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CAAT, DEPA, Department of Agriculture, GISTDA, DTI and Industry Leaders Unite at DronTech Asia 2026 Press Conference

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Thailand Positions Drone Technology as a Strategic Driver of High-Value Economy, Smart Agriculture, and National Security

BANGKOK, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd. successfully hosted the official press conference for DronTech Asia 2026, announcing the upcoming third edition of ASEAN’s leading drone and unmanned systems exhibition, scheduled to take place from 11–13 November 2026 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani.

Taking place 19 May 2026, the press conference brought together prominent government agencies, industry leaders, academic experts, and national security organizations to discuss Thailand’s growing role in the global drone ecosystem and the strategic importance of unmanned technologies in driving economic transformation.

Participating organizations and official supporter of DronTech Asia 2026 included the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Department of Agriculture, Defence Technology Institute (DTI), Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the World UAV Federation, Suranaree University of Technology, and the Thailand Disaster Response Association.

In attendance to the press conference included:

Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.,Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon Director General, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)Ms. Yurawan Anantanomanee Professional Level Agricultural Academic Officer, Plant Pest Management Division, Department of AgricultureDr. Prisan Rakwatin Assistant President (Digital Application Promotion Division) Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA)Asst. Prof. Dr. Suradech Tantrairat Head, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Intelligent Systems Research Unit Suranaree University of TechnologyMr. Asawin Romprasert Honorary President, Disaster Response Association (Thailand)

DronTech Asia 2026 is expected to generate more than THB 350 million in business value through trade negotiations, technology transfer, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships. The exhibition is projected to feature over 150 international commercial and defense drone and drone technology related companies and attract more than 5,000 professional visitors globally.

Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd., emphasized during the press event that drones are no longer emerging technologies but have become critical infrastructure supporting agriculture, logistics, digital industries, and national security.

He highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region is currently the world’s fastest-growing drone market, driven by AI integration, automation systems, precision agriculture, and defense modernization. Thailand, positioned at the center of ASEAN, has a unique opportunity to accelerate its own drone technology ecosystem and strengthen regional competitiveness.

“Thailand is at a critical turning point. We are simultaneously an agricultural and industrial nation progressing steadily toward a digital economy, and drones serve as the vital bridge connecting these three dimensions. Whether it is increasing agricultural yields, surveying infrastructure, transporting cargo to remote areas, or conducting border surveillance, drones are becoming strategic tools for which Thailand must urgently develop its own domestic capabilities,” said Mr. Manu.

Key Session Highlights from the Press Conference

Thailand’s National Drone Roadmap and Smart Airspace Development

Representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) outlined ongoing regulatory reforms designed to accelerate Thailand’s drone industry development. CAAT shared updates on revised regulations permitting larger drones exceeding 25 kilograms and announced progress on the country’s upcoming National Drone Master Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for commercial drones, smart airspace systems, and future Urban Air Mobility initiatives.

CAAT also noted that Thailand has already surpassed 60,000 registered drone operators, reflecting rapid industry growth nationwide.

Drone Technology Driving Smart Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture highlighted the rapid growth of agricultural drone adoption and Thailand’s push to modernize farming through drone technology, operator training, and sustainable agriculture initiatives. Officials also reaffirmed the government’s target to train 5,000 certified agricultural drone operators nationwide by 2027.

AI, Data Platforms, and Thailand’s Emerging Drone Economy

Executives from DEPA discussed how AI integration and drone data platforms are driving new high-value digital industries in Thailand. The agency also showcased its “One Tambon, One Digital (Drone Community)” initiative, supporting drone adoption through subsidies, pilot training, and nationwide service center development.

Future Air Mobility and Advanced Drone Innovation

Researchers from Suranaree University of Technology presented advanced Thai drone innovations, including hybrid UAV systems designed for vertical take-off and long-endurance missions. The session highlighted Thailand’s growing capability to commercialize locally developed drone technologies.

Drones in Disaster Response and National Security

The Thailand Disaster Response Association shared real-world applications of drones in disaster response, search-and-rescue operations, and border surveillance. Speakers emphasized the growing role of drones as strategic tools for national security and emergency management.

DronTech Asia 2026 to Showcase ASEAN’s Expanding Drone Ecosystem

DronTech Asia 2026 will serve as a major regional platform connecting governments, technology developers, investors, operators, academic institutions, and industry end users across ASEAN’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem. Already big name players in the commercial and defense sectors have confirmed their participation including NAcDrone Enterprise Co., Ltd., , Systonics Co., Ltd., DJI Enterprise by SIS, Grepow DBA Tattu Battery, Thai Sky Vision, 13 Store Co., Ltd., ICreative Systems Co.,Ltd, T-MOTOR and many more. Beyond the large-scale international exhibition, the event will feature international conferences, technical seminars, live drone demonstrations, business matching sessions, and investment networking opportunities. Key highlights will include showcases on smart agriculture, AI-powered drone technologies, Future Air Mobility, eVTOL systems, as well as security, surveillance, and defense applications.

The 3rd edition of DronTech Asia 2026 will take place from 11–13 November 2026 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Thailand. Organized by GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the event is expected to bring together more than 150 exhibiting brands and over 5,000 professional participants from across the region. More information is available at www.drontechasia.com.

For exhibiting opportunities for commercial drone companies.

For exhibiting opportunities for defense drone companies.

For Media Inquiries contact:

Yaowalak Chuvichien (Elle)
Senior Event Manager
yaowalak@asiandefense.com
GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

For Sales & Sponsorship Opportunities contact: 

Ms. Natcha Lim
Sales Manager
Natcha@asiandefense.com
GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

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SOURCE GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

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GROWNSY Debuted an Exciting New Line of Innovative Baby Care Products at ABC Kids Expo 2026

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NEW YORK, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GROWNSY, a baby care innovator trusted by over 3 million households globally, showcased its latest innovations at the 2026 ABC Kids Expo, held May 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The brand exhibited at Booth #2011, where the brand introduced exclusive new products making their debut alongside beloved fan favorites that have become trusted staples for parents everywhere.

“The 2026 ABC Kids Expo was a proud moment for Grownsy,” said Yvonne, CEO of Grownsy. “It gave us the opportunity to connect with the parenting community face to face, debut products we’ve been passionate about developing, and shine a spotlight on the fan favorites that have made us a trusted name in over 3 million households.”

The overall theme for GROWNSY’s new collection is rooted in real parenting routines and reflects the brand’s philosophy of ‘Grow Smart, Made Easy.’ Positioned as the go-to brand for modern parents who want smart, simplified solutions for every stage of the parenting journey,

GROWNSY continues to build practical solutions for modern families spanning baby care, outdoor, travel, and everyday essentials: all designed to reduce extra steps, keep families prepared, and make confident parenting possible wherever the day takes them.

GROWNSY’s 2026 product lineup highlights innovative solutions across feeding, baby care, nursery, and travel essentials designed to simplify everyday parenting.

Feeding Collection
Baby Food Maker: a multi-purpose steam and blend baby food maker simplifies homemade feeding with an innovative 2-in-1 design that steams and blends ingredients in one convenient appliance

Baby Care Collection
SniffEase Spa 3-in-1 Nasal Aspirator: combines Spray, Suction, and Micro-Mist in one thoughtfully designed system.

Nursery Collection
Bassinet Bedside Sleeper: converts into a bedside bassinet with a drop-down side, keeping your newborn within arm’s reach for night feeding and soothing. Side easily lowers and locks securely to most adult beds for safe co-sleeping.

Travel Collection
Portable Bottle Warmer: a detachable warming and feeding device designed to help parents feed with fewer steps when they are away from home.

In addition to an assortment of new products, GROWNSY’s booth saw impressive foot traffic throughout the expo, drawing in key retail buyers from major names including Walmart and Target, international retailers, and notable media outlets such as Wirecutter, Forbes Vetted, Consumer Reports, and Babylist. The energy was high as attendees explored the collection, engaged with the GROWNSY team, and got a firsthand look at what the brand has in store.

Highlights from the show

TV Interview: Popular local TV show, Las Vegas Morning Blend on KTNV Channel 13, the local ABC affiliate, attended the GROWNSY booth where host Elliott Bambrough interviewed Jordan Lux, GROWNSY’s Strategic Communications Director about GROWNSY’s rebrand and an introduction to the new 2026 products.Forbes Vetted stopped by the GROWNSY booth and included the SniffEase Spa 3-in-1 Nasal Aspirator in their ABC roundup about new and noteworthy products.Interactive Demos: Hands-on product experiences with expert brand repsInstagram Live: GROWNSY hosted TikTok and Instagram Live events to give followers a firsthand look at its newest products and celebrate the launch with a giveaway featuring the Portable Bottle Warmer and SniffEase Spa 3-in-1 Nasal Aspirator.

What’s Next for GROWNSY

GROWNSY plans to continue connecting with families through upcoming in-person events, including The Prego Expo and additional community meetups throughout the year. Keep up with GROWNSY’s latest innovations, product launches, and announcements by following GROWNSY on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Facebook: FacebookInstagram: InstagramTikTok: TikTok

About GROWNSY

GROWNSY designs thoughtful baby care solutions that fit naturally into modern family life. We believe parenting does not need more noise; it needs clarity, trust, and smart-designed support. Guided by evidence and shaped by real family routines, our products simplify everyday essentials across feeding, hygiene, and early childhood care. From smart feeding tools to intuitive hygiene systems, every detail is created with one purpose: to reduce friction and create space for families to grow. At GROWNSY, growth is not about doing more. It is about growing smart and making it easier along the way.

Grow smart, made easy.

Learn more at www.GROWNSY.com

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SOURCE GROWNSY

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Agoda: Malaysian travelers are making travel in 2026 more value-led, 63% open to lesser-known destinations for lower costs

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SINGAPORE, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed that value is emerging as an important factor in how Malaysians travel in 2026, influencing everything from accommodation choices to destination planning. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, 63% of travelers are willing to consider lesser-known destinations if it means lower costs, signaling a shift toward more intentional and cost-conscious travel behavior.

Agoda’s findings also highlight how this value-driven mindset is reflected in both spending habits and destination choices. Malaysian travelers are showing a clear preference for travel that delivers value without losing sight of the overall experience. Nearly two-thirds (64%) expect to spend US$50 or less per night on accommodation in 2026, while 59% say price is the single most important factor when choosing where to stay. This reinforces how value is not only influencing openness to discover alternative destinations but also shaping spending decisions.

Beyond spending considerations, Agoda’s findings also point to a shift in how Malaysians are planning their trips and what they prioritize when they travel.

Local and frequent travel remain part of the picture
Malaysian travelers are also adjusting how often and how far they travel, as value-driven decisions make shorter, more frequent, and closer-to-home trips more appealing. 47% expect most of their trips in 2026 to be domestic, while 37% plan to take four to six trips over the year. The most common trip length is four to seven days (42%), reflecting a shift toward travel that is more manageable, cost-conscious, and easier to fit into everyday life.

Relaxation, family and food continue to shape travel plans
Even with affordability front of mind, Malaysians are still prioritizing the experiences they value most. Relaxation is the top reason Malaysians expect to travel in 2026, cited by 69% of respondents. Culinary experiences follow at 33%, highlighting the continued role food plays in destination appeal. Travel also remains deeply social, with 59% saying they plan to travel with family, while 28% expect to travel with their spouse or partner.

Fabian Teja, Country Director, Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, said: “Malaysian travelers are planning more carefully and placing greater emphasis on value. Agoda’s latest findings show that cost matters, but so does making each trip count. Travelers are looking for options that help them manage their budgets while still enjoying the experiences that matter most, whether that is rest, time with loved ones, or discovering good food. Agoda brings these elements together by making it easier to book flights, accommodation and activities in one place with great value deals.”

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda enables travelers to plan and combine every part of their journey in one place at affordable prices. The platform supports different travel styles and preferences, making it easier to plan trips that fit individual pace and priorities. Discover more on Agoda’s mobile app or at Agoda.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-malaysian-travelers-are-making-travel-in-2026-more-value-led-63-open-to-lesser-known-destinations-for-lower-costs-302775591.html

SOURCE Agoda

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Forthright Securities and Forthright Capital have secured SFC Virtual Asset Uplift Approval, making them among the few fintech-licensed brokerages to receive simultaneous uplift approval for three types of licenses.

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HONG KONG, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forthright Securities Company Limited and Forthright Capital Company Limited, subsidiaries of JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (9636.HK), have officially received approval from the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) to add virtual asset-related business capabilities to their existing Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities.

According to public records, this marks the  one of few fintech licensed brokerages in Hong Kong has simultaneously obtained virtual asset business qualifications across Type 1, Type 4, and Type 9 licences. This means Forthright now possesses the full regulatory qualification to offer clients a complete suite of virtual asset services encompassing “trade execution + investment advisory + asset management” within a compliant framework.

One Account, One Service, Full Asset Coverage

The current licensed virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong is primarily composed of two types of institutions: one category consists of virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) holding dedicated VATP licences, with order matching as their core function; the other comprises licensed institutions that have obtained VA business qualifications on top of their traditional securities licences, enabling them to integrate virtual assets into broader investment services and asset management frameworks.

Industry observers note that for investors, mere trading access is no longer a scarce resource. The real pain point lies in how to incorporate virtual assets into overall asset allocation while receiving professional advisory and portfolio management services. With all three qualifications now in place, Forthright has become one of the few licensed institutions in the market capable of simultaneously addressing “how to buy, what to buy, and how to manage.”

Upon completion of the licence upgrade, Forthright’s clients will be able to manage Hong Kong and US equities alongside virtual assets within a single platform and unified account system, with access to professional investment advisory and asset management services covering both asset classes. In terms of service delivery, Forthright is leveraging the Group’s long-standing capabilities in AI and investment research technology to build a next-generation service system driven by “AI + Advisory,” deeply applying artificial intelligence to investment research, client services, and allocation recommendations, delivering personalised cross-asset allocation solutions tailored to clients with varying risk appetites.

A spokesperson for Forthright Securities stated: “Virtual assets are evolving from a standalone trading category into an integral component of global asset allocation. The market’s next growth driver does not lie in the number of platforms, but in the ability to truly embed virtual assets within a professional investment service ecosystem. This is precisely where Forthright’s differentiation lies, and the direction in which we continue to invest.”

Forthright will strictly comply with the SFC’s latest regulatory requirements for virtual asset businesses in its compliance deployment, ensuring that clients participating in virtual asset investments enjoy the same level of investor protection as in traditional securities services.

Internet Brokerages Accelerate Expansion into Virtual Assets

From an industry perspective, since the SFC established its clear licensing regime for virtual assets in 2023, multiple internet brokerages and traditional financial institutions have successively applied for or obtained relevant business qualifications. Forthright’s approval is viewed by the market as another landmark event in internet brokerages’ deepening expansion into the virtual asset space. Unlike most institutions that have only obtained trading qualifications, Forthright’s simultaneous approval across trading, advisory, and asset management signifies that it now possesses complete infrastructure spanning product capability to regulatory qualification, and is well-positioned to drive Hong Kong’s virtual asset market evolution from single-transaction scenarios toward professional allocation services.

As a Hong Kong-listed investment research and technology group, JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (9636.HK) has been steadily advancing its overseas business expansion in recent years. Forthright, as the Group’s licensed brokerage platform, is positioned as a next-generation internet brokerage driven by “AI + Advisory.” The successful landing of all three virtual asset business qualifications is regarded as a pivotal step in the Group’s expansion of its financial services footprint in Hong Kong, and provides substantive licensing support for its strategic positioning as a “full asset allocation platform.”

Analysts suggest that as the global regulatory framework for virtual assets becomes increasingly clear, the competitive focus in the Hong Kong market is shifting from “who can obtain a licence” to “who can provide more comprehensive services.” Under this logic, institutions simultaneously holding trading, advisory, and asset management qualifications may gain a first-mover advantage in the next phase of client acquisition within fintech brokerage business sector.

About Forthright Securities

Forthright Securities Company Limited (“Forthright Securities”) is a licensed brokerage under JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (9636.HK), holding SFC Type 1, 2, 4, and 5 licences along with virtual asset business qualifications. Driven by “AI + Advisory,” it is rooted in Hong Kong with a global investment outlook, and is committed to becoming a next-generation internet brokerage that better understands clients, delivers faster service, and provides stronger investment research in the AI era.

Forthright Securities (CE No.: BGP713) holds SFC licences for Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 2 (Dealing in Futures Contracts), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 5 (Advising on Futures Contracts) regulated activities. Forthright Capital Management Limited (“Forthright Capital”) (CE No.: BEL626) holds SFC licences for Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities. In May 2026, Forthright Securities and Forthright Capital simultaneously completed their licence condition upgrades, adding virtual asset-related business qualifications to their existing Type 1, Type 4, and Type 9 regulated activities. Forthright Wealth Management Limited holds general insurance and long-term insurance licences issued by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (Insurance Intermediary Licence No.: FB1459).

For more information, please visit Forthright Securities’ official website at www.forthright-sec.com

This information is provided for your general reference only and does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, or specific needs of any individual. It does not constitute an offer, solicitation, invitation, promotion, inducement, representation, or warranty of any kind or form, nor does it constitute any opinion or recommendation to buy or sell any securities, financial products, or instruments described herein. You should seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions or purchasing any investment products. Investments in virtual assets are high-risk and may result in the loss of your entire investment.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/forthright-securities-and-forthright-capital-have-secured-sfc-virtual-asset-uplift-approval-making-them-among-the-few-fintech-licensed-brokerages-to-receive-simultaneous-uplift-approval-for-three-types-of-licenses-302776998.html

SOURCE Forthright Securities

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