HONG KONG, March 4, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and runs for five consecutive days until 8 March. It is held concurrently with the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show which opened on Monday (2 March) at AsiaWorld-Expo and concludes on 6 March. The two shows bring together some 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, forming the world’s largest one-stop jewellery marketplace.Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Alongside the expanded Hall of Fame, the show will feature the debut of the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion and the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion. Furthermore, Uzbekistan is participating for the first time with a delegation of 10 companies, showcasing a wide range of gold jewellery. Through diversified exhibit profiles, we aim to create more collaboration opportunities for the industry and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a global jewellery trading hub.”Kent Wong, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Fair Organising Committee, said: “Hong Kong is an international trade and sourcing centre and our twin jewellery shows play a pivotal role. Continuing the successful ‘Two Shows, Two Venues’ format, the fairs attract global jewellery professionals for sourcing and networking, helping the industry capture the latest global market trends.”International brands converge, key zones expandAt the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, the Hall of Fame has expanded by over 40%, welcoming more renowned international jewellery brands. Among them, Turkish exhibitor Hosgor Kuyumculuk Mucevherat Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Booth: CEC 3B-D15) presents a 35.5-carat diamond necklace that combines exquisite craftsmanship with brilliant radiance. Another highlight is the Hall of Extraordinary, which features exhibitors such as Hong Kong’s Glamour Fine Jewelry Enterprise Company (Booth: CEC GH-C16), showcasing a bracelet featuring Colombian emeralds paired with diamonds and rubies in a radiant and luxurious style.New pavilions highlight oriental aestheticsWith hard pure gold technologies gaining popularity in the Chinese Mainland, the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion (Booth: CEC 3E-F02) features 11 exhibitors organised by the World Gold Council. The pavilion showcases innovative techniques that produce harder, lighter and brighter gold pieces capable of setting a variety of gemstones. Also, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion highlights crossover craftsmanship between jewellery setting and watchmaking.The fairs also feature several events celebrating oriental aesthetics. Today, the Jewellers’ and Goldsmiths’ Association of Hong Kong Limited presented the awards for the Hong Kong International Fashion Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition. The competition encourages designers to create culturally rich and commercially viable gold jewellery for the ASEAN and the Middle East markets. Tomorrow (5 March) will see the awards presentation of the inaugural International Fei Cui Jewellery Design Competition, organised by the Hong Kong Jade Association, honouring designers who skilfully blend jadeite with global cultural elements.Antique treasures and cutting-edge designAntique jewellery remains highly sought-after by collectors and high-end customers for its historical value and craftsmanship. The Antique & Vintage Jewellery Galleria presents an array of rare pieces, including a bi-colour enamel diamond piece from World Coins Co., Ltd. (Booth: CEC CH-N12), with a history spanning over a century. Design pieces are equally captivating, the Designer Galleria welcomes 10 Korean designers this year. Together with the Young Jewellery Designer Arena, participated by the Asia Pacific Creator Association and the Asia Jewelry Culture Design and Crafts Association, about 50 designer exhibitors will showcase their diverse creativities in the fairground.The HKTDC continues to nurture local talents in the jewellery industry. In partnership with the Jewellers’ and Goldsmiths’ Association of Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association, and Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, the 27th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition returns under the theme “Pure Elegance – Natural Beauty”, offering a stage for local professional designers and students. The awards ceremony will be held tomorrow (5 March) at the HKCEC, with winning pieces on display to demonstrate innovative design.E-commerce and technology empower industry growthTo help exhibitors expand into the Chinese Mainland market and develop their online sales channels, the fairs continue the collaboration with Taobao Tmall. For the first time, the fairs also welcome Douyin, partnering with influencers and KOLs for on-site live streaming to promote exhibitors’ products. On 7 March, a seminar will feature experts discussing the latest online marketing trends and tactics.Another seminar on 5 March will explore how AI and new technologies enhance competitiveness, optimise production, and drive product innovation in the jewellery industry.Engaging events to connect and inspireA diverse lineup of events will be held to foster industry dialogue. These include a seminar by Dr Jack Ogden, a distinguished British historian and jewellery authority, who will analyse the evolution of jewellery craftsmanship and changing aesthetic tastes throughout history. The jewellery parades will highlight themes such as intangible cultural heritage jewellery, curated selections from the Antique & Vintage Jewellery Galleria, as well as highlights from the Hall of Extraordinary, Designer Galleria, and gold jewellery.Full list of the winning entries from Hong Kong International Fashion Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition: https://bit.ly/46B5edLPhoto download: https://bit.ly/46GadtLThe 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opens today at the HKCEC, alongside the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AWE, together gathering around 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regionsAnthony Lam, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (front row, centre); Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (front row, fifth right); Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC (front row, fifth left); Kent Wong, Chairman of the HKTDC twin jewellery shows’ Fair Organising Committee (front row, fourth right); Winston Chow, Chairman of the HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee (front row, fourth left), and other officiating guests attended today’s networking receptionThe Hall of Fame has expanded by over 40% this year, featuring more international brandsThe World Gold Council debuts the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, featuring 11 exhibitors to showcase innovative hard pure gold craftsmanship to international buyersThe Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion makes its first appearance, exhibiting luxury timepieces that integrate jewellery setting craftsmanshipShenzhen Meifei Precious Metals Co Ltd (Booth: CEC 3E-E02) presents 24K gold necklaces themed around oriental palatial and modern Chinese styles, employing six traditional gold techniquesHong Kong exhibitor Present Watch & Jewelry (Booth: CEC 1CON-019) showcases a diamond wristwatch inspired by the Northern Song masterpiece “Ode to the Lotus”, with a dial crafted to evoke a lotus pondTurkish brand Zen Diamond (Booth: CEC 3B-C12), which appointed global celebrity Jennifer Lopez as its ambassador in 2025, presents a series of diamond pieces at the showHong Kong designer Austy Lee (Booth: CEC 1EF32) launches a zebra-inspired-bangle for the Year of the HorseWinners of the Hong Kong International Fashion Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition pictured at the award ceremony with distinguished guestsFair detailsHong Kong International Jewellery ShowDateOpening hours4 March (Wednesday)10:30am to 6:30pm5-7 March (Thursday to Saturday)10am to 6:30pm8 March (Friday)10am to 5:30pmVenueHong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan ChaiPress registration and Media CentreMedia representatives can register at the entrance of HKCEC Hall 1D Concourse, or at the HKTDC Media Centre (G/F, Expo Drive Entrance, HKCEC) by presenting a business card or media identification.* Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl ShowDateOpening hours2 March (Monday)10:30am to 6:30pm3-5 March (Tuesday to Thursday)10am to 6:30pm6 March (Friday)10am to 5:30pmVenueAsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, Hong KongPress registration and Media CentreMedia representatives can register at the entrance of AsiaWorld-Expo’s East Lobby (Next to Hall 5) or at the Media Centre (Room 201C, 2/F) by presenting a business card or media identification.** For security reasons, all media will be required to present a name card and identity card (or passport) for press registration. Individuals with a valid press pass will be required to present their identity card (or passport) again at the entrance to the exhibition halls for identity verification. Please allow sufficient time for registration and admission.Websites Hong Kong International Jewellery ShowHong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl ShowWebsitehttp://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.comhttp://hkdgp.hktdc.comActivity listhttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en/intelligence-hubhttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/en/intelligence-hubShuttle bus arrangementshttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en/travel-to-fairground-hkcechttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/en/travel-to-fairground-aweHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Winnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgKaty WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.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. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

香港, 2026年3月4日 - (亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com) - 由香港贸易发展局（香港贸发局）主办的第42届香港国际珠宝展，今日起一连五日（3月4至8日）在湾仔香港会议展览中心举行，而第12届香港国际钻石、宝石及珍珠展已率先于周一（3月2日）在亚洲国际博览馆揭幕，展期至3月6日。两展云集逾40个国家及地区、约4,000家展商，组成全球最大一站式珠宝商贸平台。香港贸发局副总裁古静敏表示：「今年香港国际珠宝展的品牌精粹廊规模进一步扩大，更首设硬足金展馆及香港表厂商会展馆。乌兹别克亦首次组团参展，带来10家企业展示黄金珠宝产品。我们期望透过多元化的展会内容，为业界开拓更多合作机会，进一步巩固香港作为国际珠宝贸易枢纽的地位。」香港国际珠宝展及香港国际钻石、宝石及珍珠展筹备委员会主席黄绍基表示：「香港作为国际商贸及採购中心，香港贸发局珠宝双展发挥着举足轻重的作用。今年延续『两展两地』的成功模式，吸引世界各地珠宝业人士前来参观採购，相信有助业界拓展国际商机，并掌握环球市场最新动向。」国际品牌云集 焦点展区阵容升级香港国际珠宝展备受瞩目之一的品牌精粹廊(Hall of Fame)展区规模较往年扩大逾四成，其中的土耳其展商 Hosgor Kuyumculuk Mucevherat Ticaret Limited Sirketi（展位：会展 3B-D15）于展会带来35.5卡钻石颈錬，工艺与光芒兼备。另一焦点展区珠宝精粹廊(Hall of Extraordinary)同样精彩，香港展商骏邑国际(Glamour Fine Jewelry Enterprise Company)（展位：会展 GH-C16）带来以哥伦比亚祖母绿配衬钻石及红宝石的手鍊，呈现华丽气派。首设展馆展示东方美学内地近年兴起硬足金技术，世界黄金协会组织11家企业于硬足金展馆展出（展位：会展 3E-F02），向国际展示硬足金崭新工艺，相比传统足金饰品更硬、更轻、更亮，能够镶嵌不同宝石物料，迎合时尚珠宝潮流。此外，香港表厂商会展馆亦会重点展示珠宝与腕表的跨界工艺。展会期间举行多场关于东方美学珠宝的活动，包括今日举行的香港国际时尚足金首饰设计比赛颁奖典礼，比赛以「黄金新思路‧新丝路的文化交融与创新」为主题，鼓励设计师创作出迎合东盟及中东市场，兼具文化内涵和商业潜力的金饰作品。明天（3月5日）将举行国际翡翠玉器首饰设计大赛颁奖典礼，表扬将翡翠玉石与国际文化结合的优秀设计人才。古董珍藏与设计新锐古典首饰向来深受收藏家及高端客群青睐，其歷史价值与经典工艺亦令作品别具收藏价值。古典精粹廊（Antique & Vintage Jewellery Galleria）展出多件古董珍品，包括展商World Coins Co., Ltd.（展位：会展CH‑N12）带来的一套拥有超过100年歷史的双色珐琅钻石首饰。别具匠心的设计同样极具吸引力，珠宝设计精选展区（Designer Galleria）今年特别邀请十位韩国设计师参与，连同新晋珠宝设计师专区（Young Jewellery Designer Arena）、亚太区创作师协会以及亚洲珠宝文化设计工艺协会，合共汇聚约50家设计师展商，展示多元创意。香港贸发局一向致力培育香港珠宝设计人才，并积极推动珠宝业的创意发展，今年再次与香港珠宝首饰业商会、香港珠宝玉石厂商会、香港珠宝制造业厂商会及香港钻石总会携手举办第27届香港珠宝设计比赛，以「未琢之韵．自然之美」为题，让本地专业珠宝设计师及学生一展才华。颁奖典礼将于明天（3月5日）于会展举行，获奬作品展示创新的珠宝设计。电商与科技助力行业发展为协助展商开拓中国内地市场及线上销售渠道，今年展会继续与电商平台淘宝天猫合作，同时抖音亦会首次参与，联同网红达人在现场为参展商进行产品直播。大会将于3月7日举办研讨会，由业界专家及网红剖析最新线上营销趋势及技巧。此外，针对创新科技对珠宝行业的影响，3月5日举办的研讨会将探讨人工智能及新技术如何协助业界提升竞争力、优化生产效率及推动产品创新。精彩活动促进业界交流展会期间将安排多场专题活动，包括由英国歷史学家及珠宝权威Dr. Jack Ogden主讲的研讨会，深入分析珠宝工艺的演变。多场珠宝汇演将展示不同主题系列，包括非物质文化遗产珠宝、古典精粹廊精选、珠宝精粹廊精选、设计师精选，以及黄金首饰。香港国际时尚足金设计比赛完整得奖名单：https://bit.ly/46B5edL图片下载：https://bit.ly/46GadtL由香港贸易发展局主办的第42届香港国际珠宝展今日于湾仔会展隆重开幕，连同于亚博馆举行的第12届香港国际钻石、宝石及珍珠展，共汇聚来自全球超过40个国家及地区，约4,000家参展商。香港工业总会主席林世豪（前排正中）、香港特别行政区政府商务及经济发展局副局长陈百里（前排右五）、香港贸发局总裁张淑芬（前排左五）、香港国际珠宝展及香港国际钻石、宝石及珍珠展筹备委员会主席黄绍基（前排右四）、香港贸发局珠宝业谘询委员会主席周允成（前排左四）及一众嘉宾，出席今日（3月4日）举行的第42届香港国际珠宝展及第12届香港国际钻石、宝石及珍珠展交流酒会。今年「品牌精粹廊」展区规模较去年扩大逾四成，汇聚更多国际知名珠宝品牌。世界黄金协会于珠宝展首设硬足金展馆，合共11家展商，向国际展示硬足金崭新工艺。香港表厂商会展馆首度登场，展出多款结合珠宝镶嵌工艺的奢华腕錶系列。中国内地展商赛菲尔珠宝（展位：会展 3E-E02）带来主打「东方宫廷」与「新中式」风格，运用六种古法黄金工艺制作的24K黄金项链。香港展商比辰钟錶珠宝（展位：会展 1CON-019）带来一款以北宋名作《爱莲说》为设计灵感的钻石手表，将表面打造成莲花池一样。土耳其展商Zen Diamond（展位：会展 3B-C12）于2025年邀请国际名人Jennifer Lopez担任全球代言人，今次为珠宝展带来一系列的钻石作品。香港设计师Austy Lee（展位：会展 1E - F32）趁马年推出以斑马为灵感的手镯，别出心裁。「香港国际时尚足金设计比赛」一众得奖者与嘉宾合照。展会资料：香港国际珠宝展展览日期开放时间3月4日（星期三）上午10时30分至下午6时30分3月5至7日（星期四至六）上午10时至下午6时30分3月8日（星期日）上午10时至下午5时30分展览地点湾仔博览道1号香港会议展览中心记者登记处及新闻中心新闻界代表请携同名片及记者证到香港会议展览中心展览厅1D大堂，或到香港贸发局新闻中心（香港会议展览中心博览道入口──新翼地下）即场办理记者入场证** 香港国际钻石、宝石及珍珠展展览日期开放时间3月2日(星期一)上午10时30分至下午6时30分3月3至5日 (星期二至四)上午10时至下午6时30分3月6日 (星期五)上午10时至下午5时30分展览地点香港大屿山香港国际机场亚洲国际博览馆记者登记处及新闻中心新闻界代表请携同名片及记者证到亚洲国际博览馆东大堂入口 （5号展馆门口旁），或到新闻中心（2楼201B会议室）即场办理记者入场证****基于保安理由，记者须出示工作证及身份证或护照登记，方能办理记者证，持大会发出记者证入场前，保安人员亦会要求出示身份证明文件，以确认身份。请预留足够时间办理记者证及入场。相关网页 香港国际珠宝展香港国际钻石、宝石及珍珠展展览网页http://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com/schttp://hkdgp.hktdc.com/sc两展穿梭巴士安排https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/sc/travel-to-fairground-hkcechttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/sc/travel-to-fairground-awe展会活动https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/sc/intelligence-hubhttps://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/sc/intelligence-hub香港贸发局新闻中心：http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/sc传媒查询香港贸易发展局传讯及公共事务部：简惠宜电话：(852) 2584 4055电邮：winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org黄家欣电话：(852) 2584 4524电邮：katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org张敏萱电话：(852) 2584 4137电邮：jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org香港贸易发展局简介香港贸易发展局(香港贸发局)是于1966年成立的法定机构，负责促进、协助和发展香港贸易。香港贸发局在世界各地设有超过50个办事处，其中13个设于中国内地，致力推广本港作为双向环球投资及商业枢纽。 香港贸发局通过举办国际展览会、会议及商贸考察团，为企业(尤其是中小企)开拓内地和环球市场的机遇。香港贸发局亦通过研究报告和数码资讯平台，提供最新的市场分析和产品资讯。有关香港贸发局的其他资讯，请浏览www.hktdc.com/aboutus/tc。 Copyright 2026 亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

LONDON, Mar 4, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - BASIS has announced a significant acceleration in platform development following its recent $35 million Pre-Series A capital raise. The funding enables parent company Base58 Labs to advance the commercial integration of its proprietary Base58 Hyper-Latency Engine (BHLE) into the BASIS staking infrastructure.BHLE, developed over multiple years within institutional high-frequency trading (HFT) research environments, is now transitioning from research phase into structured platform deployment. The engine is designed to enhance execution efficiency, reduce latency-related inefficiencies, and optimise liquidity management across fragmented digital asset markets.Industry observers note that the integration of institutional-grade execution frameworks into a staking infrastructure model represents a strategic evolution within the broader digital asset ecosystem. While detailed technical specifications remain confidential, Base58 Labs confirmed that BHLE will serve as a core execution layer within the BASIS architecture.In parallel with the technical acceleration, Base58 Labs has initiated a large-scale recruitment programme across Europe and the United Kingdom. The company is onboarding quantitative engineers, blockchain systems architects, and regulatory compliance specialists, all of whom will focus exclusively on BASIS platform development and infrastructure scaling.“Our objective is to combine years of proprietary research with expanded operational capacity,” a company spokesperson stated. “The recent capital raise enables us to consolidate technical, intellectual, and human resources around a single mission: delivering a high-performance staking infrastructure aligned with institutional standards.”BASIS is also being developed with regulatory alignment in mind, including adherence to emerging European frameworks such as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets). The platform aims to provide a structurally robust environment for both institutional and retail participants.With liquidity reserves strengthened and integration milestones progressing, BASIS remains on track for an official launch in the second half of 2026.About Base58 LabsBase58 Labs is a London-based digital infrastructure company specialising in high-performance execution technologies and blockchain optimisation systems. Learn more: https://base58labs.com/Media ContactBase58 Labs PR TeamEmail: info@base58labs.comBASIS Official Website: https://basis.pro/Base58 Labs Official Website: https://base58labs.com/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

BANGKOK, Mar 4, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Thailand has launched a new phase in its national research and innovation strategy with the introduction of the Thailand RISE Fund, a rebranded national research funding initiative aimed at accelerating the transition from academic research to real-world economic and social impact.The initiative was highlighted at the Thailand RISE Fund Forum: RISE UP THAILAND, hosted in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University. The national forum brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and innovation stakeholders to explore how Thailand can strengthen its position in the global innovation economy.From Research Output to Real-World ImpactThailand’s research performance has expanded significantly over the past decade, but national leaders say the country’s next challenge is ensuring that research delivers tangible benefits.Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, emphasized the importance of translating knowledge into national progress. “A country advances not simply because it produces knowledge, but because it can transform knowledge into a coordinated system that connects policy, research, innovation, and industry,” he said.He added that universities must play a strategic role in national development. “Our goal is to move research beyond the laboratory and into real-world applications that deliver measurable economic and social benefits while strengthening Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.”Building a National Innovation SystemNational research leaders stressed that Thailand’s science and innovation system must operate with clearer direction and stronger coordination.Professor Dr. Sompong Klaynongsruang, President of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), said collaboration across sectors is essential. “The development of Thailand’s science, research and innovation system must be driven systematically—from strategic policy and targeted funding to the practical use of research outcomes in the economy and society.”She noted that cooperation among universities, government agencies, and the private sector will be key to achieving long-term impact. “When all sectors move forward together, research will not only generate knowledge but also create meaningful national transformation.”More Than a RebrandingThe transition to the Thailand RISE Fund represents a strategic shift in how Thailand supports research and innovation.Asst. Professor Dr. Ake Pattaratanakun, Chairman of Thailand RISE Fund Strategic Communications Subcommittee, said the initiative reflects a new national priority. “Thailand has significantly increased its research output over the past decade, but the key challenge today is not quantity. It is how research creates economic and social value.”He explained that the Thailand RISE Fund is designed to bridge the gap between research and industry. “Thailand RISE Fund is intended to serve as a systemic intermediary, linking research to real economic needs and focusing on proof of impact rather than publication numbers.”Four Pillars of the RISE FrameworkThe Thailand RISE Fund operates under a strategic framework built on four pillars:ResearchInnovationScience ExcellenceEcosystemThe ecosystem pillar emphasizes partnerships among universities, businesses, government agencies, and communities to support a comprehensive innovation economy.Expanding Opportunities NationwideThe Thailand RISE Fund is also expanding engagement across Thailand to ensure broader participation in the innovation system. Regional forums and outreach activities are designed to help researchers and entrepreneurs develop collaborative projects aligned with local economic strengths. This approach reflects a shift from centralized funding toward a more inclusive and distributed innovation ecosystem.Research for National DevelopmentThe Thailand RISE Fund aims to transform the role of research in Thailand’s development strategy. “Our vision is to move Thai research from ‘research for journals’ to ‘research for the nation,’” Dr. Ake said.By focusing on measurable impact and long-term value creation, the initiative seeks to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness while supporting sustainable economic and social development.For more information, please contact pr@tsri.or.th#ThailandRiseFund Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Mar 4, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB Co., Ltd. (JCB), together with Resona Holdings, Inc. (Resona; TSE: 8308), announced the start of a project to commercialize ultra-wideband (UWB) payments that realize a new purchasing experience using UWB communication.The two companies have agreed to launch the world's first full-scale project for the practical application and commercialization of UWB payments. In 2026, JCB will work with multiple technology partners and collaborating merchants to demonstrate payment technology and value-added solutions for merchants, as well as user experience building projects to create new purchasing experiences. On top of that, JCB aims to launch small-scale commercial operations in 2027 and full-scale commercialization in earnest in 2028.The two companies are participating in the FiRa® Consortium, which standardizes and contributes to the development of UWB communication technology, as well as builds new payment experiences and value-added solutions for stores using UWB technology.About the UWB Payment ProjectThrough the activities of the FiRa Consortium, JCB, and Resona will standardize technologies and experiences for payment applications, and with the support of FiRa Consortium’s participating vendors, conduct technology tests. From 2026, the two companies will demonstrate UWB payments and value-added solutions together with multiple partner merchants and provide feedback to FiRa on the necessary technology development.In parallel, JCB and Resona will conduct research on user experience and store payment operations to confirm user and merchant acceptability.Moreover, to reduce the introduction load for merchants as much as possible, the project aims to build a payment infrastructure that can widely accept payment solutions using UWB from competitors. The project is aimed to launch on a small scale in 2027 and commercialize on a full-scale in 2028.In addition, the two companies will aim to realize new UWB payments through collaboration with a wide range of partners in Japan and other countries.Image of UWB paymentThe Background of This ProjectUWB communication technology is a short-range wireless communication technology that has the characteristics of (1) accurate location of devices and (2) high-speed data communication and is being used in Japan and overseas for location verification of digital keys for cars and homes, indoor navigation, and tags.The technology is also used overseas in gateless public transportation systems. In the future, it is expected to be used for payments, as with NFC (Near Field Communication) and QR codes.Outside Japan, the spread of smartphones with UWB functions has been slow, but in Japan, smartphones that can use UWB communication are widely available, and can be utilized in advance of the rest of the world. Moreover, the diversification of cashless payments and the wide range of value-added solutions for users and stores are also characteristics of Japan's payment scene. The project believes that it is necessary to take advantage of this location and create new payment solutions to solve problems for users and stores and meet the needs of new solutions.Overview of “UWB Payments”UWB payments can greatly improve the purchasing experience. Until now, it has been necessary to physically touch a card or smartphone at a payment terminal in a merchant or to scan a QR code. UWB payments will leverage short-range communication characteristics to create a new purchasing experience, such as hands-free payments even with a smartphone in a pocket or bag, and to instantly convey user information, such as diet restrictions, to merchants.Also, by utilizing the accurate location information of smartphones, it is possible to realize value-added solutions for both users and merchants that have never been seen before, such as improving the efficiency of navigation and waiting in stores, distributing personalized advertisements and coupons using smart displays, and providing new customer service for VIP customers. It is expected to be used not only to improve the experience but also to be used as a labor-saving solution to address labor shortages.Comparison of NFC and UWB paymentsExamples of value-added solutions:Provide communication functions for both users and merchants. For example, it can be used to automate the communication of requests such as food allergy information, whether or not plastic bags are needed, whether receipts are present and addressed, loyalty program information, whether coupons are available and used, and requests such as handicap and assistance needs, and children's chair preparations.Provide special customer service experiences for VIP customers and support store operations. Customers can receive a special customer service experience without verbally communicating with the merchant’s staff, allowing stores to provide appropriate customer service based on specific customer needs.Enable 1-to-1 marketing capabilities for customers. Marketing utilization, such as displaying personalized information on smart displays near customers, distributing coupons to customers, and displaying personalized pricing.Past UWB Payments InitiativesIn January 2024, JCB and Resona entered into a strategic partnership for the "Hands-free Payment" project, an initiative to build a new payment experience that does not require smartphone operation using device-to-device communication technology. Using UWB communication technology by linking the smartphones held by customers who visit the store with payment terminals and various IoT devices installed in the store, it allows customers to complete the payment process from authentication to payment procedure without taking out a smartphone or activating the screen, and even keeping their smartphone in their bag or pocket. By utilizing this solution, customers can grasp information at the time of their visit to the store and receive customer service and new in-store experiences, such as providing services for VIPs, preferential treatment, and coupon distribution.JCB also announced the development of a UWB-enabled app for iPhones and Apple Watches to support the project, along with a reference model of store checkout equipment and the launch of user testing. Through these efforts, JCB and Resona have been discussing and collaborating with their collaborative partners on technologies and business models.Looking ahead, JCB and Resona will work with multiple technology partners and collaborating merchants to carry out proof-of-concept initiatives for payment and merchant value-added solutions in 2026, with a phased commercial rollout planned for 2027 and full-scale commercialization targeted for 2028.About FiRa ConsortiumThe FiRa Consortium is a member-driven organization dedicated to transforming the way we interact with our environment by enabling precise location awareness for people and devices using the secured fine-ranging and positioning capabilities of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. FiRa does this by driving the development of technical specifications and certifications, advocating for effective regulations, and defining a broad set of UWB use cases. To learn more about UWB and the FiRa Consortium, visit www.firaconsortium.org.About Resona Holdings, Inc.With the Group's purpose of "Making the future positive with finance +," we continue to take on the challenge of transformation and creation in order to transform the future into a positive one with ideas that go beyond the framework of finance. Adhering to our basic stance of "customer joy is Resona's joy," we will work to "strengthen value creativity" and "next-generation management infrastructure" to respond to customers and local communities.About JCB Co., Ltd.JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 71 million merchants worldwide. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 175 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solutions provider, JCB is committed to delivering responsive, high-quality products and services to all customers worldwide.For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ContactAnna TakedaJCB Corporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com