HONG KONG, Jun 3, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Suzhou Calmcar Electronics Technology Co., Limited (CalmCar) yesterday officially signed a strategic agreement to jointly establish the Physical AI Innovation Center. The Center is dedicated to advancing full-stack physical AI technologies, addressing fundamental bottlenecks in current AI, including an insufficient understanding of the laws of the physical world, limited reasoning capabilities, and a lack of reliable support for action and decision-making.The Center will build a new-generation physical AI technology foundation capable of understanding, predicting, reasoning, and decision-making, supporting strategic industries such as autonomous driving, robotics, and smart manufacturing, while helping position Hong Kong as a key strategic hub for national physical AI innovation.Multidimensional Research Directions: Full-Stack Layout from Chips to ApplicationsThe Center will pursue research covering chips and systems, foundational models and data, privacy protection and safety governance, as well as core application scenarios. By exploring and leveraging world models to build high-fidelity strategy validation and interactive reasoning capabilities, the Center aims to train AI in virtual environments before transferring capabilities to the real world-significantly improving AI‘s generalizability, interpretability, and reliability in complex and open environments, and building a long-term technical foundation for a wide range of intelligent applications.The Center’s ambition is to become a global strategic hub for physical AI innovation, leading the development of industry benchmarks and open-source platforms, and cultivating internationally competitive talent in physical AI.Based in Hong Kong, Serving the National “AI+” StrategyThe Center will actively serve the national “AI+” strategy, positioning itself with Hong Kong as its base, the Greater Bay Area as its hinterland, and the world as its stage. It strives to become a strategic highland for physical AI research in the Asia-Pacific region and an international hub for collaboration. The Center will establish end-to-end capabilities from fundamental research to industrial deployment, providing unified technical standards and common tools for the industry. Leveraging Hong Kong’s global connectivity and the Greater Bay Area’s comprehensive industrial supply chain, the Center will accelerate technology transfer and build a world-leading research and innovation center for physical intelligence.World-Class Academic LeadershipThe Center is led by Prof. GUO Song – Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Foreign Member of the European Academy of Sciences (EU), IEEE Fellow, and Chair Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST – who serves as its director. Prof. Guo has long been engaged in distributed computing, edge AI, and multi-modal foundation models, dedicated to solving the challenges of generalization and reliability of AI in real-world physical environments.He is a recipient of the IEEE Edward J. McCluskey Technical Achievement Award, one of the highest honors in computer engineering, and is widely recognized as an international leader in the field. He also leads the Pervasive Intelligence Laboratory (PeiLAB), which has been based in Hong Kong for a decade and has produced substantial original achievements in physical world modeling, embodied reinforcement learning, and edge intelligent systems, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the Center’s research endeavors. Prof. Guo Song remarked: “Our pioneering ‘Physical Alignment’ technology upgrades generative video models into interactive world models, marking a shift in AI from ‘seeing the world’ to ‘acting on the world.’ By enabling infinite trial and error in virtual spaces, we provide a new paradigm for behavior prediction and safety planning in next-generation autonomous driving.” Prof. Zheng Weimin stated that physical AI will be a major strategic direction following general-purpose foundation models. He then presided over the handshake and group photo ceremony between the Strategic Advisory Committee and the Innovation Center, marking the field’s official entry into a new phase of industry-academia-research integration. He expressed hope that the Center will continue to make significant contribution to the national AI strategy.The Center has invited Prof. ZHENG Weimin—Senior Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 10th President of the China Computer Federation (CCF), and Professor at Tsinghua University—to chair its Strategic Committee. Prof. GUO Yike—Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK) and the European Academy of Sciences (EU), and Provost of HKUST—serves as the University Advisor to the Center, providing strong support.Other Strategic Committee advisors include Prof. Xuemin (Sherman) SHEN—Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Professor at the University of Waterloo; Dr. Bai-ning GUO—Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Microsoft Technical Fellow, Managing Deputy Director of Microsoft Research Asia, IEEE Fellow, and ACM Fellow; and Prof. David Atienza ALONSO — Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences, IEEE Fellow, ACM Fellow, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at EPFL, and Associate Vice President for Centers and Platforms at EPFL.From Perception to Understanding: Driving the Evolution of Intelligent SystemsUnlike traditional AI that relies on massive data fitting, physical AI emphasizes a model’s ability to understand dynamic real-world laws and causal structures. Physical AI is driving intelligent systems beyond perception and recognition toward dynamic prediction, interactive reasoning, and autonomous decision-making grounded in physical consistency. As a key enabling technology, world models simulate and anticipate environmental dynamics, providing a foundation for policy learning and validation in complex scenarios while enhancing generalization and reliability in distributed settings.Leveraging the Physical AI Innovation Center, CalmCar—as a co-founder of the Center— will take the lead in applying these technologies to autonomous driving, enabling vehicles not only to perceive their surroundings but also to understand physical causality and anticipate the evolution of traffic scenarios, thereby advancing from perception to cognition.Looking ahead, the Center is committed to building partnerships with a broader range of industry partners, validating and refining physical AI technologies across diverse application scenarios, driving innovation in world model methodologies, and fostering the sustainable integration of physical AI technologies with the industrial ecosystem.Unveiling Ceremony: Witnessed by Leaders from Government, Academia, and IndustryThe unveiling ceremony brought together government leaders, leading academics, industry executives, and investment professionals. Representatives from HKUST and CalmCar’s founding team jointly unveiled the Center. Distinguished guests, including Mr. Duncan CHIU, Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation) of Hong Kong, and Mr. CHEN Xu, Executive Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Greater Bay Area Office, witnessed the launch of the initiative.As a core strategic partner in establishing the Center, Lion X Ventures has been deeply involved in its preparation and ecosystem building throughout the process. Leveraging its industry resources, cross-border reach, and capital expertise, Lion X Ventures provides comprehensive support for the Center’s operations and development, laying a solid foundation for its long-term growth.The high-caliber presence of leaders from government, academia, industry, and investment community, combined with the strategic support of top investment institutions, fully demonstrates the Center’s industry standing, resource depth, and strategic value. It also marks the official launch of a collaborative innovation ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area led by HKUST’s physical AI technologies. The HKUST-CalmCar Physical AI Innovation Center inauguration ceremony(From left to right: Ms. Diana WU, CEO of HSBC Hong Kong; Mr. Duncan CHIU, Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation) of Hong Kong; Mr. Terry TSANG, HKUST Court Member and Chairman of the Convocation, CEO of Madhead; Prof. ZHOU Xiaofang, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST; Prof. ZHENG Weimin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, former Chairman of the China Computer Federation, Professor at Tsinghua University; Mr. WANG Xi, Chairman and CEO of CalmCar; Prof. Guo Yike, Provost of HKUST; Prof. Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Research and Development of HKUST; Prof. Guo Song, Chair Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST and Director of the Physical AI Innovation Center; Mr. CHEN Xu, Executive Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Greater Bay Area Office; Mr. Daniel KWAN, Global Head of Mid-Capital and Equity Investment at OCBC; Ms. GUO Yanni, CEO of Lion X Ventures) Prof. Tim Cheng stated: “Physical intelligence will be a core force reshaping human society over the next decade. We have chosen this moment to fully commit to this direction—not merely to build a strong research organization, but to define a new research field from our own perspective. I believe that, years from now, when we look back on today, this will be remembered as an important moment in HKUST’s history.”The gathering of leaders from academia, industry, and investment underscores the significance and impact of this collaboration. The establishment of the Center is not only a milestone in university-industry collaboration but also a model for technology exchange and innovation between Shanghai and Hong Kong. The launch ceremony of the Industry-Research Alliance The launch ceremony of the Capital AllianceThe ceremony also marked the launch of the Industry-Research Alliance and the Capital Alliance, jointly initiated by HKUST, CalmCar, and other leading institutions. The inaugural industry partners include Tsinghua University, Microsoft Research Asia, 51WORLD (6651.HK), MetaX Integrated Circuits (688802.SH), Arm China, and Huixi Technology. Participating investment institutions include HSBC (0005.HK), Lion X Ventures, Dragonstone Capital, GPTX Investment, Delian Capital, G70 MFO, WeMove Capital, and Great Filter Venture.This marks the official launch of a collaborative innovation ecosystem spanning industry, academia, research, and application in the field of physical AI.The Industry-Research Alliance will focus on technology breakthroughs and scenario deployment, while the Capital Alliance will provide funding and commercialization pathways for leading technologies. In terms of talent development, both sides will build an industrial training system aligned with international standards, with CalmCar providing real-world engineering scenarios and hands-on opportunities, thereby nurturing a talent pipeline that spans basic research, technology development, and application deployment.The establishment of the Physical AI Innovation Center will further promote technology exchange and resource integration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland in the most advanced frontier of physical AI. It aims to attract partners across the entire industrial chain and create an open, win-win ecosystem for the physical AI industry.About The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://www.hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKUST’s Computer Science discipline which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for ten consecutive years. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of May 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 11 Unicorns and 22 exits (IPO or M&A).About CalmCarSuzhou Calmcar Electronics Technology Co., Limited (CalmCar) was founded in 2016 and is a leading software-focused provider of L2-L2+ and L4 driving solutions in China. By 2024 installation volume, it ranks as the country’s second largest software-focused provider that offers both driving and parking solutions, and the first Chinese provider to deliver mass-production L2-L2+ solutions overseas. The company focuses on key autonomous driving technologies, offering driving, parking, and intelligent cockpit solutions with integrated driver monitoring systems (DMS), as well as L4 applications including robobuses, robotrucks, robotaxis, and robosweepers. CalmCar has partnered with over 30 vehicle manufacturers, including nine of China’s top ten automakers by sales in 2024. Its strategic investors include ZF, SAIC North America, SAIC Hengxu, BAIC Capital, China Unicom, Horizon Robotics, China TransInfo, SenseTime, Lion X Ventures, OCBC, and other leading industry players, providing solid support for innovation and global expansion.About Lion X VenturesLion X Ventures is a professional venture capital institution rooted in industry and focused on cross-border investment. It targets Southeast Asia’s digital economy and high-end manufacturing sectors. Riding on the trend of Chinese enterprises expanding into Southeast Asia, we deliver capital support, industrial resources and global landing solutions for high-potential startups and growth-stage companies.Founded in 2019, Lion Partners is the parent entity of Lion X Ventures. As a value investor dedicated to growth-oriented innovative enterprises, it is also a pioneer in joint investment across the digital economy and industrial ecosystem. We maintain a long-term focus on next-generation information technology, industrial digitalization, consumer tech and advanced manufacturing, while actively expanding our footprint in green technology and carbon neutrality.Backed by resources from leading financial groups in Southeast Asia, we adopt a co-management fund model partnered with industry leaders. With profound industrial insights, we empower portfolio companies and build a two-way interactive industrial ecosystem connecting China and Southeast Asia, ultimately achieving win-win outcomes for capital, industries and regional development. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

香港, 2026年6月3日 - (亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com) - 近日，香港科技大学（港科大）与苏州天瞳威视电子科技股份有限公司（CalmCar）正式签署战略合作协议，共同成立港科大物理AI科创中心（以下简称"科创中心"）。该中心将聚焦物理 AI 全栈技术突破，面向当前AI对物理世界规律理解不足、推演能力有限、行动决策缺乏可靠支撑等核心瓶颈，构建具备理解、预测、推演与决策能力的新一代物理AI技术底座，支撑自动驾驶、机械人、智能制造等战略性产业发展，助力香港成为国家物理AI创新的重要战略支点。多维度研究方向：从芯片到应用的全栈布局科创中心围绕物理AI前沿研究方向和核心应用场景，覆盖芯片与系统、基础模型与数据、隐私保护与安全治理等，通过探索及利用世界模型构建高保真策略验证与交互推演能力，让AI能够在虚拟环境中进行推演和学习，再将能力迁移到真实世界，从而显著提升AI在复杂开放环境中的泛化性、可解释性与系统可靠性，为广泛的智能应用构建长期技术底座。中心的目标打造全球物理AI创新战略枢纽，主导领域评测基准与开源平台，培养具有国际竞争力的物理AI人才。立足香港、服务国家"AI+"战略科创中心将积极服务国家"AI+"战略，以香港为立足点、粤港澳大湾区为腹地、全球为舞台，致力于成为亚太地区物理智能研究的战略高地与国际合作枢纽。中心将构建从基础研究到产业落地的端到端研究能力，为行业提供统一的技术标准和通用工具。同时，中心将依托香港的国际化优势和大湾区完备的产业链资源，加速科技成果转化，打造世界一流的物理智能研究创新中心。顶尖学术班底，筑牢科研基石科创中心由加拿大工程院院士、欧洲科学院外籍院士、IEEE Fellow、港科大计算机科学及工程学系讲座教授郭嵩教授出任主任，牵头主持各项工作。郭嵩教授长期深耕分布式计算、边缘AI及多模态大模型领域，致力于攻克AI在真实物理环境中的泛化性与可靠性难题，曾获计算机领域最高学术成就之一的IEEE Edward J. McCluskey技术成就奖，是该领域的国际领军学者。其领衔的普适智能实验室是扎根香港十年，已在物理世界建模、具身强化学习、边缘智能系统优化等领域积累了大量原创性成果，为科创中心的技术攻关奠定了坚实的理论根基。 郭嵩教授指出："我们首创的'物理对齐'技术，将生成式视频模型升级为可交互的世界模型，标志着AI从'看世界'迈向'动手改变世界'的新阶段。通过虚拟空间无限试错，我们为下一代自动驾驶的行为预测与安全规划提供了全新范式。"郑纬民先生在致辞中定调：物理AI将是继通用大模型之后的重要战略方向。随后，他主持了战略咨询委员会与科创中心的握手合影仪式，标志着该领域正式迈入产学研融合新阶段，寄望物理AI科创中心能够持续为国家人工智能战略贡献重要力量。科创中心特邀中国工程院资深院士、中国计算机学会第十届理事长、清华大学郑纬民教授领衔战略委员会，中国工程院外籍院士、英国皇家工程院院士、欧洲科学院院士、港科大首席副校长郭毅可教授作为中心的校方顾问，将为科创中心提供坚实支持；战略委员会其他顾问成员还包括；中国工程院外籍院士、加拿大皇家科学院院士、加拿大工程院院士、滑铁卢大学沈学民教授；加拿大皇家科学院院士、微软技术院士、微软亚洲研究院常务副院长、IEEE Fellow、ACM Fellow郭百宁博士；欧洲科学院院士、IEEE Fellow、ACM Fellow、洛桑联邦理工学院（EPFL）协理副校长David ATIENZA ALONSO教授。从感知迈向理解，驱动智能系统进化相较于依赖海量数据拟合的传统AI，物理AI更强调模型对真实世界动态规律与因果结构的理解。物理AI的发展，正推动智能系统从单纯的感知识别，向融合物理一致性的动态预测、交互推理与自主决策演进。世界模型作为实现物理AI的重要技术路径之一，通过构建环境的内部表征并进行前瞻性推演，为复杂场景中的策略学习与验证提供了仿真基础，有望增强系统在分布式场景中的泛化能力与行为可靠性。依托该物理AI科创中心，共同发起方天瞳威视将率先在智能驾驶领域应用相关技术展开实践，让智驾系统不仅能看见环境，更能理解物理因果，对交通场景的演化趋势进行想象，从而实现从感知向认知的持续演进。面向未来，科创中心将致力于与更多产业合作伙伴构建合作，在不同应用场景下实践和验证物理AI技术理念，推动世界模型的技术路径创新，促进物理AI关键技术与产业生态的持续融合发展。 揭牌仪式：政产学研领袖共同见证本次科创中心揭牌仪式汇聚政界领导、学界权威、产业领军代表与投资界精英，与港科大校方代表和天瞳威视创始团队共同出席、携手揭牌，香港特别行政区立法会（科技创新界）议员邱达根先生、广州市大湾区办常务副主任陈旭先生等重磅嘉宾亲临现场，全程见证科创中心揭幕。作为本次科创中心建设的核心战略合作方，Lion X Ventures全程深度参与中心筹备与生态搭建，依托自身产业资源、跨境布局与资本优势，为中心落地营运提供全方位支撑，筑牢长远发展根基。高规格的政产学研阵容，叠加头部投资机构的战略赋能，充分彰显科创中心起步的行业高度、资源厚度与战略价值，亦标志着以港科大物理AI技术引领、多方协同联动的创新产业生态体系，在大湾区正式启航、全新启程。 港科大-天瞳威视"物理AI科创中心"正式揭牌（从左至右依次为：HSBC香港区行政总裁伍杨玉如女士，香港特别行政区立法会（科技创新界）议员邱达根先生，港科大校董会成员、评议会主席、Madhead行政总裁曾建中先生，港科大计算机科学及工程学系主任周晓方教授，中国工程院院士、中国计算机学会前理事长、清华大学教授郑纬民教授，天瞳威视董事长兼CEO王曦先生，港科大首席副校长郭毅可教授，港科大副校长（研究及发展）郑光廷教授，港科大计算机科学及工程学系讲座教授、物理AI科创中心主任郭嵩教授，广州市大湾区办常务副主任陈旭先生，OCBC中层资本及股权投资部全球主管关昭博先生，Lion X Ventures CEO郭燕妮女士） 郑光廷校长致辞："物理智能将是未来十年重塑人类社会的核心力量。我们选择在这个时刻全力投入这个方向，不只是为了建立一个好的研究组织，而是以我们的视角定义一个新科研领域。我相信，多年后回望今天，这将是科大历史上一个重要的时刻。"学术界、产业界、投资界多方力量汇聚一堂，充分体现了此次合作的高度与影响力。科创中心的成立不仅是校企合作的里程碑，也成为沪港两地科技交流创新的典范。「产研联盟」亮灯现场 「资本联盟」亮灯现场活动现场同时启动了"产研联盟"与"资本联盟"，香港科技大学、天瞳威视以及其他头部机构共同发起了两个联盟。第一批产研伙伴包括：清华大学、微软亚洲研究院、51视界（6651.HK）、沐曦股份（688802.SH）、安谋科技、辉羲智能，本次参与的投资机构有：汇丰（0005.HK）、Lion X Ventures、龙石资本、GPTX简坤资本、德联资本、G70环球家族办公室、微木控股、达武创投，这标志着围绕物理AI的产学研用协同创新生态正式启航。产研联盟将聚焦技术攻关与场景落地，资本联盟则为领先的技术成果提供资金支持和商业化路径。在人才培养层面，双方将共建接轨国际标准的产业实训体系，由天瞳威视提供真实工程场景与产业化实训机会，推动形成从基础研究、技术开发到场景应用的完整生态链所需人才的培养体系。本次港科大物理AI科创中心的成立，将进一步在全球最前沿的物理AI领域推动香港与内地的科技交流与资源整合，联合吸引产业链上下游伙伴，打造开放共赢的物理AI产业新格局。关于香港科技大学香港科技大学（港科大）（https://www.hkust.edu.hk/）是国际知名的大学，致力推动创新教学、卓越研究及具影响力的知识转移。港科大着重为学生提供全面及跨学科的教学，于《2026年 QS 亚洲大学排名》中排行第六，《泰晤士高等教育全球年轻大学排名榜2024》中排行第三，并在《泰晤士高等教育大学影响力排名2025》中全球排第19、全港第一。港科大共有11个学科入选《2026年QS世界大学学科排名》全球50强；此外，在《泰晤士高等教育世界大学学科排名2026》中，涵盖人工智能及机器学习的「计算机科学」领域连续十年蝉联全港第一。此外，港科大在全球大学就业能力排名中，一直位处全球首30名以内，反映毕业生极具竞争力。在研究及创业创新方面，逾八成的科大研究，于香港的大学教育资助委员会最新的「2020研究评审工作」被评为「国际卓越」或「世界领先」水平。截至2026年5月，港科大成员共创立了逾1,900间至今活跃的初创公司，当中包括11间独角兽企业和22间成功退场的公司（上市集资或被并购）。关于天瞳威视苏州天瞳威视电子科技股份有限公司（CalmCar）成立于2016年，是中国领先的以软件为核心的L2-L2+级及L4级驾驶解决方案提供商。按2024年装机量计，公司位居中国第二大同时提供行车与泊车解决方案的软件核心供应商，并率先在海外市场实现L2-L2+级量产方案交付。公司专注于智能驾驶关键技术，产品涵盖行车、泊车、整合驾驶员监测系统的智能座舱解决方案，以及Robobus、Robotruck、Robotaxi及Robosweeper等L4级应用场景，已与超过30 家整车厂展开合作，其中包括2024年中国销量前十强车企中的9家。战略投资者涵盖采埃孚、上汽北美、上汽恒旭、北汽产投、中国联通、地平线、千方科技、商汤科技、Lion X Ventures、华侨银行等头部产业资本，为技术创新与全球化拓展提供坚实支撑。关于Lion X VenturesLion X Ventures是一家立足产业、深耕跨境布局的专业风险投资机构，聚焦东南亚数字经济与高端制造赛道，紧抓中国企业出海东南亚的核心趋势，为高潜力早期及成长阶段企业提供资本、产业资源与全球化落地支持。Lion X Ventures隶属的狮城资本成立于2019年，是专注成长型创新企业的价值型投资机构，亦是数字经济与产业生态联合投资的实践者。机构长期聚焦新一代信息科技、产业数字化、消费科技、先进制造，同时积极布局绿色科技与碳中和赛道。依托东南亚顶级金融集团资源，采用产业龙头联合管理基金模式开展投资，以深度产业视角赋能被投企业，构建中国—东南亚双向联动的产业生态，实现资本、产业与区域发展的多方共赢。 Copyright 2026 亚太商讯 via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

OTTAWA, ON, June 3, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce that it has executed a non-repayable Contribution Agreement (the "Agreement") with Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") under the Government of Canada's newly established First and Last Mile Fund ("FLMF"), formerly the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, securing up to $1,378,700 in non-dilutive federal funding (the "Funding") to advance critical transportation and energy infrastructure planning under the Project Titled Lac Knife Graphite Mine Access Road and Hydro Connection (the "Project") for the Company's flagship Lac Knife Graphite Project ("Lac Knife") in northeastern Quebec.The Funding will support engineering, environmental, permitting, community engagement and feasibility activities required to advance the planned all-season access road and Hydro-Quebec grid connection toward a construction-ready, shovel-ready stage. Once completed, these pre-development activities are expected to materially de-risk future infrastructure development and significantly advance Lac Knife's pathway toward future construction, development financing, strategic partnerships and operation.The Funding forms part of the Government of Canada's recently announced C$3.6 billion Critical Minerals Investment Package, unveiled at the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. A cornerstone of the package is the C$1.5 billion FLMF, established to advance enabling infrastructure that moves strategic critical mineral projects toward construction readiness while strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting Canada's economic, defence and national security objectives."We are honoured to receive this support from the Government of Canada, which recognizes the strategic importance of the Lac Knife project to the North American critical minerals supply chain," said Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite. "As we advance toward permitting and development, this funding is a strong endorsement of Focus Graphite's role in helping build a secure domestic supply of high-grade graphite. We are also fortunate to have existing road and power infrastructure, providing a significant advantage as we move closer to production."Lac Knife hosts one of North America's highest-grade natural graphite deposits and represents a strategically important source of natural graphite for North American and allied supply chains. Natural graphite is a foundational material for lithium-ion batteries, advanced manufacturing, energy storage systems, and a growing range of defence and dual-use technologies, making secure domestic supply increasingly important to Canada and its allies."The objective is simple: advance Lac Knife, reduce risk and preserve shareholder capital," said Jason Latkowcer, Vice President of Corporate Development of Focus Graphite. "Around the world, governments and industry are moving quickly to secure critical mineral supply chains. We've heard that message directly from allies and strategic stakeholders. There isn't time to waste. This funding helps move Lac Knife from planning toward execution. Early technical work has already identified opportunities to improve access, and we expect further optimization as engineering and infrastructure planning advances. This is another tangible step toward building a strategic graphite asset for Canada and its allies."A key component of the program includes collaboration with Indigenous communities, including the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam ("ITUM"). The Project includes the establishment of joint technical and steering committees, Indigenous workforce participation initiatives, skills development programs, community consultation activities and support for Indigenous participation in the future development and operation of the planned infrastructure. These activities align with the objectives of the First and Last Mile Fund to advance Indigenous leadership, engagement and participation throughout the development of strategic critical mineral infrastructure."The development of Lac Knife is a perfect example of Canada's new mining era: a strategic project, developed to benefit local economies, sustainably, and in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, along with advancing Canada's role as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals," said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. "By investing in the infrastructure and early work needed to advance this high-grade graphite project, we are reducing risk, accelerating development, and helping to build a secure, end-to-end supply chain-from mine to market. This is how we strengthen economic and supply chain security for decades to come."The infrastructure initiative is expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits to Canada and Quebec. The proposed access road will establish reliable year-round access to the Lac Knife site, while the future transmission connection will support the electrification of mining operations through Quebec's hydroelectric grid, reducing reliance on diesel-powered infrastructure and strengthening the sustainability, resilience and security of Canada's critical minerals supply chain. The planned infrastructure is expected to support future production, improve regional access and contribute to long-term economic development opportunities across Quebec's North Shore region.Federal Funding DetailsUnder the executed Agreement, NRCan will provide up to C$1,378,700 in non-repayable funding, representing approximately 50% of total eligible Project costs. Focus Graphite will contribute an equivalent amount toward the Project. The Agreement represents another important step in advancing Lac Knife and reinforces Canada's commitment to developing secure domestic critical mineral supply chains from extraction through processing and delivery into North American and allied markets.Funding will support the full work program outlined in the Agreement, including feasibility and engineering studies, environmental baseline work, geotechnical and LiDAR surveys, stakeholder engagement, regulatory and permitting activities and detailed infrastructure design. These activities are expected to culminate in finalized engineering plans, environmental assessments, community approvals and permit applications required to support future construction decisions.The Project is scheduled to continue through March 2028.About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.Our commitment to innovation ensures an eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals - reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/ X: https://x.com/focusgraphiteInvestors Contact: Dean Hanisch CEO, Focus Graphite Inc. dhanisch@focusgraphite.com +1 (613) 612-6060Jason LatkowcerVP Corporate Developmentjlatkowcer@focusgraphite.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things: the anticipated receipt and use of funding under the Contribution Agreement with Natural Resources Canada; the completion of the activities contemplated under the Lac Knife Graphite Mine Access Road and Hydro Connection Project; the advancement of the Lac Knife Graphite Project toward construction-ready and shovel-ready status; the completion of engineering, environmental, permitting, stakeholder engagement and feasibility activities; the anticipated benefits of the planned access road and Hydro-Québec grid connection; the Company's ability to secure required approvals, permits and community support; the timing and completion of the Project work program; the potential for future development financing, government funding, strategic partnerships and offtake arrangements; the future development, construction and operation of the Lac Knife Project; the role of Lac Knife in supporting domestic and allied critical mineral supply chains; and the Company's ability to pursue additional non-dilutive funding opportunities and execute its long-term development strategy.Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/299885 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Astana, Kazakhstan, Jun 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A business delegation led by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), began its visit to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on 1 June. During the visit, a total of 43 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and announcements were signed, covering areas including trade and commerce, investment, financial services, technology, aviation, and green finance. These agreements further strengthened trade, economic and industrial cooperation among Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Kazakhstan, fully leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as the country’s two-way services platform and supporting enterprises in tapping opportunities in Central Asia.The delegation will conclude its Kazakhstan visit tomorrow and depart for Uzbekistan to further explore business and trade cooperation among Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Central Asian countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.To promote business collaboration, the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC jointly hosted a business luncheon today, attracting more than 300 business leaders and senior officials.John Lee, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, said at the luncheon: “Kazakhstan has, for centuries, connected Eastern and Western civilisations, serving as a bridge of commerce, culture and innovative ideas. That legacy continues today. From the port of Khorgos to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, Kazakhstan is now a business and logistics hub linking China, our country, and Europe. Rich in oil and mineral resources, and rapidly developing and diversifying, Kazakhstan is a regional economic powerhouse. Hong Kong, a pivotal player in the Belt and Road Initiative, looks forward to working with Kazakhstan in creating mutual opportunities.”Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, accounting for 53% of the region’s GDP in 2025. Under its Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, the country is actively promoting economic diversification, with the goal of becoming one of the world’s top 30 most developed economies by 2050, demonstrating strong growth potential. This visit has enhanced local enterprises’ understanding of Hong Kong’s advantages as a superconnector and super value-adder. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, we believe substantial cooperation opportunities will emerge across various sectors, including logistics infrastructure, green finance, digital economy, agricultural upgrading and food processing. The model of Mainland enterprises going global with Hong Kong while leveraging the HKTDC platform will create new opportunities for collaboration with Central Asia.”Following previous visits to Qatar and Kuwait last year, this delegation once again brings together the strengths of Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises. The delegation comprises 70 business leaders from Hong Kong and enterprise representatives from 17 provinces and municipalities across the Chinese Mainland, covering a wide spectrum of sectors, including financial and professional services, logistics and transportation, innovation and technology, trade, green industries, energy and mining, biopharmaceuticals, the automotive industry as well as the media. For the first time, representatives from journalism associations, including The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong News Executives’ Association, have joined the delegation, in line with the Policy Address’s initiative to enable local media to develop their overseas network and tell the Hong Kong story.During their stay in Kazakhstan, the delegation met with senior representatives from government bodies, chambers of commerce and major corporations, including the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan ‘Atameken’, ‘Baiterek’ National Investment Holding, Halyk Bank and Samruk-Kazyna. They exchanged views on strengthening bilateral trade ties and industrial collaboration and explored opportunities to leverage Hong Kong as a platform for broader regional cooperation.The delegation also visited Astana Hub and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to gain insights into the latest developments in innovation and technology as well as financial services in Kazakhstan.According to available data, Kazakhstan’s GDP is projected to grow by 4.6% in 2026, reaching approximately US$360.5 billion, to maintain its position as the largest economy in Central Asia and among the world’s top 50 economies. Uzbekistan’s GDP is forecast to grow by 6.5% in 2026, reaching approximately US$181.5 billion, with its GDP in US dollar terms having doubled between 2017 and 2025. Overall, the IMF forecasts GDP growth for Central Asia and the Caucasus at 6.2% in 2025 and 4.8% in 2026, higher than the global average of 3.1%. During its Kazakhstan visit, the delegation facilitated 43 MoUs and announcements, including:1.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken"2.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)3.Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Satbayev University4.Airport Authority and Almaty International Airport5.Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken"6.Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and Commex HK Link Digital Trading Company Limited and Eurasian Trading System Export” International Commodity Exchange (ETSE)7.Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce and JINGSH CONSULTING LLP8.Chinese Manufacturers Association and National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken"9.Cyberport and Astana Hub10.Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development in Kazakhstan11.Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited and Astana International Exchange (AIX)12.Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited and Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)13.Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and Astana Hub14.Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Ltd. and Astana Hub15.The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken"16.Law Society of Hong Kong and National Bar Association of Kazakhstan17.BOCHK and Bank of China Kazakhstan and Baiterek18.BOCHK and Bank of China Kazakhstan and Samruk Kazyna19.Bosera International Asset Management Limited and JSC "Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan"20.Cathay Pacific and Almaty International Airport and Almaty City Government (Tourism Development)21.China International Capital Corporation Limited and Freedom Holdings22.China International Capital Corporation Limited and Samruk Kazyna23.China International Capital Corporation Limited and Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)24.China International Capital Corporation Limited and Air Astana25.Deloitte and Universal Energy Co., Ltd.26.Ewpartners Investment Management Limited and Dasco Capital Ltd.27.Ewpartners Investment Management Limited and Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)28.Goldford Group and Gas Energy Solution LLP29.Hong Kong News executives’ Association and The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong and Khabar Agency JSC30.Jardine Matheson and KIDF31.Jiaxin International Resources Investment Limited and Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan32.Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Limited and Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology33.PCCW and Kazakhtelecom34.PCCW and Khabar Agency JSC35.SCMP and Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)36.SCMP and GOBI PARTNERS and Astana Hub and Khan Tengri Innovation Hub37.Soy-Sky FarmTech Company Limited (Hong Kong) and JSC NC Food Contract Corporation of Kazakhstan38.Standard Chartered Bank and Development Bank of Kazakhstan39.Templewater and Freedom Holdings40.The Standard and Freedom Horizons41.Standard Chartered Bank and Hangzhou CIEC Group Co., Ltd.42.Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Gold Astrum LLC43.Ewpartners Investment Management Limited and Jiangsu Solicitude Medical Technology (Group) Limited and Samruk-Kazyna Invest LLPIn addition, during the Central Asia visit, non-delegation members also signed a number of MoUs in academic, cultural or other collaboration areas:1.A-Grade Energy Ltd and Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan2.A-Grade Energy Ltd and Freedom Holdings3.China Mobile International Limited and Qazpost-YTO4.HKT and Education University of Hong Kong5.City University of Hong Kong and JSC "Center for International Programs under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan6.City University of Hong Kong and Satbayev University7.Education University of Hong Kong and Nazarbayev University8.Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Nazarbayev University9.Thei and BILIM-INNOVATION International Social Foundation10.Thei and L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National UniversityPhoto download: https://bit.ly/49zcFUnDuring its visit to Kazakhstan, the delegation facilitated 43 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and announcementsTo promote business collaboration, the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC jointly hosted a business luncheon, attracting more than 300 local business leaders and senior officials. John Lee, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, said at the luncheon: “Kazakhstan has, for centuries, connected Eastern and Western civilisations, serving as a bridge of commerce, culture and innovative ideas. That legacy continues today. From the port of Khorgos to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, Kazakhstan is now a business and logistics hub linking China, our country, and Europe. Rich in oil and mineral resources, and rapidly developing and diversifying, Kazakhstan is a regional economic powerhouse. Hong Kong, a pivotal player in the Belt and Road Initiative, looks forward to working with Kazakhstan in creating mutual opportunities.”Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said at the luncheon: “Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, accounting for 53% of the region’s GDP in 2025. Under its Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, the country is actively promoting economic diversification, with the goal of becoming one of the world’s top 30 most developed economies by 2050, demonstrating strong growth potential. This visit has enhanced local enterprises’ understanding of Hong Kong’s advantages as a superconnector and super value-adder. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, we believe substantial cooperation opportunities will emerge across various sectors, including logistics infrastructure, green finance, digital economy, agricultural upgrading and food processing. The model of Mainland enterprises going global with Hong Kong while leveraging the HKTDC platform will create new opportunities for collaboration with Central Asia.”The delegation visited Astana Hub to gain insights into the latest developments in the innovation and technology sectorMedia enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny Tsui Tel: (852) 2584 4395 Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgSerena Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4272 Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The 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