VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2026 / Global Education Communities Corp. ("GECC" or the "Company") (TSX:GEC)(OTCQB:GECSF) announced updates to its executive leadership team to support the ongoing expansion of its student housing portfolio and broader corporate growth strategy.

Appointment of Chris Ho as Executive Director, Finance

Mr. Chris Ho has been appointed Executive Director of Finance. Having joined GECC in early 2024, Mr. Ho brings extensive leadership experience in capital markets, financial analysis, and investor relations.

Prior to joining GECC, Mr. Ho spent more than 12 years in Asia's capital markets, most recently serving as Vice President of Institutional Research at a leading Asia-based securities dealer and investment banking firm. In this leadership role, he oversaw institutional research activities, advised institutional investors, and worked closely with publicly listed companies on equity capital markets, investor relations, and pre-initial public offering (IPO) preparation. Mr. Ho holds a Master of Finance degree from the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University and is a CFA charterholder.

Appointment of Betty Liang as Executive Director, Corporate Finance

Ms. Betty Liang has been appointed Executive Director, Corporate Finance. In this role, Ms. Liang works across corporate finance, business development, strategic partnerships, and investment initiatives. She collaborates closely with lenders, equity partners, and internal stakeholders on development financing, project evaluation, and capital planning.

Prior to joining GECC, Ms. Liang founded and led a Vancouver-based real estate investment and development company, successfully delivering over $96 million in residential and mixed-use projects. Over a career spanning more than a decade, her expertise covers the entire development cycle-including land acquisition, feasibility analysis, municipal approvals, and construction management across townhomes, multi-family communities, and complex urban redevelopment projects. Ms. Liang holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).

Management Transition

GECC also announces that Mr. Victor Chiu has stepped down from his positions as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, effective July 31, 2026, for personal reasons. The Board and executive management extend their sincere gratitude to Mr. Chiu for his dedicated service and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. Mr. Toby Chu has assumed the positions of Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary.

About GECC:

For over 32 years, GECC has been a leading player in Canada's education and student housing sectors. Following the strategic divestiture of its domestic college assets in 2025 and 2026, GECC has evolved into primarily a premier pure-play student housing developer and operator. Serving nearly 10,000 domestic and international students annually, GECC's global footprint spans student housing communities, recruitment centres, and corporate offices across Canada and abroad.

Student Housing & Education Super-Centres

Under the flagship GEC® Living brand, GECC is the largest off-campus student housing provider in Western Canada. The Company specializes in developing and managing student-centric rental apartments and has pioneered the "Education Super-Centre" concept-integrated hubs that combine academic space with high-density housing. The GEC® portfolio, comprising both operational assets and a robust development pipeline, represents a combined value and development budget exceeding $1 billion. With 1,300 operational beds and approximately 2,500 additional beds in the development pipeline, GEC® provides essential housing solutions to students from 79 countries worldwide attending 95 schools across Metro Vancouver. Website: www.gecliving.com

Academic Division and Supporting Services

Formerly the parent company of Sprott Shaw College, SSLC Language College and Vancouver International College, GECC successfully divested these entities in 2025 and 2026 to focus on its student housing real estate business. The Company's current academic division continues through CIBT School of Business & Technology Corp., maintaining a feeder and bridge between institutional education and student-centric infrastructure.

GECC maintains a vertically integrated ecosystem to achieve high occupancy and brand consistency across its portfolio. Global Education Alliance (GEA) is a premier student recruitment agency that connects international students with top-tier North American institutions and streamlines their placement into GEC® housing. Irix Design is a Vancouver-based media and communications firm that serves as GECC's internal marketing and design department, ensuring seamless execution of the Company's global brand strategy.

Visit GECC online at www.GEChq.com to explore our services and watch our corporate video. Check out our video library on YouTube.com: https://www.youtube.com/gecliving

For more information, contact:

Toby Chu
Chairman, President, CEO & Interim Chief Financial Officer
Global Education Communities Corp.

Investor Relations Contact: 1-604-871-9909 extension 319 or | Email: info@GEChq.com

SOURCE: Global Education Communities Corp.