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Decoupling the Battery from the Price Tag

For decades, the battery has been the most expensive single component of an electric car. It is also the component most likely to depreciate. XEV’s innovative business model fundamentally alters this equation by separating the vehicle (hardware) from the battery (service).

Customers purchase the car but lease the energy capacity. This strategy significantly lowers the initial purchase price. It makes premium urban mobility accessible to a broader demographic. This ranges from young professionals seeking their first vehicle to fleet operators managing tight margins.

“We are not just manufacturing cars. We are redefining vehicle ownership,” says the XEV leadership team. “Our goal is to make car production as flexible as smartphone manufacturing. We give users exactly what they need for city living without the financial weight of traditional ownership.”

3 Minutes to Full Power: Solving the Charging Crisis

Range anxiety remains a critical hurdle for European EVs. This is particularly true for drivers without private home charging infrastructure. XEV addresses this with its proprietary battery swapping network.

The XEV YOYO and the upcoming XEV XPRESSION are engineered with a modular battery system. Instead of waiting hours at a charging point, drivers pull into a dedicated station. They complete a fully automated battery replacement in approximately three minutes.

This “SWAPPING” technology does more than save time. It improves operational efficiency for commercial users and ensures the vehicle is immune to battery degradation. Since the driver does not own the battery, they never have to worry about the cell’s lifespan affecting the car’s resale value. This creates a “Zero Usage Anxiety” experience for the owner.

Data-Driven Customization: The End of “One Size Fits All”

The XEV lineup is purpose-built for the narrow streets and high congestion of European cities. With a compact footprint of roughly 2.5 meters, the YOYO navigates historic city centers with ease. However, small size does not mean limited options.

Unlike legacy automakers that push stock inventory, XEV utilizes a data-driven C2M model. Users configure their vehicles via an online platform. They select distinct exterior colors, interior materials, wheel designs, and specific features. This user input triggers a flexible production process that creates a customizable car tailored to specific tastes. XEV uses the massive data generated from these customization choices to refine future designs and forecast market trends with precision.

Commercial Application: Powering the Last-Mile Economy

The flexibility of the XEV platform extends well beyond personal commuting. It is designed to serve the booming last-mile economy. The platform supports last-mile delivery vehicles and shared mobility fleets.

XEV provides specialized enclosed cargo options for logistics companies. The vehicle can even be customized for small business applications, such as mobile coffee carts or retail trucks. For small business owners, the vehicle serves as a mobile asset that can be configured for specific trades, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs.

XEV has already initiated pilot projects with major European logistics firms to prove the model’s viability for high-frequency urban commuting and commercial delivery. For car-sharing services, the high utilization rates and low maintenance needs of the YOYO make it an ideal asset for time-based rental fleets. The modular design further supports this eco-friendly lifecycle by facilitating easy repair and part upgrades. This extends the product lifespan and reduces waste compared to traditional vehicles that are often scrapped when a single major system fails.

A Strategic Supply Chain for a New Era

XEV achieves this level of flexibility through a strategic manufacturing model. The company adopts a capital-light approach that relies on deep collaboration with mature Asian automotive supply chains. This ensures rigorous quality control and cost efficiency without the bloating of traditional manufacturing.

Simultaneously, XEV is committed to European localization. The company is currently establishing assembly hubs and battery swapping networks across Europe to better serve local demand. This dual approach allows XEV to combine global manufacturing power with local market responsiveness. It ensures that while the technology is global, the support and infrastructure are local.

Availability

Sales and deliveries of the XEV YOYO have commenced in selected European markets, including Italy and Germany. The company continues to expand its infrastructure to support the growing network of users who demand a smarter and cleaner way to move through their cities.

For more information on the YOYO and the battery-swapping network, visit https://www.xev-global.com/yoyo or explore the upcoming XPRESSION model at https://www.xev-global.com/xpression.
Hashtag: #XEV

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About XEV

XEV is an innovative electric vehicle company committed to transforming the way cars are designed, built, and owned. Through its direct-to-consumer (DTC) online customization platform and a flexible production system, XEV integrates personalized user demand with modular smart manufacturing. The company’s mission is to make electric vehicles accessible and lifestyle-aligned for everyone. It drives the transition toward sustainable and personalized mobility. XEV positions itself not just as a manufacturer but as a global leader in urban electric mobility solutions.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – Hongkong Land and Gammon Construction have partnered to introduce CarbonCure to Hong Kong. Through this strategic collaboration, the companies are deploying the patented CO₂ mineralisation technology in Tomorrow’s CENTRAL project, marking its first use in Hong Kong. This alliance pioneers low-carbon building materials in the city and accelerates the wider industry’s transition.

Reducing cement‑related emissions without compromising performance

Embodied carbon accounted for 70% of Hongkong Land’s total carbon emissions in 2025, with industry research indicating that more than 80% of the embodied carbon in a typical new commercial building is associated with concrete, brick and steel. Cement production generates about 7% of global CO₂ emissions, more than three times that of civil aviation, making it a critical decarbonisation priority.

CarbonCure offers one of the most effective solutions, reducing cement content by 4–7% without compromising concrete quality or performance. The new technology injects captured CO₂ into fresh concrete during mixing, where it undergoes a chemical reaction to form a mineral, permanently trapping carbon within the material. When combined with a low-carbon concrete mix containing approximately 40% Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS), a 34% carbon emissions reduction is achieved compared to traditional non-green concrete.

Implementing this innovative technology supports Hongkong Land’s target of achieving a 22% reduction in Scope 3 carbon intensity by 2030. It also aligns with Tomorrow’s CENTRAL project’s sustainability objectives, including using 100% low carbon concrete, 100% green rebar, and 100% sustainable timber during construction, and to divert 75% of construction waste.

Tomorrow’s CENTRAL: a project with sustainability at its core

Tomorrow’s CENTRAL is Hongkong Land’s bold three-year plan to transform the LANDMARK retail portfolio. Announced in June 2024, the project is ambitious in its scope, encompassing extensive façade enhancements, retail renovations and office lift-lobby relocations From inception, sustainability has been the project’s guiding principle.

The CarbonCure concrete mix technology was deployed by Hongkong Land and Gammon in November 2025 after it was approved by the Buildings Department in September 2025 following a rigorous 18-month testing and preparation period.

Michael T. Smith, Group Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said: “Sustainability is a key business priority for Hongkong Land. Using lower carbon concrete on Tomorrow’s CENTRAL helps to advance the goals of our Sustainability Framework 2030. As the first developer to apply this technology in Hong Kong’s premium commercial sector, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to innovation and encourage wider industry uptake.”

Eddie Tse, Group Sustainability Manager, Gammon Construction, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hongkong Land on Hong Kong’s first application of CarbonCure concrete. Their strong commitment to sustainability and openness to pioneering solutions have been instrumental in making this milestone possible. By permanently mineralising carbon within building materials and reducing cement use, lower carbon concrete represents a meaningful step forward in embodied‑carbon reduction. With this successful deployment, we look forward to extending similar innovations across the industry and collaborating with more clients to drive low‑carbon construction in Hong Kong.”

Hashtag: #HongkongLand

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Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing premium and ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$50 billion in assets under management, Hongkong Land’s ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.97 million sq. m. lettable area in operation and 1.43 million sq. m. lettable area under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners and concentrating its portfolio where it can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

The “Heaven City” vision is underpinned by a clear state roadmap, including an operational double-track railway by 2026, the M8 Motorway, and Hua Hin Airport’s international expansion by 2027. Strategically bridging Bangkok and the Southern Economic Corridor, Hua Hin is emerging as a Global Wellness Tourism Hub and a Safe Haven for HNWIs and discerning investors.

Beyond infrastructure, Hua Hin delivers a lifestyle ecosystem, from a world-class Medical Hub with multilingual healthcare and Elite International Education, to a Golfer’s Paradise with championship courses, a world-class vineyard estate, vibrant art scenes, and creative night markets. Anchored by luxury malls and international water parks, it is a sanctuary for every generation, making Branded Residences in Hua Hin increasingly coveted assets among both local and international buyers.

The pinnacle of this evolution is Dusit Ajara Hua Hin. Developed by Dusit Estate, under Dusit International, a globally recognized hospitality brand, this ultra-luxury branded residence builds on Dusit’s vision of redefining luxury living through integrated, hospitality-led experiences, as reflected in its mixed-use flagship development in Bangkok, Dusit Central Park. It sits on a prime nearly 8-acre site, featuring 96 exclusive residences with privileged beach access, nestled within the grounds of Dusit Thani Hua Hin. Designed for multi-generational living, it stands as the first low-rise residential project in Asia developed under the Fitwel: Low Rise Residential standard, a leading evidence-based global certification focused on enhancing health and well-being through optimized indoor environments. With its low-density approach, the project champions sustainable well-being. Its signature “Bridging Oasis” concept delivers over 60% green space, seamlessly connecting seven buildings through lush landscaping. Residents enjoy a full suite of amenities, including a five-zone aquatic experience, clubhouse, wellness studio, kids’ world, and entertainment spaces.

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin‘s true distinction lies in its Gracious Hospitality. Backed by Dusit’s 77-year legacy, professional property management ensures long-term value, translating into high asset liquidity and a reliable Lifestyle Dividend, supported by a dedicated rental management team.

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin is more than a residence. It is a “Limited Edition Collection” – a low-risk, high-growth asset offering timeless luxury living and sustainable long-term value for a limited collection of families.

Please visit https://www.dusitajara.com/landingpage

• Hua Hin: +66(0) 88 899 8355
• Bangkok: +66(0) 88 822 7882

Hashtag: #DusitAjara #DusitAjaraHuaHin #HuaHin

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Vietnam’s Macroeconomic Resilience Amid Global Volatility

Amid global volatility, geopolitical fragmentation, and monetary tightening cycles, Vietnam has distinguished itself as a rare convergence of macroeconomic stability and long-term growth potential. International analysts now recognize the country as a strategic hub for institutional capital.

Political consistency is the bedrock of Vietnam’s appeal. The country’s high-growth trajectory is underpinned by strong governance coherence, with a unified government that minimizes execution risk. Over the past five years, a series of legal reforms have strengthened land valuation transparency, financial discipline, and environmental compliance. These regulatory improvements systematically align Vietnam’s real estate market with international institutional standards.

Infrastructure investment serves as another structural catalyst. With public investment reaching approximately 7% of GDP, Vietnam is undertaking one of the region’s most aggressive infrastructure expansion programs. Flagship projects such as Long Thanh International Airport, Cai Mep deep-sea port, and metropolitan ring roads are not merely improving connectivity, they are fundamentally reshaping spatial economics and unlocking new real estate frontiers.

Urbanization further amplifies this trajectory. Unlike many regional peers that have reached saturation, Vietnam remains in an early-to-mid stage of urban transformation, creating a sustained demand pipeline for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. From a capital markets perspective, Vietnam demonstrates stronger growth across key indicators compared to neighboring countries, with robust FDI inflows and a favorable demographic profile positioning it as a top-tier emerging market in Asia’s real estate investment landscape.

Vinhomes Green Paradise (Can Gio): A New Urban Wonder of Asia

As global investor preferences shift from fragmented, single-asset developments toward integrated urban ecosystems, Vinhomes has emerged as a master developer capable of delivering internationally competitive megaprojects. At the center of this evolution is Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, a coastal development that international experts describe as unmatched in Asia.

Infrastructure plays a catalytic role in unlocking such projects. The transformation driven by Long Thanh Airport and Cai Mep Port significantly improves accessibility to Can Gio, redefining peripheral land into high-value development corridors. Vietnam’s coastal real estate, long overlooked, now offers a unique opportunity to develop globally competitive destinations, provided they are master-planned and executed at scale.

The defining factor is achieving critical mass. A large-scale integrated development that combines education, healthcare, entertainment, and residential zones within a single master plan is what truly differentiates a project. This philosophy is embedded from inception in Vinhomes’ development model. From an international vantage point, investors are increasingly looking for “urban wonders”, destinations that act as economic engines and catalysts for regional development. Vinhomes Green Paradise is regarded as truly a wonder, featuring world-class infrastructure and amenities.

Stephen Higgins, representing Cushman & Wakefield, emphasized the project’s unique positioning: “There is currently nowhere else in Asia delivering a project like Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, located adjacent to an existing major city.”

When benchmarked against global icons such as Marina Bay Sands and Palm Jumeirah, the project signals Vietnam’s emergence as a new frontier for landmark urban developments. In this paradigm, Vinhomes transcends the role of a conventional developer, positioning itself as a place-maker that engineers destination ecosystems, an increasingly critical concept in global real estate investment strategy.

Competitive Advantages of Scale, Pricing, and a Strategic Entry Point

A defining characteristic of Vietnam’s real estate market is the rare combination of high growth potential and relatively attractive pricing at scale. With a population of 100 million and a median age of 32, ideal within the region, Vietnam benefits from a demographic dividend that underpins long-term housing demand, absorption rates, and market liquidity.

Vietnam’s strategic geographic positioning near major economic hubs such as China, Singapore, and Hong Kong enhances its role within regional supply chains and capital flows. Importantly, the country can deliver world-class developments at a much more competitive price point. This pricing arbitrage creates significant upside potential as the market continues to mature and converge toward regional benchmarks.

Scale is another decisive factor. Mega-scale developments exceeding 1,000 hectares provide a rare opportunity to design entirely new urban environments. Globally, such large contiguous land parcels are increasingly scarce, making Vietnam one of the few markets capable of delivering next-generation master-planned cities. Within this landscape, Vingroup stands out as a dominant force, with Vinhomes at the forefront of executing these large-scale visions. By integrating residential, commercial, and smart-city infrastructure within a unified master plan, Vinhomes is not merely supplying real estate, it is institutionalizing a new asset class for global investors.

Highlighting the requirements for market competitiveness, Troy Griffiths from Savills stated: “Vietnam must compete through pricing, quality, and the value delivered within a master-planned estate.“ When these three pillars converge, real estate evolves from a transactional asset into a long-term value platform.

With global capital increasingly reallocating toward markets with structural growth and scalable opportunities, Vietnam is transitioning from an emerging destination to a strategic investment hub.

As a central figure in this transition, Vinhomes is playing a significant role in evolving Vietnam’s urban landscape and elevating the nation’s standing within the global real estate sector.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

https://vinhomes.vn/en

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The firm was recognised across various categories, a testament to its continued outperformance:

1. Kenanga Growth Fund (“KGF“) – Best Equity Malaysia – Malaysia Provident Funds over 5 Years
2. Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 MYR Class (“KGFS2“) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 3 Years
3. Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF“) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years
4. Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF“) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced Malaysia – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years

Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director said, “We are honoured to be recognised by LSEG Lipper for our consistent performance in 2025 against a backdrop of volatility, underpinned by heightened trade wars. During the year, geopolitical risks and trade tensions caused sudden swings in sentiment, which affected small- and mid-cap stocks. We steered clear of headlines and focused on sustainable earnings. This allowed us to selectively position ourselves for when valuations turned compelling while reducing exposure when risks escalated which proved effective and underscores our expertise in Malaysian equities”.

Since the launch of KGF in 2000 and KGFS2 in 2018, both funds have demonstrated consistent performance. As of December 2025, each has surpassed RM1 billion in assets under management¹, underscoring Kenanga Investors’ disciplined investment approach and commitment to long term value creation. This year’s Awards also mark KGF’s sixth Lipper title while KGFS2 celebrates its inaugural win.

Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer, elaborated on the firm’s approach, “We maintained a disciplined bottom‑up stock‑picking strategy anchored in company fundamentals, giving us the conviction to stay invested in high quality businesses with strong balance sheets and structural growth drivers. This was supported by a strict risk management framework focused on sector diversification, prudent buffers, and incremental rebalancing. In 2026, we will emphasise themes such as artificial intelligence and data centre expansion, infrastructure, utilities, and selective REITs, while remaining true to our investment philosophy”.

Over the five‑year period ended 31 December 2025, KGF delivered a total return of 48.82%, significantly outperforming its benchmark² of 3.25%. Similarly, KGFS2 achieved a robust 49.92% return compared to its benchmark’s³ 46.93%. KMIF also recorded solid results with a 32.67% return against a benchmark⁴ of 5.26%, while KMGF posted a commendable 25.88% return, exceeding its benchmark’s⁵ 11.32%.

The firm also recently introduced the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 3 (“KGFS3“), the third fund within its flagship conventional fund series. The KGFS3 utilises the firm’s proven investment philosophy and is managed with an active investment strategy depending on the market conditions and outlook, combining a top-down asset and sector allocation process with a bottom-up stock selection methodology.

The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards, granted annually, highlight funds and fund companies that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. The Awards are based on the Lipper Leader for Consistent Return rating, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 months. This year’s achievements will serve to strengthen Kenanga Investors’ market leadership and drive its focus on creating enduring value for its investors.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit kenangainvestors.com.my.

¹ Source: Lipper, 31 December 2025

² Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI CR

³ Benchmark: 8% p.a.

⁴ Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 CR

⁵ Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 Index (50%) & All MGS Index by RAM Quant Shop (50%)

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)

We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, alternative investments, as well as wills and trusts for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.

The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2026 recognised four funds under the Malaysia Provident Funds category; Kenanga Growth Fund was named Equity Malaysia (5 Years), Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (3 Years), Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (10 Years) while Kenanga Managed Growth Fund was recognised with the title Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia (10 Years).

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management’s (“AAM“) 2026 Best of the Best Awards awarded Kenanga Investors under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year (Co-Winner), Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives and Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative.

At the AAM ETF Awards 2026, Kenanga Investors received an accolade under the category Malaysia Leverage and Inverse ETF of the Year for the Kenanga KLCI Daily 1x Inverse ETF. The IFN Investor Awards 2025 awarded the Kenanga Islamic Balanced Fund under the categories of “IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Malaysia — MYR 2025”, “IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Asia Pacific 2025”, and “IFN Investor Best Global Balanced Mixed Assets Fund 2025”.

The FPAM Financial Planning Leadership Award 2025 presented Kenanga Investors with the Platinum Award under the Charter Member Category, highlighting our dedication to shaping the future of financial planning. The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2025/2026 has awarded the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 with the “Sector Equity — Malaysia Focused” award for the fourth consecutive year since 2022. For the ninth consecutive year, we were affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on reflects the fund management company’s well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.