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Now Studio launches six series

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Twenty Twenty Six ignites World Cup fever

THE SEASON takes the stage

HONG KONG, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Now TV’s on-demand service, Now Studio, is curating a world-class drama line-up this season. During the World Cup, the platform delivers exciting entertainment options beyond the matches. Highlights include the British comedy Twenty Twenty Six, which centers on World Cup preparations and offers football fans a lighthearted, humorous take on the tournament. The platform will also roll out multiple buzzy new titles and high-quality series to cater to diverse audience tastes.

Set against the World Cup backdrop, Twenty Twenty Six adopts a mockumentary format, blending British humour with office workplace comedy. Starring Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Cold War 1994), the series will take viewers behind the scenes of the international sporting event through an unconventional lens.

THE SEASON is a flagship drama series set in Hong Kong’s luxurious high-society summer, unfolding a glamorous revenge story. Produced by PCCW Media and international entertainment company SK Global—known for Crazy Rich Asians, Thai Cave Rescue, and Delhi Crime—the series features an international cast: Jessie Mei Li (Shadow and Bone), Toby Stephens (Percy Jackson, Die Another Day), three-time Golden Horse Award winner Karena Lam, and Kōki, who portrays Lam’s daughter. THE SEASON (4K version) is now exclusively available on Now Studio*.

Now Studio is also delivering a diverse lineup this season, including crime thriller Memory of a Killer, sci-fi comedy The Miniature Wife, family comedy American Classic, and the highly acclaimed series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, offering viewers entertainment across multiple genres.

Now Studio’s Must-Watch Series This Season:

Titles

Synopsis

Twenty Twenty Six S1

Mockumentary about coverage of the 2026 World Cup, in which the former BBC Head of Values takes up the mantle of Director of Integrity for the largest soccer tournament ever held across North America.

THE SEASON

Amid Hong Kong’s glittering summer season, the old-money Hexts launch their new vessel and host a coterie of elite friends, unaware that a new entrant to society, Cola Pierce, holds a dark secret. Parties and social events turn into a cat‑and‑mouse game across the city as Cola faces off against the elite of the city.

Memory of a Killer S1

A dramatic thriller starring Patrick Dempsey as a hitman, Angelo Doyle/ Flannery, leading a dangerous double life while hiding an even deadlier personal secret.

Miniature Wife S1

A technological accident serves as a catalyst for Lindy and Les, a married couple, to re-evaluate their relationship’s power dynamics, leading to a dramatic showdown as they vie for control in their marriage.

American Classic S1

AMERICAN CLASSIC tells the story of Broadway star Richard Bean who suffers a spectacular public meltdown and returns home to the family theatre where he first became aware of his own brilliance. Once there, his extreme behaviour sets off a series of crises among those closest to him: his ex-girlfriend (now the town’s mayor) married to his brother, his brother himself, and his beloved niece who dreams of a life in the theatre. As old loves resurface and buried secrets emerge, Richard must confront the consequences of his past actions and the family and town he left behind for fame and glamour. Each season follows a different Richard Bean production that will reflect the stories unfolding in the lovable but flawed Bean family and the transformative power of making art.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1-S3

STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS is based on the years Captain Christopher Pike manned the helm of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The series will feature fan favorites from season two of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Number One and Ethan Peck as Science Officer Spock. The series will follow Captain Pike, Science Officer Spock and Number One in the years before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. Enterprise, as they explore new worlds around the galaxy.

In Season 2 of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike, confronts increasingly dangerous stakes, explores uncharted territories and encounters new life and civilizations. The crew will embark on personal journeys that will continue to test their resolve and redefine their destinies. Facing friends and enemies both new and familiar, their adventures will unfold in surprising ways never seen before on any “Star Trek” series.

In Season 3 of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS, when we reconnect with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, still under the command of Captain Pike, they face the conclusion of season two’s harrowing encounter with the Gorn. But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve. This exciting twist on classic STAR TREK takes new and beloved characters to new heights, diving into thrilling adventures of faith, duty, romance, comedy, and mystery.

*Refers to paid TV and OTT platforms in Hong Kong.

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SOURCE Now TV

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FORMER SGX CIO & CTO TINKU GUPTA APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF WISSEN TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE

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Appointment strengthens Wissen’s Singapore leadership and growth ambitions, building on its expanding client relationships and engineering-led technology capabilities.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wissen Technology, a global technology services and solutions company, is strengthening its Singapore presence through a delivery-led approach built on deep engineering expertise, a product-engineering mindset and a focus on solving complex business problems. Building on early client wins with strategic clients, the company has appointed Tinku Gupta, former CIO and CTO of SGX Group, as Vice Chairman of Wissen Technology Singapore, strengthening its leadership as it expands its regional ambitions.

Wissen’s approach centres on combining engineering excellence with business understanding to help enterprises modernise critical technology platforms, accelerate innovation and deliver measurable outcomes. Its growing client base in Singapore reflects the relevance of this approach across businesses seeking reliable, scalable and future-ready technology solutions.

Ms. Gupta brings more than 30 years of experience across technology, financial market infrastructure, business operations and cybersecurity.  During her career at SGX, she held leadership roles across business, technology, and operations – most recently serving as CIO and CTO. In her technology roles, she oversaw major modernisation initiatives while sustaining the resilience of mission-critical trading and clearing infrastructure. Earlier, as Business Head of Market Data & Access, she was responsible for growing the business through the development and launch of strategic products and services.

Commenting on the appointment, Raghu Pareddy, Founder & CEO, Wissen Technology, said, “At Wissen, we believe strong engineering must begin with a clear understanding of the business problem and the outcomes that matter to the client. Our growing presence in Singapore, including early engagements with leading enterprises across financial services and other sectors, reflects the confidence clients place in our engineering and delivery capabilities.”

“As Vice Chairman, Tinku will support Wissen Technology Singapore’s growth and client engagement strategy. She brings an important additional dimension to our leadership – technology expertise combined with the perspective of having led major delivery initiatives within a leading financial market infrastructure institution. Her experience will help us strengthen the connection between what clients need and what we engineer and deliver, as we build our next phase of growth in Singapore.” adds Raghu

Ms. Tinku Gupta, Vice Chairman, Wissen Technology Singapore, said, “Having spent much of my career on the enterprise side, I understand that technology decisions are ultimately judged by the business outcomes they deliver. Engineering excellence is essential, but it must go hand in hand with an understanding of the client’s priorities, operating realities and long-term ambitions. Wissen’s product-engineering mindset and delivery-led approach resonate strongly with this belief. I look forward to bringing that perspective to the team, strengthening our client relationships and contributing to Wissen’s continued growth in Singapore.”

Tinku Gupta holds a Master’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering with First Class Honours and has completed the AI Senior Executive programme at the National University of Singapore and a Professional Certificate in Coaching from Singapore Management University.

About Wissen Technology

Wissen Technology is a global technology services and solutions provider that combines strategy, design and engineering to help enterprises achieve digital transformation at scale. Founded in the United States in 2000, the company has expanded its global footprint across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, the UAE, Singapore and Canada.

With more than two decades of expertise, Wissen has delivered over US$1 billion worth of projects and serves more than 20 Fortune 500 companies across banking and financial services, telecom, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and energy.

For more information, visit https://www.wissen.com/ for further updates, visit LinkedIn profile: https://in.linkedin.com/company/wissen-technology 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/former-sgx-cio–cto-tinku-gupta-appointed-vice-chairman-of-wissen-technology-singapore-302931142.html

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Chocolate Finance Brings New Spare Cash Management Experience to Hong Kong

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Enjoy 3.8% p.a. Daily Returns on First HK$100k — A new place for your spare cash with no lock-ins, no minimums, no hoops.

HONG KONG, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore-born fintech Chocolate Finance has brought an innovative spare cash management experience to everyone in the city. Built on its signature “Happy Money” philosophy and the simple belief that “when your money is happy, you are happy too”, Chocolate Finance arrives in Hong Kong committed to offering a radically simple, transparent, and flexible alternative for managing spare cash.

Currently managing over HK$10 billion in assets and trusted by over 130,000 users, Chocolate Finance has officially expanded this proven and trusted financial solution from Singapore into Hong Kong SAR and also the UAE, allowing more people to experience the joy of daily returns on their idle cash.

Letting Your Spare Cash Work Hard For You Every Day

Unlike traditional financial products that often require locking up funds or large minimum amounts, Chocolate Finance is a simple, flexible place for spare cash, regardless of the amount. The platform delivers a way for busy Hong Kongers to see returns daily and move money freely:

Happy Returns: Enjoy 3.8% p.a. return on your first HK$100,000, and 3.5% p.a. on the next HK$200,000. Returns on the first HK$300,000 are supported by the Chocolate Advantage Programme — if the underlying portfolio’s actual return falls below these stated rates, Chocolate Finance will make up the difference, so users can enjoy the stated returns (*Subject to Programme Terms & Conditions) (Programme valid until 30th June 2027, or until total AUM reaches HK$1 billion, whichever is earlier).Daily Returns: The moment you put money into your Chocolate Finance account, you’ll start earning returns the very next day, and then see your returns – Every. Single. Day.No Lock-ins, Instant Withdrawal: Take your money out anytime. Withdrawals of HK$50,000 or less per day are usually instant under normal circumstances. Zero penalties, zero handling fees.No Minimums: Start with as little as HK$100. Regardless of the amount, you can begin your financial journey right away.Easy sign-up within minutes: Opening an account is easy with seamless identity verification support via “iAM Smart”.

A Proven Track Record of Financial Revolution

Headquartered in Singapore, Chocolate Finance was founded by visionary entrepreneur Walter de Oude. Leveraging his experience in founding Singlife and successfully revolutionizing the insurance industry, Walter is taking it a step further by simplifying finance for everyone. Built on the belief that people deserve a better place for their cash, Chocolate Finance is designed to make your spare cash work harder for you. With the attractive daily returns, the Chocolate Finance platform puts financial power back into the hands of the people. Currently in Singapore, the platform manages over HK$10 billion (SGD $1.6 billion+) in assets and is trusted by over 130,000 users. With its official expansion into Hong Kong, Chocolate Finance introduces this proven financial solution to the local market.

Walter de Oude, Founder and Global CEO of Chocolate Finance, shared: “Finance should feel good. We envision a world where people feel joyful, confident, and empowered by their money. Everyone deserves a better place for their cash, which is why we created Chocolate Finance — to build a simple, beautiful financial alternative that makes everyday life better. As we expand from Singapore to Hong Kong, our commitment has remained the same. We are here to reshape how people view and manage their money, turning idle cash into ‘happy money’ with radical simplicity and clarity. In a world of complexity, we’re focused on making financial happiness feel simple, consistent, and genuinely within reach.”

Tim Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Chocolate Finance Hong Kong, added: “Hong Kong is a global financial hub with no shortage of savings and investment products. However, we saw a gap between what these traditional products offer and what people in Hong Kong actually want today – simplicity, transparency, and a bit of joy when managing their money. Chocolate Finance’s signature daily returns and Happy Money philosophy was designed to fill this gap, and so far the response from our early users has been phenomenal. We’re excited to keep rolling out our platform all across Hong Kong, to help make every day a little richer for all of us.”

Peace of Mind: Security & SFC-Regulated Infrastructure

While the user experience is built for joy, the infrastructure is built for security and strict compliance:

SFC Licensed: Chocolate Finance HK Ltd is  licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (CE No. BSF252) for Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities), and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities.Independent Bank Trust Accounts: User funds are safeguarded in segregated trust accounts with official bank custody partner Standard Chartered Bank, ensuring strict separation from company funds.Global Asset Management Partners: The Chocolate Managed Account invests in SFC-authorised, investment-grade short-term bond and fixed-income funds from established global asset managers, currently including Amundi, Invesco, and Aberdeen.Account Security: To keep your money and data safe, Chocolate Finance employs institutional-grade multi-layered security measures — including two-factor authentication (2FA), real-time transaction monitoring, and regular independent audits.

Account Opening Process

Users can simply download the Chocolate Finance app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and complete the account registration in just a few minutes to start their  “Happy Money” journey. Account opening is subject to identity verification and approval. 

About Chocolate Finance

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Walter de Oude, Chocolate Finance is a Singapore-born fintech built around one simple belief: when your money is happy, you’re happy too.

Already trusted by over 130,000 customers with more than SGD $1.6 billion+ in balances, Chocolate Finance provides a better place for your spare cash. No hoops & complex rules, no lock-ins and no minimum balances. Just daily happy returns, and the freedom to access your money whenever you need it. Make life richer.

The platform is operated by Chocolate Finance HK Ltd, licensed under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) to carry out Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities), and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities (CE No. BSF252).

*Chocolate Finance opens an individual discretionary account for each client, and the above returns are supported by the “Chocolate Advantage Programme” (“Programme”). All client funds will be used for fund investment purposes, and the fund portfolio returns may be higher or lower than the above returns. When portfolio returns exceed the specified returns, Chocolate Finance will charge a management fee. If Chocolate Finance suspends or terminates the “Programme”, returns will depend on the actual performance of the investment portfolio, and returns on the first HK$300,000 invested may be lower than the above returns. Clients will be notified in advance if Chocolate Finance modifies, suspends, or terminates the Programme.

Chocolate Finance is a brand name of Chocolate Finance HK Limited (CE No. BSF252), regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong to carry out Type 1, Type 4, and Type 9 regulated activities.

The above returns are currently supported by the promotional activity “Chocolate Advantage Programme”, valid only during the programme period, and do not constitute any guarantee of returns or principal. Chocolate Finance opens an individual discretionary account for each client, and all client funds are invested in funds. Portfolio performance may be higher or lower than the specified returns. When performance exceeds specified returns, Chocolate Finance will charge a management fee calculated based on the net asset value of the discretionary account, capped at 2% p.a., with no subscription or redemption fees.

Under the “Instant Withdrawal Programme”, withdrawals within HK$50,000 per day generally arrive instantly, valid only during the programme period. Withdrawals exceeding HK$50,000 per day generally arrive within 3 business days. If you have recently added funds, executed multiple transactions in a short period, or if portfolio rebalancing is underway, withdrawals may take up to 7 business days to reach your account.

The programme period for the “Chocolate Advantage Programme” and “Instant Withdrawal Programme” runs from now until 30 June 2027, or until the total Assets Under Management (AUM) in Chocolate Managed Accounts reaches HK$1 billion – whichever is earlier. Chocolate reserves the right to suspend or terminate the “Chocolate Advantage Programme” and “Instant Withdrawal Programme” at any time, including but not limited to instances of abnormal market volatility, excessive usage, high withdrawal amounts, foreign exchange restrictions, or other force majeure events. Clients will be notified in advance if Chocolate Finance modifies, suspends, or terminates the programmes.

When Chocolate Finance suspends or terminates the “Chocolate Advantage Programme”, returns will be calculated based on the actual performance of the underlying funds. Returns on the first HK$100,000 invested may be lower than 3.8% p.a., and returns on subsequent amounts may be lower than 3.5% p.a. When Chocolate Finance suspends or terminates the “Instant Withdrawal Programme”, withdrawals will generally arrive within 3 business days.

Past performance is not indicative of future performance. This material does not constitute any investment advice, nor an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or investment products. All investments involve risks, including the risk of losing the entire investment amount. Such activities may not be suitable for all individuals. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. For details, please visit the official website chocolatefinance.com/hk.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/chocolate-finance-brings-new-spare-cash-management-experience-to-hong-kong-302930798.html

SOURCE Chocolate Finance

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The Next Frontier: Consciousness & UAP: $100,000 Research Prize Winner Announced

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The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) has announced the winner of the 2026 Linda G. O’Bryant Noetic Sciences Research Prize, a $100,000 award that will fund a study of consciousness-associated Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP, formerly known as UFOs).

NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The winning study, selected from more than 80 qualifying proposals, comes from a multidisciplinary team of six. Peter Skafish, PhD, a sociocultural anthropologist and Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Sol Foundation, leads the team as Principal Investigator. Brian Lord, PhD, a cognitive neuroscientist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona, serves as Co-Principal Investigator, and David Dominguez Hooper, engineer and Founder and CEO of ELDAEON Inc., is Co-Investigator. Collaborators are Damon Abraham, PhD (experimental psychologist, Entangled Labs); Jacob Haqq-Misra, PhD (astrobiologist, Blue Marble Space); and Garry Nolan, PhD (immunologist, Stanford University School of Medicine). For the first time in the prize’s four-year history, a single team will receive the full $100,000.

“IONS proved itself to be over the horizon of even heterodox thinking in their decision to fund a scientific inquiry not only into UAP but also into one of the most enigmatic questions the phenomena raise: what is their relationship to human consciousness?”–Peter Skafish

The team will organize a group of experienced practitioners to apply meditation and conscious intention to invite contact with UAP at a remote site in the American Southwest. Practitioners’ experiences will be recorded alongside physiological measures and instrumental records of the sky and the physical environment. Using preregistered methodology, the study will analyze the data to test whether deliberate contact practice generates changes in reported experiences and in independently recorded events in the sky and environment. De-identified data and methods will be shared openly, and null results will be released on the same schedule as positive ones.

According to IONS leadership, this year’s prize was created to bring UAP into open, consciousness-inclusive science, and to carry forward a question with profound implications for humanity that its founder, Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, pursued for decades: whether consciousness and contact are connected.

“The Sol Foundation couldn’t be more happy to receive the recognition of IONS for our research,” said Peter Skafish. “IONS proved itself to be over the horizon of even heterodox thinking in their decision to fund a scientific inquiry not only into UAP but also into one of the most enigmatic questions the phenomena raise: what is their relationship to human consciousness?”

This year, distinguished external experts, including Daniel P. Sheehan, Jessica Utts, Adam Curry, Sean Esbjörn-Hargens, Richard Dolan, and J.J. Hurtak, joined members of the IONS science team on the judging panel, chaired by Arnaud Delorme. The panel’s selection was then ratified by the IONS Board of Directors.

IONS researchers will collaborate with the winning team on the study, which is expected to begin in December and run for one year, with results to be shared in 2028. The winning team was announced on October 30 during a live event, which can be watched here.

More About IONS & the Linda G. O’Bryant Noetic Sciences Research Prize

The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) is a nonprofit scientific research center whose mission is to reveal the interconnected nature of reality through scientific exploration and personal discovery. Founded in 1973 by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, IONS investigates consciousness, interconnectedness, and extended human capacities to help foster a more compassionate and thriving world. The Linda G. O’Bryant Noetic Sciences Research Prize, now in its fourth year, is funded through an endowment created by Linda G. O’Bryant, member of the IONS Board of Directors, and overseen by the Board. To arrange an interview with Peter Skafish or IONS leadership, contact communications@noetic.org. More details about the prize and winners can be found here.

Media Contact

Leslie G. Lovejoy, Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), 1 707-775-3500, communications@noetic.org, www.noetic.org

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-next-frontier-consciousness–uap-100-000-research-prize-winner-announced-302930915.html

SOURCE Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)

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