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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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Galaxy Digital Inc. Announces Pricing of $3.507 Billion of Senior Secured Notes

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NEW YORK, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Galaxy Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GLXY) (“Galaxy” or the “Company”), a global leader in digital assets and data center infrastructure, today announced that its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Galaxy Helios Data Centers II LLC (the “Issuer”), has priced a $3.507 billion private offering (the “Offering”) of 9.875% senior secured notes due 2031 (the “Notes”). The Offering is expected to close on July 28, 2026, subject to market and other conditions.

The Issuer intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to finance a portion of the development and construction of two buildings containing eight data halls with a combined total of 400 megawatts (“MW”) of utility capacity and 260 MW of critical IT capacity (the “Project”) to be built on an approximately 260-acre property in Dickens County, Texas and to fund debt service reserves.

The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 9.875% per annum payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2027 and will mature on August 1, 2031. The Notes will amortize at a rate of 4.00% per annum of the original principal amount subject to adjustment, with amortization payments payable semi-annually with the first payment date to occur at least ten months after the completion of the Project.

The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Galaxy Helios II LLC, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of the Issuer (the “Guarantor”), and will constitute the senior secured obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantor. The Notes and related note guarantee will be secured by first-priority liens on (i) substantially all assets of the Issuer and the Guarantor, other than certain excluded property and (ii) all equity interests of the Issuer held by the direct parent company of the Issuer.

The Offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms the Offering may be completed.

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and the Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. The Notes will be offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Galaxy

Galaxy Digital Inc. (Nasdaq: GLXY) is a global leader in digital assets and data center infrastructure, delivering solutions that accelerate progress in finance and artificial intelligence. Our digital assets platform offers institutional access to trading, advisory, asset management, staking, self-custody, and tokenization technology. In addition, we develop and operate cutting-edge data center infrastructure to power AI and HPC workloads. Our 1.63 GW Helios campus in Texas positions Galaxy among the largest and fastest-growing data center developers in North America. The Company is headquartered in New York City, with offices across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the completion, size and timing of the Offering, the terms of the Notes and the intended use of proceeds. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions, including market interest rates, the satisfaction of the closing conditions related to the Offering and risks relating to the Company’s business, including those described in periodic reports that the Company files from time to time with the SEC. The Issuer may not consummate the proposed Offering described in this press release and, if the proposed Offering is consummated, cannot provide any assurances regarding the final terms of the Offering or the Notes or its ability to effectively apply the net proceeds as described above. The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update the statements included in this press release for subsequent developments, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

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SOURCE Galaxy Digital Inc.

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The Finish Line that Changed China: Retracing the Long March to Yan’an

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BEIJING, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on the Long March, and what it means for China today:

 

Every journey has a destination.

But some destinations become the beginning of something even greater.

This is Yan’an.

Over 90 years ago, an army of soldiers embarked from Yudu, Jiangxi Province, on a journey that would go down in history.

They crossed snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands and raging rivers, eventually arriving in northern Shaanxi.

Across this grueling 12,500-kilometer journey, they wrote a magnificent epic in human history with willpower and courage.

Here, their Long March came to a victorious end. But a new chapter of history was only beginning.

In Yan’an, the Red Army found time to recover and rebuild, and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China regrouped, gathering strength for the next chapter.

Here, new ideas were debated, new strategies were shaped, and a vision for China’s future gradually took form.

Today, while preserving its revolutionary legacy, Yan’an has grown into a vibrant, modern city — with a greener environment, thriving industries and happier lives for its people.

Nearly 90 years ago, American journalist Edgar Snow came to northern Shaanxi, seeking to uncover a story that few outside China knew. He later chronicled it in his book “Red Star Over China,” which carried the story of the Long March to the world.

Today, people from around the world are once again retracing those steps.

As part of China International Communications Group (CICG)’s “Together on the Long March” international communication project, participants have spent more than a month retracing the route across six key regions.

From Jiangxi to Shaanxi, they followed the Red Army’s journey and witnessed the remarkable changes that have taken place along the way.

I asked them one simple question: What does this journey mean to you?

Zhavier Harris, marketing and communications manager at the Springfield Urban League, said conversations with local residents and descendants of the Red Army made history feel far more immediate than he had expected.

He said history isn’t as distant as we often think. “We’re only one or two generations from these great sacrifices that led to the development and the greatness that we see from the Communist Party of China and China as a whole.”

David Ferguson, honorary chief English editor at Foreign Languages Press under CICG and a recipient of the 2021 Chinese Government Friendship Award, said the journey deepened his understanding of the Long March.

He said the journey helped him understand not only the historical facts, but also what the Red Army endured. “If you see the Long March merely as a military campaign, it ended in Yan’an. But as a spirit, it has never truly come to an end.”

We came to retrace history. We leave with something more: a deeper understanding of China’s past, a clearer view of its present, and perhaps a greater appreciation for the stories that connect us across cultures.

Edgar Snow called the Long March “an Odyssey unequalled in modern times.” He believed that what sustained it was a flame — consisting of an undimmed ardor, an undying hope and an amazing revolutionary optimism.

Ninety years later, that flame still burns.

Passed down through generations, the spirit of the Long March continues to light China’s path forward.

And as it crosses borders and cultures, it offers the world a glimpse of a nation defined by resilience, perseverance and an enduring drive to move forward.

China Mosaic
http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm 

The Finish Line that Changed China: Retracing the Long March to Yan’an
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2026-07/23/content_118614941.shtml

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SOURCE China.org.cn

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Visa and Lianlian Advance Trusted B2B Agentic Commerce Through LoopXPay’s First Live B2B Agentic Transaction

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First live B2B agentic transaction in Greater China highlights how AI-enabled commerce can help SMBs streamline purchasing and payments, supported by Visa’s Agentic Directory for trusted AI agent interactions

SINGAPORE, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and Lianlian DigiTech Co., Ltd. (“Lianlian”), an AI-native global financial infrastructure provider, today announced the first live B2B agentic transaction completed using LoopXPay, Lianlian’s AI agent. 

Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) often lack dedicated procurement teams and spend valuable time sourcing, purchasing and making payments themselves. In the transaction, the LoopXPay agent was used to source a product sample from a supplier and complete the purchase in a single workflow. The agent identified the purchasing requirement, recommended suitable suppliers, compared options, placed the order and securely executed the payment within a single workflow, while operating within pre-defined spending controls and approval parameters.

The milestone highlights how AI-powered commerce experiences can help SMBs simplify purchasing and payment activities while maintaining appropriate controls and oversight. By enabling AI agents to operate within pre-defined spending parameters and approval controls, businesses can reduce manual effort while retaining visibility into commercial decision-making.

As AI agents become more involved in purchasing and payment activities, businesses will require confidence that transactions are being executed by verified participants, within approved parameters and with appropriate oversight. Capabilities aligned with Visa’s Trusted Agent Protocol can help provide the identity, transparency and controls needed to support these interactions.

As part of the collaboration, LoopXPay has been registered in Visa’s Agentic Directory, enabling participating businesses and merchants to identify verified AI agents within the ecosystem. Supporting the implementation of Visa’s Trusted Agent Protocol, the Agentic Directory helps provide greater transparency into agent-driven interactions and confidence that participating agents have met Visa’s requirements.

“AI-powered commerce experiences can help businesses simplify purchasing and payments while maintaining the controls and oversight they require,” said Darren Parslow, Global Head, Visa Commercial Solutions, Visa. “For SMBs, that means less complexity in managing day-to-day commercial activities and more time focused on growth. As businesses increasingly look to embed intelligence into purchasing and payment experiences, trust will become a critical enabler of adoption. Through our collaboration with Lianlian, we are helping advance the trusted foundations that businesses will need to participate in this next era of commerce with confidence.”

Building on this milestone, Visa and Lianlian are exploring how AI agents can support a broader range of commercial activities, including procurement, digital advertising optimisation and B2B platform payments, helping advance trusted commerce through greater efficiency, transparency and control.

Zhang Zhengyu, Founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Lianlian DigiTech, said, “AI is reshaping the entire commercial value chain, where a growing number of business activities will be autonomously executed by AI agents, with payments serving as the critical infrastructure connecting them to global commerce. Leveraging its experience in global cross-border payments, compliance, as well as payment network, LianLian is actively building AI-native financial infrastructure, delivering an integrated suite of capabilities for the Agent Economy, spanning identity verification, transaction authorisation, intelligent payment, and global fund settlement. Through this collaboration with Visa, we aim to combine Lianlian’s AI-native capabilities with Visa’s trusted global network and commercial payment expertise to help businesses transact more securely, intelligently and efficiently in an increasingly agent-driven commerce environment.”

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About Lianlian

Lianlian DigiTech Co., Ltd. (“Lianlian DigiTech” or “Lianlian”) was founded in 2009 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024 (stock code: 2598.HK). As China’s leading global provider of digital and intelligent payment services, Lianlian adheres to its mission of “Connecting the world, empowering global commerce” and pursues an “AI-Native + Globalization” strategy. The Company is committed to building a trusted global intelligent financial infrastructure, enabling seamless connectivity between Chinese enterprises and global businesses.  As of now, Lianlian has established a global licensing portfolio comprising 68 payment licenses and related qualifications, and holds a VATP license issued by the Hong Kong SFC. It supports services in more than 200 countries and regions and enables transaction settlement in over 140 currencies, connecting over 180 global e-commerce platforms and serving a cumulative total of over 13.3 million customers. Learn more at www.lianlian.com.

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SOURCE Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited

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