AM BEST RETAINS STABLE OUTLOOK FOR TAIWAN NON-LIFE INSURANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has maintained a stable outlook on Taiwan’s non-life insurance segment amid the implementation of Taiwan Insurance Solvency (TIS), IFRS 17, and consistent premium expansion across retail and commercial lines.

Also underpinning the stable outlook are non-life insurers’ conservative asset allocation and moderate equity exposure, which should help protect their overall profitability in the event domestic stock market volatility impacts the segment’s investment results.

According to the Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Taiwan Non-Life Insurance”, implementation of TIS and IFRS 17 enhances cross-market comparability and elevates the strategic importance of capital management and earnings volatility analysis.

In a statement, AM Best said TIS has had a limited impact on the segment’s overall capitalisation, although market-risk capital requirements have increased moderately.

Meanwhile, the transition to IFRS 17 has been favourable to the segment’s reported capital position, with industry-wide reported shareholders’ equity increasing by approximately 10 per cent at year-end 2025.

Taiwan’s non-life insurance market remains mature and competitive, with demand for commercial lines coverage growing, supported by investments in high-technology manufacturing plants, renewable energy projects, and major infrastructure development.

The credit rating agency added that Taiwan’s non-life insurers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to streamline underwriting, automate claims processing and detect fraud.

“AI adoption among Taiwan’s non-life insurers is likely to remain gradual and tightly controlled, with insurers prioritising internal operational and risk management tasks while maintaining continued oversight over customer-facing decisions,” said AM Best director of analytics, James Chan.

These changes should enhance operating efficiency, refine risk selection and help insurers better manage losses over time.

-- BERNAMA

NBA MVP RUSSELL WESTBROOK JOINS PROJECT B AS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

Russell Westbrook Announced as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Project B

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Project B announced that NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Russell Westbrook has joined the company’s founding team as Chief Strategy Officer, taking an active role in shaping its basketball strategy and long-term vision.

Westbrook, who is also a Co-Founder, holds an ownership stake in Project B and has joined its Board of Directors. His role extends to strategic partnerships and creates opportunities to collaborate with companies and initiatives across his broader business portfolio as the business grows globally.

“Russell brings an extraordinary combination of basketball intelligence, business ownership, cultural relevance and global reach. As co-founder, he will help shape both the game and the company as we expand the future for basketball globally,” said Project B Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Grady Burnett in a statement.

Meanwhile, Westbrook said: “With Project B, we are challenging the norm and bringing a new vision to the intersection of premium sport, culture, and entertainment. We are reimagining the experience with players not only as key value drivers but also as shareholders and decision makers.”

The announcement is Westbrook’s first major business move since the end of his 18-year NBA career. He has spent more than a decade building a global business portfolio through Russell Westbrook Enterprises, with investments across technology, digital media, consumer businesses, real estate, sports and community infrastructure.

Project B’s launch comes as the economics of global sports are changing rapidly. The company is building a global grand prix that brings elite basketball and live entertainment to major basketball markets worldwide.

Launching in January 2027, tournaments will move through host markets across Asia, Europe and the Americas, turning each stop into a week-long festival of sport, entertainment and culture, with unprecedented access to players and unique storytelling opportunities. The tournaments will be streamed live on YouTube.

Westbrook’s mandate will also create additional collaboration between Project B and his broader ecosystem, including opportunities across media, consumer products and community programming. Additional partnerships will be announced separately.

-- BERNAMA

 

BOOMI ACCELERATES BAKERS DELIGHT’S DIGITAL ROLLOUT

Bakers Delight Modernises Digital Marketing Systems and Accelerates Deployment Times With Boomi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Boomi, the data activation company for artificial intelligence (AI), announced that Bakers Delight has modernised its digital marketing systems using the Boomi Enterprise Platform, significantly reducing the time required to roll out new systems.

In a statement, Boomi said the deployment has also given the Australian-owned bakery franchise greater agility to respond to changing market conditions.

Boomi Chief Technology Officer (CTO), APJ, David Irecki said Bakers Delight’s approach demonstrates how integration can serve as a strategic business capability to accelerate innovation and improve agility.

Meanwhile, Bakers Delight CTO, Keng Ng said the company needed a foundation that could support rapid, low-cost deployment of new systems while eliminating the cost and complexity of repeatedly re-engineering integrations.

The company, which operates more than 700 stores across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States under the Bakers Delight and COBS Bread brands, is preparing for a major technology renewal in early 2027.

Bakers Delight implemented Boomi’s Data Hub and API Management capabilities across customer, product, store location, promotion, coupon and order processes, creating a reusable integration architecture that connects its digital marketing platforms without requiring major changes to core enterprise resource planning and point-of-sale systems.

The reusable architecture helped accelerate deployments of Klaviyo, Shopify and Talon.One, which went live in three, four and nine months respectively across the company’s global franchise network. Centralised integration and master data also enabled Bakers Delight to respond quickly to cost fluctuations in early 2026 by revising prices consistently across systems.

Boomi’s consulting support helped establish the integration programme, while the company’s internal data engineering capabilities and technology vendors supported subsequent implementations.

The integration platform is expected to support further digital expansion by enabling richer enterprise data collection and laying the foundation for the use of AI and AI agents across the business.

-- BERNAMA

PEREGRINE COLD LOGISTICS ENTERS INDONESIA WITH JOINT VENTURE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Peregrine Cold Logistics (Peregrine), Asia’s unified cold storage and logistics platform, has entered Indonesia through a joint venture with Indonesian real estate developer Sinar Primera to acquire and develop tier-one cold storage assets across the country.

The partnership combines the acquisition of an existing Sinar Primera-owned facility in Pluit with a new greenfield development in Narogong, expanding Peregrine’s cold chain footprint in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

Peregrine co-founder and chief executive officer, Jeff Hogarth said the Indonesia entry marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to build an integrated international cold chain platform.

“Our objective is not simply to build capacity in Indonesia, but to connect the market into our broader ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) network, creating a more integrated logistics solution for customers and a platform for long-term growth across the region,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sinar Primera Group head, Hong Kah Jin said the partnership combines Peregrine’s cold chain expertise and international client base with Sinar Primera’s local market execution and infrastructure capabilities, supporting Indonesia’s growing demand for temperature-controlled infrastructure.

The partnership builds on Peregrine’s existing cold chain platform in the Philippines and is aimed at addressing rising demand for modern cold storage infrastructure in Indonesia, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation and increasingly sophisticated food and retail sectors.

The Pluit facility is strategically positioned to serve customers across northern and western Jakarta, while the new Narogong facility will feature semi-automated freezer and chiller capacity meeting global standards and anchor a hub-and-spoke network.

Together, the facilities are expected to support food producers, importers and exporters, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains, while strengthening food safety and security across Indonesia’s supply chains.

The joint venture will leverage Sinar Primera’s local market development expertise, land access and execution capabilities alongside Peregrine’s international cold chain network and operational experience to scale its Indonesian platform.

-- BERNAMA

Top destinations for corporate team-building trips

 

DUBLIN, Aug 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the "back-to-work" season approaches, companies are replacing virtual meetings with face-to-face retreats to address remote work fatigue and strengthen organizational culture.

To identify where teams can genuinely build connections, Holafly has launched the Global Team-Building Index, ranking destinations based on group activity infrastructure, accessibility, overall experience, and value.

The results identify Lisbon, Portugal as the world's leading destination, driven by its coastal activities, flight connectivity, and competitive costs.

The rise of the active corporate retreat
As hybrid and remote work become permanent, business travel is shifting toward experiential connections. Organizations are prioritizing places where employees can bond outdoors, whether that means sailing together or embarking on scavenger hunts.

The Iberian Peninsula takes the crown
Lisbon secured the number one spot: the airport sits close to the city center, while the river and coast provide a spectacular playground for sailing regattas and surfing challenges. Barcelona follows in second place with large hotel room blocks alongside high-end cultural experiences.

Eastern and Central Europe are budget-friendly champions
To maximize budget efficiency without sacrificing quality, Central Europe offers compelling alternatives. Prague and Budapest rank high, with costs for dining, accommodations, and venue up to 30% lower than Western Europe. Both offer memorable group activities like medieval castle banquets and old-town scavenger hunts.

Top 10 global destinations for team-building in 2026
1 - Lisbon, Portugal
2 - Barcelona, Spain
3 - Prague, Czech Republic
4 - Mallorca, Spain
5 - Budapest, Hungary
6 - Antalya, Turkey
7 - Athens, Greece
8 - Milan, Italy
9 - Chamonix, France
10 - Berlin, Germany

Where should Californians go for a team-building retreat?
The California Team-Building Index evaluated destinations within a 4-hour flight radius. Cabo San Lucas (Mexico) ranked first, offering direct flights, luxury resorts, and premium activities. It is followed by Denver (Colorado), which serves as an oasis for wellness retreats.

Top 10 Team-Building Destinations for Californians
1 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
2 - Denver, United States
3 - Mexico City, Mexico
4 - Portland, United States
5 - Vancouver, Canada
6 - Scottsdale, United States
7 - Austin, United States
8 - Jackson Hole, United States
9 - Guanajuato, Mexico
10 - Kauai, United States

Where should European companies go for their next offsite?
For British companies, Lisbon combines sunny coasts with rapid flight access. For German teams, Prague offers rail and air accessibility with budget efficiency. Spanish enterprises find their match in Lisbon, benefiting from proximity and local value.

Top 5 team-building destinations for UK companies
1 - Lisbon, Portugal
2 - Barcelona, Spain
3 - Mallorca, Spain
4 - Chamonix, France
5 - Prague, Czech Republic

Top 5 team-building destinations for German companies
1 - Prague, Czech Republic
2 - Lisbon, Portugal
3 - Barcelona, Spain
4 - Mallorca, Spain
5 - Budapest, Hungary

Top 5 team-building destinations for Spanish companies
1 - Lisbon, Portugal
2 - Prague, Czech Republic
3 - Budapest, Hungary
4 - Milan, Italy
5 - Antalya, Turkey

Media contact: press@holafly.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a87330a4-e6c3-4611-a953-322300a417ba 

SOURCE: Holafly

Sapient Intelligence Launches PRAXIST (Beta) to Accelerate a New Era of Autonomous AI-led Research and Development

• 49 gold-medal outcomes across 75 machine learning competitions from MLE-Bench achieving approximately US$3,000, versus 34 for Claude Code at US$38,000
• 
  
• Rocket-landing accuracy reached 100% within 12 hours, demonstrating a proof-of-concept capability at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3

SINGAPORE, Aug 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Singapore-headquartered artificial general intelligence research company Sapient Intelligence today announced the launch of PRAXIST (Beta), an autonomous AI research and development (R&D) system that takes on complex technical problems and independently tests and validates potential solutions.

While AI has rapidly accelerated productivity in content generation and other well-defined workflows, R&D remains inherently difficult to automate and scale. Breakthroughs require testing multiple hypotheses, learning from successes and failures, and continuously determining which paths to pursue. Organizations must address this all while balancing specialist expertise, time, cost, and infrastructure.

A capacity multiplier

PRAXIST addresses this challenge as an R&D capacity multiplier. Rather than executing a predefined path, it independently explores which technical approach can best achieve a measurable objective. Users define the goal, parameters, and budget; PRAXIST then autonomously experiments and evaluates the strongest solution.

The approach has demonstrated promising results in controlled internal evaluations. On 75 challenging Kaggle competitions from MLE-Bench, a benchmark designed to test how well AI systems tackle complex, real-world machine learning problems across, PRAXIST achieved the highest-level result in 49 competitions at an approximate recorded model cost of US$3,000, compared with 34 highest-level results for Claude Code at approximately US$38,000 under the same evaluation conditions.

“Unlike general coding agents, which are built primarily to execute a specific task, PRAXIST is designed for long-horizon R&D, where the problem-solving approach itself may need to be discovered and adapted,” says William Chen, Co-Founder at Sapient Intelligence. “A conventional research team is ultimately constrained by the number of experiments its researchers can realistically run and evaluate. PRAXIST is designed to provide organizations with the ability to augment their existing teams with additional research capacity, enabling them to explore problems with a breadth and speed that would otherwise require significantly greater specialist resources.”

From autonomous research to cumulative scientific discovery

PRAXIST deploys multiple autonomous research peers to explore approaches in parallel, test hypotheses, investigate failures, and validate promising results. Unlike the tree-like search used by other similar systems, where each candidate inherits from one parent and weaker branches are pruned, PRAXIST uses a generation-layered research graph that preserves what every experiment teaches. This allows later generations to combine valuable mechanisms, evidence, and constraints across different lineages, including failed attempts. Rather than searching for the single best branch, PRAXIST constructs stronger solutions from discoveries made across branches.

Expansion and scale at speed

For organizations with limited AI or machine learning capabilities, PRAXIST can provide an AI research layer alongside existing domain expertise; for sophisticated teams, it can augment existing capabilities and increase the scale and breadth of R&D. A traditional robotics company, for example, can define problems, objectives, and constraints from an engineering perspective while PRAXIST conducts the AI research, experimentation, and validation needed to develop solutions, effectively serving as an in-house AI research team without requiring the company to build one.

Partner engineering results further illustrate this potential. In a partner-provided rocket-landing simulation, PRAXIST improved baseline to 100% within 12 hours, demonstrating a proof-of-concept capability at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3. In an industrial robotic SLAM problem, a partner team achieved 9.37cm of accumulated error after several months of development. PRAXIST reduced the error to 5.01cm within three days.

System application

PRAXIST can operate with proprietary data in private or customer-controlled environments, giving organizations greater control over their research infrastructure and sensitive intellectual property.

Initial applications are focused on sectors with intensive R&D requirements or highly measurable or simulatable optimization problems, including AI, engineering and robotics, manufacturing, finance, and health and drug discovery. Over time, Sapient Intelligence aims to extend PRAXIST beyond traditional R&D into broader business optimization, from inventory and sales to logistics and shipping.

“AI has mastered executing what we know. The next frontier is discovering what we don’t,” said Jin Li, Chief Scientist of PRAXIST. “PRAXIST is our first step toward making autonomous discovery a practical capability for organizations tackling complex problems. As we continue to develop the platform, we will look to expand beyond traditional R&D. Our ambition is to give organizations a fundamentally greater capacity to explore what is possible, enabling existing teams to pursue more experiments, approaches, and innovations while keeping human expertise and judgment at the center.”

About Sapient Intelligence

Founded and headquartered in Singapore, Sapient Intelligence is developing a new generation of AI systems that move beyond answering questions and executing predefined tasks to autonomously discover, reason, and optimize across complex problems without predefined solutions. By combining autonomous research systems with novel foundation-model architectures, Sapient Intelligence advances autonomous discovery through deeper reasoning, self-evolving capabilities, greater adaptability, and enhanced interpretability.

At the center of this vision is PRAXIST, the company’s flagship autoresearch system enabling breakthroughs in real-world R&D and business challenges. Sapient is also the creator of the Hierarchical Reasoning Model (HRM), a novel, brain-inspired foundation model architecture designed to enable deep reasoning with substantially greater training efficiency.

With a global team of more than 50 researchers and engineers operating across Singapore, Palo Alto, and Beijing, Sapient brings together experience from leading AI organizations and research institutions. The company connects foundational AI research with demanding applications in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, developing original AI systems for enterprises, researchers, and institutions worldwide.

Learn more about PRAXIST here.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260827080331/en/

Contact

The Hoffman Agency on behalf of Sapient Intelligence
Sapient@hoffman.com

Source : Sapient Intelligence

--BERNAMA

ARC’TERYX INTRODUCES SYSTEM 0 CIRCULAR DESIGN FRAMEWORK

Arc’teryx athlete, Craig Murray, wearing the Sperro SV, a multisport mountain-grade hardshell built with circular design principles, available September 4, 2026.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Arc’teryx Equipment, a global designer of technical high-performance apparel and equipment, has introduced System 0, a new framework designed to embed circularity across the product lifecycle, from design and manufacturing through use, repair and end-of-life regeneration.

The first product under the framework is the Sperro SV jacket, a mountain-grade hardshell designed for durability, repairability and disassembly for recycling at end of life. The jacket uses GORE-TEX Pro fabric with an ePE membrane, while its nylon face fabric and backer were separately designed for recyclability in partnership with Aquafil, the manufacturer of ECONYL regenerated nylon.

Available globally from Sept 4 through Arc’teryx stores and its website, the Sperro SV is positioned as the brand’s most advanced hardshell jacket and is intended to demonstrate that circular design can be integrated into technical apparel without compromising performance.

“System 0 represents a fundamental shift in how we build and scale our business with circularity front of mind. For decades, Arc’teryx has built gear that is meant to be repaired, not replaced. This is the next step forward,” said Arc’teryx Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Haselden in a statement.

The Sperro SV is the first product certified under TESTEX Circularity, a standard Arc’teryx said it co-developed to address gaps in existing circular product standards. The certification evaluates the jacket’s durability, repairability and ability to undergo chemical recycling.

System 0 builds on Arc’teryx’s existing ReBIRD ecosystem of washing, repair, trade-in, resale and upcycling initiatives. The company said the new framework extends these principles across design, sourcing, manufacturing, customer experience, repair and end-of-life recovery as part of an effort to make circularity a scalable operating model.

The Sperro SV has been tested by alpine professionals, including Vancouver’s North Shore Rescue. It features reinforcement at common failure points, including an easily replaceable zipper slider, and comes with three years of unlimited out-of-warranty repairs through ReBIRD.

When the jacket is no longer repairable, its fabric can undergo chemical recycling to separate the nylon from the GORE-TEX membrane. The nylon is then returned to Aquafil to be regenerated into ECONYL yarn for new products.

-- BERNAMA