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Iran is preparing for a sharp escalation in US economic pressure as President Masoud Pezeshkian says the country is fighting an “all-out economic, military and security war” and Washington readies another sanctions package. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to outline the measures on Monday, with the Trump administration signalling that the campaign will seek to isolate Tehran from international trade and financial networks. The measures […]

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TDCX has opened a second campus in Hyderabad as the global customer experience company scales its operations in the country after increasing its local workforce by more than 600% over three years.

The new facility at Meenakshi Eco Park strengthens Hyderabad’s position within TDCX’s international delivery network and makes the country its fourth-largest operations base. The expansion is aimed at supporting global technology and digital economy clients requiring customer experience, sales, digital support and technology-enabled services.

The campus was formally opened on August 20 by TDCX founder and chief executive Laurent Junique, alongside Group chief information officer and executive vice-president Byron Fernandez and country director Ananth Premkumar.

The move marks a substantial expansion from TDCX’s initial entry into the market in 2022, when it established a 45,000 sq ft operation at Skyview 20 in Hyderabad’s technology corridor. That facility was designed both as a customer experience delivery centre and a digital innovation hub, with the company initially targeting specialists in software development and emerging technologies.

TDCX said the expansion reflects strong demand for services delivered from Hyderabad and the availability of skilled employees across technology, sales and customer operations. Its local business has developed from a relatively small start-up operation into a significant delivery centre serving international accounts.

The company’s growth also points to a wider shift in the outsourcing sector. Customer experience providers are increasingly moving beyond conventional voice-based support towards higher-value work covering digital sales, content operations, artificial intelligence-assisted customer service, trust and safety and technical support.

Hyderabad has benefited from that transition because of its established technology ecosystem and large pool of engineering and multilingual talent. Global technology, financial services and digital businesses have expanded operations in the city, while major property transactions during 2026 have underlined continued demand for large technology campuses.

TDCX operates in sectors including technology, e-commerce, digital advertising, financial services, travel, gaming and social media. Its services range from customer acquisition and sales to customer support and online community protection, placing its delivery centres at the intersection of the business process outsourcing and technology services industries.

The company currently operates dozens of locations across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas and has more than 20,000 employees globally. Its network has expanded beyond its traditional Southeast Asian strongholds as clients seek greater geographic diversification and access to specialised talent.

The Hyderabad investment comes as the outsourcing industry adapts to rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence. Automation is increasingly handling routine customer queries, prompting service providers to focus employees on more complicated interactions, sales activity, problem resolution and specialist support.

Rather than eliminating the need for large delivery centres, the shift is changing the skills expected within them. Providers are investing in analytics, automation tools, AI-assisted workflows and employee training while competing for workers capable of managing sophisticated customer interactions.

For TDCX, the scale-up in Hyderabad offers access to a workforce that can support those higher-value functions while maintaining the cost and operating advantages associated with major outsourcing locations. The company has previously identified the city’s technology talent as a factor behind its decision to establish its first operation there.

The new campus also gives TDCX additional capacity as global companies review the resilience of their service networks. Businesses increasingly spread operations across several locations to reduce concentration risks and ensure uninterrupted customer support across different time zones.

That trend has strengthened the position of established technology hubs capable of handling large international accounts. Hyderabad competes with Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and the National Capital Region for investment from technology companies, global capability centres and business services providers.

TDCX’s expansion is significant because its workforce growth in the country has occurred even as parts of the global technology and outsourcing industries have faced pressure to improve productivity and restrain costs. The company has continued to build capacity in markets where it sees demand for specialised digital customer experience services.

The Meenakshi Eco Park operation will complement the existing Hyderabad facility rather than replace it, giving TDCX a larger local platform from which to support international clients.

The company is also positioning workplace design and employee development as elements of its expansion strategy as competition for skilled customer experience and technology professionals intensifies. Its campuses combine operational delivery areas with training and collaborative spaces intended to support technology-enabled working.

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By T Neelakantan Aiyers Despite the tariff shocks unleashed by Donald Trump, Indian exports to the United States have proved remarkably resilient. New trade agreements with Britain, the EU, Oman and New Zealand are giving India more options—but not yet replacing America as its most important export market. There was a moment when Donald Trump’s […]

The article Why America still cannot shake India’s export machine appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Firmly Implementing the “Single Brand, Multi-categories, Diversified Channels” Strategy; Super BOOM Capsule Technology Achieves Full Commercialization; Deepens Global Professional Sports Resources Together with Curry

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • In the first half of the year, the Group recorded the following operating results:
    • Revenue rose by 2.8% to RMB15,235 million; gross profit margin increased by 0.9 percentage points to 50.9%
    • Net operating cash inflow was RMB954 million
    • Net profit attributable to equity holders was RMB1,816 million with net profit margin of 11.9%, and EBITDA margin was 22.1%
  • Working capital remained at a healthy level:
    • The percentage of gross average working capital to revenue was 7.8%
    • The cash conversion cycle was 35 days, an increase of 4 days compared with the same period last year
  • The Board resolved to declare an interim dividend of RMB35.12 cents per ordinary share of the Company issued or to be issued upon conversion of convertible securities for the six months ended 30 June 2026.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • The retail sell-through for the overall platform increased by low-single-digit from last year, including online and offline channels.
  • Offline channel new products sell-through accounted for 83% of overall offline channel sell-through, maintaining a healthy and reasonable level.
  • Channel inventory-to-sales ratio of 4 months; and inventory level and ageing structure remained at a healthy level.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2026 – Li Ning Company Limited (“Li Ning” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”; Hong Kong Stock Exchange stock codes: 2331 (HKD counter) and 82331 (RMB counter)) today announced the unaudited interim results of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (the “Reporting Period”).

FINANCIAL RESULTS

In the first half of 2026, the Group continued to enhance product technology performance, optimise channel efficiency and deepen its professional brand mindset, maintaining steady operations. During the period, the Group’s revenue reached RMB15,235 million, up 2.8% year-on-year (2025: RMB14,817 million). Gross profit was RMB7,751 million, up 4.5% year-on-year (2025: RMB7,415 million), and the Group’s overall gross profit margin was 50.9%, up 0.9 percentage points year-on-year (2025: 50.0%).

During the period, profit attributable to equity holders of the Group was RMB1,816 million (2025: RMB1,737 million); the margin of profit attributable to equity holders was 11.9% (2025: 11.7%); and return on equity attributable to equity holders was 6.5% (2025: 6.5%). Basic earnings per share were RMB70.40 cents (2025: RMB67.43 cents). The Board resolved to declare an interim dividend of RMB35.12 cents per ordinary share of the Company issued or to be issued upon conversion of convertible securities for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (2025: RMB33.59 cents).

In terms of cash flow management, net cash generated from operating activities during the period amounted to RMB954 million (2025: RMB2,411 million). As at 30 June 2026, cash and cash equivalents (including cash at banks and in hand, and fixed term deposits with original maturity of not more than three months) amounted to RMB13,003 million, a decrease of RMB3,713 million compared with 31 December 2025. Adding back amounts recorded in bank time deposits, the cash balance was RMB19,389 million, a net decrease of RMB585 million compared with 31 December 2025. During the period, revenue increased year-on-year while cash expenses such as marketing expenses and taxes increased, resulting in a year-on-year decrease in net cash generated from operating activities; an increase in time deposits led to a significant increase in net cash used in investing activities. The Group will continue to prioritise cash flow management to ensure the stable development of the Company in the long term.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

In the first half of 2026, the Group firmly implemented its core development strategy of “Single Brand, Multi-categories, Diversified Channels”. On one hand, it continuously strengthened the core of professional sports technology and product performance, consolidating the brand’s professional mindset in niche segments; on the other hand, it continuously deepened its highly efficient operating model, maintaining solid operating fundamentals and a healthy inventory level.

In terms of product upgrades, the Group drove iterative upgrades in the performance of its core category products through technological innovation, and coordinated the synergistic development of the core categories of running, basketball, training, badminton, table tennis and sports casual. The Group launched its “Super BOOM Capsule” technology, applied to racing running shoe series such as Feidian and Red Hare, covering the full-scenario needs of competitive training, elite and mass runners; the LI-NING Aerospace Dynamic Thermal Technology was applied to the award equipment of the Chinese Sports Delegation at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. The Group also expanded its outdoor product matrix and accelerated its layout in the outdoor market.

In terms of brand communication, the Group focused on building an all-round sports resource system represented by its cooperation with the Chinese Olympic Committee (the “COC”) and top international athlete IPs. During the period, the Group continued to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee, developing podium wear for the Chinese sports delegation competing at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, and establishing a presence at the “China House” in Milan, working alongside the Chinese Olympic Committee to showcase the strength of Chinese sports. In addition, the Group entered into a long-term strategic partnership with NBA superstar Stephen Curry and his brand “Curry Brand”, cooperating on the research and development of professional basketball equipment, the promotion of event culture, and the expansion of new-generation consumer groups, enhancing LI-NING’s professional sports brand perception and international exposure.

In terms of channels, the Group continued to deepen strategic synergy with leading commercial complexes and orderly carried out the planning and roll-out of innovative store formats. During the period, the standalone outdoor store “COUNTERFLOW” officially opened in Chongqing, laying the foundation for the Group’s outdoor category to deepen its presence in the Southwest regional market; the Group’s cooperation with quality commercial resources also entered a new stage, creating favourable conditions for the concentrated opening of multiple “Loong Stores” in the second half of the year. At the same time, the Group continued to optimise its rental structures and commercial cooperation models, enhancing the overall operating health of its channels.

In terms of retail operations, the Group promoted dual-driven growth in products and brand by establishing a high-tier market operating model and a distribution business operating model. In high-tier markets, the Group strengthened its brand image around three dimensions, namely channel structure optimisation, refinement of store product mix and upgrading the shopping experience, driving incremental capture of brand elevation and category depth. In terms of distribution business, the Group concurrently established a distribution management model to enhance distribution efficiency and the sustainable operating capability of the channel. In terms of terminal operating capability, the Group continued to drive the implementation of retail standards on a project basis, strengthened coordination efficiency between headquarters and terminals, and enhanced sports advisors’ customer reception capability and professional service standards, comprehensively improving consumers’ shopping experience in LI-NING stores and laying the foundation for enhanced single-store operating efficiency.

In terms of e-commerce operations, the Group leveraged key promotional opportunities including Tmall Celebration Day, Goddess Festival and 618 to precisely target new-customer acquisition and deeply reach female consumer groups, effectively driving simultaneous growth in sales scale and brand influence. The Group also converted cutting-edge technology into quality product experiences, coordinated Olympic champions and celebrity spokesperson resources, and worked with fashion magazines, trend events and social media platforms to continuously consolidate its professional sports mindset. Flagship products including basketball shoes Gamma 2, LI REN 6V2 and DLO 2, as well as the running shoe matrix of Wushi, Youzhi and Zhui Feng, all achieved notable results in expanding awareness and increasing sales, while the Feeling family remained ranked first in searches in the thin-soled shoe segment.

In terms of new retail business, the Group established a new retail department to focus on mapping out its omni-channel growth business model. Through the O2O model, it connected online and offline merchandise pools, providing consumers with a more consistent and efficient shopping experience. The Group also accelerated its layout on mainstream instant-retail platforms, making concerted efforts across three areas: channel store expansion, merchandise matching and refined single-store operations. On the one hand, it fully leveraged the Group’s multi-category advantages, expanding product coverage on the basis of core categories such as running shoes, basketball shoes and lifestyle apparel in combination with sports and lifestyle scenario needs; on the other hand, it strengthened the supply of seasonal categories such as outdoor and sun protection around consumption nodes such as holiday travel, driving stable growth in sales scale for the instant-retail channel.

In terms of product management, to respond to market competition, the Group increased its technology investment in high-end professional running shoes, leveraging the “Feidian” family driven by “Super BOOM Capsule” technology and the brand-new “Red Hare ULTRA” series to consolidate the brand’s product mindset and market position among professional runners. While the basketball shoe market faced challenges, the Group relied on core signature models combined with an e-commerce-channel-led promotion strategy to keep basketball shoe sales stable across directly-operated and e-commerce channels. The Group also actively applied flexible supply models such as segmented production and rolling replenishment orders, dynamically adjusting order scale according to actual sales and, in particular, carrying out refined control of the inventory structure for the running shoe category, maintaining healthy inventory levels amid a challenging market environment.

In terms of supply chain and logistics, the Group continued to advance the building of a large supply-chain system across five directions: planning management, quality control, cost management, development management and digital-intelligence transformation. The Group actively advanced the development of its Glory Gold Label series to safeguard the supply of top-tier event equipment, while also promoting the implementation of AI and 3DVR design and development processes for footwear, substantially shortening the R&D cycle. On the logistics front, the Group advanced omni-channel logistics integration, connecting online and offline inventory, and continued to drive warehouse automation and the application of RFID technology, improving the efficiency of goods flow and the precision of inventory management.

OUTLOOK

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, the Group will continue to seize the development opportunities arising from the ongoing release of domestic demand potential, uphold its core value of ” Serve With Sportsmanship “, continuously refine the “LI-NING’s experience value”, and strive to become the preferred professional sports brand trusted by consumers in the sports consumption sector.

  1. Technology-driven product upgrades: The Group will continue to adhere to technological innovation as its core driving force, strengthening the core competitiveness of its products through the three major levers of its technology innovation platform, a full-scenario category matrix and Eastern aesthetics, while reinforcing its layout in high-potential tracks such as professional sports and urban outdoor.
  2. Top-tier resources empowering the brand: The Group will coordinate its domestic and overseas marketing resources. By leveraging core resource deployments such as its partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee and collaborations with superstar IPs, the Group will build a multi-dimensional, long-term and high-conversion communication system. The Group will continue to deepen its long-term cooperation with the Chinese Olympic Committee, supporting the Chinese sports delegation as it competes in international events such as the 2026 Asian Games, and will deepen its strategic cooperation with Stephen Curry and “Curry Brand”.
  3. Elevating both the quality and efficiency of business operations: The Group will focus on the three core pillars of channel layout, merchandise systems and supply chain integration, accelerating online-offline integration, prioritising the scalable replication of innovative store formats such as “Loong Store”, and building a flexible supply chain system that is high-efficiency, low-cost and fast-response.
  4. Strengthening the foundation to safeguard development: The Group will reinforce its operating foundation across talent, finance and digital intelligence, building out its talent pipeline, maintaining ample cash flow and a rigorous risk control mechanism, and advancing the deep penetration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies across the full scenarios of R&D, production and channels.

Mr. Li Ning, Executive Chairman and Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Group, commented,“The year 2026 marks the opening year of the ’15th Five-Year Plan’. Although the external trade landscape was complex and volatile in the first half of the year and structural divergence in the domestic consumer market persisted, consumption in functional niche segments such as professional sports and urban outdoor remained resilient, supported by a series of national policies to expand domestic demand and promote consumption. Facing a challenging external environment, the Group firmly implemented its core development strategy of ‘Single Brand, Multi-categories, Diversified Channels’, achieving steady growth in both revenue and profit while maintaining healthy inventory and working capital levels, a clear demonstration of the resilience of the Group’s operating fundamentals.

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, we will stay rooted locally while looking to the future, seizing the structural opportunities brought by the ’15th Five-Year Plan’ policies to expand domestic demand and build a leading sports nation, advancing the scalable replication of innovative store formats such as ‘Loong Store’, deepening the dual drivers of technological innovation and top-tier sports resources, so as to deliver higher-quality and more sustainable steady operations in return for the long-term trust of our consumers and shareholders.”

Hashtag: #LiNing

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

About Li Ning Company Limited

Li Ning Company Limited is one of the leading sports brand companies in China, mainly operating professional and leisure footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories under the LI-NING brand. The Group has comprehensive research and development, design, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and retail management capabilities. It has established an extensive retail distribution network and supply chain management system in China. We are committed to be the most prominent, stylish, world-leading sports brand from China.

In addition to its core LI-NING brand, the Group also manufactures, develops, markets, distributes, sells various sports products which are self-owned by or licensed to the Group, including Double Happiness (table tennis), AIGLE (outdoor sports) and Kason (badminton), which are operated through joint venture/associate with third parties of the Group.

Navigating Market Cycles with Operational Resilience, Core Business Stabilizes and Rebounds, Marking a Strategic Turnaround and New Growth Phase

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2026 – ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, together with the Company’s subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (SEHK stock code: 06979.HK), a flagship enterprise in China’s baijiu industry and the first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce its interim financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (“FY 2026 1H” or the “Period”)

In the first half of 2026, the broader baijiu industry operated within a demanding macroeconomic environment characterized by structural adjustments and sluggish consumer demand. In response to cyclical headwinds during the Period, the Group proactively optimized its operational strategies, strengthened healthy channel management, and accelerated digital innovation, resulting in comprehensive stabilization and an operational rebound. The year 2026 marks a pivotal strategic inflection point for ZJLD, signaling the completion of a two-year industry-driven consolidation and the onset of a new high-quality growth cycle.

The key financial and business highlights are as follows:

FY 2026 1H

(for the six months ended June 30, 2026)

(RMB‘000)

FY 2025 1H

(for the six months ended June 30, 2025)

(RMB‘000)

Changed by
Revenue 2,546,069 2,497,106 +2.0%
Gross profit 1,520,856 1,474,284 +3.2%
Gross profit margin 59.7% 59.0% +0.7percentagepoints
Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 580,717 574,771 +1.0%
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities (234,035) (322,274) –27.4%
Adjusted net profit (non-IFRS measure) 626,064 613,202 +2.1%
Adjusted net profit margin (non-IFRS measure) 24.6% 24.6% —


Optimized Product Mix Drives Profitability; Multi-Brand Synergy Amplifies Resilience

  • During the Period, the Group recorded revenue of RMB 2,546.1 million, representing a 2.0% year-on-year increase. Gross profit increased by 3.2% to RMB 1,520.9 million, while Adjusted Net Profit reached RMB 626.1 million, up 2.1% year-on-year. Benefiting from an expanded revenue contribution of Sub-premium products and the Li Du brand, alongside streamlined production efficiencies, the Group’s gross margin expanded by 0.7 percentage points to 59.7%. Net cash operation cash outflow narrowed significantly by 27.4%, underscoring rigorous cash flow management and prudent risk control.
  • Zhenjiu (Flagship Brand): Generated RMB 1,342.4 million in revenue during the Period, accounting for 52.7% of total revenue. The Group exercised disciplined control over channel fulfilment ahead of the launch of the next-generation Zhen 15 to safeguard channel pricing integrity. Meanwhile, the strategic flagship product “Da Zhen” achieved strong growth and explosive nationwide expansion across 31 provinces and 280 cities, driving Zhenjiu’s gross margin up to 59.8%.
  • Li Du (Second Growth Engine): Accelerated its growth momentum, recording revenue of RMB 788.0 million, sharply up 28.9% year-on-year. Driven by the national expansion of its Sub-premium and Mid-tier product portfolio, such as Li Du Sorghum 1975 (李渡高粱 1975), Li Du Sorghum * Changyin Collection Series (李渡高粱酒 · 暢飲珍藏版), and the Li Du King Series (李渡王系列), Li Du demonstrated formidable, explosive market penetration and volume growth.
  • Xiangjiao & Kaikouxiao (Regional Powerhouse): Maintained solid market share within Hunan Province, generating RMB 282.8 million, up 2.0% year-on-year, and RMB 81.8 million, up 1.0% year-on-year, respectively in revenue, both delivering sustained market stabilization and modest growth.
  • Sub-Premium Baijiu Segment: Delivered exceptional performance, achieving revenue of RMB 1,366.1 million, up 39.1% year-on-year. The segment’s contribution to overall revenue surged from 39.3% to 53.7%, reflecting the Group’s agile realignment with evolving consumer shifts toward rational spending and banquet occasions (e.g., weddings and celebrations), successfully capturing growth opportunities in the sub-premium segment.
  • The Board of Directors does not recommend the declaration of an interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (FY 2025 1H: nil).


Strategic Agility: Pioneering Channel Innovation & Digital Synergy as Dual-Engine

The Group’s proprietary “Premier Retailers Alliance” model and the Monthly Profit-sharing Model (“月月分利模式”) designed for the 5th Generation Zhen 15 have effectively resolved long-standing industry pain points, such as price inversion and distributor margin compression. By establishing competitive monthly margins, automating online ordering, and offering a share-linked sales incentive plan with certain distributors, the Group successfully attracted and retained high-calibre distributors with strong group-selling capabilities and direct access to end consumers. As of 30 June 2026, the Group’s distributor network expanded to 8,993 partners, an increase of 710 from the end of 2025.

Complementing this channel evolution, the Group adopted an omnichannel marketing framework combining “Community Penetration + Digital Empowerment”. Chairman Wu Xiangdong’s executive video channel (“Wu Jindong – ZJLD, 吳金東-珍酒李渡“) and regional cultural livestreams topped the “Entrepreneur Video IP 100 List” (企業家視頻IP100榜單) for seven consecutive months, averaging over one million views per broadcast. This sparked widespread co-created content with members of the Premier Retailers Alliance (萬商聯盟), creating a powerful online-to-offline traffic funnel. Simultaneously, Zhenjiu’s brand value rose to RMB 34.685 billion, a 103% gain over five years, solidifying among China’s top three sauce-aroma baijiu brands.

Forward-Looking AI Integration and Enterprise Digitization
The Group anchors its digital transformation strategy on operational capability and sustainable value creation. During the Period, in partnership with China Unicom, the Group developed an “AI + Expert Blending” framework powered by Large Language Models (LLMs). This synthesis of traditional heritage and advanced AI enables intelligent blending, elevating consistency, efficiency and craft precision. Furthermore, the Group upgraded Da Zhen‘s digital coding system to a “Six-Code” integration architecture, incorporating NFC anti-counterfeiting and ceramic jar storage metrics, as well as an RFID smart case labelling system to track and ensure precise volumetric measurement and end-to-end lifecycle traceability for every Da Zhen product. Zhenjiu was also awarded the national Data Management Capability Maturity Model (DCMM) Level 3 (Robust) accreditation, further validating its AI deployment and digital leadership.

Deepening Operational Foundations to Drive the New High-Quality Growth Cycle
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026 and beyond, ZJLD will maintain strategic poise by extending proven operational frameworks, such as the “Premier Retailers Alliance” and “Monthly Profit-sharing Model” to Zhen 30 and other core product lines. This initiative will precisely activate high-end and mid-tier markets while strengthening portfolio synergies across all price ranges. Concurrently, the Group will deepen its operation-sales decoupling (營銷分離) mechanism, rigorously monitor channel pricing, protect distributor profitability, and prioritize storage facility construction across its five major production facilities, namely Zhen Jiu Mao Tai Shuang Long (茅台鎮雙龍), Zhen Jiu Bai Yan Gou (白岩溝), Zhen Jiu Zhao Jia Gou (趙家溝), Li Du Zheng Jia Shan (鄭家山) and Xiang Jiao Jiang Bei (江北) to reinforce its long-term competitive moat.

Mr. Wu Xiangdong, Founder and Chairman of ZJLD Group, remarked, “Baijiu is a business that demands patience and reverence—time speaks through quality, and authentic fragrance endures. Over two years of industry rebalancing, our distributor partners and we have navigated genuine challenges and hardships; yet this period offered an invaluable window for reflection, consolidation, and self-reinvention. The deeper the valley, the more vital it is to stay grounded and focus on disciplined execution. Our stabilization in the first half of 2026 is the natural reward of diligent work and marks the dawn of a new growth phase. There are no shortcuts in business—only an uncompromising pursuit of quality, continuous market exploration, and adaptability in the face of change. In times of adversity, we chose to brew finer liquor, preserve channel profitability, and deliver utmost sincerity to our consumers. The launch of the ‘Premier Retailers Alliance’ and ‘Monthly Profit-sharing Model’ models ensures that every partner who trusts ZJLD enjoys security, clarity, and equitable rewards amid challenging conditions.

Engaging directly with consumers and merchants through digital broadcasts has reinvigorated my entrepreneurial passion and joy, which I felt when I first entered the baijiu industry. The consumers’ appreciation for fine baijiu remains undiminished, and their yearning for a better life remains passionate. 2026 serves as ZJLD’s springboard for a renewed journey. We remain a dedicated team of idealistic distillers, honoring nature’s harvest, grateful for the passage of time, and optimistic about the industry’s future. ZJLD will move forward with resilience, innovation, and an open heart alongside all our companions—cheers to bright moments and the journey ahead.”

Hashtag: #ZJLDGroup

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

About ZJLD Group Inc.

Zhen Jiu was established in 1975 in Zunyi, Kweichow, China’s primary production area of sauce-aroma baijiu. In 1988, it was honored with the National Quality Award at the 5th National Wine Appreciation Conference. In the same year, it was announced by the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Communication Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the Great Hall of the People Management Bureau to become one of the two sauce-aroma baijiu served at state banquets. It is also known as one of the “Three Representative Baijiu Brands in Kweichow”.

ZJLD Group Inc. is a leading baijiu group in China devoted to offering premium baijiu products, including sauce-aroma, mixed-aroma, and strong-aroma varieties. According to Frost & Sullivan statistics, the flagship brand Zhenjiu has maintained its position for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) as the fourth-largest sauce-aroma baijiu brand in China and the third-largest in Guizhou Province, by revenue. The Company operates four baijiu brands in China, including two national baijiu brands, Zhen Jiu and Li Du, and two regional brands, Xiangjiao and Kaikouxiao. ZJLD prides itself on inheriting the time-honored baijiu-brewing techniques and reinvigorating them to develop iconic products. It strives to create a wide variety of aromatic and mellow baijiu products to meet consumers’ diverse preferences, seize broader market opportunities, and promote traditional Chinese baijiu culture.

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Nationwide #AreYourKidneysOK+? initiative expands access to subsidised blood screening, public education, and pharmacist support for 12,550 Malaysians.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – As chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease continue to affect Malaysians, early detection is becoming increasingly important in reducing complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

(From left: Dr. Cheng Yong Fatt (Consultant Nephrologist of KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital); Dr. Svetlana Yanchuk (Country President of AstraZeneca Malaysia); Ph. Hiew Fei Tsong (Co-founder of Alpro Group); Dr. Ng Ming Lee (Medical Director of Alpro Clinic); Ms Jenny Poon (Business Unit Director of CVRM/R&I of AstraZeneca Malaysia); Dr. Yong Lit Sin (Consultant Endocrinologist of Columbia Asia Hospital Seremban)
(From left: Dr. Cheng Yong Fatt (Consultant Nephrologist of KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital); Dr. Svetlana Yanchuk (Country President of AstraZeneca Malaysia); Ph. Hiew Fei Tsong (Co-founder of Alpro Group); Dr. Ng Ming Lee (Medical Director of Alpro Clinic); Ms Jenny Poon (Business Unit Director of CVRM/R&I of AstraZeneca Malaysia); Dr. Yong Lit Sin (Consultant Endocrinologist of Columbia Asia Hospital Seremban)

These conditions are closely interconnected across the Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic spectrum, meaning that a problem affecting one area of health may also increase the risks to other parts of the body. However, many individuals may not recognise these risks until their condition has progressed or complications have developed.

One such complication is hyperkalemia, a condition characterised by elevated potassium levels in the blood. Hyperkalemia is more common among people living with chronic kidney disease because impaired kidneys may have lower ability to remove excess potassium from the body. As the condition may not always present noticeable warning signs, it remains under-recognised by the public and may lead to serious complications affecting the heart’s rhythm if not appropriately identified and managed.

Recognising the need to strengthen early detection and public awareness across the Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) spectrum, Alpro Group, in collaboration with AstraZeneca Malaysia, announced the launch of #AreYourKidneysOK+?, a nationwide awareness campaign dedicated to encourage early detection, promoting kidney health, and raising awareness of hyperkalemia.

This nationwide initiative aims to empower Malaysians to better understand the connection between their heart, kidney and metabolic health, while bringing greater attention to hyperkalemia as an often-overlooked complication associated with chronic kidney disease.

At the heart of the campaign is a subsidised blood screening programme aimed at encouraging more Malaysians to take an earlier and more proactive approach to their health. Eligible individuals will receive subsidy on selected blood test packages, to reduce financial barriers in screening and to support the earlier identification of potential Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic and health risks.

The campaign aims to reach 12,550 individuals across Malaysia, a shared commitment by Alpro Group and AstraZeneca Malaysia to turn public health awareness into meaningful action.

Beyond providing financial support for screening, the campaign creates a more accessible pathway for Malaysians to learn about their potential health risks, undergo appropriate screening and speak to their healthcare professionals about the next steps they may need to undertake.

To extend the campaign’s reach beyond physical pharmacy locations, the initiative is supported by a dedicated digital health education platform containing trusted and easy-to-understand information about hyperkalemia, including its causes, risk factors, possible warning signs and relationship with chronic kidney disease.

The platform serves as a public health resource that Malaysians can access at any time, helping individuals and caregivers better understand hyperkalemia and prepare for more informed conversations with pharmacists, doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Through Alpro Group’s community healthcare network, members of the public will also have greater access to pharmacist support and guidance. Alpro pharmacists can help individuals better understand the importance of screening, recognise relevant risk factors and seek appropriate medical assessment or follow-up when necessary.

“Many chronic health risks develop quietly and may only be discovered after complications have occurred. Through this campaign, we want to make preventive healthcare more accessible by connecting public education, affordable screening and professional healthcare support. By targeting 12,550 Malaysians, we hope to encourage more people to take an earlier and more proactive step towards understanding their heart, kidney and metabolic health,” said Dr. Ng Ming Lee, Medical Director of Alpro Clinic.

“As chronic kidney disease remains a significant public health challenge in Malaysia, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment across the healthcare ecosystem to strengthen public awareness of kidney health and bring health education closer to the public. Through Alpro Group’s nationwide network, we aim to help more Malaysians learn about relevant risk factors and have informed conversations with healthcare professionals to support appropriate assessment and follow-up,” said Dr. Svetlana Yanchuk, Country President, AstraZeneca Malaysia.

Through this collaboration, Alpro Group and AstraZeneca Malaysia reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing preventive healthcare by combining greater public awareness, accessible screening and professional healthcare support.

The campaign also demonstrates the important role that community pharmacies can play in supporting wider public health efforts by providing Malaysians with convenient access to health education, early screening opportunities and trusted professional guidance within their communities.

Members of the public are encouraged to learn more about hyperkalemia by visiting www.alpropharmacy.com/pages/hyperkalemia or by speaking to an Alpro pharmacist.

References
1. KDIGO Controversies Conference. Potassium Homeostasis and Management of Dyskalemia in Kidney Diseases. Kidney International (2020). [kdigo.org]

2. National Kidney Foundation. High Potassium (Hyperkalemia): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment (updated 2025).
Hashtag: #AlproPharmacy #AlproGroup #AreYourKidneysOK+?

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

About Alpro Group

Founded in 2002, Alpro Group’s ecosystem has grown to include Alpro Pharmacy, Apotek Alpro, Alpro スギ (Sugi) Pharmacy, Alpro Physio, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Baby, Alpro OptiSaver, Alpro Audiology, Alpro Health, and Alpro Foundation. Supported by a team of more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, optometrist and many others, Alpro serves over 5 million families in Malaysia and Indonesia through its extensive network of 500 physical outlets.

Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the region to offer product liability insurance of MYR 1 million in Malaysia and IDR 3 billion in Indonesia, ensuring the supply of genuine medications and enhancing consumer trust.

With the vision of a healthy and vibrant world, Alpro Group aims to become the No. 1 prescription pharmacy chain in Southeast Asia.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of innovative medicines that transform patient outcomes. Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company operates in more than 100 countries and plays a significant role in advancing modern healthcare through research driven innovation and strategic partnerships worldwide.

Guided by its purpose to push the boundaries of science to deliver life changing medicines, AstraZeneca prioritises long term investment in research and development. The company’s global strategy is built on deep scientific expertise, advanced technology platforms, and precision medicine approaches, including biologics, antibody drug conjugates, and data driven drug discovery. These capabilities enable AstraZeneca to address complex diseases and unmet medical needs with increasing accuracy and effectiveness.

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