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Are Societal Norms Just Misconceptions? Circles.Life Survey Reveals Older Generations’ Surprising Supportiveness, Paving the Way for a Faster, More Progressive Future

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SINGAPORE, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — It’s popular belief that Singapore’s infatuation with a hyper-competitive culture breeds significant pressure to excel both academically and professionally. Apart from the influence of culture and family, there’s a rigid definition of what success looks like, and it feels like everyone is expected to conform to these norms — those who deviate risk facing social stigma and exclusion.

This misalignment between personal aspirations and societal expectations hinders those trying to forge unconventional paths. A recent survey by Circles.Life, conducted in partnership with Milieu Insights, confirms what we suspected — 1 in 3 Singaporeans felt pressured to conform, with 40% of youths aged 16-34 feeling constrained by parental expectations.

Based on the survey of over 1,500 respondents representing the nation’s population, the study also provided a more nuanced understanding of Singaporeans’ pursuit of progress and the barriers they face. Take mental health, for instance, where nearly half of individuals aged 16-34 reported struggling to balance it with work or study commitments. Additionally, more than half of youths aged 16-24 refrain from discussing mental well-being with friends or family.

It’s clear that many Singaporeans, particularly the younger generation, are open-minded and inclusive, showing a positive attitude toward society. Young adults are increasingly open to discussing mental health and sex education, with 46% of those aged 16-24 believing sex education should begin as early as primary school. They are also more willing to engage in conversations about and around sex with friends and family. Plus, a good number of Singaporeans support diversity and think it’s important for equal representation across gender, age, and occupation in the media and in mainstream education to break through long-standing stereotypes.

But here’s where it gets interesting — the study shows that the older generation (aged 40 and above) are surprisingly progressive on a number of issues. Older Singaporeans overwhelmingly believe that mental and physical illnesses should be treated equally. Moreover, 40% of Singaporeans, including older generations, believe and hope that society will become more accepting of diverse individuals in the next 10 years. The vast majority (80%) of those aged 44 and above think that success is defined by perseverance and hard work in life rather than paper qualifications.

“While it may be a surprise, this finding only proves that not everyone sees eye-to-eye when it comes to societal expectations. This further underscores the need to keep these conversations alive, and to challenge false perceptions and tackle these issues together. It’s the only way we’ll progress as a society and truly reach our potential,” said Ebony Ngieng, Senior Marketing Manager,  Circles.Life.

These findings underscore a simple truth: it’s time to shift away from measuring success solely by tangible achievements or material possessions and to move beyond the burden of social stigma. To meet the evolving pursuits and values of Singaporeans, Circles.Life’s latest ‘Do Your Own Thing’ (DYOT) campaign is here to help challenge conventional norms so Singaporeans can live life on their own terms. Here are its four pillars:

Pillar

Description

Every Win Matters

Addressing the intense academic pressure faced by students
and promoting a balanced approach to success.

Don’t be Embarrassed

Challenging the stigma around natural urges and encouraging
open discussions without shame.

Many Roads to Success

This celebrates the idea that success comes in many forms,
highlighting individuals who pursue their passions, whether they
follow a conventional path or choose something unique like
becoming a hawker. It emphasises that it’s not just about the
career choices made; it’s about finding fulfilment and success in
what one loves to do.

Break The Stigma

Promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma
around seeking help, equating mental health to physical health.

As an innovative digital telco, Circles.Life has consistently sparked conversations across Singapore by empowering people to challenge norms and conventions, particularly through their groundbreaking initiatives. They made waves as the pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) to introduce no-contract plans featuring affordable high-data options, the innovative loyalty rewards program (Circle of Joy), and a true borderless plan enabling flexible data usage not just in Singapore but also in other countries.

“These initiatives really embody a mission to continue challenging the status quo and empower everyone to embrace authenticity and follow their dreams.Through celebrating diversity and promoting open dialogue, our goal is to foster a more empathetic and inclusive society. #DoYourOwnThing serves as a platform to spark vital discussions and empower users with mobile plans that go beyond data, offering VPN, mental health therapy, and 5G support,”  added Ebony.

Sparking conversations and challenging norms has never been easier with Do Your Own Thing’s latest solutions.

Plan

What’s Included

Family Plan

Simplifies managing users’ digital needs by allowing one Primary
account holder to share data, talktime, and SMS with up to five
Sub-accounts, all on a single bill.

 

Users have access to 300GB data with up to 1TB rollover,
unlimited incoming calls, and 3000 minutes of outgoing talktime,

all shared across your family’s SIMs. It includes free 5G access
and exclusive benefits from the Circle of Joy rewards program.

5G Plan with VPN access
and subsidised mental
consultations

Get access to true 5G with 99% coverage as well as additional
lifestyle benefits – free 2 months ExpressVPN subscription,
subsidised mental health consultation with licensed therapists
from AloeMind and access to Circle of Joy reward programme.

For more information on the plans, visit www.circles.life/sg/do-your-own-thing.

About Circles.Life

Founded in 2014, Circles is a global technology company reimagining the telco industry with its SaaS platform, helping telco operators launch and operate successful digital brands. Today, Circles is partnering with operators in 15 countries across 6 continents with the mission to deliver digital experiences to millions of people through our businesses.

With Circles.Life, our digital lifestyle brand, we empower and delight customers across the world by offering digital experiences that go beyond traditional telco services; and are active in countries such as Singapore and Australia.

Circles is backed by global investors such as Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia), Warburg Pincus, EDBI and Founders Fund – renowned institutions with a track record of backing category creators.

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SOURCE Circles.Life

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Korean Buyers Invited to Connect with Chinese Suppliers at C-TOUCH & DISPLAY and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Featuring Korea Day business matchmaking, next-generation display technologies and advanced functional materials, the October exhibitions offer Korean industry professionals new opportunities to explore suppliers and strengthen cross-border partnerships.

As demand grows for advanced displays, semiconductor technologies and high-performance materials, C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will welcome Korean buyers and industry professionals to Shenzhen, China, from October 27–29. The exhibitions will provide opportunities to discover new technologies, meet Chinese manufacturers and explore business partnerships across the electronics, display, automotive and advanced materials supply chains.

C-TOUCH: Exploring Next-Generation Display and Semiconductor Technologies

C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 will showcase technologies spanning OLED, Micro LED, flexible displays, touch panels, e-paper, commercial displays, automotive displays and AI+AR smart glasses. As display technologies converge with AI computing, optical communications and semiconductor packaging, the exhibition will connect Korean visitors with suppliers developing materials, components, manufacturing equipment and integrated solutions.

A key highlight is the TGV Glass Substrate Advanced Packaging Zone, where visitors can explore eight major process stages, including laser induction, etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), coating and photolithography.

FILM & TAPE EXPO: Functional Materials for Electronics and Advanced Manufacturing

FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will bring together suppliers of functional films, optical films, protective and release films, polyimide (PI) films, adhesive tapes, optical clear adhesives (OCA), thermal-management materials and precision converting equipment.

The exhibition will also cover coating, laminating, slitting, rewinding, inspection and die-cutting technologies. These solutions support applications across consumer electronics, semiconductors, automotive electronics, batteries and energy storage, PCB/FPC and industrial manufacturing.

Korea Day: Connecting Korean Buyers with Chinese Suppliers

A major opportunity for Korean visitors will be Korea Day, a dedicated buyer–supplier matchmaking initiative designed to facilitate business connections between Korean industry professionals and Chinese suppliers.

The program will provide a focused setting for buyers to communicate their sourcing needs, explore relevant products and technologies, and discuss potential cooperation directly with suppliers. For companies seeking new sourcing options, manufacturing partners or materials for product development, Korea Day can help make exhibition visits more targeted and productive.

Easier Travel: China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Policy for South Korean Citizens

Travel planning has also become more convenient for eligible Korean visitors. Under China’s current unilateral visa-free policy, South Korean citizens holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange visits and transit.

The policy has been extended through December 31, 2026. Visitors should consult the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea for the latest official guidance.

Register to Visit Shenzhen This October

C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will take place October 27–29 at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an, Shenzhen, China.

C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026: Pre-register here

FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026: Pre-register here

About RX Kuozhan

RX Kuozhan is a joint venture between Reed Exhibitions and Kuozhan Exhibition Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., established in 2015. The company organizes a portfolio of industry-leading exhibitions serving the display, touch technology, functional films, adhesive materials, commercial display and advanced materials sectors. Through its exhibitions and industry engagement initiatives, RX Kuozhan connects manufacturers, technology providers, buyers and industry professionals, facilitating business partnerships, technology exchange and cross-industry collaboration in China and international markets.

For more information, please visit C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN and FILM & TAPE EXPO.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/korean-buyers-invited-to-connect-with-chinese-suppliers-at-c-touch–display-and-film–tape-expo-2026-302912105.html

SOURCE RX Kuozhan

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What’s Next for Webull Corporation Shareholders After 19.09% Stock Drop? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP Explains Securities Fraud Class Action Lead Plaintiff Deadline

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Complaint alleges Webull Corporation misled investors between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026; investors may seek lead plaintiff role by December 7, 2026

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP (“Glancy”) announced today that the class action lawsuit covers investors who bought Webull Corporation (“Webull” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BULL) securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026. The Webull Corporation case, Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., was filed on October 8, 2026 in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa) (Case No. 8:26-cv-03052).

Investors who suffered losses on Webull Corporation investments can submit their Webull Corporation loss information here before the December 7, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

Key dates in the Webull Corporation case

Class period: April 26, 2025 to October 6, 2026Complaint filed: October 8, 2026Lead plaintiff deadline: December 7, 2026

What happened?

On October 7, 2026, the bipartisan House Select Committee on China issued a report which found “a profound gap” between Webull’s public marketing as “an American company” and actual control of the alleged St. Petersburg, Florida-based firm. The committee reportedly found “Webull’s ownership architecture, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, corporate financing, and compliance frameworks are tied in structural ways to the People’s Republic of China.” The Select Committee also reportedly found that Webull initially told the Select Committee that it had no offices or employees in China, while Webull’s mainland China subsidiary in fact employed approximately 863 employees, or 62% of Webull’s global workforce.

Webull Corporation stock fell $1.39 or 19.09%, to close at $5.89 on October 7, 2026, thereby injuring investors.

What is the Webull Corporation lawsuit about?

The Webull Corporation securities lawsuit alleges that, between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the complaint alleges defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law; (2) Webull’s ownership structure, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, financing, and compliance structure were structurally tied to China; (3) as a result, Webull’s representations that its principal business operations were based in the U.S. and that its U.S. customer data was insulated from non-U.S. access materially overstated Webull’s independence from the PRC; and (4) as a result, defendants’ positive statements about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

“The complaint filed against Webull Corporation alleges that, among other things, the Company failed to disclose that Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law. For investors who bought during the class period, the December 7, 2026 deadline is the first major step in this case,” said Charles H. Linehan, Partner at Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP.

What’s the next step?

Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a leading national shareholder rights law firm, ready to assist Webull Corporation investors in potentially pursuing claims to recover their losses.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action, you must move the Court no later than December 7, 2026. To learn more about your rights, visit the Webull Corporation case page, email shareholders@glancylaw.com, or call 310-201-9150 (toll-free: 888-773-9224).

You may retain counsel of your choice. If you bought Webull Corporation securities during the class period, you may take no action and remain an absent class member. No class has been certified yet in the Webull Corporation case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible? Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Webull Corporation securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026 and suffered losses may be members of the proposed class in the Webull Corporation shareholder lawsuit. Any class member may ask the court to appoint them lead plaintiff by December 7, 2026.

What is a lead plaintiff? In the Webull Corporation class action, the lead plaintiff is the investor, or group of investors, that the court appoints to represent all class members and oversee the case. Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, courts generally presume the movant with the largest financial interest is the most adequate lead plaintiff.

Do I have to be lead plaintiff to recover? No. A Webull Corporation investor’s ability to share in any future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff. Webull Corporation investors may take no action and remain absent class members.

What is the deadline? Motions to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action must be filed by December 7, 2026.

Does it cost anything to contact Glancy or participate in this action? Glancy represents Webull Corporation investors on a contingency fee basis, which means investors pay no attorneys’ fees unless there is a recovery. Any fees are subject to court approval and are paid from the recovery.

Can I choose my own lawyer? Yes. Webull Corporation investors may retain counsel of their choice.

Why work with Glancy on the Webull Corporation lawsuit? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a premier law firm with decades of experience representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. Contact Glancy about the Webull Corporation lawsuit. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

About Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP

Glancy was named one of Law360’s Securities Groups of the Year and ranked second in total investor recoveries by ISS Securities Class Action Services in 2025.

Glancy’s successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, Barron’s, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes, and Money.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Related links

Webull Corporation case page, Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLPComplaint: Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa)Webull Corporation SEC filings index, EDGARGlancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP

CONTACT:
Charles H. Linehan
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Email: shareholders@glancylaw.com
Telephone: 310-201-9150 | Toll-free: 888-773-9224
www.glancylaw.com

Follow Glancy on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

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SOURCE Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP

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NetDragon Partners with Jiuzhou Culture to Establish Joint Venture

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Takes Controlling Stake in AI Harness Business to Advance a Third Growth Engine

HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or the “Company”; Hong Kong Stock Code: 0777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a legally binding memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with Jiuzhou Culture (“Jiuzhou”), a leading AIGC short drama production and distribution company in China, to establish a joint venture (“JV”) in which NetDragon will hold a 51% controlling interest. The partnership will focus on artificial intelligence technologies, AIGC-powered content creation and digital technology services, further expanding NetDragon’s AI application scenarios and commercialisation opportunities while accelerating the development of a new growth engine.

Deepening the Integration of AIGC and Content to Build a Diversified Digital Business Platform

Rapid advances in AIGC are continuing to reshape content creation, digital entertainment and software services. With the ongoing maturation of generative AI, large-scale AI models and AI agents, AI is evolving from a supporting tool into a productivity platform that can enhance the entire value chain, from content creation and production to operations and commercialisation. Through the JV Company, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will combine their complementary strengths in technology, IP, content and industry resources to accelerate the deployment of AIGC across real-world commercial applications.

Under the MOU, Jiuzhou will inject into the JV Company all intellectual property, technologies and assets relating to the AI Harness system business, laying a solid foundation for product development and commercialisation. NetDragon will contribute Hong Kong dollars cash equivalent to RMB 50 million to the JV Company, acquire a 51% shareholding interest and consolidate the JV Company’s financial results. The JV Company will focus on expanding foundational artificial intelligence software, large-scale AI models and the AI Harness system business. It is expected to serve as the first commercial validation platform in China for NetDragon’s “AI ecosystem co-creation” strategy, marking the launch of the Company’s third growth engine and laying the groundwork for the business model to be replicated and scaled across various sectors.

To accelerate the scalable commercialisation of the AI Harness business, the transaction also incorporates a multi-tiered, progressive performance-based incentive warrant scheme. NetDragon will issue 25 million unlisted warrants to Jiuzhou at an issue price of HK$0.10 per warrant share, to be granted in three tranches with initial exercise prices of HK$10, HK$12 and HK$15, respectively. The warrants will only become exercisable upon achievement of specified key performance indicators by the JV Company. Assuming full exercise of all warrants at the initial exercise prices, NetDragon will receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately HK$314 million, which will supplement the Company’s development capital while achieving deep alignment of interests and shared equity upside with its strategic partner. 

Strengthening AI Ecosystem Synergies to Drive a Third Growth Engine

As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into content production, digital services and global operations, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will take this collaboration as a new starting point to fully leverage their complementary strengths and accelerate the commercialisation of AI capabilities, translating technological innovation into tangible business value. In recent years, NetDragon has continued to advance its AI strategy across AI+gaming, AI+education and enterprise intelligence, while actively exploring emerging AI businesses with the potential to establish independent commercial models. Jiuzhou, meanwhile, has built deep expertise in micro-dramas and digital content, with an integrated value chain spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. It has also continued to expand the use of AIGC across content production, creation and operations. The two parties will further explore the deep integration of AI technology with the content industry, accelerating the implementation of AI capabilities in scenarios such as content generation, AI model applications, translation and localisation, platform operations, and enterprise technology services, to build scalable and sustainable business models.

Following the launch of the MOYU AI platform in August 2026, NetDragon’s investment and controlling stake in the AI Harness business marks another important step in increasing resource allocation to its AI business and broadening its long-term growth pathways. The performance-linked equity incentive collaboration with Jiuzhou is expected to establish a new model of strategic collaboration for NetDragon, enabling the Company and its partners to grow the business together and share in the value created. Looking ahead, NetDragon will remain focused on its core AI business, deepen technological innovation and resource integration, and leverage its established strengths in gaming and education alongside the emerging growth engine of AI ecosystem co-creation. Under this three-pronged strategy, the Company aims to continuously strengthen its core competitiveness, enhance long-term investment value, and deliver sustainable returns to shareholders.

About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 777) is a global leader in building internet communities, with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. Over the desktop and mobile internet eras, NetDragon previously established China’s first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China’s most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.   

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known digital entertainment IP developers and operators in China with a history of successful flagship game titles deeply welcomed by users both at home and abroad. For more than a decade, NetDragon has also achieved success with its EdTech business both domestically and globally. Fully embracing the new AI era, NetDragon is driving its vision of “Infinite Growth” through AI-enabled digital entertainment and online learning, whilst building a systematic AI product methodology to create value growth.

NetDragon’s overseas edtech business entity, currently a U.S.-listed subsidiary named Mynd.ai, is a global leader in interactive technology and its award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 2 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries. 

About Jiuzhou Culture

Founded in 2021, Jiuzhou is a leading player in the online micro-drama industry, with an integrated business model spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. The company has established a comprehensive, end-to-end content ecosystem designed to enhance operational efficiency and unlock synergies across the value chain. Embracing technological innovation, Jiuzhou actively integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AIGC to enhance content quality and creative capabilities. Its self-developed Moss tool has accelerated AI adoption across the entire value chain, leveraging technology to advance the development of the global short drama ecosystem.

In terms of content creation, Jiuzhou has accumulated the rights to more than 4,000 short dramas and has successfully distributed over 1,000 productions. Its portfolio spans more than 20 popular genres, including contemporary drama, romance, campus life, fantasy, suspense and historical fiction, catering to the diverse entertainment preferences of audiences in China and worldwide. By combining paid content, free-to-view short dramas and international expansion, Jiuzhou has developed a distinctive business ecosystem that strengthens its competitive position and drives continued innovation in the micro-drama industry.

Internationally, the company leverages its strengths in content production, audience reach and distribution networks to bring Chinese micro-dramas to global audiences while tailoring its offerings to local tastes and cultural preferences. Its flagship international platform, ShortMax, focuses primarily on North American and European markets, offering a wide selection of localized Chinese dramas and original productions. ShortMax is now available in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, having achieved peak monthly active users (MAU) of over 30 million, more than 90 million cumulative registered users and 200 million downloads.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netdragon-partners-with-jiuzhou-culture-to-establish-joint-venture-302913397.html

SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

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