franchises, leases, manages, or owns more than 6,900 hotels across over 100 countries, with more than 2,300 hotels in its development pipeline.

IHG’s brand portfolio spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials, and Suites segments, including well-known brands such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.

About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, pioneering the development of large-scale, well-planned urban areas with integrated amenities, green living environments, and modern lifestyles. In addition to 36 urban developments currently in operation nationwide, Vinhomes continues to focus on building next-generation mega and super urban developments of regional scale and significance, aspiring to create some of the most livable cities in the world while significantly transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.

For more information, please visit https://vinhomes.vn/vi

STUTTGART, GERMANY & SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – Blending the worlds of high-performance automotive engineering and architectural permanence, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok will make its highly anticipated regional showcase at the Singapore Yachting Festival 2026. Taking place from 23 to 26 April at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, the festival offers an exceptional opportunity to showcase a unique project that transcends conventional luxury real estate.

Arriving not merely as a residential property, but as a collectible, design-led, ultra-luxury real estate project, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok presents a once-in-a-generation offering. Amidst a spectacular showcase of the world’s finest superyachts, the festival offers Asia’s most discerning yacht owners and collectors a rare opportunity to discover a masterclass in structural originality and absolute privacy. The goal is to connect directly with a global audience of yacht owners and collectors, aligning perfectly with the project’s target group of collectors of exceptional assets.

The centerpiece of this regional showcase is a highly exclusive, invitation-only gathering held within the festival’s newly introduced Spotlight Zone. On Sunday, 26 April, from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM, an intimate group limited to just 50 guests will be immersed in a bespoke narrative titled “Porsche Design: Shaping Performance, Designing the Future.”

For invited guests, this truly unique experience is meticulously crafted as a curated and intimate occasion. Attendees will be invited into a sophisticated and comfortable setting, designed to facilitate meaningful connections within an exclusive global community of like-minded collectors, prominent thought leaders, and Luminaries

During this intimate afternoon, guests will discover how the philosophy behind Porsche’s legendary sports cars has been seamlessly translated into an outstanding living environment limited to just 22 units. The discourse will highlight the ingenuity behind the tower’s defining architectural features and qualities—revealing how engineering marvels like ‘The Loop’ spiral vehicle ramp and ‘The Passion Space’ elevate automotive ownership into a refined collector’s ritual.

For the region’s exclusive global clientele, this debut represents an exclusive invitation to experience the future of automotive-inspired residences, reinforcing Porsche Design Tower Bangkok’s status as a highly sought-after masterpiece and the definitive reference point in global architectural design.

For discerning individuals wishing to experience this architectural masterpiece in person, the Show Suite based in Bangkok welcomes guests by private appointment only. To inquire about a private viewing, please contact sales@pdtowerbangkok.com or visit pdtowerbangkok.com.

Hashtag: #Ananda #PorcheDesign

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

About Porsche Design Tower Bangkok

The Porsche Design Tower Bangkok sets a new standard for ultra luxury living with its limited offering of just 22 exclusive residences. Located on Sukhumvit 38, one of Bangkok’s most prestigious addresses, this groundbreaking project is the first of its kind in Asia and the third globally, following Miami and Stuttgart. Designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking unparalleled exclusivity, the tower offers residents the perfect blend of serene living in the coveted Thonglor neighborhood, with easy access to the city’s most vibrant attractions and amenities. Among its standout features are the customizable “Passion Spaces”—private, in-unit garages that allow residents to showcase their prized car collections, creating a truly unique living experience.