Queensland, AU, August 1, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Queensland’s most significant International Education and Training (IET) and Research and Innovation (R&I) trade mission has taken to the global stage, with 38 of the state’s leading institutions and companies visiting Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, in July.Led by Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates, the delegation was advancing Queensland’s global footprint through high-level meetings in Taiwan and Japan, culminating in a showcase at Expo 2025 Osaka.The visit follows the release of the Queensland-Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025-2028, which outlines practical steps to grow collaboration in education, research and commercialisation, matching Queensland’s strengths with Japan’s future needs.At the Australia Pavilion on July 17, Minister Bates hosted a major Queensland reception with Japan government representatives, alumni, and education leaders.This trade mission shows Queensland’s renewed commitment to international engagement, with a focus on building collaborative research partnerships, expanding student mobility, and promoting the Study Queensland brand to meet demand in Asia.This was Minister Bates’ second international trade mission to Japan, after visits to India, Korea, China and Hong Kong, and Singapore.International education remains Queensland’s biggest services export, worth $6.85 billion, and supporting around 30,000 jobs. In 2024, more than 157,000 international students from 160 countries studied in Queensland.“We’re reinforcing Queensland’s reputation as a reliable economic partner, and a favorable destination for international students and research and innovation,” Minister Bates said.“Queensland is open for learning, open for business, and ready to lead.” Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (www.expo2025.or.jp/en/) runs from April 13 - October 13, 2025.Contact:Illka GobiusPinpoint PRillka@pinpointpr.sg Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Queensland, AU, August 1, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - In a landmark step for international clean aviation collaboration, Queensland aerospace innovator Stralis Aircraft has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture, Akita University and Akita Prefectural University, at Expo 2025 Osaka.MOU Signing Ceremony, Australia Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka. From left: Junichi Sakaki, Director of the Joint Research Center for Electrification Architecture, Akita University, Hon. Ros Bates, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Queensland, Australia, and Bob Criner, Co-founder and CEO of Stralis Aircraft. [July 17, 2025]The MoU signing was held at the Australia Pavilion in the presence of the Hon. Ros Bates MP, Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, as part of the Queensland Government's flagship international trade mission to Japan."Stralis is a great example of how Queensland businesses can lead the world in clean aviation technology. We’re backing them in order to scale, export and grow jobs," Minister Bates said. "It's not just an MoU — it's a runway for clean technology, innovation, and workforce development between Queensland and Japan."Under the agreement, Stralis will test its hydrogen-electric propulsion components at one of Japan's most advanced electric aircraft testbeds, operated by the Joint Research Centre for Electric Architecture in Akita's state-of-the-art all-electric aircraft testbed.The deal will also support new training and skills pathways for future aviation engineers and technicians, backed by industry and academic partnerships.Stralis' proprietary hydrogen-electric system is six times lighter than existing fuel cell solutions, enabling hydrogen aircraft to fly ten times further than battery-electric alternatives, at half the cost of fossil fuel-powered planes.The signing took place during a dedicated International Education, Research and Innovation Showcase hosted by Minister Bates at the Australia Pavilion, with Queensland as a Gold Partner of EXPO 2025."I'm extremely excited to begin our collaboration with this world class team and facility in Akita," said Bob Criner, Co-Founder and CEO of Stralis Aircraft."Japan has been a global leader in aerospace and hydrogen innovation for decades. This partnership will accelerate our hydrogen aircraft technology development and facilitate skills and knowledge exchange between our organisations."It will also allow Stralis to create cutting-edge research and innovation jobs in Queensland, where our workforce is prepared to manufacture and export advanced aircraft technology in the future.""We are pleased to sign this MoU with Stralis," said Junichi Sakaki, Director, Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture, Akita University / Akita Prefectural University."This collaboration in aircraft system electrification, using our testing facilities in Akita, represents a meaningful step in international technological cooperation. We look forward to contributing to both talent development and a more sustainable future."Supported by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) Japan, Strali has been in high-level discussions with Japanese aerospace firms aligned with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and its 2035 target to commercialise decarbonised passenger aircraft.Stralis is also planning to fly its Bonanza A36 hydrogen-electric demonstration aircraft in Japan in late 2026, showcasing the commercial and environmental viability of its technology.This agreement adds momentum to Queensland's broader trade mission in Japan, which is focused on expanding partnerships in International Education, Research and Innovation, advanced manufacturing, and the Queensland–Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025-2028, released this July, which places innovation-led collaboration at the core of the Queensland–Japan relationship.Contact:Minister Bates' Media Contact: Illka Gobius, Pinpont PR, illka@pinpointpr.sk Stralis Media Contact: https://stralis.aeroDr Emma Whittlesea, Stralis, Head of Partnerships, ew@stralis.aeroBob Criner, Co-Founder & CEO, Stralis Aircraft, bc@stralis.aero Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, August 1, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, “Hitachi”) and, its subsidiary, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (“Hitachi GLS”), announced that they have completed the capital reorganization of their air conditioning joint venture, based on the agreement signed on July 23, 2024*1. Under this reorganization, Hitachi GLS transferred all of its shares in Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Holding (UK) Ltd. (“JCH”), a joint venture with Johnson Controls International plc(“JCI”), to Robert Bosch GmbH (“Bosch”)*2, and has completed the acquisition of the Shimizu Factory, which had been owned by JCH and served as its development and production base for commercial air conditioning equipment in Japan*3Going forward, Hitachi GLS will accelerate a global expansion of Hitachi-branded air conditioning products through Bosch Home Comfort Group (“Bosch HC”), Bosch’s HVAC*4 business unit. Meanwhile, Hitachi will utilize its domain knowledge acquired through the Shimizu Factory to further strengthen its “Lumada 3.0” green cooling solutions through “One Hitachi” by combining the large installed base of HVAC units, AI, and digital capabilities to accelerate the expansion into growing markets such as green buildings and data centers. This will contribute to the realization of a harmonized society where environment, well being, and economic growth are in balance, as envisioned in Inspire 2027, Hitachi Group’s new management plan.Aim of the Hitachi Group1. Strengthening the Global Expansion of Hitachi-branded Air Conditioning Products, and an Expansion of the Partnership with BoschUnder a brand license agreement with Bosch HC, Hitachi GLS will accelerate global expansion by utilizing Bosch’s global footprint centered in Europe and promoting sales of highly competitive, Hitachi-branded residential air conditioning products in the residential and light commercial HVAC markets in the US and Asia. Also, further expansion of the partnership with Bosch will be achieved by incorporating Lumada solutions in products.2. Collaborating as One Hitachi to Accelerate the Deployment of Green Cooling Solutions in Growth Markets With the acquisition of the Shimizu Factory, with its high technological capabilities, Hitachi GLS will integrate the development, manufacturing, sales, and maintenance services for the commercial air conditioning business in Japan to develop competitive products tailored to market needs. Also, Hitachi GLS will further enhance its Lumada solutions, such as “exiida*5”, which leverages data from the large installed-base of HVAC units and AI to support the stable operation of air-conditioning units.Hitachi will expand green cooling solutions that combine its extensive installed base of mission critical products with AI-enabled digital services as use cases of “HMAX for Industry” in growing industrial markets such as green buildings, biopharma, food, and semiconductor manufacturing facilities. In addition, Hitachi will accelerate the “One Hitachi” total solutions including air conditioning and cooling technologies in data centers, designated by the Strategic SIB*6 Business Unit as a strategic business area.To ensure continued distribution of “Shirokumakun*7” series residential air conditioning products for the Japanese market, the Tochigi Factory*8 of JCH which was acquired by Bosch HC in the transaction, will retain development and manufacturing operations, while Hitachi GLS will remain responsible for sales and aftermarket services.The purchase price of the 40% stake in JCH held by Hitachi GLS is approximately USD 1.46 billion (approximately JPY 211 billion*9). As a result, Hitachi plans to record business reorganization income, etc. of approximately JPY 154 billion as other income, etc. in its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 2026. Please note that the final purchase price will be determined separately after accounting for all necessary adjustments. Hitachi will utilize the proceeds from this share transfer for its growth investments and shareholder returns, aiming to enhance its capital efficiency and further increase corporate value.Comments from Brice Koch — Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, Head of Connective Industries Business of Hitachi, Ltd. We are very pleased to have completed this capital reorganization which will further accelerate the growth of our HVAC business. Under Inspire 2027, Hitachi’s new Management Plan, we are committed to realize a harmonized society, where environment, well being and economic growth are in balance. We aim to drive global expansion of business, as we promote “Lumada 3.0” digital services as “HMAX for Industry” with “One Hitachi”, leveraging our AI capabilities, as well as large installed base of mission-critical products including industrial HVAC units.Comments from Noriharu Amiya — Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, COO of Connective Industries, CEO of Urban Systems Business Unit of Hitachi, Ltd. / Chairman of Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd. We will strengthen collaboration between our building systems and air conditioning businesses to expand the value of green cooling solutions into mission-critical areas such as green data centers, biopharmaceutical facilities requiring extremely high air quality, and manufacturing facilities for food and semiconductors, there by achieving further growth. Leveraging Hitachi's strengths in IT, OT (operational technology), and products, we will expand value through the building IoT solutions including the air conditioning IoT solution “exiida” and the building IoT solution “BuilMirai*10,” accelerating the deployment of green cooling solutions with “One Hitachi”. Through these initiatives, we will provide new value to “people, buildings, and society” and contribute to the realization of a harmonized society.Comments from Hideki Osumi — President of Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. We are filled with excitement about taking on new challenges together with our new colleagues from the Shimizu Factory and striving for sustainable growth as the new Hitachi GLS. Hitachi GLS and Bosch will strengthen their partnership and promote the global expansion of Hitachi-branded air conditioning products. In the commercial air conditioning business in Japan, where a new business structure has been established, we will provide high value-added solutions tailored to market needs and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those involved in the completion of this reorganization.*1 Please see the news release “Hitachi to Announce Capital Reorganization of Air Conditioning Joint Venture” issued on July 23, 2024. (https://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2024/07/240723.html)*2 Hitachi GLS and JCI, which held 40% and 60% of JCH shares respectively, sold their entire stake to Bosch, which now owns 100% of JCH.*3 On April 1, 2025, through a company split, the business of the Shimizu Factory was transferred from Hitachi Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc. (the Japanese subsidiary of JCH) to a newly established company, Hitachi Air Conditioning Shimizu, Inc., which will be merged with Hitachi GLS later this year.*4 HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.*5 “exiida” is a registered trademark of Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. in Japan.*6 Social Innovation Business*7 “Shirokumakun” is a registered trademark of Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Inc. in Japan.*8 Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc Tochigi Factory, a Japanese subsidiary of JCH. The company’s name is scheduled to change in the future.*9 Exchange rate used is USD 1.00 = JPY 144.*10 “BuilMirai” is a registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024(ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.comAbout Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. operates under the purpose:"To bring a smile to the life of each individual. To create a future that is kind to people and society. We will bring happiness to the world through innovations that open up the future."Hitachi GLS provides home appliances, air conditioning equipment, facility systems, as well as engineering and maintenance services. Hitachi GLS is focused on the Lumada business, which creates value from data generated by its footprint and products. Through “One Hitachi”, Hitachi GLS contributes to realizing both Work Transformation and Green Transformation. Visit us at corp.hitachi-gls.co.jp Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

From left to right: Takao Kato, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors; Satoshi Nakano, President & CEO of MMFP; Sanjiv Vohra, President & CEO of SBC.MANILA, August 1, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Motors Finance Philippines Inc. (hereafter, MMFP), the joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) and Security Bank Corporation (hereafter, Security Bank), officially launched its operations today. Under the brand "Mitsubishi Motors Finance powered by Security Bank," MMFP started operations at five Mitsubishi Motors dealerships in April and now offer financing solutions across all 67 Mitsubishi Motors dealerships nationwide.This nationwide rollout marks a key milestone in Mitsubishi Motors' mid-term business plan, Challenge 2025, which positions ASEAN as a core growth region—with MMFP playing a strategic role in driving that expansion in the Philippines. With a steadily growing population and strong economic fundamentals, the Philippine automotive market is on a clear growth path. In FY2024, Mitsubishi Motors sold 91,639 units locally—a 12% increase year-on-year—cementing the Philippines as one of its top ASEAN markets with 19.5% market share.Driving growth through collaborationWith many new car buyers in the Philippines relying on financing, sales financing plays a critical role in enabling car ownership. By bringing together Mitsubishi Motors' robust market presence and Security Bank's financial expertise, MMFP is committed to driving the continued growth of Mitsubishi Motors' sales in the Philippines."The official launch of MMFP marks a significant milestone in Mitsubishi Motors' long-standing journey in the Philippines," said Takao Kato, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors. "We remain committed to the country as one of our most important markets. Through collaboration with MMFP in financing services and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation in local production and sales, we will continue to grow and serve our customers with excellence.""The official launch of MMFP is a milestone that underscores the strengths of our strategic partnerships— with Mitsubishi Motors and Security Bank." said Sanjiv Vohra, President & CEO of SBC. "We're uniting global expertise with local insight to make car ownership more accessible for Filipinos. Reflecting the Bank's commitment to Better Banking, MMFP delivers innovative, reliable financing solutions that empower customers and elevate their quality of life.""Today marks a key milestone for MMFP as we launch nationwide." said Satoshi Nakano, President & CEO of MMFP. "As a joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors and Security Bank, MMFP brings together market leadership and financial expertise to offer accessible, reliable financing. Our shared vision is to enrich Filipino lives by making car ownership more attainable and supporting Mitsubishi Motors' continued growth in the country."About Mitsubishi Motors Finance Philippines Inc.EstablishmentJanuary 21, 2025President & CEOSatoshi NakanoLocationMakati City, PhilippinesShareholdersMitsubishi Motors Corporation 51%Security Bank Corporation 49%BusinessProvision of financing services and products to Mitsubishi Motors dealerships in the PhilippinesOfficial Websitehttps://mmfp.ph About Mitsubishi Motors CorporationMitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) — a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan — is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 28,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan and the ASEAN region. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification — launched the i-MiEV, the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV, the world's first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. With a target of increasing the sales ratio of electrified vehicles to 100% by 2035, Mitsubishi Motors will deliver models that embody Mitsubishi Motors-ness and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/About Security Bank CorporationEstablished in 1951, Security Bank is one of the Philippines' leading universal banks and is publicly listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:SECB) in 1995. The Bank's core businesses are retail, corporate, commercial, and business (MSME) banking, offering a wide range of services including lending, leasing, foreign exchange, stock brokerage, investment banking, and asset management.Security Bank differentiates itself from other banks as a strong, domestic, independent bank that delivers a superior customer experience in line with its brand promise of Better Banking. This is based on a deep understanding of customer needs, providing solutions in a professional, hassle-free, personalized, and timely manner. The Bank's strategic alliance with MUFG Bank, Ltd., Japan's largest bank, provides its customers with access to a broad global network.The Bank has been recognized by international and local organizations for its constant product innovation, market leadership, and best-in-class management practices.For more information, visit www.securitybank.com.Security Bank Corporation is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas www.bsp.gov.ph Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.