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China Continues as an Attractive Investment Destination

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GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) today released its 2025 Special Report on the State of Business in South China. The release was attended by over 200 government officials, business executives and members of media including over 40 foreign consulates mostly represented by their consuls general. This publication can be downloaded free of charge from the Chamber’s website at http://www.amcham-southchina.com/amcham/static/publications/specialreport.jsp

The 208-page bilingual 2025 Special Report on the State of the Business in South China, the 21st such endeavor, provides a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the business community and valuable insights into the development trends in South China. This year, 316 companies participated in the study in total. This publication is researched and produced independently by AmCham South China and does not represent the opinions of the US or any other government or organization. AmCham South China does not receive any funds from any government in the production of this publication.

According to the 2025 Special Report on the State of Business in South China, 76% of the companies studied plan to reinvest in China in 2025. A sizeable number of the participating companies have budgeted for reinvestment in China in 2025 under US$10 million, accounting for 77% of the total. A notable 6% have allocated over US$250 million for reinvestment plans in the coming year. It is estimated that member companies have set aside a total of US$14.59 billion from profits in China to reinvest over the next three to five years to expand existing operations and capture additional market share, a surge of 33.18% compared to the previous reinvestment figure.

Dr. Harley Seyedin, Chairman and President of AmCham South China, winner of 2017 Oslo Business for Peace Award (along with Elon Musk, Durreen Shahnaz and Murad Al-Katib), which is awarded by an Award Committee consisting of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics, said, “Businesses are increasing their commitments in China to secure a stronger foothold in this critical market. The reinvestment surge signals confidence in China’s future, and their hope for US-China increased cooperation.” Dr. Seyedin continued, “Since nearly 75% of American companies in China are primarily focused on importing components from the US to produce goods and services in China for China, they believe that continued reinvestment in China is essential for their long-term success.”

In 2024, China achieved a GDP growth rate of 5% and a total GDP of RMB 134.91 trillion (US$18.80 trillion). This robust economic performance continues to attract global investors, with 39% of the companies studied ranking China as their top investment destination and 58% of foreign companies placing it among their top three global investment priorities. The 2025 Special Report further highlights strong investor confidence, as 73% of the participating companies report a positive or very positive overall return on investment in China in 2024, while 39% enjoy a higher return on investment in China than in other global markets.

Key Takeaways of the 2025 Special Report on the State of Business in South China:

The proportion of companies that gained over 60% of their global revenue from China has risen by 5 percentage points (pp) to 31%.47% of the companies studied experienced a significant or slight increase in revenue in China. A larger share of American companies (43%, +7pp y-o-y) and manufacturing companies (47%, +17pp y-o-y) experienced revenue growth.In 2024, overall profitability declined, with 85% of companies reporting profitability in China, a 3pp decrease compared to the previous two years.Concerning the companies that are profitable in China, 45% reported to have met their budget expectations. Among companies yet to make profits in China, 88% expect to reach that milestone within two to five years. Only 8% anticipate it will take more than six years.In 2024, 57% of the companies studied remain optimistic about their business prospects in China, a 5pp decrease from the previous year. American companies’ confidence dropped by 14pp, while the manufacturing sector saw the steepest decline, with an 18pp drop in optimism.In 2024, 61% of the companies studied reported to have reinvested in China, marking a 5pp decline compared with the previous year. The reinvestment trend remains consistent for American companies, with 57% reporting to have actually reinvested in China, in line with last year’s figures.3% of the companies studied had each budgeted to reinvest US$250 million or more in China in 2024, while this year’s findings reveal that 7% had actually followed through with reinvestments of this magnitude.59% of the companies studied have plans to expand their operations in China over the coming three years.Guangzhou has been ranked as the top investment destination in China for eight consecutive years, followed by Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing.Fierce local competition remains the greatest challenge faced by the companies studied in South China, followed by rising labor costs and rising operation costs.Not a single company indicated a complete withdrawal from the Chinese market. 91% of the companies studied assert that they will not decouple from the Chinese market due to the US-China trade tensions, a 5pp increase from 2023.One quarter of the companies studied are bullish about the US-China relations in the coming year, a significant decrease of 19pp compared to previous assessments.

The negative effects of both US and Chinese tariffs on the companies studied have been somewhat alleviated. Many companies have found ways to mitigate the impact through supply chain adjustments, strategic sourcing, or absorbing some of the tariff costs.

Dr. Seydin remarked, “American companies have long recognized the importance of the strong economic relationship between the two countries, and they remain committed to the mutual benefits of innovation, job creation, and cultural exchange that this partnership fosters. It is essential that both governments work together to create a more predictable and supportive trade environment where American businesses can continue to thrive and contribute to the long-term economic growth of both countries.”

Special Report on the State of Business in South China

The Special Report on the State of Business in South China is a quantitative study of the business environment, conducted for consecutive years by AmCham South China. Each year, AmCham’s member and non-member companies participate in AmCham’s State of Business study, results of which will be garnered and edited into a separate publication.

The document can be downloaded free of charge from the chamber’s website at http://www.amcham-southchina.com/amcham/static/publications/specialreport.jsp 

About the American Chamber of Commerce in South China

The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating bilateral trade between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Accredited in 1995 by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, AmCham South China represents more than 2,300 corporate and individual members, is governed by a fully-independent Board of Governors elected from its membership, and provides dynamic, on-the-ground support for American and international companies doing business in South China. Over the past decade, AmCham South China has hosted on average each year more than 10,000 business executives and government leaders from around the world at its briefings, seminars, committee meetings and social gatherings. All AmChams in China are independently governed and represent member companies in their respective regions.

 

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SOURCE The American Chamber of Commerce in South China

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THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ENHANCES NATIONAL RESILIENCE THROUGH SMART DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 20, The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, officiated the Defence Services Asia (DSA) & National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 Opening Ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Themed “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology”, the 19th Edition of the DSA 2026 Exhibition will run for four days from 20 to 23 April 2026. This exhibition aims to enhance defence capabilities and drive future technology to ensure national resilience through innovation, international cooperation and the development of the local defence industry ecosystem.

The main focus of this event is on the evolution of defence technology that has shifted from conventional assets to smart systems. Emphasis is placed on mastering technology that is capable of facing the security threats of the new millennium which are asymmetric and hybrid in nature.

Among the core advanced technologies featured :

a) Autonomous & Robotic Systems: Exhibition of various variations of unmanned systems (UAV, UGV, and UUV) equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for long-distance monitoring and detection operations.

b) Digital & Cyber Defence: Application of new generation encryption technology and cybersecurity platforms to protect the country’s data sovereignty and critical infrastructure.

c) Sensor & Electronic Technology: High-precision radar and sensor systems that enable ATM readiness to be at an optimal level in monitoring space, maritime, and land in real-time.

In line with this global technology exposure, the government continues to strengthen the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) as the main mechanism for technology transfer. Through the ICP, the involvement of international industry players is required to contribute to the development of local talent and research and development (R&D) in the high-tech sector.

Among the key segments highlighted are the CBRNe Arena, focusing on technologies related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats; the Firearms and Tactical Equipment Segment, showcasing the latest operational capabilities and equipment; and the Coalition of Defence Industry Malaysia (CDIM) Pavilion, which highlights the capabilities of the country’s defence industry. The DSA & NATSEC Asia Lab also showcases innovation initiatives by providing a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to introduce their innovations on the international stage.

This edition recorded the participation of 1,456 companies from 63 countries, including 37 international pavilions, as well as approximately 600 official delegations and 50,000 trade visitors from more than 114 countries within the 48,000-square-metre exhibition space. This scale of participation reflects the strategic importance of the exhibition at the global level and further demonstrates Malaysia’s position as a strategic meeting point for defence and security cooperation.

Also present were the Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari bin Abdul; Chairman of DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin; Chief of Defence Force, General Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali; Deputy Minister of Defence, YB Adly Zahari; as well as top management and senior officers of the Ministry and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

– END –

“‘MALAYSIA MADANI” “BERKHIDMAT UNTUK NEGARA”
”PERTAHANAN NEGARA, TANGGUNGJAWAB BERSAMA”

Ministry of Defence Malaysia
20 April 2026

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SOURCE DSA & NATSEC ASIA

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Grantd Launches Platform to Help Employees Understand Their Equity, Build Confidence in Their Financial Plan, and Connect to Advice When They Need It

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New Platform Gives Every Equity Recipient a Personalized View of Their Awards — and a Clear Path to Understand, Act, and Get Advice on Them

DENVER, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Grantd, an AI-powered equity compensation platform whose advisor platform helps advisors manage over $14 billion in assets under administration for more than 400 registered investment advisory firms and 14,000 clients, today announced the launch of its issuer platform, Grantd for Work. The platform is built to give employees a clear, personalized understanding of their equity compensation — what they have, what it’s worth, how it fits into their broader financial picture, and what they should consider doing about it. Equity compensation is complex, and for most employees, it has been difficult to navigate without dedicated resources and support. Grantd for Work changes that — providing the tools, education, and guidance employees need to understand their awards with confidence, and connecting them to a financial advisor when they’re ready to take the next step.

“It gives every employee a real, personalized view of their equity — what it means for their financial goals, what actions they should consider, and a direct line to advice when they need it.”

The launch marks a significant expansion of Grantd’s reach — from individual equity recipients and their financial advisors to the employers and employees inside the companies that grant those awards. It also helps HR and compensation administrators gain better visibility into their programs, reduce the volume of manual employee questions, and identify where engagement and retention may be at risk.

“Equity is one of the most powerful forms of compensation companies offer — but for most employees, it’s also one of the least understood,” said Brian McDonald, Founder & CEO of Grantd. “An employee might receive an RSU grant, watch it vest, and still have no idea what the tax implications are, whether they should sell or hold, or how it changes their financial picture. Grantd for Work changes that. It gives every employee a real, personalized view of their equity — what it means for their financial goals, what actions they should consider, and a direct line to advice when they need it.”

Grantd for Work is built around the employee experience. Key capabilities include:

A personalized equity dashboard showing each employee’s total portfolio value, vested and unvested equity broken down by grant, external holdings, and concentration risk — giving them a complete, real-time picture of what they own, what it’s worth, and how it fits into their overall financial picture.AI-powered document reading that automatically extracts holdings from any brokerage statement or equity award summary — from any provider — so the platform is accurate and fully populated from day one, with no manual entry required.Financial goal tracking that maps each employee’s equity directly to their personal financial goals — financial independence, early retirement, a home purchase — showing whether they’re on track, what’s at risk, and how upcoming vests and exercises could change the outcome.A full equity planning toolkit, including concentration analysis, price target modeling, growth scenario projections, exercise planning, withholding analysis, and trading window tracking — alongside pre-built strategy templates like sell-to-cover, diversification sell-down, and automated trading plans.Ask Grant, an AI equity guide built directly into the platform that answers employees’ most pressing questions — from how RSU income is taxed at vest to what the ESPP 15% discount means for their tax situation — in plain language, on demand.AI agents that work for every employee — Grantd’s AI agents don’t wait to be asked. They continuously analyze each employee’s equity portfolio and surface timely, personalized insights. Every insight is specific to that employee — not generic equity education, but guidance grounded in what they actually hold.A learning center with articles and guides covering equity basics, tax and finance, investing strategy, and company-specific plan guides — so employees can build real confidence in their equity, not just access to it.A direct connection to financial advice when employees are ready to go beyond self-service — with their complete equity profile already structured and ready to share with an advisor.

For HR and compensation administrators, the platform also provides visibility into how equity programs are performing across the organization — including a live dashboard of total equity wealth created by employee, department, and level; proactive retention signals for employees with expiring grants or low engagement; and competitive equity modeling tools to help design compelling offers for prospective hires.

The new platform arrives at a time when industry leaders are rethinking equity program design and employee share plan strategy. Grantd will further that conversation at the Global Equity Organization’s (GEO) 27th Annual Conference in Austin, taking place April 21–23, 2026. On Wednesday, April 22, Brian McDonald will join the expert panel, “Strategic Shifts in Employee Share Plans: How Companies Are Redesigning Equity for 2026 and Beyond,” alongside fellow Grantd Advisory Board members Billy Vitense of Starbucks, Christine Zwerling of Asana, and Melissa Howell of Nike.

To learn more about Grantd for Work or schedule a demonstration, visit Grantd online at https://www.grantdequity.com/.

About Grantd:

Founded by Brian McDonald, Grantd is an AI-powered equity compensation platform built to simplify how equity is understood, managed, and acted on. Its advisor platform manages over $14 billion in assets under administration for more than 400 registered investment advisory firms, 2,600 advisors, and 14,000 clients. With the launch of Grantd for Work, the company now serves the full equity ecosystem — from individual equity recipients and their advisors to the employees who hold those awards and the HR and compensation teams who design and run the programs. Grantd is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Media Contact

Jane Kim, Grantd Equity, 1 (303) 515-3158, jane.kim@grantdequity.com, grantdequity.com

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SOURCE Grantd Equity

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FERMI PROVIDES BUSINESS UPDATE

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DALLAS, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fermi Inc. (d/b/a Fermi America) (NASDAQ: FRMI) (LSE: FRMI), operating as Fermi America™ (“Fermi” or the “Company”), subsequent to the Company’s announcement of Fermi 2.0 on April 20, 2026, has received significant and positive feedback from multiple potential tenants, the Company’s landlord, the Texas Tech University System, as well as suppliers, vendors, contractors, financing sources, and other partners. The Company is gratified by that feedback and is pursuing Fermi 2.0’s business and leadership objectives with all deliberate speed.

The Company also acknowledges receipt of a letter from Mr. Toby Neugebauer, and has reviewed a press release issued by him, calling for the initiation of a process for the immediate sale of the Company. As Mr. Neugebauer indicated in his press release, he was removed from his position on April, 17, 2026,  after careful consideration by the Company’s Board of Directors in accordance with its fiduciary duties. Given recent changes in leadership, which position the Company for its next chapter of growth and evolution from a startup to a scaled enterprise, the Company firmly believes a sale is not in the best interest of its continued momentum on Project Matador, ability to serve potential tenants and long-term value creation for shareholders. The Board, consistent with its fiduciary duties, will carefully review all avenues to maximize shareholder value, which include continued execution of its business plan, strategic investments from third parties, joint ventures or other transactions.

About Fermi America™

Fermi America™ (NASDAQ & LSE: FRMI) (fermiamerica.com) is pioneering the development of next-generation private electric grids that deliver highly redundant power at gigawatt scale, required to create next-generation artificial intelligence. Co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Co-Founder and former Co-Managing Partner of Quantum Energy Toby Neugebauer, Fermi America™ combines cutting-edge technology with a deep bench of proven world-class multi-disciplinary leaders to create the world’s largest, 17 GW next-generation private HyperGrid campus. Project Matador is expected to integrate the nation’s biggest combined-cycle natural gas project, one of the largest clean, new nuclear power complexes in America, utility grid power, solar power, and battery energy storage, to deliver hyperscaler artificial intelligence.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

If the Company determines to hold a special meeting of shareholders, the Company will file a proxy statement on Schedule 14A, an accompanying white proxy card and other relevant documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders for such meeting. SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE COMPANY’S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), IF ANY, AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders may obtain a copy of any definitive proxy statement of the Company, an accompanying white proxy card, any amendments or supplements thereto and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC if and when they become available at no charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge in the “SEC Filings” subsection of the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://fermiamerica.com/ or by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations Department at IR@fermiamerica.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

Participants in the Solicitation

If the Company determines to hold a special meeting of shareholders, the Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders in connection with matters to be considered at such special meeting of shareholders. Information regarding the direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, of the Company’s directors and executive officers is included in the Company’s final prospectus, filed with the SEC on October 1, 2025, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2026, and in the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC from time to time. Changes to the direct or indirect interests of the Company’s directors and executive officers are set forth in SEC filings on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4. These documents are available free of charge as described above. Updated information regarding the identities of potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, in the Company will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement for the Company’s special meeting of shareholders and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC, if and when they become available.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release which are not historical facts, such as those relating to future events, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Fermi undertakes no duty to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investors should consult further disclosures and risk factors included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC by Fermi.

 

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SOURCE Fermi Inc.

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