Author: Durian

Figure 1 and 2: Unstoppable Love, Spritzer’s Chinese New Year 2026 festive film, brings meaningful storytelling to life through a heartwarming tale of love and family starring Dior and Jobroseph.From a joyful festive film to immersive roadshow experiences, Spritzer celebrates love, togetherness and the little moments that matter this Chinese New YearChinese New Year is a season of reunion, reflection and renewal. This year, Spritzer invites Malaysians to celebrate these connections with a campaign that blends heartfelt storytelling, immersive festive experiences and a clear purpose: supporting families with healthier hydration choices at every reunion table.As Malaysians become more mindful of sugar intake and overall well-being, Spritzer aims to be the drink of choice throughout the festive season. With natural mineral water rich in silica and Spritzer Sparkling with zero sugar, zero sweeteners and zero calories, families can fully enjoy celebrations without compromising their health. Because when we care about the people we love, we also care about what we serve them.Figure 3 and 4: Every celebration is an act of care. With natural mineral water rich in silica, Spritzer Sparkling with zero sugar, zero sweeteners and zero calories fits right into the moment.Bringing this message of togetherness and enduring connection to life is Spritzer’s Chinese New Year 2026 film is 'Unstoppable Love’, a heartwarming film that follows Dior (大穎) and Joseph Lee (李文键) a.k.a Jobroseph as a modern couple whose family reunion sparks an unexpected time-travel adventure through their past lives. From the present-day to ancient eras, their journey humorously explores how love and family values remain constant, even as the world changes. With tender moments along the way, ‘Unstoppable Love’ shares a story that will warm hearts and spark conversations for the season, and the film is available for viewing on Spritzer’s Official Microsite and YouTube channel.“At its heart, ‘Unstoppable Love’ reflects a truth many families know, that love is not always easy, and acceptance often takes time,” said Shiao Chan, Head of Marketing at Spritzer. “The film highlights how patient and sincere love helps foster understanding and brings families closer across generations. Chinese New Year is more than just tradition, it is a time of renewal, connection and shared family joy. Our way of contributing to these moments is through a gesture of care by providing refreshing, healthier beverages that complements family togetherness, be it at the reunion table, as a gift, or in shared moments of conversation.”Figure 5: Bringing the celebration closer, visitors can share a special Meet & Greet with Dior and Joseph Lee (Jobroseph) at Level 2, Pavilion Bukit Jalil.Spritzer brings these moments to life with its interactive Chinese New Year roadshow happening from 4 to 8 February 2026 at Level 2, Pavilion Bukit Jalil (in front of Tsutaya Books Malaysia). Visitors can enjoy a Meet & Greet with Dior and Joseph Lee (Jobroseph), interactive game booths, exclusive promotions, and product sampling, creating a lively space for families and friends to celebrate together.Figure 6,7 and 8: Spritzer’s Chinese New Year Limited Edition bottles are designed to celebrate moments of reunion and shared joy, a festive companion at the heart of family. gatherings and meaningful celebrations.Adding a refreshing festive touch to the season, Spritzer also introduces its Chinese New Year limited-edition 250ml Natural Mineral Water bottles, perfect for sharing around the reunion table. These limited-edition bottles are available in three unique label designs and naturally rich in silica for healthy skin, hair, and nails to ensure everyone stays hydrated during the holiday season. For those who love a sparkling twist, Spritzer Sparkling offers no sweeteners and no calories, available in original, lemon, and the newly launched sea salt & citron flavour.To make the celebrations even more special, Spritzer is introducing a series of festive gift-with-purchase rewards designed to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones:Purchase RM18 worth of Spritzer products and receive a limited-edition Spritzer Hand Towel;Purchase RM38 worth of Spritzer products and receive a limited-edition Spritzer Chinese New Year bowl with lid (available at selected outlets with promoter sampling);Purchase RM18 worth of Spritzer products to participate in the ‘Tear & Win’ activity, featuring prizes such as Touch ’n Go reload codes worth up to RM38 and Spritzer Ang Pao packets (available at selected outlets with promoter sampling).As Malaysians gather to welcome the Chinese New Year, Spritzer’s message is clear. Love is unstoppable. Whether through a meaningful story, a shared drink or a joyful moment at our roadshow, Spritzer continues to support celebrations that matter. Spritzer remains a trusted presence, delivering natural, healthier hydration that elevates every festive moment.About SpritzerEstablished in 1989, Spritzer is a leading Malaysian bottled water brand, sourcing natural mineral water from a protected 430-acre rainforest in Taiping. Naturally filtered through underground rock layers for over 15 years, our water is enriched with essential minerals like Silica, known to support skin, bones, hair, and nails.Combining smart manufacturing with sustainable practices, Spritzer ensures every bottle meets the highest quality and safety standards. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship and a circular economy.Tested annually by SIRIM to be free from microplastics, Spritzer offers consumers trusted, natural hydration. Our diverse product range includes Natural Mineral Water, Original and Flavoured Sparkling Water, Distilled Water, and Fruit-Flavoured Beverages—crafted to suit every lifestyle and occasion.With a clear vision to become a fully circular brand by 2030, Spritzer leads the industry in innovation, quality, and sustainability.Spritzer — where nature, innovation, and sustainability come together in every bottle.For more information, visit www.spritzer.com.my.For media inquiries please contact:Nur Amalia RosshaimiSenior Executive Narro CommunicationsT: + 60-17 630 0314E: amalia@narrocomms.comWinnie ChinHead of Public Relations, Spritzer BhdT: +6019 553 2663E: winniecgl@spritzer.com.my Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, January 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), kicked off today with the theme “Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape”, and a new tagline “Finance Empowering Business”. The forum has invited more than 150 government officials, business leaders, senior executives from financial institutions, and regulatory representatives from around the world as speakers. It is expected to attract over 3,600 participants from over 60 countries and regions, featuring about 80 business delegations from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.This strong global participation reinforces Hong Kong's unique position as an international financial centre and demonstrates its exceptional advantage in facilitating connections between the Chinese Mainland and international markets. This year’s forum features a special discussion session on gold trading to promote Hong Kong’s development into an international gold exchange and to jointly build a gold market ecosystem with the Chinese Mainland, bringing new value to the global precious metals market.Welcome remarks were delivered by Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, during the Opening Session, followed by opening remarks by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Zou Lan, Deputy Governor, People’s Bank of China. Chairman Ma said: “AFF has continued to broaden its scope and enhance its reputation over the years as the platform that demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique roles of a superconnector, super value-adder and supercollaborator. For the past 19 years, this forum has attracted influential leaders from public administration, finance and business sectors from around the world. With their and many other people’s support, AFF has become one of the world’s most pre-eminent financial forums, hosting insightful and forward-looking conversations as well as impactful cross-border deal-making. We have chosen “Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape” as the theme for this year. Under this banner, we are pleased to introduce the Global Business Summit, which will be held tomorrow. The summit will evaluate the impact of high-growth industries, including AI and technology, robotics, biopharma and healthcare, new energy and more. This is part of an increased focus to strengthen ties between finance and the real economy at AFF to help support sustained innovation and long-term growth.”The two-day forum presents over 40 sessions ranging from Plenary Sessions, Panel Discussion, Keynote Luncheons, Breakfast Panel, and thematic sessions. Key sessions include Global Economic Outlook, CIO Insights and Asset and Wealth Management, alongside the newly introduced Supply Chain Financing and Gold Exchange.Discussion sessions gather global leaders to share visionary insightsThis year's forum is committed to advancing international financial cooperation and policy coordination. Plenary Session I – Fostering Cooperation for Shared Success, hosted by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, brought together finance officials and multilateral organisation leaders to discuss key issues, including the global economic outlook, financial stability, infrastructure investment, and sustainable development. Guest speakers included Zou Jiayi, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank; H.E. Mehmet Å'imÅŸek, Minister of Treasury and Finance for Türkiye and Klemen BoštjanÄ'iÄ', Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Republic of Slovenia.The following session, Plenary Session II – Charting the Future of Finance in Times of Uncertainty, focused on the risks and opportunities encountered by central banks, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions in promoting the development of financial markets, and the strategies for enhancing the resilience of these markets. The discussion was moderated by Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Futures Commission, and the speakers, including H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer, Capital Market Authority of the United Arab Emirates; Changyong Rhee, Governor for the Bank of Korea; Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank; Benjamin Hung, Chairman of the Financial Services Development Council, and Gokul Laroia, Chief Executive Officer Asia of Morgan Stanley, addressed topics such as Hong Kong's positioning within the global financial system, the promotion of cross-border regulatory cooperation, and strategies for tackling challenges in the global economy.The first day's keynote luncheon commenced with welcome remarks by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, followed by opening remarks from Wang Shuguang, Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Member of the Management Committee of China International Capital Corporation Limited. The keynote speaker Dr José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission, Former Prime Minister of Portugal and the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Goldman Sachs International, provided an in-depth analysis of current macroeconomic risks in Europe and on the global stage, and discussed strategies for economies to foster coordination and mutual complementarity in navigating future uncertainties.The afternoon session began with the Global Economic Outlook, moderated by Prof Edward Chen, Honorary Professor of the HKU Business School, joining with Sir Douglas Flint, CBE, Chairman of the Aberdeen Group plc; Kevin Sneader, President, Asia Pacific Ex-Japan of Goldman Sachs; Dr Ridha Wirakusumah, Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Prof Paolo Zannoni, Executive Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Prada Group, and Dr Zhu Min, Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. The participants forecasted the 2026 global economic outlook, examined the strategies for businesses to navigate uncertainty.In alignment with the 2025 Policy Address to expedite the building of an international gold trading market to energise Hong Kong's financial ecosystem, AFF introduced a new session titled Global Spectrum – Gold Exchange. Featuring overseas speakers James Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP SA and David Tait, Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council, the session analysed the landscape of international gold trading, strategies to enhance Hong Kong's pivotal role in gold pricing and trading in Asia, and opportunities to expand trading, clearing, delivery, and derivative services for renewed sector growth.Insights into asset and pension strategies within the global investment landscapeIn recent years, rapid technological advancements, shifts in population demographics, rising demands for sustainable development, and increased market volatility have been reshaping investors' expectations of asset and wealth management firms. The Panel Discussion on Asset and Wealth Management was moderated by Amy Lo, Chairman, UBS Global Wealth Management Asia of UBS, and Head and Chief Executive, UBS Hong Kong. This panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Lavanya Chari, Head of Wealth and Premier Solutions, International Wealth and Premier Banking of HSBC; Stefanie Drews, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amova Asset Management; Ed Huang, Senior Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Blackstone Private Wealth; Dr Levin Wang, Chairman of Private Wealth Management Committee, Huatai Securities Co., Ltd.; CEO, Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd. and Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth Division, ETFs & Index Business Lines, Chair of Asia, Amundi. Speakers discussed how artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making efficiency in asset management, helping clients generate additional returns and explored methods for diversifying risks through alternative investments and integrating ESG factors into investment decisions to strike a balance between returns and sustainability.CIO Insights highlighted Chief Investment Officers from Asia, Europe, and the United States, and, who provided an in-depth analysis of this year's asset allocation trends across various sectors and regions. They shared forward-looking insights on interest rate movements, liquidity cycles, and cross-regional allocations. Speakers included Deborah Cunningham, Chief Investment Officer, Global Liquidity Markets of Federated Hermes; Vincenzo Vedda, Chief Investment Officer & Member of the Executive Board of DWS Investment GmbH, and Yang Liu, Chairperson and Chief Investment Officer of Atlantis Investment Management Ltd.The Global Spectrum – Pension and Endowment brought together leaders from fund management firms and financial services institutions worldwide to discuss the transformation of retirement and philanthropic funds in the context of the changing global economy and long-term investment strategies. The session featured speakers including Cuan Coulter, Head of International of State Street; Arsa Indaravijaya, Chief Investment Officer of the Government Pension Fund of Thailand; Lou Lizhou, Chairman of E Fund International Holdings Limited, and Wilson Zhang, Managing Director, Chair of the Global Equities Management Committee, China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC). They shared insights on how retirement and philanthropic funds can adjust their strategies amid an increasingly volatile environment to preserve asset value and enhance risk resilience.The findings were released today from a survey conducted by HKTDC and EY, the AFF Knowledge Partner, which examined how corporates and financial leaders are responding to disruptive challenges and shaping their next stage of global expansion and capital allocation. Jack Chan, EY China Chairman and EY Greater China Regional Managing Partner, said that prolonged uncertainty has become the new baseline, yet global expansion remains a strategic imperative. The survey also highlights Hong Kong’s evolution from a super-connector to a proactive growth orchestrator – where capital, compliance and competitive strengths converge – and offers recommendations to help businesses build resilience, capture overseas opportunities and leverage Hong Kong as a key hub for high quality global growth.AFF Deal-making and exhibition to promote substantial cooperationAs one of the highlights of the forum, AFF Deal-making continues to offer an efficient one-on-one matching platform for project owners and investors, attracting over 280 investors and 560 projects. It enables participants to gain valuable insights into the potential of investment projects and uncover opportunities across various industries. The project investment session invited project owners from around the world to showcase quality initiatives in key sectors such as Environment, Energy and Clean Technology, Healthcare Technology, and Financial Technology, aiding participants in identifying market trends and expanding cross-industry investment opportunities.This year's forum features four key exhibition zones, including the InnoVenture Salon & FintechHK Start-up Salon, Global Investment Zone, and a new FutureGreen Showcase, bringing together about 150 exhibitors. Global leading asset-management firms Ardian, Federated Hermes and E Fund Management joined as exhibitors for the first time, each showcasing cutting-edge financial concepts and offering participants diversified investment perspectives and opportunities for exchange.A particular highlight this year is the debut of the FutureGreen Showcase, which focuses on showcasing opportunities in green finance, green technology, rating and transition services. It aims to promote precise capital matching with low-carbon projects and ESG innovation, strengthening Hong Kong’s leading position as an international green finance centre and injecting new momentum into the global green transition.Inaugural Global Business Summit to explore finance and real economic integrationThe first Global Business Summit will take place tomorrow (27 January), co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. The summit will invite leaders from high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology, robotics, high growth consumer markets, biomedicine and healthcare, and green energy to explore how to leverage financial services to drive innovation and long-term growth.Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Prof Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, will deliver opening remarks at the opening session. Exploring Chinese Mainland Opportunities will feature speeches by Wu Wei, Executive Vice Mayor of Shanghai; Tang Zhiping, Vice Governor, The People's Government of Shanxi Province; Wang Junshou, Vice Governor, The People's Government of Hunan Province. The summit will also host a series of thematic forums, including Business Plenary I - Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global and Business Plenary II - Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth, among others.The Global Business Summit has received support from a range of esteemed international companies, with executives from Amgen, Hermès, Jardine Matheson, JD Group, Merck Group, Tencent and XPENG. Leaders will analyse future development trends across various industries, providing the financial sector with the insights needed to leverage opportunities and deliver customised financial services. This collaborative approach is expected to create a significant multiplier effect, transforming capital into considerable economic growth and facilitating industrial advancements.In addition, the second-day Keynote Luncheon will feature Paul Polman, a Business Leader, Investor, and Philanthropist, as the keynote speaker. He will share his insights on the role of finance in driving real-economy development, how collaboration between policymakers and businesses can generate positive social and environmental impact, and strategies for sustainable development.AFF collaborates with organisations to provide overseas attendees with a unique Hong Kong experienceInternational participants attending AFF will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Hong Kong and experience the city's diverse attractions. The forum will offer several guided tours to key sites, including the Cyberport, the Court of Final Appeal, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Hong Kong Stock Exchange, allowing guests to gain valuable insights into Hong Kong's financial and innovation landscape.Additionally, AFF has partnered with various organisations including Hong Kong Tourism Board to provide exclusive travel, cultural, and culinary promotions for overseas visitors, encouraging them to explore Hong Kong's unique charm beyond the forum activities. Highlights include a night tour with Hong Kong Big Bus Tours, a traditional sailing trip on the Aqua Luna, and tickets to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ Museum. Attendees can enjoy dining discounts at venues such as the Lan Kwai Fong Group and Hong Kong Bankers Club, along with Happy Wednesday hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.The International Financial Week (IFW) 2026, lasting one week, will kick off with AFF today. This event marks Hong Kong's first major financial event of the year, aimed at assisting industry professionals in seizing opportunities and unlocking market potential.WebsitesAsian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/enProgramme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programmeSpeaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakersPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/49F23nhThe 19th Asian Financial Forum opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running for two days under the theme “Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape”John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, delivered opening remarks today at AFFProf Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, delivered welcome remarks to participants this morningPaul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government joined in the Keynote Luncheon today and delivered welcome remarksDr José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission, Former Prime Minister of Portugal, and the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Goldman Sachs International, delivered a keynote speech on the first day’s keynote luncheonGlobal Economic Outlook, moderated by Prof Edward Chen (far left), Honorary Professor of the HKU Business School, joining with Sir Douglas Flint, CBE (second left), Chairman of the Aberdeen Group plc; Kevin Sneader (third left), President, Asia Pacific Ex-Japan of Goldman Sachs; Dr Ridha Wirakusumah (third right), Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Prof Paolo Zannoni (second right), Executive Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Prada Group, and Dr Zhu Min (far right), Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, forecasted the 2026 global economic outlook.AFF introduced a new session titled Global Spectrum – Gold Exchange, featuring James Emmett (second left), Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP SA, and David Tait (centre), Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council.This year’s AFF Deal-making has brought together over 280 investors and over 560 projects.Media enquiriesYuan Tung Financial RelationsLousie SongTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkTiffany LeungTel: (852) 3428 2361Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung.hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

BERLIN, Germany, Jan 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Treasury Intelligence Solutions (TIS), a leading cloud-based platform for payments and cash management, today announced Zlatko Vucetic as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective from February 1, 2026. This move comes as a pivotal step in advancing the company's long-term vision and global growth strategy in cloud-native cash management, liquidity, and payment solutions.As an experienced CEO, Zlatko brings a strong track record in scaling software companies across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., combined with deep expertise in driving innovation and accelerating growth in competitive markets. Zlatko will lead TIS in its journey to be a market leader in payment and liquidity management across Europe and North America.After five successful years as CEO, Erik Masing will transition into the role of Vice Chair of the Board, where he will continue to provide strategic guidance and support. Under Erik's leadership, TIS achieved significant milestones, including the strategic acquisition of Cashforce, which expanded the company's portfolio and strengthened its position in the global payments and cash management market. Joerg Wiemer, TIS co-founder and former CEO, will remain actively involved, ensuring continuity and leveraging his deep industry expertise to support TIS's long-term vision.Zlatko is a seasoned technology executive with extensive leadership experience in the enterprise software space. Most recently, he served as CEO of Infront AS, a leading European provider of financial market data solutions, including trading and wealth management technology. Prior to this, he was CEO of FocusVision, a U.S.-based market research and customer insights software platform. Earlier in his career, Zlatko spent nearly a decade in senior leadership at Saxo Bank, a leading online trading and investment firm.Commenting on his appointment, Zlatko said: "TIS has built a strong foundation as a trusted partner for CFOs, treasurers and finance teams worldwide. Our mission is clear: to help the entire office of the CFO manage liquidity and payments on a global scale. We will double down on innovation, accelerate our international footprint, and deliver solutions that not only meet today's challenges but anticipate tomorrow's. With the best-in-class products and the strength of our team, I'm confident TIS will set the standard for this industry."About TISTIS helps CFOs, Treasurers, and Finance teams transform their global cash flow, liquidity, and payment functions. Since 2010, our award-winning cloud platform and best-in-class service model have empowered the entire office of the CFO to collaborate more effectively and attain maximum efficiency, automation, and control. TIS enables users to achieve superior performance in key areas surrounding cash forecasting, working capital, outbound payments, financial messaging, fraud prevention, payment compliance, and more.For more information, visit tispayments.com and begin reimagining your approach to global cash flow, liquidity, and payments.Contact:Thomas MullertzChief Marketing Officer+4520989479thomas.mullertz@tispayments.comSOURCE: Treasury Intelligence Solutions Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Patent Allowance Strengthens Intellectual Property Position in Advanced Battery and Dual-Use Energy Storage MaterialsOttawa, Ontario--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - January 26, 2026) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a leading developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office ("CIPO") has allowed the Company's Canadian patent application No. 3,209,696, entitled "Advanced Anode Materials Comprising Spheroidal Additive-Enhanced Graphite Particles and Process for Making Same" (the "Patent"). The allowance confirms that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office has completed its substantive examination and determined that the Patent claims meet all Canadian requirements for patentability, including novelty and inventiveness. Subject to the completion of final administrative steps, the Patent is expected to proceed to formal grant. The allowed Patent covers proprietary processes and compositions for silicon-enhanced, spheroidal graphite particles, designed to improve performance characteristics critical to lithium-ion battery anodes, including energy density, charge efficiency, and cycling stability, by incorporating silicon within the graphite particle architecture while leveraging graphite's structural stability and conductivity. Silicon is widely recognized as a key material in next-generation battery anodes due to its significantly higher theoretical energy storage capacity relative to conventional graphite.By distributing silicon within the graphite structure, the technology is intended to address two fundamental challenges associated with silicon-enhanced anodes: charge-induced volume expansion and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) instability. Embedding silicon within a graphite matrix is expected to help buffer volumetric expansion during cycling, supporting improved mechanical integrity, while the surrounding graphite structure may reduce direct silicon-electrolyte interactions, contributing to enhanced cycling stability and battery longevity.In addition to commercial battery markets, the Company believes these performance attributes are relevant to a range of dual-use applications, including defence, aerospace, and other mission-critical systems, where energy density, durability, and operational reliability are essential. Advanced anode materials capable of maintaining stable performance under demanding operating conditions are increasingly viewed as strategically important across both civilian electrification and national security-related energy storage applications.Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite, commented, "The allowance of this Patent represents the culmination of years of focused research and development. The underlying technology was shaped under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Doninger, whose deep technical insight and commitment to innovation were instrumental to its success, and we are grateful for the work he contributed. With the Patent now allowed, we are well positioned to move forward with broader testing and advancement of this technology as part of our downstream strategy."The allowance of this patent also aligns with growing North American and allied-nation priorities to establish secure, non-adversarial sources of battery materials, as governments and industry increasingly recognize the strategic risks associated with reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains. Graphite represents the largest material component of a lithium-ion battery by weight, and intellectual property protecting advanced anode materials is expected to play an important role in supporting domestic manufacturing, energy security, and defence-aligned and dual-use supply chains serving both civilian and national security priorities.Focus Graphite continues to advance its graphite assets and technology initiatives as part of its broader strategy to support North American battery, energy storage, electrification, and advanced industrial markets, while building a differentiated portfolio that spans resource development and value-added downstream innovation.Further updates will be provided as the Patent progresses to formal issuance and as the Company advances related technical and commercial initiatives.In Memoriam - Dr. Joseph. E. DoningerThe Company also notes with deep respect the recent passing of Dr. Joseph E. Doninger, who was one of the inventors of the allowed patent and a key contributor to the development of the underlying technology. Dr. Doninger served as Vice President of Manufacturing and Technology at Focus and played an instrumental role in shaping the Company's downstream and advanced materials strategy.Dr. Doninger earned his B.A. from the University of Illinois and completed his Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Northwestern University, beginning a distinguished career in industrial and applied materials science. He spent many years at IMC before serving as Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Superior Graphite, where he became widely recognized as a leading expert in the use of graphite for battery and advanced material applications. Over the course of his career, Dr. Doninger authored technical publications, held patents related to carbon-based materials, and addressed legislative and industry forums on energy and materials innovation.Later in his career, Dr. Doninger founded Dontech Global, continuing to advise companies and advance materials technologies until the time of his passing. His technical insight, leadership, and commitment to innovation were foundational to the silicon-enhanced graphite anode technology reflected in this patent. Focus Graphite acknowledges his lasting contributions and honours his legacy.About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defence, and advanced materials industries.Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals — reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/ X: https://x.com/focusgraphiteInvestors Contact: Dean Hanisch CEO, Focus Graphite Inc. dhanisch@focusgraphite.com +1 (613) 612-6060Jason LatkowcerVP Corporate Developmentjlatkowcer@focusgraphite.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, without limitation: (i) the expected progression of the allowed Canadian patent application to formal grant following completion of final administrative steps; (ii) the potential technical performance characteristics and intended benefits of the Company's silicon-enhanced, spheroidal graphite anode materials; (iii) the continued development, testing, and advancement of the patented technology as part of the Company's downstream strategy; (iv) the potential commercial applications of the technology across battery, energy storage, industrial, and dual-use markets; (v) the Company's ability to leverage its intellectual property portfolio to support future partnerships, licensing opportunities, or commercialization initiatives; and (vi) the role of the Company's advanced materials strategy in supporting secure, non-adversarial, and domestically aligned supply chains for critical battery materials.Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281602 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com