Media OutReach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 May 2025 – GoodCool Pte Ltd, an aircon contractor in Singapore, is marking its second anniversary with the launch of a new community engagement initiative. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company will provide volunteer-based air-conditioning services for selected households across Singapore. GoodCool Introduces CSR Initiative to Support Households in Singapore Community-Focused Support through Volunteer Service The initiative will provide structured opportunities for GoodCool technicians to volunteer their time and skills to support households identified for additional assistance. It aims to deliver practical servicing while encouraging employee participation in community-related activities. The programme falls within the company’s wider CSR approach, which includes employee involvement in non-commercial service delivery. Through this initiative, the organisation intends to apply its technical capabilities in a community context. GoodCool anticipates that the programme will offer benefits for both the organisation and the community. Internally, volunteer opportunities are expected to support employee morale and professional engagement. Externally, the CSR initiative aims to help improve home conditions, enhance access to essential services, and encourage stronger community ties. Further details on the CSR initiative will be shared via GoodCool’s official website and communication platforms. Hashtag: #Goodcool #AirconServicing #Volunteering #CSR https://goodcoolsg.com/https://www.facebook.com/goodcoolaircon/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About GoodCool Pte Ltd GoodCool Pte Ltd is an air-conditioning servicing company based in Singapore, with over 15 years of experience in the industry. The company provides a range of services, including general servicing, chemical cleaning, repairs, and installations for both residential and commercial air-conditioning systems. GoodCool services all major aircon brands and focuses on delivering reliable maintenance solutions at transparent prices.

A Strategic Partnership Accelerate New Industralisation and Microelectronics Development HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – Hong Kong’s advanced manufacturing and microelectronics sector received a significant boost today with a three-year strategic partnership between Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Würth Elektronik. Under this collaboration, Würth Elektronik —a global premier electronic components manufacturer with a R&D base at Hong Kong Science Park—will launch the first pilot Engineering Service Programme in InnoPark. Leveraging its global network, specialised expertise and cutting-edge tools, Würth Elektronik will further strengthen Hong Kong’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem and nurture local tech talent, propelling the city as the international innovation and technology (I&T) and new industrialization hub. Hong Kong’s advanced manufacturing and microelectronics sector received a significant boost today with a three-year strategic partnership between HKSTP and Würth Elektronik. (Front row from left: Mr Daniel Yu, General Manager, Wurth Electronics (HK) Ltd; Mr Oscar Wong, Head of Innofacturing of HKSTP. Back row from left: Mr Thomas Garz, Chief Executive Officer, Würth Elektronik eiSos Group; Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry; Mr Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer, HKSTP) Würth Elektronik, a global leader based in Waldenburg, Germany, operates with 23 production sites worldwide, making it one of the most successful entities within the Würth Group. In 2024, the company employed around 7,500 people and achieved sales of 1.02 Billion Euro. Their Technical Service Centre was established in the Hong Kong Science Park in 2024. Through the Engineering Service Programme, about 100 microelectronics related startups and SMEs in both Science Park and InnoPark will gain access to Würth Elektronik’s essential components and tools, together with business and technical consultation support, speeding up the whole product development cycle ranging from research and development, prototyping to pilot production. Additionally, together with the infrastructure and facilities at Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, the high-potential prototyping projects would significantly accelerate their path to commercialisation and mass production. Würth Elektronik will deliver hands-on skills training, technical workshops, and industry seminars in InnoPark to technology start-ups and local students. The company’s experts will also host insight-sharing sessions with Hong Kong’s industry practitioners on emerging global industry trends, market opportunities, and technical knowledges, positioning the city’s high-skilled talent for global success in the rapidly evolving microelectronics landscape. Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said, “The Engineering Service Programme will equip our local ecosystem with specialised tools and expertise, accelerating progress in microelectronics and advanced manufacturing. From R&D to prototyping and small-scale production, this programme will support companies at every stage – perfectly aligning with the Government’s strategy to foster high-value, tech-driven industries and cement Hong Kong’s role in the global I&T landscape. With Würth Electronics’ global network and HKSTP’s local support, the programme is poised to become a testing ground for next-generation industrial solutions.” Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “Würth Elektronik has been a key enabler of HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem. We are delighted with their strengthened commitment towards Hong Kong’s microelectronics and advanced manufacturing development—a driving force in our ecosystem’s prospects and the potential of our innovative talent. This collaboration will create a substantial impact on our community of 270 microelectronics related companies while delivering strategic value for Würth Elektronik, ultimately catalysing Hong Kong’s agenda in advanced manufacturing and new industrialisation.” Mr Thomas Garz, CEO of Würth Elektronik eiSos Group, said: “Being the leading electronic components manufacturer, we see the opportunity in Hong Kong. With the global experience in the industry, we utilise the global expertise to help the local market on developing the innovation and technology projects. As an enabler in the whole product life cycle from development to production and then to market, we offer the More Than You Expect experience in the product development journey. Partnering with HKSTP to facilitate the R&D and advanced manufacturing for companies in this ecosystem will further boost up the synergy to contribute the innovation development in Hong Kong.” The signing ceremony was held at the “Advanced Manufacturing in Hong Kong: Enabling Global Microelectronics Innovations” event. Alongside was a fireside chat hosted by Würth Elektronik’s representatives, academia, start-up founders and industry experts, sharing insights on industry-academia-research collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystem support from HKSTP. The discussion aimed to inspire students about career prospects and opportunities in Hong Kong’s growing microelectronics sector. Würth Elektronik has successfully supported many park companies, the event also featured an exhibition of the electronics innovations co-created by Würth Elektronik’s partners and HKSTP partner companies benefiting from Würth’s engineering services and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing support. The technologies showcased Würth Elektronik’s expertise in accelerating companies’ innovation journey and delivering higher-quality solutions to market more efficiently. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is committed to advancing new industrialisation in Hong Kong with an industry-oriented approach to drive diversified economic growth. Comprehensive support is proactively provided, such as the “New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme” (NIAS), “New Industrialisation Funding Scheme” (NIFS), and the upcoming “Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme (Manufacturing+)”. HKSTP fully supports the government’s new industrialisation strategy by empowering microelectronics companies with extensive support services and infrastructure, including Hardware Lab, Sensor Packaging and Integration Lab, Heterogeneous Integration Lab (HI Lab), as well as Microelectronics Centre, Advanced Manufacturing Centre and ProShop at the InnoParks. These resources power the entire product lifecycle—from R&D and design to prototyping and commercialisation—offering technologies and services that position Hong Kong as a hub for new industralisation and advanced manufacturing. Hashtag: #HKSTP The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,300 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc. Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the

CANNES, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, successfully organized Thai Night 2025, an event aimed at enhancing the global presence of the Thai entertainment industry and promoting international business networking. The event took place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, during the renowned Cannes Film Festival – one of the world’s most prestigious international film festivals. Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presided over the ceremony, delivered an inspiring keynote address and extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests, including producers, directors, content creators, and media representatives from around the world. Thai Night Cannes 2025 In her remarks, Her Royal Highness highlighted the exponential growth of the Thai film industry in 2024, calling it a remarkable year in which domestic revenue from Thai films surpassed 1 billion baht for the first time – an unprecedented achievement that reflects the exceptional talent and creativity of Thai filmmakers. Thai films now hold a domestic market share of nearly 50%, on par with foreign films, demonstrating the industry’s ability to compete on the global stage. Thai Night 2025 attracted over 300 prominent figures from the international film industry, including buyers, directors, investors, renowned actors, celebrities, and media representatives. The top five countries represented were France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Germany – reflecting Thailand’s strong cultural and industry tie with major global film markets. The event served as a vital platform to showcase the achievements, creativity, and growing potential of the Thai film industry. The successes of 2024 underscore the innovation and dedication of Thai filmmakers, who continue to captivate audiences both at home and abroad with compelling narratives across genres such as drama, horror, comedy, and LGBTQ+ stories. These works serve as powerful instruments of soft power, effectively showcasing Thai culture to the world. Thai Night 2025 also highlighted Thailand’s strengths as a leading film production hub, including its diverse locations, skilled professionals, attractive production incentives, and the unique charm that makes the country a preferred destination for international filmmakers. In addition to the gala event, the DITP further supported the Thai film industry through the Thai Pavilion at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, held from May 13-21, 2025. The pavilion served as a venue for showcasing filmmaking process and facilitating business matching and film trading between Thai producers, film service providers, and global partners. These initiatives reinforce Thailand’s readiness to take a prominent place on the global film stage and gain greater international recognition. Hashtag: #DITP #ThaiNight The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – A team of four Form Three students from Good Hope School has developed a revolutionary plastic alternative, earning them the Junior Division Grand Award in the inaugural Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme. Their invention, the “Fully Biodegradable Gel”, offers an edible, dissolvable and eco-friendly solution to single-use plastic. Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiates at the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme Awards Presentation Ceremony, alongside Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, distinguished guests and over 400 students. Supported by Hang Seng Bank and organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute, the Programme themed “Future Exploration is in the Hands of Youths”, focused on three key social areas: “Environment and Sustainable Development,” “Promoting Sports for All,” and “Elderly and Wellness.” It encourages young people to tackle social issues through creative solutions. The debut edition attracted an overwhelming response, receiving nearly 1,000 applications from students. After over 10,000 hours of diverse learning and mentorship over six months, more than 400 participants developed nearly 90 innovative solutions to drive social progress. Following rigorous rounds of competition, nine teams advanced to the finals held recently, where they presented their ideas to a panel of judges. Three winning teams were selected based on their solutions’ effectiveness, innovation, scalability and their presentation skills. The Final Pitching Competition and Award Presentation Ceremony took place at Hang Seng Headquarters, with Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiating as the Guest of Honor. He was joined by Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG and Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The event also brought together school representatives, mentors and over 400 students to witness the emergence of winning teams. Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said, “As Hong Kong’s largest local bank, Hang Seng Bank is very pleased to leverage our connections and the expertise of our colleagues to empower youth in driving social innovation through this Programme, alongside our financial support. We hope this Programme encourages young people to engage with societal issues, broaden their horizons and ignite their interests in social innovation.” Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, remarked, “Social innovation requires keen insight and the courage to change; every change begins with attention to issues and imagination for the future. I am delighted to see participants actively engage in the Programme, injecting new hope and possibility into society.” She also expressed her gratitude to Hang Seng Bank and other partnering organisations for their support in nurturing future leaders.” Fifteen-year-old students Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, Lo Sin Sum and Tsang Lok Yu, the Grand Award winners in the Junior Secondary Division, designed their “Fully Biodegradable Gel” after learning about sea turtles harmed by plastic waste. The material, made from gelatin and agar, can package dry foods or even serve as shopping bags while decomposing harmlessly.” Law Hau Wing said, “Traditional plastic linger for centuries as it is non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. Our ‘Fully Biodegradable Gel’ disappears without a trace. We hope to collaborate with food manufacturers to bring the product to market.” The Senior Secondary Division Grand Award went to Fanling Kau Yan College, where five Form Four and Form Five students, Chen Tin Oi, Lee Yan Ue, Liang Ka Ki, Ng Ka Yin and Zou Tsz Ham designed a “One School, One Elderly Centre” proposal to pair schools with elderly centres, fostering mutual learning and companionship. Inspired by an initiative in their sister school in Mainland China, the team developed a sustainable model including curricula, activities, and a B2B framework to scale the project in Hong Kong. A cross-university team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong College of Technology, won the Tertiary Division Grand Award for “Fruitful”, a project repurposing apple pulp into leather-like material. Over the past six months, team members Cheng Hoi Kei, Ho Ka Hei, Lai In Ha, Wong Ngai Fung and Yau Ho Lun conducted in-depth research on this technology and overcame technical challenges. They aim to produce wallets, coasters and other accessories, reducing reliance on synthetic fabrics to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong. Each winning team will receive HK$20,000 and an opportunity for valuable career immersion experience at Hang Seng Bank. Audience-voted “My Favourite Team” Awards were also presented, with each winning team receiving HK$5,000. For further details about the winning teams, please refer to the appendix. The second edition of the Programme will open for applications by the end of this year, encouraging more youngsters to drive social progress. Winning teams of Grand Award Grand Award – Junior Secondary Division School and Name of Students Good Hope School Lo Sin Sum, Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, and Tsang Lok Yu Theme Environment and Sustainable Development Proposal Byebye Traditional Plastic Description “Fully Biodegradable Gel” is a new material designed to support heavy items, similar to conventional plastic. It is available in two types: Type 1: Crafted from gelatin, this variant offers a firmer texture, making it ideal for packaging noodles and dry foods. It comes in red, green, orange, and transparent colours, dyed using vegetable and plant powders. Type 2: Made from agar powder, this type provides a softer, a more flexible texture with strong water resistance. Distinguished by its blue colour, its texture is similar to traditional plastic, making it ideal for shopping bags. Teen Innovators Win Top Prize for Plastic Alternative in Hang Seng x HKFYG’s Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme / Page 7 Grand Award – Senior Secondary Division School and Name of Students Fanling Kau Yan College Chen Tin Oi, Lee Yan

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – SCG successfully co-hosted INTERCEM Asia 2025, the world’s premier cement industry conference, welcoming over 1,000 leaders from 52 countries. This co-hosting opportunity marks a strategic milestone in SCG’s international business development, positioning the company as a catalyst for global collaboration in low-carbon cement innovation. The event established a platform for knowledge exchange and sustainable business development amid evolving environmental regulations. As co-host, SCG cultivated valuable connections with international cement producers, technology providers, and sustainability pioneers. “Co-hosting INTERCEM Asia 2025 represents more than industry recognition—it’s a strategic accelerator for our global business growth,” explained Mr. Surachai Nimlaor, President of SCG Cement and Green Solutions Business. “This forum has enabled us to establish partnerships that amplify the impact of our low-carbon innovations while creating shared success throughout our value chain.” The conference highlighted SCG’s “Inclusive Green Growth” mission, which harmonizes economic advancement with environmental stewardship. This approach positions SCG at the forefront of the industry’s transition toward sustainability-driven business models while building alliances with forward-thinking organizations worldwide. SCG-Intercem-Asia-2025 SCG showcased breakthrough innovations generating international business opportunities: SCG LC3 Structural Cement achieves a 30-40% reduction in carbon emissions while maintaining premium performance. This low-carbon cement has generated substantial interest from international markets, with several cross-border licensing discussions initiated during the conference. SCG 3D Printing Technology integrates digital technology with sustainable construction practices. This solution enables creation of complex architectural structures while enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. Conference participants expressed interest in potential joint ventures across Southeast Asia. During the SCG Home Experience center tour, international delegates witnessed the TORA S-ONE cement spraying system developed with Kubota, exemplifying SCG’s ability to develop market-ready solutions through strategic partnerships. SCG’s vision extends to ecosystem development through the “Saraburi Sandbox” initiative—Thailand’s pioneering low-carbon city model attracting international attention. This project implements a Public-Private-People-Partnership targeting carbon reductions of 5 million tons by 2027. The company’s sustainability approach encompasses four integrated pillars that have become benchmarks for international collaboration: Green Products: Low-carbon innovations with EPD certification, generating export opportunities Green Process: Targeting 70% alternative fuel and 53% renewable energy by 2030 Green Construction: Sustainable solutions through digital technology integration Green Society: Collaborative partnerships establishing international sustainability alliances “The successful co-hosting of INTERCEM Asia 2025 reinforces our position as a leader driving sustainable growth globally,” added Mr. Surachai Nimlaor. “Through relationships cultivated at this event, we’re establishing an ecosystem for low-carbon cement innovation that promises shared success worldwide.” As a result, SCG has initiated discussions for joint ventures in emerging markets, technology licensing with European partners, and research collaborations with Asian academic institutions, all accelerating global adoption of low-carbon cement solutions. For more information, call SCG Contact Center 02-586-2222, email [email protected], or visit the company’s website www.scg.com. Hashtag: #SCG #SiamCementGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – Tianlong Services, a corporate and accounting service provider in Singapore, has launched a new AI-driven corporate secretarial compliance suite. It is designed to simplify compliance and make robust governance accessible to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and growth-stage companies. By integrating automation and intelligent workflows, Tianlong Services is transforming traditionally manual corporate secretarial compliance tasks into fast, error-resistant processes. This includes digital automation of key functions such as ACRA filings, share capital changes, board resolutions, and annual returns. “Our goal is simple. We are looking to make corporate secretarial compliance effortless, accurate, and affordable,” said Kay Teng, CEO at Tianlong Services. “We’ve reimagined secretarial work through automation, enabling businesses to focus on growth instead of paperwork.” Key Features: AI-Driven Document Management Automates the preparation and submission of compliance documents, from director appointments to AGM minutes. Smart KYC & Due Diligence Uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and third-party integrations to perform real-time verification and risk screening of clients and directors. Predictive Compliance Monitoring (Launching Q4 2025) Flags potential filing delays, adjusts calendars for public holidays or company changes, and sends timely reminders. Affordable Pricing With packages starting at just $218/year, Tianlong Services offers tiered plans to meet varying business needs without compromising quality or regulatory adherence. A Human-Centric Approach to Regulatory Automation Tianlong Services’ hybrid model blends automation with expert human oversight. It also includes white-glove onboarding, flexible support (via email, WhatsApp, or phone), and personalised check-ins to ensure clients are comfortable with the technology. “This is more than just a tech upgrade. By combining automation with expert oversight, we’re offering businesses a more reliable way to meet regulatory obligations without the cost and complexity of traditional methods,” revealed Kay Teng, CEO at Tianlong Services. The launch of this corporate secretarial compliance solution positions Tianlong Services as a regtech disruptor, offering a clear alternative to outdated manual systems that are often costly and error-prone. With regulatory automation gaining traction in Singapore’s corporate industry, the firm’s AI-powered solutions arrive at a critical time for founders, compliance officers, and lean business teams seeking smarter ways to stay compliant. Hashtag: #TianlongServices The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Tianlong Services Tianlong Services is an accounting and corporate secretary service provider in Singapore. With a focus on lean and efficient operations, the company aims to help businesses reduce operational inefficiencies while improving decision-making through simplified financial reporting and actionable insights.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – The Marketing Organization for Farmers (Or Tor Kor), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, is set to spotlight Thailand’s high-value agricultural products at IFEX Connect 2025, taking place from May 22–24, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Philippines. This international showcase is held under the banner of the “Thailand Intertrade: High-Value Tropical Agricultural Products to the Global Market” initiative. The Thailand Intertrade project aims to expand international market opportunities for premium Thai agricultural goods through the strategic use of soft power and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model. These efforts align with national policies focused on sustainable economic development and adding value to local agricultural products. Mr. Panitan Meechaiyo, Director of the Marketing Organization for Farmers, remarked: “Or Tor Kor is committed to propelling Thai tropical agricultural products—renowned for their uniqueness and quality—into global markets. IFEX Connect 2025 will serve as a strategic roadshow platform to enhance global recognition of Thai agricultural excellence, while ensuring long-term, stable income for Thai farmers.” The event will feature a comprehensive exhibition of premium Thai agricultural products, including both fresh produce and processed goods. Highlighted items include jasmine rice, sticky rice, brown rice, white rice, crispy coconut, freeze-dried durian and mangosteen, soft-dried pineapple, guava, jackfruit, mango, and roselle. All products are sourced from qualified farmer groups and producers that meet international standards in quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. In addition to the product showcase, IFEX Connect 2025 will host business matching sessions, Thai cultural performances, and live cooking demonstrations, delivering a full cultural experience. These elements aim to reinforce the image of Thai agricultural products as “Contemporary Cultural Products” that resonate with modern global consumers. The Philippines was chosen as the launch market for this initiative due to its strong and growing demand for Thai agricultural products and its strategic location as a gateway to the ASEAN region. Event Details: Event: IFEX Connect 2025 Dates: May 22–24, 2025 Location: Booths L16–17, Hall D, World Trade Center Metro Manila, Philippines A large turnout of international importers, buyers, and consumers is expected, creating new commercial opportunities for Thai producers and supporting sustainable growth in Thailand’s agricultural economy. Hashtag: #OrTorKor The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – Carta, the software platform purpose-built for private capital, today announced its Financial Services Permission (FSP) from ADGM’s Financial Services Authority (FSRA), unlocking a new phase of growth in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This milestone significantly advances Carta’s global mission to make private markets more accessible, transparent, and equitable. As the world’s largest fund administrator for venture capital, Carta will support the private market ecosystem in the MENA region with its end-to-end software platform for fund operations, in addition to its cap table and equity management solutions for startups. Carta and ADGM representatives at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 Abu Dhabi, renowned as the “capital of capital,” has shown exceptional growth in the financial services sector. Carta’s expansion comes as the UAE establishes itself as a key player in the Middle East, constituting 40% of all funding rounds in the region—a 9% year-on-year increase—according to industry reports. In 2024, assets under management (AUM) within ADGM grew by 245%, with 134 fund and asset managers operating 166 funds by the end of 2024. Carta has strategically chosen ADGM as the location for its new Middle Eastern office, strengthening the company’s commitment to aligning with regions that demonstrate significant market potential and robust economic policies. Located at Hub71 WeWork, in the heart of the financial district, Carta’s new office serves as a strategic base for expanding sales and marketing efforts in the MENA region, a region the company sees as highly promising. “The Middle East is the perfect place for Carta expansion,” said Bhavik Vashi, Managing Director of Carta APAC & MENA. “The regulatory framework in ADGM is one of the most progressive we’ve seen globally–exactly the type of environment needed to fuel the private markets, which is why we have made a big bet here.” Over the past two years, Carta has been laying the groundwork for its expansion by engaging in conversations with key government-linked institutions, such as ADGM, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). These discussions have surfaced ongoing private equity needs that Carta is equipped to solve, offering MENA funds a comprehensive suite of software and services, including quarterly reporting, compliance services, and end-of-year tax and audit readiness. Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development Officer at ADGM said; “We congratulate Carta on receiving their FSP from ADGM. We are thrilled to welcome them to ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem, where innovation, growth, and opportunity thrive. Your presence enriches Abu Dhabi’s financial landscape, and we look forward to supporting your success in this vibrant and forward-thinking community.” Carta currently supports a number of prominent regional customers, including Global Ventures, BECO Capital, Cotu Ventures, Outliers VC, Dubai Future District Fund, and Middle East-based unicorns Foodics and Kitopi. With ADGM license approval, Carta will continue to collaborate with the local VC & PE ecosystem to further enhance the company’s service offerings and deliver greater value for the Middle East’s growing private markets. Hashtag: #Carta The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Carta Carta connects founders, investors, and limited partners through world-class software purpose-built for everyone in venture capital and private equity. Carta’s world-class fund administration platform supports nearly 9,000 funds and SPVs representing over $188B in assets under administration on fund administration, SPV formation, and more. Trusted by more than 50,000 companies, Carta helps private businesses in over 160 countries manage their cap tables, valuations, taxes, equity programs, compensation, and more. Carta has been included on the Fortune Best Large Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance list, Forbes’ list of the World’s Best Cloud Companies, Fast Company’s Most Innovative list, and Inc.’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies list. For more information, visit carta.com. DISCLOSURE: This communication is on behalf of eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. (“Carta”). This communication is for informational purposes only, and contains general information only. Carta is not, by means of this communication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or interests, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. This communication is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Carta does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein. ©2025 Carta. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited. Regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – Asian countries are navigating uncertainty amidst the U.S. tariff pause. The region runs a large trade surplus with the U.S., and many countries’ economies rely heavily on exports. Now, the Asian states have about seven weeks left to negotiate new trade deals with the U.S. Octa Broker looks at the progress made so far and weighs the chances for a final agreement. Ever since Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States (U.S.), the markets have grown increasingly concerned about the health of the world economy. Specifically, the outlook for the international trade order became uncertain as Trump’s 2024 election platform included expansive claims about new tariffs. Indeed, on 2 April, 2025, Trump unveiled his long-promised ‘reciprocal’ tariffs strategy, essentially imposing hefty import duties on more than a hundred of countries. However, less than a week after revealing his reciprocal tariffs, Trump adjusted his policy, declaring that countries that had not retaliated would receive a reprieve until July and would only face a blanket US tariff of 10%. At the same time, the tariffs on China were increased even further. The principal idea behind Trump’s aggressive trade policy is that higher import costs would encourage global manufacturers to re-locate production into the U.S., while also pressuring other nations to buy more U.S. goods, thereby correcting the U.S.’s massive trade deficit. Thus, counties that run large trade surpluses with the U.S. have most to fear and most to lose from these tariffs. Many of these countries are located in South and Southeast Asia (see the table below). For these countries, Trump’s decision to pause the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days has offered a critical window for negotiation. Selected data for international trade in goods for some Asian countries (2024) Trade balance with the U.S. (million USD) Share of U.S. imports After reciprocal tariffs imposed Total until July Cambodia 9,652 <1% 49% 10% China 359,850 13.4% 34% negotiations still ongoing India 42,931 2.7% 26% 10% Indonesia 12,638 <1% 32% 10% Laos -109 <1% 48% 10% Malaysia 15,744 1.6% 24% 10% Myanmar 361 <1% 44% 10% Philippines 3,276 <1% 17% 10% Singapore -11,850 1.3% 10% 10% Thailand 35,045 1.9% 36% 10% Vietnam 103,392 4.2% 46% 10% Source: International Monetary Fund, White House The negotiations between the U.S. with China commenced and have already yielded some positive results. There is hope among other Asian states that similar productive discussions and agreements to mitigate the impact of the proposed tariffs can follow. The coming weeks are crucial as countries navigate the negotiation period before the 90-day pause expires, seeking to secure more favorable trade conditions with the U.S. China China is a central focus of the U.S. trade policy. In 2024, the total value of goods traded between two countries was approximately $582.4 billion. The U.S. relies heavily on Chinese imports of electronic equipment and machinery, while China primarily imports U.S. mineral fuels, oil seeds, electrical machinery and mechanical appliances. However, the trade balance significantly favors China, which recorded a $360 billion surplus with the U.S. in 2024, according to IMF data. Last Monday, Donald Trump announced a broad trade deal with Beijing that lowered import taxes on all Chinese goods from 145% to 30%. China, in turn, lowered its tariffs on U.S. imports from 125% to 10%. The reductions will hold for the next 90 days, while the two countries negotiate a longer-term deal. A few days later, the U.S. cut the so-called ‘de minimis’ tariff for low-value shipments from China to as low as 30%. Meanwhile, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said it had paused some non-tariff measures taken against 17 U.S. entities put on its unreliable entity list in April and 28 U.S. entities on its export control list. ‘A full-blown trade war between the world’s two largest economies would have been disastrous for the global market. Thankfully, the officials agreed to de-escalate it quickly. However, we are still not out of the woods yet’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, adding that a long-term trade agreement between China and the U.S. is yet to be finalized and that markets are being a bit too optimistic right now. ‘Let’s not forget that Trump tried to renegotiate a trade deal with China during his 1st term, but the talks failed in 2019 despite the fact that there was agreement in principle. And I personally believe that the markets are a bit too optimistic about the prospects for a grand deal this time’. Indeed, U.S. equity indices have recovered swiftly following the decision to de-escalate, but the rally may not last. ‘It would not take much for the bearish sentiment to reemerge. Although tariffs have been lowered, the existing tariffs are still doing damage to the global economy. U.S. inflation is likely to pick up in the months ahead and that would prevent the Federal Reserve (Fed) from delivering on anticipated rate cuts, which may trigger a major selloff in equities’, comments Kar Yong Ang. Either way, other Asian countries are monitoring the progress carefully and are also engaged in active discussions with the U.S. officials. Vietnam Vietnam faces duties of 46% on its exports to the U.S. if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July. As a major export-reliant industrial hub, to where numerous companies have relocated (not least in order to lower their exposure to China), Vietnam runs the second-largest trade surplus with the U.S. among Asian countries. It is, therefore, unsurprising, that the two countries began informal talks to avoid tariffs well before Trump announced global reciprocal duties on 2 April. Among the issues discussed are the reduction of Vietnam’s big trade surplus, the fight against trade fraud such as illegal transshipments, the lowering of tariff and non-tariff barriers for U.S. businesses and enhanced protection of intellectual property, including the fight against counterfeits and digital piracy. ‘Vietnam stands to lose a lot should trade talks fail. Companies