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MetaOptics and Elsoft partner to scale next-generation semiconductor optics manufacturing equipment

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SINGAPORE and GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) (“MetaOptics” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) and Elsoft Research Berhad (Bursa Malaysia: 0090) (“Elsoft”) today jointly announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and mass produce the next generation of 12-inch large format precision, high speed metalens laser writers and leading-edge automatic testers that could sort metalens across widely applied wavelengths from visible light 425 ~ 630nm, in-frared 740 ~ 940nm and 1245 ~ 1310nm.

According to various independent market sources, the metalens market is forecasted to grow into a multi-billion-dollar market over the next few years, with demand for metalens fabrication and testing equipment expected to grow in tandem. This partnership is intended to put in place the equipment capacity needed to meet these potential market growth and expansion. MetaOptics is currently in discussions with potential foundry customers in the United States, Japan and Europe for the supply of these key metalens fabrication equipment and testers.

Under the partnership, the two companies will design, build and industrialise the key fabrication equipment behind the metalens value chain, from research and development through to high-volume manufacturing. The partnership unites Elsoft’s proven strength in automated test equipment with MetaOptics’ deep metalens design and process expertise.

The collaboration is expected to span three equipment families:

Next-generation 12-inch Direct Laser Writer platform: MetaOptics’ current 4-inch Direct Laser Writer platform, a maskless lithography tool that pattern metalens geometry at about 120nm precision range resolution, offers a quick-turn platform for prototyping and small-volume pilot builds.

The 12-inch Direct Laser Writer platform will enable simultaneous multi-lens writing in excess of hundreds of metalenses, for high-volume mass production of Co-packaged Optics at 0.1mm lens diameter. The 12-inch Direct Laser Writer platform will integrate easily into existing standard semiconductor processes, and provide a superior and cost-effective mass production solution in terms of maintenance and production uptime, as well as ease of conversion;Wafer-level automatic metalens testers: automated optical metrology systems that characterise metalens performance, including point-spread function, modulation transfer function (MTF), throughput and uniformity across the visible, near-infrared and short-wave infrared bands, scaling from single-coupon benches for research and development to full-wafer testers for production quality control; andMetalens module assembly and test system: an integrated platform that performs sub-micron, active alignment, UV-cured bonding and embedded optical test in a single automated flow, configurable for automated volume production of smartphone-camera and AR-glasses modules. This leading-edge automatic equipment assembles metalens onto sub modular packages of flexible circuit & imaging or monochrome sensors. Both components assembly stations and testing stations are designed to fit a single machine for high throughput and optimum cleanroom space utilisation.   

By combining MetaOptics’ metalens design and process know-how with Elsoft’s equipment manufacturing expertise, the partnership aims to shorten development cycles, improve production yields and shorten the path from prototyping to commercial-scale mass production. Both companies expect to benefit, with MetaOptics accelerating its transition to mass production capabilities as customer engagement moves into active evaluation and volume orders, and Elsoft extending its precision-equipment expertise into the fast-growing metalens market.

“Elsoft’s engineering quality speaks for itself, and we are proud to build alongside them,” said Mr Thng Chong Kim, Executive Chairman of MetaOptics. “Our 4-inch platforms let our customers prototype and iterate fast, and our 12-inch platforms, born from customer demand, are built for mass production. By pairing our metalens expertise with Elsoft’s precision manufacturing, we believe this partnership will deliver far more than either of us could achieve alone.”

“We are proud to put the quality and reliability of our systems behind this collaboration,” said Mr Tan Cheik Eaik, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Elsoft Research Berhad. “This partnership brings our precision manufacturing and automated-test expertise into the metalens market. Working alongside MetaOptics from prototyping through to mass production, we believe both companies are well positioned to serve the growing metalens industry.”

The parties will define the technical specifications, commercial terms and roadmap for the equipment programme, and intend to negotiate and enter into definitive agreements in due course. The partnership is not expected to have a material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of the Group for the current financial year.

About MetaOptics Ltd

MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) is a leading-edge semiconductor optics company pioneering glass-based metalens solutions enhanced by AI-driven image processing. Using advanced optical design and a scalable 12-inch DUV lithography process, it powers next-generation applications in CPO, mobile, AR/VR, automotive and other emerging markets. Headquartered in Singapore, MetaOptics aims to deliver high-performance optics with the reliability and scalability demanded by today’s most innovative technology brands. Find out more at www.metaoptics.sg. For sales enquiries, please contact sales@metaoptics.sg.

About Elsoft Research Berhad

Elsoft Research Berhad is a Malaysian-based technology group listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. Elsoft designs and develops automated test equipment, burn-in systems and application-specific embedded systems, primarily for the semiconductor, optoelectronics and automotive industries. Its expertise in test and automation equipment positions it as a manufacturing partner for MetaOptics’ metalens production and test systems.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metaoptics-and-elsoft-partner-to-scale-next-generation-semiconductor-optics-manufacturing-equipment-302838868.html

SOURCE METAOPTICS LTD

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Metallium Reports Substantial Progress during Quarter Ending June 30, 2026

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Core FJH Platform That Retrieves Precious Metals and Critical Minerals From e-Waste as Well as Beneficiation in Mining Industry De-Risked; Binding Contracts for Feedstock Supply; Key Agreements and Partnerships Secured or Extended

HOUSTON, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Metallium Limited (ASX: MTM; OTCQX: MTMCF and OTCQX ADR: MTLMY) released its quarterly activities and cash flow report that showed significant progress made by the company in the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Here is a link to the full report: https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03115651-6A1336160&v=undefined.

Metallium, and its wholly owned US subsidiary, Flash Metals USA, is commercializing its patented Flash Joule Technology (FJH) that can quickly separate precious metals and critical minerals such as rare earth elements, germanium, platinum group metals, red mud and other critical minerals, as well as precious metals such as gold, from e-waste, printed circuit boards, metal-bearing catalytic converts as well as certain mining waste.

During the quarter the company substantially de-risked the FJH platform, validating its modular scale-up strategy and shifting focus to optimization, scaling and commercialization of the technology.

Initial product sales are expected in the first half of 2027 as the company is on track to commerce commercial printed circuit board processing, following the development of a proprietary printed PCB pre-processing flowsheet that improves throughput, economics, additional value recovery and new patentable IP.

During the quarter the company signed binding contracts to secure 4,000 tpa of PCF feedstock, representing approximately 50% of the company’s Stage 1 capacity of 8,000 tpa.

The diversity of the platform was demonstrated through successful FJH testing across rare earths, gallium, germanium, platinum group metals and other critical metals. The company expects to report these results next month.

Commercial agreements and partnerships continued to be expanded and opportunities for government and defense programs advanced.

The company ended the quarter with a strong balance sheet showing a cash balance of approximately A$65 million (approximately US$45.5m). In addition, the company continues to progress toward an uplist to NASDAQ as the PCAOB audit moves forward.

Michael Walshe, managing director and CEO of Metallium said, “We have been systematically de-risking the Flash Joule Heating (FJH) platform before committing significant capital to commercial deployment. Following more than 100 test campaigns across multiple feedstocks, together with our first successful prolonged multi-reactor operating campaign, we are increasingly confident that the core FJH platform has now been substantially de-risked. Our focus has shifted from proving the technology to optimizing, scaling and commercializing the platform.”

The company’s first fully-owned and operated plant, in Texas, with a nameplate capacity of 8,000 tpa of e-waste, continues to meet its milestones, including multi units processing simultaneously. Additional milestones are scheduled to occur in the next several months.

Metallium will host an investor webinar on Monday evening, August 3 at 9 p.m. EDT to discuss the quarterly activities and provide an update on recent operational and corporate developments. Those who wish to participate may register for the webinar using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9wnft-iVTm–qF72EuZe-Q .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metallium-reports-substantial-progress-during-quarter-ending-june-30-2026-302840090.html

SOURCE Metallium Ltd.

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Nippon Paint China Debuts at ARCHIDEX 2026, Showcasing Industrial Innovations

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Paint China made its debut at ARCHIDEX 2026, held from July 29 to August 1 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Invited to exhibit in the China Exhibition Zone organized by the Center of Science and Technology and Industrialization Development under China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Nippon Paint China presented coating solutions across four areas: Smart Manufacturing, Air Purification, Energy Saving & Carbon Reduction, and High-Quality Housing.

As Southeast Asia accelerates the adoption of green building standards and upgrades its manufacturing base, demand is growing for materials that improve energy performance, withstand demanding climates and enable more efficient construction. Nippon Paint China brought technologies developed and validated in China to address these priorities across industrial, residential and urban environments.

Highlights included Energy-Saving Radiative Cooling Coating and a Dual-Core Aerogel Energy-Saving System designed for hot climates and energy-intensive facilities. The radiative cooling technology lowers building temperatures without additional power consumption. Under summer conditions in Shanghai, coating a 10,000-square-metre factory roof reduced monthly cooling energy use by nearly 25%, saving approximately RMB72,000 (nearly MYR43,000) in electricity costs.

For residential and public spaces, Nippon Paint showcased the Integrated Decorative Waterproofing System suited to humid, rainy conditions, alongside NAYAOJING™ Photocatalytic Coating, Energy-Saving Integrated Decorative Panel and Acoustic Flooring System. For advanced manufacturing, its Anti-Static PU Mortar Ultra-Wear-Resistant Flooring System addresses flatness, antistatic and wear-resistance requirements, while tailored systems support facilities in industries such as precision electronics, automated warehousing, and new energy.

“Going global is about more than shipping products overseas. Supply must keep pace, and services must reach the ground,” said Mr. Dragon Sun, Chief Operating Officer of Nippon Paint China. “Over nearly a decade of supporting Chinese companies abroad, we have developed a product-and-service model that combines technical expertise, local supply and cross-market collaboration. We look forward to joining forces with more partners across the value chain to support the high-quality global expansion of Chinese businesses.”

Backed by NIPSEA Group’s network of 26 manufacturing facilities across ASEAN, Nippon Paint continues to support commercial, residential, industrial and infrastructure projects throughout the region. Its ARCHIDEX debut marks another step in connecting innovation developed in China with Southeast Asia’s local conditions and development needs, while supporting broader collaboration across the construction value chain.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/nippon-paint-china-debuts-at-archidex-2026-showcasing-industrial-innovations-302840094.html

SOURCE Nippon Paint China

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Oxford International Digital Institute Launches Oxford ELLT Express to Support Time-Sensitive Student Applications

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LONDON, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) has announced the launch of Oxford ELLT Express, a new service designed to help international students take their Speaking test with a human examiner with as little as two hours’ notice.

Oxford ELLT Express enables eligible test takers to receive their English language test results within 12 working hours of completing all components of the Oxford ELLT. The service also provides same-day Speaking test appointments, letting students take a live speaking test with a human examiner with as little as two hours’ notice.

As competition for international study opportunities continues to grow, students are increasingly required to meet tight admissions timelines. Oxford ELLT Express has been developed to provide a faster route to trusted higher education institutions, helping applicants progress their university applications with greater confidence.

Importantly, the accelerated turnaround does not change the assessment process. Every Oxford ELLT Speaking test continues to be assessed by experienced human examiners, ensuring the same standards of quality, consistency and academic integrity that institutions and partners expect from Oxford ELLT.

“Students don’t always have the luxury of time, particularly during peak admissions periods,” said Michael Shaw, Head of Digital Assessment and Product Strategy at OIDI. “By introducing Oxford ELLT Express, we’re making our test service even faster, but maintaining the rigour that comes with human examiners having a detailed conversation with students and properly assessing their speaking skills.” 

The new service is available as an optional upgrade for eligible test takers, subject to availability. While designed primarily to support students, Oxford ELLT Express also gives academic and recruitment partners another option to recommend to applicants working towards time-sensitive application deadlines.

Oxford ELLT is recognised by over 300 universities around the world, including Russell Group institutions, and forms part of OIDI’s portfolio of digital assessment solutions. The launch of Oxford ELLT Express reinforces the organisation’s ongoing commitment to providing flexible, accessible and trusted English language testing that meets the changing demands of international education.

For more information about Oxford ELLT Express, visit https://oxfordellt.com/ellt-express.

About Oxford International Digital Institute 

We are part of the Oxford International Education Group. We support students and institutions through online and hybrid academic and language programmes, teacher training qualifications, and the Oxford ELLT, our English language test taken by more than 150,000 students worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/oxford-international-digital-institute-launches-oxford-ellt-express-to-support-time-sensitive-student-applications-302840096.html

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