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2024-2025 Global Top Brands Award Ceremony Launched

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The highly anticipated 2024-2025 Global Top Brands Award Ceremony and International Consumer Electronics Industry Leaders’ Summit were held on January 8, 2025 local time, at the Wynn & Encore Hotel in Las Vegas, USA. This ceremony gathered leading manufacturers, traders, and elites in the global consumer electronics industry to celebrate the triumphs of the world’s top consumer electronics brands.

With the theme of “AI Empowerment: Ushering in a New Era of Brand Upgrading”, the Global Top Brands Award Ceremony focuses on how AI is deeply integrating with the consumer electronics industry and continuously driving innovation, vitality, and competitiveness in industrial development. A number of distinguished guests were present at the event, including Stavros Anthony, Lieutenant Governor of Nevada; Kim Tae Heum, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea; Adam Goldstein, Vice President of TWICE; Zhu Dongfang, President of Asia Digital Group; Zhang Li, Co-President of Asia Digital Group; and Jan Lorbach, Senior Director of Strategic Insights at GfK. Senior executives from influential companies such as Huawei, TCL, Haier, Changhong, TECNO, ECOVACS, VOLTME, XPENG Motors, and Segway-Ninebot were also in attendance. In addition, key representatives from Samsung joined the ceremony. Nearly one hundred media outlets, including CCTV, Phoenix TV, and Dragon TV, as well as senior journalists, were also present to cover the event.

Ceremony and Summit Open with a Focus on Pioneering Industry Development

The award ceremony was filled with excitement and star power, bringing together representatives of executives from leading global consumer electronics brands and industry experts, who witnessed the unveiling of multiple top awards. These accolades celebrated the outstanding achievements in the consumer electronics sector over the past year, and pointed the way toward industry trends. Furthermore, participants engaged in in-depth exchanges on cutting-edge issues, exploring new trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the industry. The ceremony was not only a moment of honor but also an important platform for driving the high-quality development of the global consumer electronics industry.

Founded by International Data Group in 2006, the Global Top Brands Awards (GTB for short) is a world-class selection event organized by Asia Digital Group and Europe Digital Group, and supported by TWICE and International Data Corporation(IDC for short), an authoritative market research and analysis firm. The GTB has evolved into a platform where the world’s top consumer electronics brands compete to highlight their innovations, aiming to present the charm of global consumer electronics to audiences worldwide, enhancing the popularity of major consumer electronics enterprises in the international market, and further promoting the development of the global consumer electronics industry. This GTB brought together top consumer electronics brands from around the world to show their latest products and cutting-edge technologies. It serves as a forward-thinking platform for exchanging ideas, offering industry professionals an in-depth look at the most innovative products and emerging trends shaping the future of the global consumer electronics landscape.

The event began with an address by Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony of Nevada. He highlighted that Nevada, often referred to as the “Silver State”, has long been a fertile land for the fusion of innovative technologies and industries, thanks to its open and inclusive spirit, leading technological atmosphere, and unparalleled business environment. He emphasized that the award ceremony recognizes Nevada’s strength in scientific and technological innovation, and serves as a powerful boost to their ongoing efforts to advance industry upgrades and promote international cooperation. Furthermore, he expressed strong optimism about the future of AI in the consumer electronics sector and reaffirmed that Nevada would continue to embrace an open and collaborative approach, offering top-tier services and support to all companies and brands participating in the GTB selection.

As one of the hosts, Asia Digital Group’s President Zhu Dongfang welcomed the guests attending the ceremony. He noted that, despite the complexities of the global economic environment, emerging technologies like AI are driving the steady development of the global consumer electronics industry, with the market expected to experience a new phase of robust growth. As a key player, China is transitioning from a “major manufacturer” to an “innovation powerhouse”. In 2024, the market turnover is projected to surpass 2.2 trillion yuan, with an accelerated shift toward smart, high-end, and environmentally friendly products. The international influence of Chinese consumer electronics brands has grown significantly, penetrating the mid-to-high-end markets. Against this backdrop, this GTB honors the exceptional achievements of the global consumer electronics industry and looks ahead to emerging trends, bringing together industry leaders to explore new opportunities for growth.

Adam Goldstein, Vice President of TWICE, also highlighted in his address that, as the leading consumer electronics publication in the U.S., TWICE has long been dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance to consumer electronics suppliers and channel partners. It has established a robust information bridge between Chinese product suppliers and international buyers and retailers. He emphasized that the annual GTB selection holds tremendous significance, as it not only reflects the industry’s achievements over the past year but also offers a glimpse into the future direction of the industry. This year, especially, the rapid advancement of AI has undoubtedly injected fresh vitality into the sector, positioning itself as a pivotal force in reshaping industry development. The theme of this year’s GTB is “AI Empowerment: Ushering in a New Era of Brand Upgrading”, which perfectly encapsulates the current trends in the consumer electronics industry. It provides the industry with valuable insights into emerging opportunities to drive continuous innovation and sound development throughout the industry.

Governor Kim Tae Heum of Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, noted that Chungcheongnam-do, one of South Korea’s major economic engines, is home to a population of 2.2 million and over 300,000 businesses, spanning industries from semiconductor manufacturing to agriculture. The government is vigorously promoting scientific and technological innovation and plans to invest nearly 8 billion US dollars in factory and facility development by 2026 to attract more domestic and international investment, particularly in high-tech sectors. He also shared that Chungcheongnam-do has signed memorandums of understanding with many companies to deepen cooperation in key areas such as semiconductor production to transform the region into a global sci-tech and industrial hub, positioning it as South Korea’s “Silicon Valley”.

The Industry’s Prestigious Awards Unveiled, Brand Excellence Recognized with Top Honors

During the event, highly recognized awards were presented, including the “CE Brands from China Top 10″ and the “Global CE Brands Top 50”, as well as a range of specialized accolades across various categories, such as the “Global TV Brands Top 10” and the “Global Smart Phone Brands Top 10”. These awards recognize the winners for their achievements in technological innovation and market expansion and affirm their leading positions within the global consumer electronics industry.

CE Brands from China Top 10

The list brings together the leading players in today’s rapidly evolving scientific and technological landscape, including TCL, Huawei, Haier, Midea, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Gree, and others. These companies are at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI and 5G, driving the smart and connected evolution of their products. With exceptional technical expertise, frontier innovative designs, and a deep understanding of consumer needs, they have built strong market competitiveness across a wide range of consumer electronics, including smartphones, wearables, headphones, laptops, and small home appliances. Not only do they hold a significant share in the domestic market, but they are also gaining recognition on the global stage, earning widespread acclaim from consumers worldwide, and playing a key role in the ongoing evolution of the industry.

TCL
TCL is a globally competitive intelligent technology industry group driven by the mission of “Leading Technology, Harmonious Coexistence”. It is committed to delivering forward-looking scientific and technological experience and promoting smart and healthy living. TCL has once again been recognized as one of the Global Top 50 CE Brands, reaffirming its exceptional strength as a top global consumer electronics brand. As an outstanding representative of Chinese brands, TCL also continues to hold a spot among the list of CE Brands from China Top 10. Its flagship product, the TCL Premium QD-Mini LED TV X11K, was awarded the Mini LED Display Technology Innovation Award, the TCL FreshIN Series Air Conditioner won the Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award, and the TCL Super Drum Series Front Load Washing Machine received the Clean Technology Innovation Gold Award.

Founded in 1981, TCL operates 46 R&D centers and 38 manufacturing bases across the globe. With a presence in over 160 countries and regions, it serves more than 1.3 billion users worldwide. Over the course of more than 40 years of transformation, innovation, and strategic upgrades, TCL has restructured its business into two main entities, TCL Industries and TCL Technology. It is now focused on three core industries, smart terminals, semiconductor displays, and new energy photovoltaics. Its smart display terminals, LCD displays, and photovoltaic monocrystals and silicon wafers have all achieved global leadership in their respective fields.

TCL invested more than 60 billion yuan in R&D from 2018 to 2023. As of 2024, it has filed a total of 112,469 patents, including 18,567 PCT patents, placing it among the top companies in Chinese mainland. In the field of electroluminescent quantum dot displays, TCL holds 2,913 patents, ranking second globally.

Global CE Brands Top 50

Recognized as leaders in consumer electronics, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Sony, Huawei, TCL, Lenovo, Changhong, and others on the list are showing the significant role of scientific and technological innovation in driving industry growth. These companies are staying ahead of the wave, continuously innovating to meet the increasingly diverse demands of consumers. Among them, Chinese companies have excelled in areas such as smart wearables. With the widespread adoption of emerging technologies like AI and 5G, these companies are actively exploring new applications to enhance product competitiveness. The global consumer electronics industry is poised for even greater growth and opportunity.

Global Smart Phone Brands Top 10

At the forefront of smartphone brands are Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO, Huawei, Honor, TECNO, Motorola, and realme on the list. Notably, Chinese brands occupy a prominent position and have gained global recognition through their sharp market insights and continuous innovation. Meanwhile, internationally renowned brands continue to perform strongly, strengthening their leadership through new product launches and channel reforms. This list reflects the current market landscape and hints at future trends, that is, only those brands that relentlessly innovate and meet consumer demands will rise to the top.

TECNO
In this GTB, the innovative tech brand TECNO was recognized as one of the Global Smart Phone Brands Top 10. The brand also won the  Product Innovation Awards for two of its groundbreaking flagship products: the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, the second-generation foldable smartphone featuring the full suite of TECNO’s AI capabilities, and the Pocket Go, the world’s first Windows handheld console paired with AR glasses, heralding a new era of AR gaming.

Global TV Brands Top 10

The list includes the industry’s leading brands, including TCL, Changhong, Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, Sony, Haier, and more. These brands are leading trends such as large-screen, ultra-high-definition, and smart TVs. They push the boundaries of picture quality and technology, and prioritize exceptional design and user experience. With superior product quality and relentless innovation, these brands have secured a prominent position in global market, offering consumers immersive viewing experience and new smart home possibilities. This shows the future direction of the television industry.

Global Intelligent Vehicles Brands Top 10

The automotive industry’s innovators, including Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Hengxing, BMW, Toyota, Geely, NIO, and XPENG Motors, are driving the transformation of smart mobility. With a focus on breakthrough technologies like autonomous driving and intelligent cockpits, these brands offer consumers greater convenience, comfort, and safety and are shaping the future of the industry through strategic partnerships to drive industrial upgrading. Their expertise and innovation make them key influencers in the global smart automotive market.

Global Smart Home Brands Top 10

Top industry brands gather in the list, including Amazon, Apple, Samsung, Haier, TOMEFON, CHiQ, Midea, Huawei, Mi Home, and ECOVACS. These companies are industry leaders, renowned for their robust R&D capabilities, exceptional product performance, and precise market positioning. Chinese brands have made a notable impact, with several ranking among the top. They have made significant contributions in areas such as safety, convenience, and smart technology, while consistently driving innovation and technological progress. These brands are widely recognized in the global market and provide consumers with diverse and personalized smart home solutions, shaping the industry’s future towards greater possibilities.

ECOVACS ROBOTICS
As a leader in the global service robotics industry, ECOVACS ROBOTICS has been recognized as one of the Global Smart Home Brands Top 10 for 2024-2025. Its robotic lawn mower, GOAT A2500 RTK, received the Robotic Lawn Mower Technology Innovation Award for its exceptional performance and innovative technology. Designed for diverse backyards with various sizes and layouts, the robot is equipped with a 32V energetic platform and two staggered blade-discs, delivering efficient and precise lawn care. Featuring LELS™ positioning technology, the robot enhances its accuracy in positioning and intelligent navigation, autonomously creating high-precision 3D maps. This allows for centimeter-level precision in both navigation and positioning, even in complex layouts or at night. Additionally, the GOAT A2500 RTK is equipped with a LiDAR-enhanced localization system, enabling it to precisely avoid obstacles and ensure smooth operation.

CHiQ
CHiQ’s smart home products provide users with a more convenient, efficient, intelligent, and personalized experience. The brand has earned a place in the Global Smart Home Brands Top 10 for 2024-2025. Since its founding in 2014, CHiQ has consistently innovated in response to consumer needs, earning widespread international recognition. It offers a broad range of products, including smart home appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. Its global footprint continues to expand, covering over 40 countries, including the EU, ASEAN, Australia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and South Korea. It has formed partnerships with numerous international companies, secured key offline distribution channels, and established a presence on more than 30 major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee.

International Innovation Award

International innovative brands are showcasing exceptional competitiveness in today’s consumer electronics and technology industry. Brands like YEEDI, Ampace, and TECNO are at the forefront across various sectors, including smartphones, home appliances, and IT office solutions, thanks to their strong R&D capabilities and deep market insights. These brands are driving the robust growth of the industry and meeting the diverse needs of consumers through technological innovation and high-quality services, positioning themselves as industry benchmarks. They will continue to embrace innovation, leading the consumer electronics sector towards a brighter and more promising future.

YEEDI
Amid the wave of smart technology, YEEDI stands out for its exceptional innovation and deep understanding of consumer needs. The YEEDI S14 Plus was awarded the Indoor Cleaning Technology Innovation Gold Award. As a pioneer in smart cleaning solutions, YEEDI remains at the forefront of science and technology, consistently launching groundbreaking products that deliver a more convenient and efficient cleaning experience for households worldwide. In the year of 2024, YEEDI has launched multiple innovative products, including the M12 PRO+ and C12 COMBO. The highly anticipated YEEDI S14 PLUS, set for release in 2025, has already generated considerable attention. It has earned widespread praise from consumers worldwide, with exclusive innovations such as the OZMO Roller Mopping Technology, TruEdge 2.0 Adaptive Edge Mopping Technology, ZeroTangle 2.0 Technology, and AIVI 3D 3.0 Technology.

Ampace
As a globally recognized leader and trusted choice in the field of new energy innovation, Ampace has earned the trust and praise of users worldwide through its exceptional innovation, strong technical expertise, keen market insights, and relentless commitment to quality. With a market share exceeding 30% in the global residential energy storage sector, it has proven its formidable competitive strength and set a benchmark for innovation, reliability, and outstanding performance, honored with the International Innovation Award. The Ampace Andes 1500 Portable Power Station was awarded the Portable Energy Storage Technology Innovation Award. Ampace places technological innovation at the heart of its mission, continually pushing the boundaries and driving industry progress. The Ampace Andes Portable Power Station showcases this trusted energy technology, offering reliable, stable, safe, and high-capacity power support to outdoor adventurers, professionals, and families alike. Looking to the future, we look forward to Ampace continuing its legacy of innovation and making even greater contributions to the sustainable development of society.

Global Emerging Brands

The global emerging brand VOLTME has quickly made a name for itself in the consumer electronics and technology industry, driven by its innovation and competitiveness. Focused on technological innovation and keenly attuned to consumer needs, it has continuously improved its value for money. With exceptional offerings in areas such as smartphones, smart wearables, IT office solutions, and home appliances, VOLTME has gained significant market recognition. The rise of such dynamic brands is revitalizing the industry, guiding the consumer electronics sector towards greater heights and a promising future.

VOLTME
VOLTME, the flagship brand of Voltnex Innovations and a global leader in power solutions, has been awarded the Global Emerging Brands. Its latest offering, the VOLTME Revo 240 PD3.1 GaN Charger is the perfect solution for fast and safe charging of laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The Hako Series portable power stations combine high-capacity battery performance with intelligent power management, meeting a wide range of power needs. These stations provide reliable portable power support for consumers, underscoring VOLTME’s excellence in innovation, design, and technology.

Representatives of award-winning brands took the stage to deliver their acceptance speeches, and share insights into their success and future growth strategies. They expressed a commitment to further enhancing technological innovation and market expansion so as to deliver even more high-quality products and services to global consumers.

International Consumer Electronics Industry Leaders’ Summit Explores AI’s Role in Shaping Industry’s Future

The International Consumer Electronics Industry Leaders’ Summit was held concurrently. Industry experts and company representatives from around the world gathered to engage in in-depth discussions on the theme of “AI Reshaping Industrial Development”. Key topics included how the consumer electronics industry can integrate with smart technologies, how companies can build core competencies, and ways to strengthen competitive advantages. Participants shared the latest advancements and technological trends, offering valuable guidance for the development of the global consumer electronics sector.

Ines Haaga, Director of Global Strategic Insights at GfK, delivered a keynote speech titled “Navigating Tech and Durables Markets: How Consumer Preferences and Innovation Shape Tomorrow’s Success”. She emphasized that the consumer electronics industry is undergoing a transformation driven by consumers, with the modest growth of the fast-moving consumer goods market and the fragmentation of the tech and durable goods markets highlighting the critical role of consumer preferences. Besides, innovation has emerged as the new engine for market growth, with the integration of AI technologies fueling significant momentum. Looking ahead, the deep convergence of consumer preferences and innovation will shape a broader and more prosperous future for the tech and durable goods sectors.

In the following International Consumer Electronics Industry Leaders’ Summit, Zhang Li, Co-President of Asia Digital Group, moderated a panel discussion on “AI Reshaping Industrial Development”. Together with domestic and international guests, she led an in-depth discussion on the impact of AI on the consumer electronics industry, drawing on insights from their respective fields.

Wang Tan, Co-founder and Vice President of XPENG AEROHT, and General Manager of XPENG Motors’ Design Center, shared XPENG’s innovative applications of AI, particularly the launch of cutting-edge products such as the Land Aircraft Carrier (LAC). These products showcase the vast potential of AI in driving transformation within the automotive industry. He emphasized that AI will play a crucial role in enabling a more intelligent and personalized future for the automotive sector.

Calvin Chen, CTO and President of Segway Navimow at Segway-Ninebot, elaborated on the profound impact of AI on the consumer electronics industry from a technological R&D perspective. He noted that the application of AI elevates the intelligence of products and drives comprehensive upgrades in areas such as R&D, design, and manufacturing, injecting powerful momentum into the innovative development of the industry.

Grant Morgan, Senior Editor at TWICE, shared his analysis of the consumer electronics industry. He pointed out that while consumers’ acceptance of AI has not yet reached full saturation, AI has already demonstrated its powerful enabling potential across various sectors. Guiding consumers to recognize the value and potential of AI through innovative technologies and products will be crucial in driving the industry’s growth.

Jan Lorbach, Senior Director of Strategic Insights at GfK, provided unique perspectives on the consumer electronics industry, focusing on global market trends and consumer research. He noted that, in light of consumers’ shrinking budgets for electronic products and their increasing demand for value, companies need to become more agile in identifying market pain points. By harnessing AI technology, they can fuel product innovation and functional upgrades to meet the diverse needs of consumers. He emphasized that AI will not only profoundly reshape the form and functionality of consumer electronics but also steer the entire industry toward higher quality and greater efficiency.

The summit also provided attendees with a unique opportunity to engage in direct exchange with executives from the world’s leading brands. This allowed participants to gain valuable insights into the success stories and strategic thinking of these top international brands, while promoting mutual learning and resource sharing among companies.

Setting New Trends in Industry Development, Ushering in a New Era for Consumer Electronics

Beyond being a magnificent award ceremony and leaders’ exchange, the 2024-2025 Global Top Brands Award Ceremony and International Consumer Electronics Industry Leaders’ Summit play a vital role in setting new directions for the global consumer electronics industry. It not only highlights the latest achievements and emerging trends but also injects vitality into the industry’s future growth and provides clear direction for its development.

We are delighted to witness an increasing number of consumer electronics brands placing a stronger emphasis on technological innovation and brand development, continually introducing new products to meet the growing demand for personalized experiences. Today, the consumer electronics industry is driving global economic growth and transformation at an unprecedented pace. Brands with innovative vision and exceptional capabilities are poised to emerge as leaders, guiding the industry toward an even more brilliant future. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, the GTB, as a flagship event for the consumer electronics sector, will remain a key force in guiding and accelerating the industry’s progress, fostering collaboration and exchange in scientific and technological innovation, and accelerating the transformation of these advancements into tangible productivity.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2024-2025-global-top-brands-award-ceremony-launched-302348572.html

SOURCE Asia Digital Group

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Toronto firm fined $5,000 for unauthorized use of professional engineer’s seal

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May 6, 2026

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TORONTO, May 6, 2026 /CNW/ – The Ontario Court of Justice has fined a Toronto firm $5,000 for applying a facsimile of a professional engineer’s seal to an engineering report without the engineer’s knowledge or consent.

In June 2023, 11951076 Canada Inc., operating as Studio Four, affixed an engineer’s seal to an engineering report and submitted it to the City of Hamilton in connection with a residential building project. The engineer whose seal was used did not authorize the use of the seal.

A complaint was made to Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), which investigated and laid charges under the Professional Engineers Act (PEA).

On April 24, 2026, Studio Four pleaded guilty to one count of breaching section 40(3)(b) of the PEA. The firm’s two directors, Salim Afroz and Ashweek Chhabra, also pleaded guilty to breaching section 40(5) of the Act in connection with this conduct.

Studio Four was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. The two directors each received suspended sentences.

As the regulator of professional engineering in Ontario, PEO reminds the public that the unauthorized use or forgery of a professional engineer’s seal on construction or design drawings is a quasi-criminal offence under the PEA. Such conduct may also result in criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

PEO administers the Professional Engineers Act to serve and protect the public interest by licensing Ontario’s more than 98,000 professional engineers and engineering firms. Professional engineers can be identified by the “P.Eng.” designation following their names.

Members of the public can verify a professional engineer or engineering firm by searching PEO’s public directories at peo.on.ca/directory. Concerns about unlicensed individuals or unauthorized firms may be reported through PEO’s enforcement hotline at 416-840-1444, 1-800-339-3716 ext. 1444, or enforcement@peo.on.ca.

SOURCE Professional Engineers Ontario

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Tell a Friend, Save on Travel! EF World Journeys Launches Cross-Brand Referral Program That Rewards Travelers to Inspire the People in Their Lives to Tour the Globe

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May 6, 2026

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New benefit allows travelers to unlock savings on future trips by introducing friends and family to EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, and EF Adventures

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EF World Journeys, a leader in guided, experiential travel for adults from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, today announced the launch of a new referral program, a travel rewards benefit that can be redeemed across EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, and EF Adventures.

Under the new program, travelers will receive $100 in travel credit for every friend who books a trip using their referral, with every fifth referral earning you $500 and no cap on total rewards earned. In short, the more friends or family who book from your referral, the more you save on your next trip.

Each year, guided trips across EF World Journeys’ portfolio bring travelers together through shared experiences that extend far beyond the journey itself. Many of those travelers continue to engage with the people they meet on tour, often exchanging photos, stories, and future travel inspiration well after returning home. The new referral program builds on the natural desire to share those experiences, offering travelers easy ways to connect and invite friends, family members, and fellow adventurers to experience a guided group tour for themselves.

“At EF, we’ve always believed that one of the most powerful parts of travel is the connections and communities we create along the way,” said Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys USA. “This referral program makes that even easier, giving our travelers a way to bring friends and family into the experience while continuing to grow a global community of people who choose to explore the world together.”

How it works: Give $100. Get $100.

Refer a friend: Any traveler who has taken a trip with or is currently booked on tour  with EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, or EF Adventures can now share a personal referral link via email, text, social media, or their respective EF World Journeys mobile app. Friends must be new to EF World Journeys, 18 or older, and have a valid email address to qualify.Both travelers earn $100: When the referred traveler books, both receive $100 in travel credit. Rewards are issued 60 days after booking confirmation, and referrals must book within six months.Earn $500 on every fifth referral: Referring travelers receive $500 for every fifth successful referral. There is no limit to how many referrals can be made, and rewards NEVER expire.

To celebrate the launch of the new referral program, EF Go Ahead Tours is offering an additional limited-time incentive. For the month of May 2026, travelers who refer a friend that books an EF Go Ahead Tours trip will receive an extra $100 referral reward on top of the standard program credit. The promotional bonus applies exclusively to EF Go Ahead Tours bookings and is available for a limited time.

One program. Three brands. Built for every kind of traveler.

EF World Journeys’ referral benefits are available when booking across its entire portfolio of guided, experiential travel companies, allowing travelers to earn and share rewards regardless of which tour operator they or their friends or family choose.

EF Go Ahead Tours offers curated guided travel for adults of all ages, including multi-generational travel groups and private or customized group tours.EF Ultimate Break serves travelers ages 18–35 with social, immersive itineraries.EF Adventures provides hiking, biking, and multi-adventure trips for active adults with a focus on lifelong learning, wellness and community.

Because the referral program spans all three tour operators at EF World Journeys, credits can move naturally within families and friend networks whose travel styles differ.

For example, a traveler who just had a life-changing trip on EF Go Ahead Tours’ A Week in Greece can refer her college-aged daughter to EF Ultimate Break’s Europe’s Icons: London, Paris & Rome and both receive $100 towards their next tour. She can then refer her basketball coach who is a hiking enthusiast to EF Adventure’s Italy Hiking: The Dolomites — and earn again.

This cross brand traveler benefit ensures that no matter how or where someone chooses to book travel across EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, or EF Adventures – the rewards follow.

For EF Go Ahead Tours, please visit: https://www.goaheadtours.com/about/referrals
For EF Ultimate Break, please visit: https://www.efultimatebreak.com/traveling-with-us/refer-a-friend
For EF Adventures, please visit: https://www.efadventures.com/about/referrals-program

About EF World Journeys
EF World Journeys  is a leader in guided, experiential travel. We connect cultures, communities, and people through guided, group travel with leading tour operator brands like EF Ultimate Break (adults 18-35), EF Go Ahead Tours (adults 35+), and our newest brand, EF Adventures, focused on adventure tours for the active traveler in you. EF World Journeys is part of EF Education First. For over 60 years, EF has planned guided tours with a focus on education and cultural immersion. EF offers travelers 24/7 global support, affordable payment plans, and supports tours in more than 400 destinations worldwide. Since 1965, EF has been committed to opening the world through education. At EF World Journeys, we do just that, helping people of all ages experience the magic of travel, connecting travelers with new places, cultures, and, best of all, a diverse community of people excited to explore the world.

About EF Go Ahead Tours
EF Go Ahead Tours offers more than 200 guided trips across six continents. Each carefully planned, expertly led tour makes it easy for curious travelers of all ages to get to the heart of a destination. With a maximum group size well below the industry average, each trip has the perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time to explore.

EF Go Ahead Tours is a tour operator brand within EF World Journeys, one of North America’s leading guided, experiential travel companies.

Join EF Go Ahead Tours’ affiliate program, supported by AWIN and earn commissions on booked tours.

About EF Ultimate Break
EF Ultimate Break is the best way to experience the world for anyone 18-35. With over 175 trips, we handle logistics for everything that makes travel a great experience from accommodations to flights to amazing tour directors to memory-making excursions. Our affordable interest-free payment plans make international travel possible for every traveler. EF Ultimate Break is part of EF World Journeys, a leader in guided, experiential travel with tour operator brands that also include EF Go Ahead Tours (adults 35+) and EF Adventures (all ages, 14+ with adult supervision). 

Are you an influencer or creator who wants to lead tours with your growing audience? Earn commissions on each booking by joining our influencer-hosted tour program. 

Media partners can now participate in EF Ultimate Break’s affiliate marketing program and earn commissions for tour bookings. Click here to learn more.

About EF Adventures
EF Adventures is an education-based adventure travel company offering 40+ guided tours across 25 countries and 5 continents. Launched in September 2024 as part of the EF World Journeys family of experiential travel brands, EF Adventures builds on more than 30 years of EF’s global expertise in educational and cultural immersion.

Each small-group tour blends active exploration with authentic learning, inviting travelers to engage with local traditions, communities, and ecosystems through guided experiences like hiking, biking, and multi-adventure activities such as kayaking, yoga, ziplining, and more. Designed for varied fitness levels and age groups, the EF Adventures experience combines adventure-based activity with hands-on cultural discovery that transforms how people see the world.

EF Adventures invites publishers and creators to become part of its growing affiliate network. Earn competitive commissions on confirmed bookings by referring travelers to efadventures.com. Learn more and apply here.

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SOURCE EF World Journeys

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NEO Battery Partners with Highest-Ranking ROK Army’s Capital Defense Command for Defense Drone & Robotics Batteries

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May 6, 2026

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Defense technology partnership with Republic of Korea (“ROK) Army’s Capital Defense Command (“CDC”), one of the highest-ranking command units responsible for securing the Presidential Office, the capital and key national infrastructureFocuses on battery supply and integration within CDC defense drone and robotics units, featuring specialized drone training and technical battery advisoryLeverages the CDC’s decision-making authority to accelerate the adoption of Korea-made battery technology across broader national defense and military units

TORONTO, May 6, 2026 /CNW/ – NEO Battery Materials Ltd. (“NEO” or the “Company”) (TSXV: NBM) (OTC: NBMFF), a low-cost, silicon-enhanced battery developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging batteries for drones, robotics, and physical AI, is pleased to announce it has entered into a significant defense partnership agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Republic of Korea (“ROK”) Army’s Capital Defense Command (CDC) – a direct reporting unit to the President of South Korea and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Stationed in Seoul and known as the “Shield Unit”, the CDC is one of the highest-ranking national command units, responsible for protecting the Presidential Office (Blue House), the capital and key national infrastructure.

This partnership represents a strategic expansion into a higher command level within the ROK Army, operating directly under the Army Headquarters with significant decision-making and procurement authority. The Agreement builds on NEO’s momentum in its Korean Defense Integration Strategy (see previously announced partnerships with the 12th Infantry Division dated April 1, 2026, and the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division dated April 22, 2026), and serves as a critical milestone due to the CDC’s ability to advocate for the prompt implementation of non-Chinese battery solutions that meet stringent security clearance and performance requirements.

The Agreement will focus on the supply and deployment of high-performance, defense batteries within the CDC’s drone and robotics units to enhance operational runtime and energy efficiency. Furthermore along with Korean drone partners, NEO will provide specialized drone training and technical battery advisory to support CDC’s personnel, all of whom are required to be certified in drone operations. This Agreement followed a successful live demonstration of NEO’s high-energy drone batteries held at the CDC’s parade ground on April 30, 2026.

Lieutenant General Changjoon Eo, Commander of the Capital Defense Command, expressed, “The CDC was highly impressed with the drone flight time performance exhibited by NEO’s high-performance batteries compared to commercial Chinese products. As the ROK Army and its units initiate the transition towards a Korea-made supply chain, NEO Battery will act as an integral partner for the CDC and its sub-units to ensure traceability and performance for defense batteries in our drone and robotics platforms.”

“Securing this partnership with a high-ranking command unit such as the CDC further validates the effectiveness of NEO’s battery technology,” stated Spencer Huh, President & CEO of NEO. “As the CDC is a heavy consumer of drone technology and requires high-performance, non-Chinese components to ensure national security, NEO’s in-country presence, along with our robust performance data and wide technology offering, aptly positions us to meet stringent scopes of work for the highest levels of the ROK military.”

About the ROK Army’s Capital Defense Command
Operating under the name “Shield Unit” or Chungjeongdae, the ROK Army’s Capital Defense Command is one of the highest-ranking, corps-level military organizations within the Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces and Operations Command. The CDC is primarily responsible for defending the Presidential Office, the capital, the Ministry of National Defense facilities, major government buildings, and key national infrastructure. The Command exercises several subordinate units, including the 1st Security Group, the 1st Air Defense Brigade, the CDC Military Police Group, and the 52nd and 56th Infantry Divisions.

About NEO Battery Materials Ltd.
NEO Battery Materials is a Canadian-South Korean battery technology company focused on developing and producing silicon-enhanced lithium-ion batteries in drones, robotics, physical AI, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. With a patent-protected, low-cost silicon manufacturing process, NEO Battery enables longer-running and ultra-fast charging properties and provides end-to-end battery solutions from materials selection, cell architecture, and process optimization. The Company aims to be a globally-leading producer of high-performance lithium-ion batteries and materials, building a secure, robust battery supply chain for Western manufacturers. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: https://www.neobatterymaterials.com/.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Spencer Huh
Director, President, and CEO

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified notably by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: volatile stock prices; the general global markets and economic conditions; the possibility of write-downs and impairments; the risk associated with the research and development of battery-related technologies; the risk associated with the effectiveness and feasibility of battery material, electrode, and cell technologies that have not yet been tested or proven on commercial scale or under real-world operating conditions; the risks associated with battery-related manufacturing process scale-up, including maintaining consistent material, component, and cell quality, production yields, and process reproducibility at a pilot, semi-commercial, or commercial scale; the risks associated with compatibility of existing battery chemistries, formulations, components, or designs; unforeseen risks associated with entering into and maintaining collaborations, joint ventures, partnerships, or commercial contracts with battery cell manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, and various companies in the global battery and downstream end-user supply chain; the risks associated with the failure to develop and produce commercially viable battery-related products or that technical goals may not be achieved within expected timelines or budgets under a joint development or collaboration; the risks associated with the Company’s technologies and products not meeting performance requirements or customer specifications; the risks that prototype and pilot-scale products do not advance into commercially produced products or translate into commercial orders; the risk associated with battery components and cell purchase orders and offtake supply that may not be fulfilled in full, on time, or at all as actual revenue realization depends on delivery schedules, achievement of technical milestones, and customer acceptance and validation; the risk associated with losing official vendor registration or status with existing customers; counterparty risk upon delivery of prototype and commercial products; the risks associated with constructing, completing, securing, and financing pilot, semi-commercial, and commercial battery materials, components, and cell manufacturing facilities including the Canadian and South Korean facilities; the risks associated with potential delays or increased costs with site preparation, equipment procurement and installation, and facility commissioning; the risks associated with integrating silicon anode material production, electrode manufacturing, and cell assembly within a single operational cluster or the Company’s business portfolio; the risks associated with supply chain disruptions or cost fluctuations in raw materials, processing chemicals, and additive prices, impacting production costs and commercial viability; the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of research, development and production; competition faced by the Company in securing experienced personnel, contracts and sales, and financing; access to adequate infrastructure and resources to support battery materials, components, and cell research and development activities; the risks associated with changes in the technology regulatory regime governing the Company; the risks associated with the timely execution of the Company’s strategies and business plans; the risks associated with the lithium-ion battery industry and end-users’ demand and adoption of the Company’s silicon anode technology and battery products; market adoption and integration challenges, including the difficulty of incorporating silicon anodes and silicon battery products within battery manufacturers and OEMs’ systems; the risks associated with the various environmental and political regulations the Company is subject to; risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; the reliance on key personnel; liquidity risks; the risk of litigation; risk management; and other risk factors as identified in the Company’s recent Financial Statements and MD&A and in recent securities filings for the Company which are available on www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued R&D and commercialization activities, no material adverse change in precursor, raw material, equipment, and relevant cost prices, development and commercialization plans to proceed in accordance with plans and such plans to achieve their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s business, operations, research and development, and commercialization plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this presentation, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE NEO Battery Materials Ltd.

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