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51Talk Online Education Group Announces Change to Board Composition

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SINGAPORE, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 51Talk Online Education Group (“51Talk” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: COE), a global online education platform with core expertise in English education, announced today that its board of directors (the “Board”) has appointed Mr. Jimmy Lai as an independent director, effective June 1, 2024. Mr. Jimmy Lai will also serve as a member and chairman of the audit committee of the Board, a member of the compensation committee of the Board, and a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board. Effective May 31, 2024, Mr. Shengwen (Roy) Rong resigned as a director of the Company for personal reasons and stepped down as a member and chairman of the audit committee of the Board, a member of the compensation committee of the Board, and a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board. The resignation of Mr. Shengwen (Roy) Rong did not result from any dispute or disagreement with the Company or the Board on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

Mr. Lai currently serves as the chief financial officer of Kneron, a leading provider of full stack edge AI solutions company. Mr. Lai also serves as an independent director of several NYSE-listed companies, including Zepp Corporation (NYSE: ZEPP) and FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV). Mr. Lai served as the chief financial officer of 51Talk from June 2015 to December 2018. Prior to joining 51Talk in 2015, Mr. Lai served as the chief financial officer for several companies, including Chukong Technologies Corp., a leading mobile entertainment platform company in China, from 2013 to 2015, Gamewave Corporation, a leading webgame company in China, from 2011 to 2013, Daqo New Energy Corp., an NYSE-listed company and a leading polysilicon manufacturer based in China, from 2009 to 2011, Linktone Ltd., a Nasdaq-listed company and a leading provider of wireless interactive entertainment services to consumers in China, from 2008 to 2009 and Palm Commerce Holdings, a leading information technology solution provider for the China lottery industry, from 2006 to 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Lai served as an associate vice president of investor relations at Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, a company listed on the NYSE and the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, from 2002 to 2006, and as a controller and director of financial planning at AMX Corporation from 1997 to 2001. Mr. Lai received his MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas and his bachelor’s degree in statistics from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. Mr. Lai is a certified public accountant licensed in the State of Texas.

Mr. Jack Jiajia Huang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 51Talk, commented, “We thank Mr. Shengwen (Roy) Rong for his service to us as our board member and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. At the same time, we warmly welcome Mr. Jimmy Lai, and look forward to working with him again to build on the success we have already achieved.”

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements which are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. 51Talk may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51Talk’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in 51Talk’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 51Talk does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About 51Talk Online Education Group

51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE) is a global online education platform with core expertise in English education. The Company’s mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company’s online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students. 

For more information, please visit http://ir.51talk.com.

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SOURCE 51Talk Online Education Group

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GRT Capital Management opens Dubai office in DIFC to expand into MEASA region

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DIFC office strengthens GRT’s regional presence and supports its long-term growth across the MEASA region.

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GRT Capital Management Limited (“GRT”) today announced the launch of its office in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of the asset management firm.

Regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the DIFC office will serve as the regional hub to support GRT’s engagement with professional investors, including ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families and institutional clients across the MEASA region.

Tim Haywood, Managing Director of GRT Capital Management Limited (DIFC Representative Office), said, “The MEASA region is home to significant private and public wealth, and regional investors have a growing appetite for alternative investments. With the United Arab Emirates serving as a key international financial hub, DIFC’s robust legal and regulatory framework makes it a strong platform for our regional expansion. We’re excited to take this significant step forward in our ability to serve clients in MEASA.”

GRT specializes in private market investments across real assets and asset-backed financing, and offers Shariah-compliant investment strategies.[1] The firm provides fund management, discretionary portfolio management and investment advisory services to clients. GRT’s investment platform includes strategies focused on real assets, including those identified in collaboration with Walton Global, an established land asset management group.

Jamie Lam, President of GRT said, “The establishment of our DIFC Office is a natural progression of GRT’s growth strategy. We see the MEASA region as one of our key growth markets, and this expansion enables us to strengthen our regional presence and deepen engagement with investors and strategic partners across the MEASA region.”

GRT is an established provider of alternative asset management services. The firm specializes in strategic land investments and asset-backed financing focused on income and growth strategies. GRT is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to carry out Type 4 (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities.

[1] GRT’s Shariah-compliant investment strategy is reviewed and endorsed by Masryef Advisory, an Islamic finance advisory firm based in Malaysia.

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world’s most advanced financial centre, shaping the global financial landscape and cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading business destination across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).

As the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, DIFC is home to 10,018 active firms. These include 1,134 regulated firms, among them are 370 banks and capital markets firms, 71 brokerage entities, 165 insurance and (re)insurance companies and 592 Wealth and Asset Management firms (including over 100 hedge fund managers). Home to 1,933 AI, FinTech and innovation firms, DIFC sets the benchmark for financial innovation and is a top five ranked FinTech hub across the world.

Underpinned by a trusted, world-class legal and regulatory framework, including the region’s most utilised commercial courts, DIFC ensures efficient governance and reinforces Dubai’s leadership in the digital economy. Connecting 50,200 professionals, it offers the region’s deepest pool of financial talent, serving as the gateway to MEASA for all financial players.

Beyond business, DIFC provides the complete urban experience with world-class lifestyle amenities, establishing it as a highly sought-after destination. The 17.7mn sq. ft. DIFC Zabeel District expansion which provides capacity for over 42,000 companies and a workforce of more than 125,000, DIFC is solidifying Dubai’s position as a top four global financial centre. The new District will also include premium Grade A commercial office space, over 1mn sq.ft. allocated to future technologies including the world’s largest Innovation Hub and world’s first purpose-built AI Campus, an expanded academy, residential buildings, hotels, a conference centre, and a range of retail, dining, and cultural offerings, including the Museum of Digital Art, the region’s first museum dedicated to digital art and new technologies.

Anchored in integrity, DIFC is the platform for success, driving the future of finance.

For further information, please visit our website: difc.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.

Regulatory Information
GRT Capital Management Limited (DIFC Representative Office) is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as a Representative Office. GRT Capital Management Limited is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to carry out Type 4 (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities. All regulated activities are conducted in Hong Kong. The DIFC Representative Office does not conduct regulated activities.

Disclaimer
This announcement is issued by GRT Capital Management Limited (DIFC Representative Office) for information purposes only. It does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an offer, invitation, recommendation, solicitation or inducement to buy or sell any financial product or investment service, nor does it constitute investment, legal, tax or other professional advice. Any financial products or services referred to herein are offered by GRT Capital Management Limited and/or its relevant Group entities, as applicable, and are subject to applicable laws, regulatory requirements and offering documentation. The DIFC Representative Office does not conduct regulated activities. All regulated activities are carried out by GRT Capital Management Limited in Hong Kong under its SFC Type 4 and Type 9 licences, and such services are exclusively available to Professional Investors (as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance) and are not available to the retail public in Hong Kong. Investment involves risks. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/grt-capital-management-opens-dubai-office-in-difc-to-expand-into-measa-region-302867524.html

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CNN Academy expands to Japan to empower future multimedia storytellers

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HONG KONG, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNN has successfully concluded the inaugural edition of CNN Academy in Japan, delivering an intensive, skills-focused journalism training experience designed to empower the next generation of multimedia storytellers.

The program featured a hybrid curriculum centered on digital storytelling in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants first completed virtual coursework on CNN’s dedicated e-learning platform, covering storytelling ethics and AI integration in newsrooms, before gathering for an immersive, hands-on workshop week in Tokyo.

Hosted at Sophia University in Tokyo, the five-day in-person workshop was led by CNN award-winning international correspondent Hanako Montgomery, CNN award-winning producer Junko Ogura, leading mobile storytelling expert Glen Mulcahy, and seasoned media executive David Ford. Together, they guided and instructed participants on storytelling for the AI era, equipping them with the fundamentals to produce impactful and high-quality stories ethically and efficiently. The week concluded with participants executing polished multiplatform projects that put their new skills into practice.

The five-day training week was the core of the program, simulating a realistic digital-first news environment with interactive workshops and masterclasses on mobile journalism, script writing, and AI-enabled workflows. The week concluded with participants executing polished multiplatform projects that showcased their new skills in practice.

Since launching in 2020, CNN Academy has partnered with creative, educational and media partners to combine CNN’s renowned global journalism expertise with academic excellence. The program continues to expand worldwide, offering dynamic learning experiences through a wealth of resources, in-person exercises, digital courses and expert-led workshops.

Alireza Hajihosseini, Director of CNN Academy and Deputy Bureau Chief of CNN’s Abu Dhabi production hub, said, “CNN Academy Tokyo reflects CNN’s ongoing commitment to equipping and empowering tomorrow’s journalists. Through virtual training and an in-person workshop in Tokyo, the program tapped into our experienced storytellers to prepare the next generation for multi-platform reporting in the age of AI. The participants were exceptional throughout the week, demonstrating the essential skills needed to connect with audiences everywhere.”

Natsumi Sasaki, Senior Director of Content Sales and Strategic Partnerships in Japan, CNN International Commercial, added, “Beyond extending CNN’s mission to bring exceptional journalism to the world, CNN Academy offers an innovative way for collaborating with academic and creative partners. With the great support of Sophia University, bringing this initiative to Tokyo marks an exciting step forward in nurturing emerging talent and strengthening CNN’s legacy of global reporting in one of the world’s most dynamic media capitals.”

For more information, please see academy.cnn.com

– Ends –

About CNN International

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company. 

 

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SOURCE CNN International

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Industry Leaders Outline the Future of Energy Independence for European Business in The Economist Panel Ahead of IFA 2026

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Featuring EcoFlow Chief Strategy Officer Nick Chen alongside leaders from CEER, Elia Group, and Equinix, The Economist Panel “Flexible by Design: Energy Resilience for Business” explores how energy flexibility and smart technologies drive European industrial competitiveness

BERLIN, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the explosive growth of AI data centers and electric vehicles pushes European power grids to their limit, energy resilience has rapidly shifted from a utility concern to a board-level imperative across the continent. Ahead of IFA Berlin 2026 (Sept. 4–8), The Economist Enterprise and EcoFlow today announced the broadcast release of the executive panel, “Flexible by design: energy resilience for business.”

The session brings together key leaders from energy regulation, grid operations, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing to tackle Europe’s most pressing commercial challenge: overcoming grid bottlenecks and unpredictable power costs.

Confronted with historic price volatility and years-long grid connection queues, EcoFlow is leveraging its footprint of over 10 million deployed devices and 5 million global users to power its expansion into the small business and enterprise sectors. By transferring its battle-tested consumer architecture—modular hardware, automated dynamic tariff optimization and AI software—EcoFlow is providing commercial operators with immediate, cost-effective energy independence.

“Small and medium businesses are facing the exact same energy volatility and high costs that residential consumers are dealing with,” said Nick Chen, Chief Strategy Officer for EcoFlow. “Through powering millions of homes worldwide, we learned that mass adoption of clean energy requires three things: extreme simplicity, modular scalability, and intelligent software automation. By taking our proven consumer technology foundation and software intelligence into the commercial market, we are giving businesses the tools they need to easily manage complex energy needs, lower operational expenses and ensure power resilience.”

Key Panel Insights

Energy Market Upheaval & Strategy: How fluctuating energy prices, grid bottlenecks, and periods of negative wholesale rates are reshaping corporate investment decisions and business growth across Europe.Building Cost-Effective Resilience: Practical approaches for enterprises to safeguard operations against power disruptions and price spikes without incurring excessive capital expenditure.Overcoming Grid Bottlenecks: How connection queues threaten industrial growth, and how flexible connection agreements and demand-response mechanisms offer immediate relief.Distributed Assets as Infrastructure: The role of small-scale distributed storage, solar, and energy-management software in working alongside transmission systems to balance supply and demand.The 2030 Outlook: How current regulatory adaptations and technological deployments will shape electricity market design and European competitiveness over the next decade.

Distinguished Panel Roster

Nick Chen – Chief of Strategy, EcoFlowBram Claeys – Secretary General, Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER)James Matthys-Donnadieu – Chief Customers, Markets & Systems Officer, Elia GroupEulalia Flo – Vice President, Growth & Emerging Markets, Europe, EquinixPhillip Cornell (Moderator) – Senior Advisor, Energy & Sustainability, Economist Enterprise

Watch On-Demand & Meet EcoFlow at IFA 2026

Watch the Session: Stream the complete panel discussion on-demand at The Economist Events Portal.Visit EcoFlow at IFA 2026: EcoFlow invites industry partners, media, and attendees to explore its latest residential and commercial energy ecosystems live at IFA Berlin 2026 from Sept. 4–8 at Messe Berlin (Hall 3.2).

About EcoFlow

Founded in 2017, EcoFlow is No. 1 in smart home energy storage solutions, empowering millions of users to take control of their energy at home and beyond. Our vision is to power a new world that is aspirational, technology-driven, and eco-friendly. Our mission from day one is to provide smart and ecofriendly energy solutions for individuals, families, and society at large. We are, were, and will continue to be a reliable and trusted energy companion for users around the world. For more information, visit https://www.ecoflow.com

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