Month: 2026 年 1 月

In-Kingdom operating entity to enable compliant digital asset innovation for sovereign and enterprise-scale initiatives under Saudi regulatory frameworksAL KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Jan 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Open World Ltd. (“Open World”), a blockchain infrastructure company with experience supporting large-scale digital asset initiatives, today announced the establishment of Saudi Arabia’s first RWA (Real-World Asset) Tokenization Center of Excellence. The news follows Open World’s announcement on January 5, 2026, regarding its plans to merge with VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME) (“VerifyMe”), positioning the combined entity for participation in public markets as a leading infrastructure provider in the digital asset and tokenization sector.The RWA Center of Excellence will operate as a fully licensed and, as regulations are defined, in-Kingdom entity designed to accelerate compliant digital asset innovation for sovereign, enterprise, and institutional clients across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. The initiative will directly support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Financial Sector Development Program, which seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive financial and investment hub.As the Saudi regulatory frameworks continue to mature, the Center of Excellence will enable compliant tokenization of real-world assets, including energy infrastructure, tokenized carbon reduction credits, real estate, sovereign bonds and, over time, regulated stablecoins. These initiatives will be launched on Open World’s sovereign and national-scale tokenization infrastructure introduced in December 2025 through its partnership with Abstract. This will provide Saudi enterprises and government entities new pathways to access global capital markets while maintaining full regulatory compliance with Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and Capital Market Authority (CMA) requirements.“Saudi Arabia is leading the global conversation on how digital assets can be deployed in service of national economic priorities,” said Matt Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Open World. “By establishing our Center of Excellence in Al Khobar, we are making a long-term commitment to build alongside Saudi partners, under Saudi regulations, with infrastructure that meets the Kingdom’s sovereign data and security requirements. Our goal is to help transform Saudi Arabia’s tremendous real-world asset base into globally accessible, compliant digital instruments that attract international investment while ensuring value creation remains within the Kingdom.”Initial focus areas for the Center of Excellence include certain types of energy asset tokenization, real estate development financing, and the on-chain verification and storage of carbon reduction credits. The Center has been structured to meet sovereign-grade delivery standards, with a strong emphasis on data residency, local security controls, and national economic considerations aligned with the Kingdom’s localization objectives.“Welcoming Open World to Al Khobar represents a significant step in our region’s digital transformation journey,” said Dr. Salman Salem Al Khaldi, member of the Industry and Energy Committee at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The Eastern Province is home to Saudi Aramco, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran Techno Valley and the Kingdom’s largest concentration of energy assets, making it the ideal location to pioneer real-world asset tokenization. This initiative aligns perfectly with Vision 2030’s goal to develop our financial sector and diversify our economy beyond traditional energy exports.”The RWA Center of Excellence is expected to commence full operations in 2026, with initial pilot projects targeted for mid-year launch. Open World has established the necessary legal, licensing, commercial, and technological infrastructure required to operate directly within Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment.To support growing institutional adoption in Saudi Arabia, Open World said it plans to work with financial institutions, government entities, and regulators to develop frameworks for investor protection, regulatory clarity, and standardized tokenization practices, with strategic partnership announcements expected throughout 2026.About Open World Ltd.Open World has been a major driving force behind many of the most iconic projects in blockchain. Given its expertise, Open World is now expanding its offerings to traditional finance (TradFi). Open World has facilitated the inception and growth of more than 20 companies since 2023 and has helped launch over $65 billion in aggregate network value since (at peak FDV). Open World advises founding teams as they navigate the most complex intersections of financial regulatory, tokenomics, public markets, exchange strategy, and governance structuring. The teams Open World advises are partners with leading venture capital firms, including a16z, Multicoin Capital, Dragonfly, and Founders Fund. The firm’s range of services includes token launch advisory, DATs and TradFi strategies, RWA tokenization, stablecoin issuance, policy advocacy, and strategic advisory work. To learn more, visit https://www.openworld.dev.About VerifyMe, Inc.VerifyMe provides specialized logistics for time and temperature-sensitive products, as well as brand protection and enhancement solutions. To learn more, visit https://www.verifyme.com/.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “become,” “expected,” “plans,” “upon,” “will,” and similar expressions, as they relate to Open World and VerifyMe, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the uncertainty of whether Open World and VerifyMe will enter into a merger agreement and, if they do enter into a merger agreement, that the merger will close. Additionally, the expected benefits of the merger may not be realized. These risk factors and uncertainties include those more fully described in VerifyMe’s Annual Report and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including under the heading entitled “Risk Factors.” Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those currently anticipated. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find ItThis document includes discussion related to a proposed transaction between Open World and VerifyMe. In connection with the proposed transaction, if the parties enter into a merger agreement, VerifyMe intends to file a proxy statement, and, if required by the definitive merger agreement, a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC relating to the proposed transaction. After concluding the SEC comment process, and, if applicable, the registration statement is declared effective, VerifyMe will mail a definitive proxy statement, and, if applicable, a prospectus, to its stockholders. VerifyMe will also file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC.Investors and securityholders are urged to read the proxy statement and any prospectus, and other relevant documents filed with the SEC carefully when they become available, because they will contain important information about Open World, VerifyMe, and the proposed transaction.Copies of the proxy statement and any prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by VerifyMe will be available free of charge on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov and on VerifyMe’s website at https://vrmeinvestor.com/ or by written request to VerifyMe at VerifyMe, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 801 International Parkway, Fifth Floor, Lake Mary, Florida 32746.Participants in the SolicitationOpen World and VerifyMe and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from VerifyMe’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. If the parties enter into a merger agreement, a list of the names of the directors and executive officers of VerifyMe and information regarding their interest in the proposed merger will be contained in the proxy statement and any prospectus when available. Additional information regarding the interests of the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of VerifyMe’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger, including the names and interests of Open World’s directors and executive officers, will be set forth in the proxy statement and any prospectus for the proposed merger, which is expected to be filed by Open World and VerifyMe with the SEC after the parties enter into a merger agreement.No Offer or SolicitationThis communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under applicable securities laws.Media ContactCompany: Open World Ltd.Email: openworld@wachsman.com Company: VerifyMe, Inc.Email: IR@verifyme.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, January 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 35th Education & Careers Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opens today and will run for four days (22 to 25 January, Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo gathers over 860 organisations from 23 countries and regions, including government bureaux and departments, tertiary institutions, and education centres, showcasing Hong Kong's advantages as an international hub for pursuing higher education and nurturing international talents.Innovation and technology are among the focal points this year. Over 100 activities will be held during the expo, including sharing by representatives from leading enterprises such as J.P. Morgan and Lenovo on career development opportunities in Hong Kong. Various interactive activities are also available, with free admission to the public throughout the four-day event.Officiating at the Expo’s opening ceremony are Sophia Chong, HKTDC Executive Director and Dr Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Ms Chong said in her welcoming remarks: “The Education and Careers Expo provides a crucial platform for international and local students to explore Hong Kong's world-class education and career development opportunities. It also helps promote Hong Kong's high-quality educational resources globally, consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international higher education hub.This year's fair continues with the theme ‘Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,’ and brings together various tertiary institutions, education centres and consulates-general in Hong Kong. A record participation of 31 Hong Kong government bureaux and departments, along with various public and private organisations, reflects the strong demand for diverse talents and underscores Hong Kong as a talent hub.”Focusing on Hong Kong’s future opportunities: cross-sector exchanges inspire new perspectivesThis year's Expo is divided into two main sections – “Education” and “Careers”. It features four themed days focusing on “Civil Servants & Public Services”, “Next Gen Technologies”, “Healthcare & Wellness” and “Greater Bay Area Opportunities”. The 2025 Policy Address announced measures to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an education hub and talent centre while cultivating and attracting innovation and technology professionals. In line with this direction, this year’s Expo hosts a series of themed talks and seminars to encourage students from neighbouring regions to pursue further studies and career opportunities in Hong Kong, further solidifying Hong Kong's position as an international post-secondary education hub.Highlights include the specially curated seminar “A Date with Giants”, exploring career and further studies opportunities in Hong Kong through exchanges with representatives from Lenovo, J.P. Morgan, and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong and an undergraduate entrepreneur (USIMS Limited) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Suitable for students, job seekers, and those interested in development opportunities in Hong Kong, this session offers insight into the latest trends of career development in innovation and technology, finance, and further study opportunity while expanding professional networks and horizons. Also, The China Hong Kong Elite Union will invite “Hong Kong Drifters”, Chinese Mainland students who study in Hong Kong, to share their experience from education to employment.The “Education” section is divided into four zones. The “Local Studies” zone brings together numerous universities, vocational and professional education institutions, including the Vocational Training Council (VTC), which is dedicated to nurturing talents in innovation and green technology. Independently developed by the Engineering Discipline of IVE, member institution of VTC and winner of the World Solar Challenge held in Australia last year, the SOPHIE 8x model is displayed at the Expo to showcase how students applied new energy theories learned in the classroom to practical applications, demonstrating the potential of Hong Kong's young generation in the innovation and technology field. The Hong Kong Institute of Construction presents its latest technological and innovative achievements with a series of immersive learning experiences including demonstrations of construction robot dogs and humanoid robot. A "DIY Robotic Dog Workshop" provides the public with hands-on experience in applying innovative technology to education and construction. Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong also introduces programmes such as Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Management, and Global Logistics Technology to equip students with emerging technological and industry-specific skills for the future workplace.The “Non-Hong Kong Education” zone comprises consulates based in Hong Kong, overseas universities and educational organisations from various countries and regions, and offers study-abroad advisory services covering Europe, the Americas, Asia and countries and regions along the Belt and Road.The “Lifelong Learning” and “Youth Zone” sections provide a wide spectrum of further education and industry information for working professionals, career switchers and young people. The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) introduces skills-based training courses which cover multiple industry categories, technology applications and workplace languages and provide training consultancy services. The Professional Communication Association shares insight on public speaking, debating, and job interview techniques. Organisations such as the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Youth Exchange Promotion United Association provide young people with career planning support, summer job opportunities and internship placement information.Active government participation and upgraded free “CV Clinic”The “Careers” Zone features over 31 government bureaux and departments, including the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Education Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, and the Judiciary. Providing career opportunities and information in disciplinary forces, professional and technical roles, and administrative and management grades. A dedicated Civil Service Bureau seminar zone will host a total of 17 career seminars in collaboration with multiple government departments and the Independent Commission Against Corruption. These include “Administrative Officers Multiverse Explored: Unlocking Limitless Possibilities in Public Administration’’, which introduces the diverse scope of work within the Administrative Officer grade to inspire young people aspiring to public service. Also,the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will showcase the important role of veterinary surgeons in safeguarding public health and share how quarantine detector dogs assist in disease prevention and maintain social wellbeing.The “Recruitment Square” gathers multiple job platforms, recruitment consultancy firms and enterprises to accept job applications on-site, with some providing on-the-spot interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes to apply for positions.The “CV Clinic”, which received an enthusiastic response last year, returns with a comprehensive upgrade. This year, the Clinic features six services including 1:1 CV consultations, professional CV portrait photography, 1:1 Trainee Programme & Career Consultation, “Aptitude Test Ready Station”, Personal Colour Analysis and the latest 2026 edition of the “16 Personality Types Magic Quiz”, leveraging technology to support jobseekers in enhancing their competitiveness. Job seekers may reserve these onsite services in advance via the Education & Careers Expo website. Quotas are limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.Throughout the exhibition, over 100 activities will be held, covering multiple fields including technology, healthcare, and overseas studies. The Expo features a number of experts and industry leaders who will speak on the latest industry developments to help students and job seekers seize future opportunities:Highlighted events at the Education & Careers Expo22 January(Thursday)Themed Day Events: Civil Servants & Public Services- The Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Office of the Development Bureau will introduce the 'Urban Forestry Support Fund' Trainee Programme and career orientation for landscape architects, exploring opportunities in green future development.- The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and World Vision will share career planning insights for entering the local social welfare sector and international non-profit organisations.- International professional image trainer and founder of Spark Image Consultancy Ltd, May Chan, shared the five essential workplace dressing tips that new graduates to the workforce should learn.23 January(Friday) Themed Day Events: Next Gen Technologies- Alice Yip, Partner, Head of Consumer & Retail, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG; Alan Chan, General Manager – Hong Kong & Taiwan, Adobe;Andy Chow, Head of Customer Solutions and Architects, Google Cloud; Terrence Siu, Chief Information Officer, APAC, L'Occitane Group and Mann Yim, Chairman, Hong Kong Society of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (HKSAII), will provide in-depth analysis of how AI is shaping a new era of teamwork.Other highlight activities:- Tse Chi Yung, Vincent, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Professional Communication Association and Registered Chinese medicine practitioner, shares how communication and persuasion skills help individuals demonstrate their self-value in social competition.24 January(Saturday)Themed Day Events: Healthcare & Wellness- The Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists (APPO) will explore the importance of children's vision care and offer eye protection tips.- Hong Kong Shue Yan University will introduce the concept of and cultivation methods of psychological resilience, assisting the public in enhancing emotional management skills and promoting mental wellbeing.Other highlight activities:- “A Date with Giants” features representatives from Lenovo, J.P. Morgan, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (USIMS Limited), and The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong will explore career and further study opportunities in Hong Kong.- Registered expressive arts therapist Aleck Kwong will share his journey from top HKCEE scorer to one of the 2025 Ten Outstanding Young Persons.- Life celebrant and radio host Sara Lee, together with Dr Fan Ning, Chairman of Forget Thee Not, will share their experiences of becoming life celebrants and its impact on life.25 January(Sunday)Themed Day Events: Greater Bay Area Opportunities- Calvin Tse, President of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, will speak on “Guide to GBA Entrepreneurship”.- The China Hong Kong Elite Union will invite “Hong Kong Drifters”, Chinese Mainland students who study in Hong Kong, to share their experience from education to employment.- Hong Kong Chu Hai College will introduce its campus features and programme advantages, inspiring students to explore new options for further education.- The Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation will share Greater Bay Area educational resources and youth development pathways.Other highlight activities:- Yeung Chi Keung, Principal, Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College, alongside two alumni, will share skills and tips for overcoming challenges to become top scorers in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE).- Lam Ka-ho, Instructor of the Employees Retraining Board, shared how to explore the use of artificial intelligence to enhance workplace skills.*Seats for activities are limited and pre-registration online is encouraged.The Expo also features a series of workshops and hands-on activities suitable for parents to attend with their children, including a mock courtroom set up by the Judiciary, allowing participants to experience a courtroom environment firsthand and deepen their understanding of judicial procedures and legal professions. There is also a mock TV studio and recording studio set up by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) where participants can experience professional production workflows first-hand.Admission is free for the public over the four-day exhibition period. Visitors can also enjoy the “Instant Career Snapshot” AI photo experience and receive complimentary souvenirs, including a limited-edition mobile phone strap for the 35th Education & Careers Expo, while stocks last.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4sXDLwwIn her welcome remarks, Sophia Chong, Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said the Education & Careers Expo had long been providing the public with an excellent platform, bringing together comprehensive and up-to-date information on further education and employment, solidifying Hong Kong's role as an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talents.Dr Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, delivered the opening remarks at the 35th Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Education & Careers.Sophia Chong, Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (fifth left) and Dr Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education (fifth right) at the opening ceremony.The “Education” section comprises four main zones, with the “Local Studies” zone bringing together multiple universities and tertiary institutions.The “Careers” Zone features a record participation of 31 government bureaux and departments, providing career opportunities and information in disciplinary forces, professional and technical roles, and administrative and management grades.Vocational Training Council (VTC)’s Engineering discipline presents the SOPHIE 8x model, winner of the World Solar Challenge held in Australia, showcasing how students transformed theories to practical innovation and green technology capabilities.The Expo features four themed days, with the opening day focusing on “Civil Servants & Public Services”. Government departments and the Independent Commission Against Corruption hosted various seminars introducing job roles and sharing valuable work experience.The Judiciary has set up a mock courtroom at the Expo, allowing participants to experience the court environment firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of judicial procedures and the legal profession.International professional image trainer May Chan shared five essential workplace dressing tips for new graduates.The Career Zone features a free “CV Clinic”, comprehensively upgraded this year with new services including personal colour analysis.The expo also offers interactive and hands-on activities, including access to RTHK's mock TV and recording studio to experience the real media working environment.Education & Careers Expo Website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/enEvents’ information: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/en/intelligence-hubHKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Stanley SoTel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgNavin LawTel: (852) 2584 4525Email: navin.cm.law@hktdc.orgWinnie Kan Tel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@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

香港, 2026年1月22日 - (亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com) - 在当今全球经济加速数字化转型的宏大进程中，Web3.0与区块链技术正以破竹之势，重塑着金融生态的底层逻辑。近日，港股上市公司中国数智科技集团有限公司（股票代码：01796.HK，以下简称"中国数智科技"）的一则战略动向，在资本市场与科技界引发广泛关注。公司正式宣布，与Popcorn Technology LLC签署合作协议，双方将通过成立合资项目公司，共同推进区块链基础设施建设及数字金融业务的全球布局。这一动作，不仅标志着中国数智科技在Web3.0及数字资产赛道的布局迈出了关键一步，更向外界传递出其从"产融结合"赋能者，向"AI+元宇宙+数字金融"全生态领航者跨越的坚定决心。数智基因：深耕实业的厚积薄发中国数智科技深耕Web3.0赛道，绝非偶然的跨界尝试，而是其长期以来"数智化赋能实体经济"战略的深度升华。回望企业发展历程，中国数智科技始终将技术创新视为核心驱动力，通过"技术+服务"的双轮驱动，在多个高科技领域筑起了雄厚的产业根基。从助力晶片国产化、攻克半导体关键技术的德仁电子项目，到作为国内唯一与全球巨头西门子签署本土化协议的星伦物联AI物联网平台，再到通过数字化手段彻底重构传统餐饮模式的智能厨房——中国数智科技已在人工智能、物联网及智能制造领域证明了其"硬核"的赋能能力。此次向Web3.0领域延伸，实质上是利用先进的人工智能量化技术，对数字资产进行"二次赋能"。公司意在为集团培育全新的价值增长点，全方位提升在数字资产领域的核心竞争力。合规制胜：赋能万亿RWA蓝海目前，Web3.0正开启资产形态的深刻变革。RWA（真实世界资产代币化）的兴起正成为连接传统金融与去中心化金融的价值枢纽。通过区块链技术，将传统资产"数字化"，不仅能释放流动性，更为全球投资者降低了优质资产的配置门槛。中国数智科技敏锐地捕捉到了这一万亿级赛道的时代机遇。凭借在香港持有的证监会1、4、9号牌照及信托管理资质，集团正致力于构建一套虚实结合、产融互通的数智生态。通过资产证券化与上市赋能等工具，集团在实现自身产业化转型的同时，为更多中小企业装载"资本引擎"，助力其在数字经济浪潮中实现跨越式成长。链接全球：定义数字时代的价值新锚点站在数字金融的新起点，中国数智科技展现出前瞻性的国际视野。随着全球虚拟资产市场规模的扩张，以及多国政策的逐步开放，集团正积极抢占行业先机，重塑企业的价值锚点——它不再仅仅是一家科技赋能公司，而是一个能够链接物理资产与数字价值、实体产业与资本市场的综合性门户平台。展望未来，中国数智科技将继续依托AI、元宇宙及区块链的技术积淀，携手合作伙伴探索数字金融的更多可能。在为股东创造长期价值的同时，开启Web3.0时代产业进化的新篇章。 Copyright 2026 亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com