Leader Education Limited (LEADER EDU) has appointed Jon Gepsom CPA Limited as external auditor for the financial year ending 31 August 2026, replacing BDO Limited, which retired at the Company’s annual general meeting on 24 February 2026.

BDO opted not to seek re-appointment after failing to agree audit fees with the Board. BDO’s quotation for the FY 2026 audit was RMB0.85 million, while Jon Gepsom’s proposal ranged between RMB0.60 million and RMB0.65 million.

The Audit Committee and the Board evaluated competing bids against five criteria: cost-control alignment, industry experience and technical competency, auditor independence and resources, team structure, and adherence to Accounting and Financial Reporting Council guidelines. Jon Gepsom was assessed as providing a commercially competitive fee without reducing audit scope or quality.

Key drivers supporting the lower fee include: • Majority of audit work to be executed by PRC-based staff at lower rates in coordination with the Hong Kong team. • The Group’s 31 August year-end falls outside the peak audit season, reducing overtime and resource pressures. • Use of a risk-based audit approach, streamlined team configuration and digital audit tools.

Independence, Competence and Capability Jon Gepsom completed internal conflict checks and confirmed full compliance with the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. The incoming auditor will field an 11-member team led by an engagement partner with more than 15 years’ experience, supported by a quality-control reviewer with over eight years and a senior audit manager with more than five years of experience.

Chronology • Late Jan 2026: LEADER EDU solicited quotations from BDO, Jon Gepsom and others. • 30 Jan 2026: Board resolved not to recommend BDO; formal notification and professional clearance obtained the same day. • 24 Feb 2026: BDO retired at the AGM. • 8 Apr 2026: Supplemental announcement issued confirming appointment details and Audit Committee assessment.

The Board stated that Jon Gepsom possesses sufficient manpower, expertise and resources to deliver a high-quality audit for FY 2026.