Author: Sai Krishna

Blokees Debuts 90+ New Products at Wonder Festival Shanghai 2026

SHANGHAI, Oct. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From October 3 to 4, Assembly Character Toys Brand Blokees exhibited at Wonder Festival Shanghai 2026, featuring nearly 500 products across its two core categories, Blokees Model Kits and BLOKEES WHEELS. More than 90 new products made their debut, highlighting Blokees’ continued expansion across product categories, IPs and consumer segments.

The Blokees Model Kits portfolio covers hero collecting, model kit collecting, animal-themed products and fashion-oriented products, featuring more than 10 global IPs including ULTRAMAN, TRANSFORMERS, Saint Seiya, Evangelion and DC. Products for collectors aged 16 and above were a key focus, with nearly 40 products exhibited across Champion, Champion Lite, Fantastic and Legend series , including more than 20 new products making their debut. Notably, DC made its first commercial appearance in the Legend series.

Blokees continues to expand its product ecosystem. Blokees also exhibited the latest products from its TERRAVENTURE Series and DaaLaMode Series. The TERRAVENTURE Series features animal-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, while the DaaLaMode Series combines assembly, articulation, and fashion play, expanding Blokees’ offerings across different consumer segments.

In the Blokees Wheels category, Blokees exhibited its C, E, and S Series, featuring IPs including Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman. New products based on Cyberpunk 2077, Fast & Furious × Ford and Fast & Furious × Dodge were also exhibited for the first time, further expanding the category’s offerings for vehicle enthusiasts.

Beyond products, Blokees also exhibited winning works from the “Dawn” and “Awakening” seasons of the 2026 BFC Creation Contest. Through BFC, Blokees connects players worldwide through creation and sharing, with the community now spanning 21 countries and regions.

Blokees will continue to strengthen its two core categories and expand its global product and creator ecosystem under its strategy of “Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting.”

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Chandigarh University Research Scientists gets 17 lakh grant from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology; to build skilled manpower for nature conservation and Ecotourism

Chandigarh University to Train Youth as Nature Conservators and Ecotourism Guides, Creating Conservation-Linked Livelihoods

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant of over Rs 17 lakhs from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India for conducting a three-month specialized training programme on ‘Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide’ aimed at building a skilled workforce in nature conservation, sustainable and responsible tourism and green entrepreneurship.

Notably, the GSDP initiative was developed with an aim to create skilled workforce for environment and forest-related sectors with training designed to support gainful employment and self-employment.

Sanctioned by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) through its Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub, the programme will train 20 participants through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, field exposure and entrepreneurship-oriented skill development.

Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences Chandigarh University and Principal Investigator of the programme, along with experts including (Prof) Dr. Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University and Dr. Sangeeta from the Department of Biosciences from CU will contribute to the academic and practical delivery of the programme.

Sharing the details about the programme, Dr LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences said, “The three-month programme will provide participants with extensive practical exposure, with the proposed training structure comprising approximately 35–40 per cent theory and 60–65 per cent practical and skill-based learning. Participants will be trained in areas including biodiversity assessment, identification of flora and fauna, wildlife and bird observation, nature interpretation, ecosystem understanding, sustainable tourism planning, ecotourism operations, hospitality, environmental monitoring, digital marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship.”

Prof (Dr) Attri added, “A significant component of the programme will be field-based learning. Participants are expected to visit ecologically and tourism-relevant locations including the Siswan Ecotourism Project, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh Biodiversity Park, Chhatbir Zoological Park, Ropar Wetland, Morni Hills, Pinjore Heritage Gardens, Timber Trail, organic farms, village homestays in the Shivalik region, Hoshiarpur Eco Resort, Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland. Such exposure will enable trainees to understand how conservation, visitor management, interpretation and local livelihood opportunities can be integrated at actual destinations.”

Prof (Dr) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University said, “The programme carries a defined employment outcome with the sanction requiring 50 per cent gainful placement of trained candidates in relevant sectors. This places employability and livelihood generation at the centre of the training rather than limiting the programme to academic certification. The potential career opportunities emerging from the training span nature guiding, ecotourism operations, wildlife and birding activities, rural tourism, homestay management, hospitality, destination interpretation, conservation-related work and nature-based entrepreneurship. These skills can contribute to the growing demand for trained professionals in Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors. The sanctioned amount will cover course materials and training kits, boarding and lodging, transportation and field visits, honorarium, and other expenses for the three-month residential training programme for 20 trainees and resource persons.”

Dr Sangeeta, Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University, shared that initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, government agencies, conservation organisations, tourism stakeholders and local communities. Its field-oriented design can provide participants with direct understanding of protected areas, wetlands, biodiversity parks, rural tourism sites and community-based tourism models while also introducing them to the operational and entrepreneurial dimensions of the sector. For Chandigarh University, the grant adds another dimension to its engagement with green skills by connecting scientific training, tourism education and livelihood development. With nature-based tourism increasingly requiring trained personnel who understand both ecological systems and visitor needs, the programme is positioned to develop professionals capable of contributing to conservation as well as responsible tourism.

The programme comes at a time when ecotourism and nature-based tourism are increasingly recognised for combining responsible travel with biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, environmental awareness and sustainable livelihood generation. Unlike conventional tourism, ecotourism places greater emphasis on environmental protection, community participation, cultural preservation and nature-based enterprises. Punjab’s diverse natural assets, including the Shivalik foothills, wetlands, riverine habitats, forests, biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offer significant scope for developing such responsible tourism models and generating conservation-linked livelihood opportunities.

With expertise coming together from Chandigarh University’s Departments of Biosciences and Tourism & Hospitality Management, the interdisciplinary training will combine ecological knowledge with nature interpretation, biodiversity documentation, sustainable tourism practices, hospitality, destination management and enterprise development, preparing participants for responsible tourism and conservation-related livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of GSDP to develop green-skilled human resources equipped for sustainable development, with programmes across the country covering nature conservation, ecotourism and livelihood-oriented training. Through the sanctioned programme, Chandigarh University will train 20 participants in a specialized green skill, combining field-based learning, practical training and employability-focused outcomes to support the development of skilled manpower for Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Gareth Parker-Jones named Head of Education, Rendeavour, and Founding Master of Wellington College International Kenya

TATU CITY, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — One of the UK’s leading educators, Parker-Jones, will join Wellington Kenya as Founding Master a year ahead of the school’s official opening, in September 2028. He will be joined by his wife, Amanda Parker-Jones, who has been appointed Head of Teacher Development for the school.

Developed by Rendeavour, Africa’s new city builder, in partnership with Wellington College, Wellington Kenya is the second school in the Wellington College Education family in Africa, alongside Rendeavour’s Wellington College International Lagos, and part of a wider network of 12 super premium British schools spanning the UK, China, Thailand, India, Indonesia and the United States.

Located in Tatu City, Africa’s leading new city, Wellington Kenya is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, attracting families locally, regionally and globally. With access to Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, bountiful wildlife, rich cultural diversity, temperate weather and remarkable athletic excellence, Wellington Kenya is set within Tatu City’s 5,000 acres of lush parks, running and equestrian trails, legendary coffee estates, indigenous trees, lakes and rivers.  

Regarding his appointment, Gareth Parker-Jones said, “Wellington College International Kenya delivers a genuinely world-class education in arguably the most beautiful environment on Earth, carrying the full weight of the Wellington name. Backed by the scale, expertise and ambition of Rendeavour, Wellington Kenya is a great success story in international education, and I could not be prouder to lead it as Head of Education, Rendeavour, and Founding Master.”

Commenting on the appointment, James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College, said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Gareth Parker-Jones to the Wellington College Education family. Gareth is one of the UK’s leading heads and has had a transformational impact at Rugby School, raising standards, developing a vibrant and growing family of schools in England and around the world, and acting as a thoughtful and thought-provoking ambassador for the sector. I have known Gareth for many years and have the deepest respect for him both personally and professionally; Wellington College International Kenya could not be in better hands. We congratulate Gareth, Amanda and the family in this exciting new chapter, and I very much look forward to working alongside such accomplished educationalists.”

The appointment of Parker-Jones, who has a strong background in boarding, signals the scale of ambition of Wellington Kenya. Alongside its day school provision, boarding will be an important part of Wellington Kenya’s identity, character, community and pastoral offer from day one. This will give families the flexibility of both day and boarding options, while ensuring that the boarding experience is delivered to the same exacting standard as Wellington College Education family of schools around the world.

Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, added, “To attract a Founding Master of Gareth’s renown and experience is itself a statement of our intent and the ambition we hold for the school. Having spent considerable time with Gareth and his wife, Amanda, I have no doubt whatsoever that we have found the perfect leaders for building one of the best school in the world. Great cities are built around great institutions, and world-class education is central to attracting families, employers, and investment over the long term. Wellington Kenya will set a new benchmark for educational excellence – establishing a world-class school in the heart of East Africa, so families no longer need to look abroad for extraordinary schooling. Gareth’s appointment gives us the leadership, warmth, and vision to turn that ambition into reality from day one. Our goal is to build a learning community that seamlessly combines Wellington’s global educational heritage with a strong local identity, one that will serve families across the region for generations.”

WCIK Contact  

Deborah Stanford

Head of Admissions & Marketing at Wellington Kenya

Admissions@wellingtoncollege.ke

Media Contact

Prudence Karimi                                                  

Pkarimi@tatucity.com

+254 795 368 905

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GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM 64GB Unified Memory Version Expands Possibilities for Desktop AI Development

TAIPEI, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GIGABYTE today announced the launch of a new 64GB unified memory version of GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM, expanding its existing 128GB offering. Available starting October 23, the new configuration retains the hardware design of AI TOP ATOM, based on the NVIDIA DGX Spark platform, giving developers, researchers, and enterprise teams greater flexibility to select the configuration that best fits their AI workloads and memory requirements, while enabling dedicated on-premises AI development environments.

As generative AI and agentic AI applications continue to evolve, model testing, data processing, and application validation are becoming increasingly integral to everyday development workflows. GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM integrates AI computing capabilities into a compact desktop form factor, enabling users to perform model inference, prototype development, and data analysis in offices, laboratories, and educational environments. By running models and processing data locally, users can maintain greater control over development resources and project data while reducing reliance on cloud computing resources.

The new 64GB unified memory version, together with the existing high-capacity 128GB version, creates a more comprehensive AI TOP ATOM product lineup. Users can evaluate and select the memory capacity that best matches their model sizes, workflows, and multitasking requirements, enabling them to develop AI applications on the same platform and progress from early proof-of-concept development to practical deployment. With built-in ConnectX-7 networking, developers can cluster up to 4 units with NVIDIA Sync for larger memory pool and compute capability.

On the software side, AI TOP ATOM integrates NVIDIA CUDA accelerated AI software ecosystem with GIGABYTE AI TOP Utility, providing capabilities including model downloading, inference, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to help users establish local AI workflows. Developers can explore open models, test AI assistants, or leverage their own documents to build knowledge-based question-and-answer applications, allowing them to continuously refine and validate solutions based on project requirements and accelerate the transition from ideas to real-world applications.

GIGABYTE is also continuing to explore the potential of AI TOP ATOM for agentic AI applications. In a multi-node scientific computing demonstration, GIGABYTE integrated NVIDIA Nemotron open models with the NVIDIA NemoClaw open agent blueprint to connect research hypothesis generation with simulation workflows, demonstrating the potential of AI agents to support scientific research. Through the continued integration of hardware platforms, software tools, and real-world applications, GIGABYTE is committed to expanding the use cases for desktop AI computing.

With the addition of the 64GB unified memory version, AI TOP ATOM is now available in both 128GB and 64GB configurations, addressing the needs of users across different stages of AI development and application scales. GIGABYTE will continue to expand its AI TOP product portfolio and software ecosystem, helping individuals and enterprise teams build on-premises AI capabilities and bring AI from technology exploration into everyday applications.

The GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM 64GB unified memory version is officially available starting October 23, 2026. Product availability, sales channels, and pricing may vary by region. Please refer to GIGABYTE’s official announcements and authorized local distributors for details.

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“THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL” HEADS TO SEA FOR THE FIRST TIME ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S HERO OF THE SEAS

Inspired by the hit Broadway musical and Nickelodeon animated series, the all-new production will bring the world of Bikini Bottom to life on the new Icon Class family vacation debuting August 2027

MIAMI, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Caribbean is introducing “The SpongeBob Musical,*” the first-ever at-sea production inspired by the Tony award-winning Broadway show on Hero of the Seas when the fourth Icon Class vacation sets sail from Miami in August 2027. As part of the bold entertainment lineup on the newest family vacation, the adventure-packed show will bring the vibrant world of Bikini Bottom to life in the Royal Theater. “The SpongeBob Musical” joins Royal Caribbean’s award-winning entertainment portfolio, which continues to push the boundaries for experiences across stage, air, water and ice for vacationers of all ages.

“At Royal Caribbean, we’re focused on creating incredible experiences that bring families of all ages together in meaningful, memorable ways,” said Christi Coachman, vice president, entertainment, Royal Caribbean. “Our entertainment lineup on Hero of the Seas is designed with something for everyone. ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ delivers on that by bringing generations together through a story families know and love, while showcasing the creativity, cutting-edge technology and world-class production that can only be experienced on a Royal Caribbean vacation.”

From under the sea to at sea, “The SpongeBob Musical” on Hero will transform the beloved Nickelodeon animated series and 12-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway show into a reimagined production for the whole family that can be experienced only on Royal Caribbean. Filled with unexpected twists, larger-than-life characters, hit songs and above all – friendship, the adventure will show audiences that heroes can come from even the most unlikely places as SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends race against time to save their town from total destruction.

Beyond groundbreaking entertainment for all ages, vacationers can go all in on adventure across eight neighborhoods with experiences including:

• Crown’s Edge, part skywalk, part zip line experience suspended 154 feet above the ocean
• Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea
• Nine pools, including the new Coconut Cove pool and the adults-only The Hideaway, featuring two pools and the largest swim-up bar at sea
• 28 dining venues, including the multi-course Orleans Parrish Supper Club; an immersive train car dining experience at Royal Railway – Hero Station; hands-on cooking classes in a new venue to be revealed and more
• Brand-new family accommodations, including the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse featuring a rooftop terrace, whirlpool and two-deck teen space

Hero will take vacationers on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every adventure visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas. Adventurers can choose to explore Western Caribbean spots like Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, or head to tropical Eastern Caribbean destinations such as Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

For more information on Hero, vacationers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website.

About Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and signature destinations revolutionize vacations with industry-leading innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills and ways to chill, to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 23 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island and Santorini, plus Royal Beach Club Lelepa coming soon. 

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.

About The SpongeBob Musical

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and tells the story of the optimistic SpongeBob and his irresistible friends coming together to save their undersea world from volcanic destruction. The musical features a book by Tony Award-nominated, Obie Award-winning writer and musician Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by renowned writer, director and Drama Desk Award-winning Tina Landau.

About Paramount Products & Experiences 

Paramount Products & Experiences oversees all licensing, merchandising, and location-based experiences for Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), a leading next generation global media and entertainment company. The division brings to life iconic franchises and beloved characters through innovative products and immersive experiences across categories including toys, apparel, publishing, food and beverage, theme parks, hotels, cruises, attractions, and live entertainment. Its global portfolio is powered by content from brands such as Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and Paramount+, and fan-favorite franchises like PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek and Yellowstone. To explore our range of consumer products and Paramount-branded merchandise, visit ParamountShop.com.

* Nickelodeon’s THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg with a book by Kyle Jarrow, is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. ©2026 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

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New York Giants at NYSE for 40th Anniv. of Super Bowl XXI: NYSE Content Update

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on October 2nd

• New York Football Giants celebrate the 40^th anniversary of their 1986 Super Bowl team.
  • Simms, the MVP of Super Bowl XXI, will join NYSE Live to discuss how winning the Big Game impacted the rest of his career.
  • The team will also be honored during half of Sunday’s game against the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium.
• Flow Engineering says it’s the ‘de facto’ platform for agentic hardware.
  • The company says the fresh funds will help accelerate its mission to do for hardware what AI has already done for software.  
  • Flow Engineering’s Founder + CEO Pari Singh will join NYSE Live to reveal how his company will deploy the $50 million in fresh funding.
• The September jobs report came out this morning ahead of market open.
  • Economists expected to see that the U.S. added 90,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1%.
  • Treasury yields retreated from recent highs following a report that the EU countries were considering releasing strategic fuel reserves.

Opening Bell

The New York Giants celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the 1986 Super Bowl Championship Season

Closing Bell

The Manufacturers Alliance celebrates the annual meeting of its Investor Relations Council

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial

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World Trade Centers Association Establishes Global Headquarters at One World Trade Center

International trade organization returns to the World Trade Center site after 25 years, establishing its headquarters at a global center for business, commerce and connectivity, marking a new chapter for the Association

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations across nearly 100 countries and territories — today announced the relocation of its global headquarters to One World Trade Center in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, establishing a new home for the Association at one of the world’s most recognized addresses for international business and trade.

The move returns WTCA to the WTC site for the first time in 25 years and marks a significant milestone for an organization founded in New York in 1969. From its new headquarters on the 46th floor of One World Trade Center, WTCA will advance its mission of “Connecting Businesses, Globally.“

The new headquarters reflects both WTCA’s longstanding roots in New York and the increasingly global nature of its work. From its new office, WTCA will continue advancing its mission to help its Members create connections across markets and facilitate opportunities for international trade and investment while creating a global gathering point for its Members, partners and business leaders.

“Returning our global headquarters to One World Trade Center is both a meaningful homecoming and a significant milestone for WTCA and our continued growth as a global organization,” said John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors. “New York City has been WTCA’s home since our founding more than five decades ago, and today, our global network reaches nearly 100 countries and territories. This new office space gives us a dynamic setting — and a fitting global address — to bring together Members and partners from around the world as we continue building connections that support trade, investment and economic growth.”

WTCA now occupies Suite 46C, a 2,556-square-foot office on the 46th floor of One World Trade Center. The built space includes private offices, a conference room, reception and pantry areas, along with an open workspace that supports day-to-day collaboration. Expansive views of the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan provide the backdrop for the office designed to serve both WTCA’s New York-based team and the Members, partners and other stakeholders who visit from across the global network.

The new headquarters also strengthens WTCA’s ability to use New York as a convening point for its global Membership, showcasing the city’s importance at the center of global commerce and trade. Through its network, events and programming, WTCA brings together business leaders, economic development organizations and WTC businesses to exchange market intelligence, build cross-border relationships and identify opportunities for trade and investment.

As a tenant, WTCA and its guests will also have access to Well& by Durst, a 25,000-square-foot amenity space on the 64th floor of One World Trade Center. The space includes a sky lobby, café, and 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting, conference and event space, serving as a world-class business and social hub fostering workplace creativity, collaboration, and community. Access to this premium floor expands WTCA’s capacity to host gatherings and international delegations at its new global headquarters.

“The World Trade Centers Association’s decision to establish its global headquarters at One World Trade Center is fitting given the organization’s international reach and mission to advance trade and business connections globally. We look forward to welcoming them to One World Trade Center, an address known around the world,” said Jody Durst, President of The Durst Organization.

One World Trade Center was developed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The Durst Organization in a public-private partnership.

“For more than two decades, the Port Authority has invested in rebuilding the World Trade Center as a place that drives economic growth and brings together commerce, culture and community in the heart of Lower Manhattan,” said Jolene Yeats, World Trade Center Director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “Welcoming the World Trade Centers Association back to the site of its original headquarters is another exciting step in fulfilling that vision – there’s no place more fitting for its mission of building new bridges and creating new connections.”

WTCA’s office relocation comes 25 years after the Association last maintained offices on the 77th floor of the original World Trade Center’s North Tower. While the return carries historical significance, the headquarters office is intended to serve a distinctly forward-looking role — providing WTCA with a permanent global base for an organization whose reach now extends across nearly 100 countries and territories. Together, the network serves as an international ecosystem for commerce, community and connection, helping businesses access new markets and supporting trade and investment across borders.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

Chanelle Dimalanta

Phone: +1 212 432 2644

Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org 

Violet PR 

Christina Forrest

Phone: +1 646 586 9932

Email: christina@violetpr.com

About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.

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Gunvor becomes Centalion

Company to Redomicile to Singapore; Partnership Approves Centalion as New Global Brand

GENEVA, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The employee partnership that owns Gunvor Group Ltd (the “Company”) has voted to change the name of the Company to Centalion Group Ltd to reflect its evolution under a new ownership structure, leadership model, and strategic outlook for the future. The Company concurrently announces its intention to redomicile its corporate headquarters from Cyprus to Singapore.

“The name Centalion reflects who we are: one team, moving together, at the heart of the global energy markets,” said Gary Pedersen, Chairman and CEO of Centalion. “We’re making this move from a position of strength. Together we have built a disciplined, entrepreneurial firm that is accelerating our position as one of the world’s leading physical energy and metals traders. Singapore and our new identity are the next chapter in that story.”

The intended move of the Company’s corporate headquarters to Singapore, where it has maintained a presence since 2006, is supported by the country’s well-established legal and business environment, deep financial and trading infrastructure, and international business community. Centalion’s main trading offices will, in addition to Singapore, remain in Geneva, Switzerland, and Houston, Texas, where the Company’s Chairman and CEO is based.

Alongside the intended relocation, the Company is unveiling a new identity: Centalion. The rebranding marks the next stage in the natural evolution of the business following the completion of the December 2025 management buyout. It further supports the strength of the Company’s trading activities across the energy spectrum – including crude oil, refined products, natural gas and LNG, power and battery storage, biofuels, and carbon credits – complemented by a growing metals and minerals trading business and significant global shipping operations. The Company is also increasingly active as an investment partner of choice in gas- and power-related infrastructure in various regions around the globe.

Centalion traded record volumes in the first half of 2026, supported by a global workforce of more than 2,000 people, and continues to expand across its trading hubs in Calgary, Geneva, Houston, London, Singapore, and Stamford.

Renaming and Rebranding Process

The decision to rename and rebrand followed a full partnership referendum held in July 2026, after six months of employee engagement and external market-positioning research conducted by world-leading brand specialist Landor. The name “Centalion” reflects a group that moves as one, capturing the strength and unity of the partnership and its commitment to upholding and maintaining the Company’s leading position in global commodities trading. More than simply an “oil trader”, the Company’s future will continue to be built upon the breadth of its current business by advancing growth in the physical energy, metals and minerals markets, and related investments supporting the new energy economy and promoting global energy security.

Notes on Rebranding and Redomiciling

The Company’s new name and brand, Centalion (Sen-TAL-yon; rhyming with “battalion”), will be used from today; however, the rollout of the new identity across the Company’s subsidiaries, trading offices, and other locations worldwide will take place over the coming months. Relationships with counterparties, banks, vendors, and other business partners are unaffected by the change, as neither the Company’s legal personality nor its rights and obligations will change, with all existing contracts and arrangements of the Company remaining intact.

Similarly, the redomicile of the Company to Singapore will involve the transfer of the existing legal entity to a new location rather than the incorporation of a new legal structure. The timing of the completion of this intended redomicile remains subject to the Company finalizing applicable local regulatory approvals and documentation requirements.

About Centalion Group Ltd

Centalion Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading companies, which creates logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy, power, metals and minerals from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. With investments in strategic infrastructure—upstream oil and gas production, terminals, refineries, power plants, batteries and storage—Centalion further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain. For more information, visit Centalion.com

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China’s First Modern University Celebrates 131 Years of Excellence

TIANJIN, China, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 2, 2026, Tianjin University (TJU), China’s first modern university, celebrates its 131st anniversary. This milestone highlights TJU’s enduring legacy as a steadfast contributor to global innovation and social progress, consistently rising to meet the world’s most pressing challenges with visionary foresight and profound dedication.

Cultivating Visionaries for a New Era

TJU’s 131st year is defined by a profound commitment to cultivating visionary talent. The university, as the lead institution of the National Working Group on Emerging Engineering Education, has unveiled “TJU Plan 3.0”, a forward-looking framework for emerging engineering education designed to nurture future-ready talent.

Aligning with the evolution of future industries, TJU has strategically positioned itself across 11 frontier fields, including artificial intelligence and embodied intelligence. Furthermore, the university has pioneered China’s first undergraduate majors in brain-computer science and technology, as well as biomanufacturing.

To nurture top-tier young scholars, TJU introduced the “U35 Plan”. This initiative fast-tracks exceptional researchers under the age of 35 to full professorships, recognizing future potential and fostering a dynamic, youth-led research environment where brilliant minds can thrive.

From Laboratory to Lifesaving Impact

The convergence of national-level talents, industry experts, and leading enterprises has created a robust innovation ecosystem at TJU. This ecosystem has yielded landmark achievements. In medical technology, the “Shengong-Shengao” system became China’s first approved brain-computer interface (BCI) medical device for diagnosing cognitive impairment. Developed by a team led by Professor Liu Xiuyun, the system reduces diagnosis time for conditions like hydrocephalus from days to just 30 minutes. Additionally, more than 20 “Shengong” series devices have successfully transitioned from the laboratory to clinical wards, delivering tangible benefits to thousands of patients.

From high-precision measurement and energy storage technologies to national platforms like the National Facility for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, the ethos of “aiming for the highest scientific peaks while remaining deeply grounded in real-world needs” permeates the campus. This commitment was recognized in 2025, when TJU researchers were lead contributors to five National Science and Technology Awards.

Furthermore, the university’s academic excellence is recognized globally, with three disciplines—Chemistry, Engineering, and Materials Science—ranked in the global top 1‱ according to the Essential Science Indicators (ESI).

With a focus on strategic clusters, a talent-driven approach, and an unwavering commitment to human well-being, Tianjin University at 131 is not just celebrating its past—it is actively engineering a better future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chinas-first-modern-university-celebrates-131-years-of-excellence-302897071.html

Manulife Closes Long-Term Care Reinsurance Transaction with Munich Re

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife Financial Corporation (“Manulife” or the “Company”) announced today that it has closed¹ the previously announced transaction to reinsure biometric risk on a block of long-term care policies with $3.2 billion of reserves² to Munich American Reassurance Company (“Munich Re Life US”), a subsidiary of Munich Re Group.

For more information on the transaction, please see the news release from our August 5^th, 2026, announcement.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

About Munich Re Life US

Munich Re Life US, a subsidiary of Munich Re Group, is a leading US reinsurer with a significant market presence and extensive technical depth in all areas of life and disability reinsurance. Beyond vast reinsurance capacity and unrivaled risk expertise, the company is recognized as an innovator in digital transformation and aims to guide carriers through the changing industry landscape with dynamic solutions insightfully designed to grow and support their business. Munich Re Life US also offers tailored financial reinsurance solutions to help life and disability insurance carriers manage organic growth and capital efficiency as well as M&A support to help achieve transaction success.

Media Inquiries

Fiona McLean

(437) 441-7491

fiona_mclean@manulife.com

Investor Relations

Derek Theobalds

(416) 254-1774

derek_theobalds@manulife.com