KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- AlixPartners has acquired Artium, an agentic artificial intelligence (AI) software consulting firm that develops enterprise AI agents for clients including BNY Mellon, Mayo Clinic and eBay, as the global consulting firm expands its AI capabilities.
In a statement, the company said Artium will continue operating as a distinct team within AlixPartners under the brand "Artium by AlixPartners", with its people, including its founders, methodology and research relationships remaining unchanged.
AlixPartners Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rob Hornby said Artium has developed production-grade agentic AI systems and established strong relationships across leading AI research organisations, adding that the combination is expected to enhance the firm's ability to deliver business transformation for clients.
Meanwhile, Artium CEO and Co-Founder, Ross Hale said AlixPartners was selected as the next growth partner because of its understanding of Artium's business, technology capabilities and long-term opportunities, while also supporting the culture and values that have contributed to the firm's growth.
AlixPartners said the acquisition combines Artium's AI engineering capabilities with the firm's industry experience and is expected to create new opportunities to transform businesses and integrate technology across enterprises.
Founded 45 years ago, AlixPartners provides consulting services to companies across a range of industries, focusing on performance improvement, restructuring, transformation and technology-enabled business change.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
DARWINBOX UNVEILS AI-NATIVE HCM PLATFORM CORTEX
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Darwinbox, a human capital management (HCM) platform, has unveiled Darwinbox Cortex, the artificial intelligence (AI)-native HCM platform rebuilt from the ground up for AI.
Rather than adding AI features on top of existing software, Cortex embeds intelligence into the core of the platform. It is being launched with pilot customers and technology partners, including Microsoft, Slack and Glean.
Darwinbox said Cortex is designed to understand an organisation’s people, roles, policies, workflows and past decisions, enabling users to make requests within the governance and operational guardrails already established by the organisation.
“With Cortex, we reimagined the entire HCM experience from the ground up and pushed the boundaries of what AI can do for HR through a series of innovations, including the first Context Graph in the category.
“This is not an incremental evolution of HCM; it defines a new category, and we are excited about what it can unlock for our customers,” said Darwinbox co-founder and co-chief executive officer, Jayant Paleti in a statement.
According to Darwinbox, the AI-native platform is built on four architectural foundations namely, the Signal Layer, the Context Graph, the Cortex Agent Platform and the Experience Layer.
The company said the platform is being introduced with a select group of global design partners, including Visteon Corporation and Transcarent, which are working with Darwinbox to apply Cortex to complex workforce-management challenges.
Darwinbox added that Cortex is designed for a connected enterprise environment, integrating with Microsoft 365, Teams and Co-pilot, as well as platforms such as Slack and Glean, allowing enterprise intelligence to be delivered through applications employees already use in their daily work.
-- BERNAMA
Rather than adding AI features on top of existing software, Cortex embeds intelligence into the core of the platform. It is being launched with pilot customers and technology partners, including Microsoft, Slack and Glean.
Darwinbox said Cortex is designed to understand an organisation’s people, roles, policies, workflows and past decisions, enabling users to make requests within the governance and operational guardrails already established by the organisation.
“With Cortex, we reimagined the entire HCM experience from the ground up and pushed the boundaries of what AI can do for HR through a series of innovations, including the first Context Graph in the category.
“This is not an incremental evolution of HCM; it defines a new category, and we are excited about what it can unlock for our customers,” said Darwinbox co-founder and co-chief executive officer, Jayant Paleti in a statement.
According to Darwinbox, the AI-native platform is built on four architectural foundations namely, the Signal Layer, the Context Graph, the Cortex Agent Platform and the Experience Layer.
The company said the platform is being introduced with a select group of global design partners, including Visteon Corporation and Transcarent, which are working with Darwinbox to apply Cortex to complex workforce-management challenges.
Darwinbox added that Cortex is designed for a connected enterprise environment, integrating with Microsoft 365, Teams and Co-pilot, as well as platforms such as Slack and Glean, allowing enterprise intelligence to be delivered through applications employees already use in their daily work.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
LENDLEASE REIT REPORTS HIGHER 2H FY2026 REVENUE, DPU
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Lendlease Global Commercial Trust Management Pte Ltd, the manager of Lendlease Global Commercial REIT (Lendlease REIT), has announced its second half (2H) and full-year financial results for FY2026, with gross revenue rising 6.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to SG$110.0 million in 2H FY2026. (SG$1 = RM3.19)
In a statement, the company said net property income (NPI) for 2H FY2026 increased 6.6 per cent YoY to SG$78.7 million, driven by the acquisition of PLQ Mall and the performance of its Singapore retail assets, partially offset by the divestment of the Jem office.
Distribution per unit (DPU) for 2H FY2026 stood at 1.85 Singapore cents, bringing the full-year DPU to 3.70 Singapore cents, up 3.0 per cent YoY, supported by recurring earnings from a strong portfolio of operational assets in Singapore.
“FY2026 marked a year of meaningful progress for Lendlease REIT. We took decisive steps to strengthen our financial position through the successful divestment of Jem office, reducing aggregate leverage to 38.9 per cent and improving our interest coverage ratio to 2.1 times.
“Looking ahead, our enlarged Singapore retail portfolio provides a stronger platform for growth. We remain committed to disciplined execution, active asset management and capital stewardship as we pursue further DPU growth and long-term value creation in FY2027,” said the manager’s Chief Executive Officer, Guy Cawthra.
Property operating expenses increased by SG$1.4 million compared with FY2025, mainly due to the acquisition of PLQ Mall, partially offset by the divestment of the Jem office.
As at June 30, 2026, Lendlease REIT’s gross borrowings stood at SG$1.7053 billion, with a gearing ratio of 38.9 per cent. The weighted average cost of debt was reduced to 2.75 per cent per annum, while approximately 68 per cent of borrowings were hedged at fixed rates.
The manager also reduced its outstanding perpetual securities through refinancing exercises undertaken in April 2025 and June 2026, lowering the total quantum from SG$400 million to SG$240 million.
In the same period, Lendlease REIT’s portfolio committed occupancy stood at 94.6 per cent. Its retail portfolio maintained a strong occupancy rate of 98.5 per cent, while occupancy at the Milan office portfolio stood at 89.1 per cent.
The company will continue pursuing active asset initiatives to drive income growth by unlocking value through the reconfiguration of retail space at PLQ Mall and refreshing Discovery Walk to integrate with the multifunctional event space.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, the company said net property income (NPI) for 2H FY2026 increased 6.6 per cent YoY to SG$78.7 million, driven by the acquisition of PLQ Mall and the performance of its Singapore retail assets, partially offset by the divestment of the Jem office.
Distribution per unit (DPU) for 2H FY2026 stood at 1.85 Singapore cents, bringing the full-year DPU to 3.70 Singapore cents, up 3.0 per cent YoY, supported by recurring earnings from a strong portfolio of operational assets in Singapore.
“FY2026 marked a year of meaningful progress for Lendlease REIT. We took decisive steps to strengthen our financial position through the successful divestment of Jem office, reducing aggregate leverage to 38.9 per cent and improving our interest coverage ratio to 2.1 times.
“Looking ahead, our enlarged Singapore retail portfolio provides a stronger platform for growth. We remain committed to disciplined execution, active asset management and capital stewardship as we pursue further DPU growth and long-term value creation in FY2027,” said the manager’s Chief Executive Officer, Guy Cawthra.
Property operating expenses increased by SG$1.4 million compared with FY2025, mainly due to the acquisition of PLQ Mall, partially offset by the divestment of the Jem office.
As at June 30, 2026, Lendlease REIT’s gross borrowings stood at SG$1.7053 billion, with a gearing ratio of 38.9 per cent. The weighted average cost of debt was reduced to 2.75 per cent per annum, while approximately 68 per cent of borrowings were hedged at fixed rates.
The manager also reduced its outstanding perpetual securities through refinancing exercises undertaken in April 2025 and June 2026, lowering the total quantum from SG$400 million to SG$240 million.
In the same period, Lendlease REIT’s portfolio committed occupancy stood at 94.6 per cent. Its retail portfolio maintained a strong occupancy rate of 98.5 per cent, while occupancy at the Milan office portfolio stood at 89.1 per cent.
The company will continue pursuing active asset initiatives to drive income growth by unlocking value through the reconfiguration of retail space at PLQ Mall and refreshing Discovery Walk to integrate with the multifunctional event space.
-- BERNAMA
Bitget Integrates TradingView Charts for Commodities (CFD) Market
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has upgraded its CFD platform with a native TradingView integration, bringing professional-grade market analysis and order execution into a single interface. The enhancement reflects a broader evolution in trading platform design, where reducing friction has become as important as expanding market access.
As traders increasingly participate across assets, the trading experience has become fragmented between analysis and execution. Active traders rely on external charting platforms to monitor markets before returning to their exchange to place trades, creating unnecessary delays during fast-moving market conditions. Bitget's latest upgrade removes that disconnect by embedding TradingView directly into the CFD trading experience.
TradingView now serves as the default charting interface for Bitget CFD, allowing users to analyze markets and execute trades from the same screen. The integration includes customizable chart layouts, split-screen market monitoring, an extensive library of technical indicators, and advanced drawing tools, enabling traders to monitor multiple markets while executing positions without leaving the platform.
“With this integration we’ve removed the friction of switching between live charts in CFD trading; providing efficiency for traders to capitalize on market opportunities.” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.
The upgrade builds on Bitget's broader Universal Exchange vision of creating a unified trading environment across asset classes. While much of the industry's focus has been on expanding access to new markets, Bitget is equally focused on simplifying how users interact with those markets by reducing the operational complexity between research, analysis, and execution.
Bitget CFD enables users to trade global financial markets, including commodities, foreign exchange, and indices, through a single USDT-settled account. The addition of TradingView further strengthens the platform's analytical capabilities while supporting a more streamlined workflow for active traders seeking institutional-grade tools within a unified trading experience.
To find out more, visit here.
About Bitget
Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.
For more information, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf6e9eb6-0cc1-4859-a740-a547f08c0045
SOURCE: Bitget Limited
DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.
As traders increasingly participate across assets, the trading experience has become fragmented between analysis and execution. Active traders rely on external charting platforms to monitor markets before returning to their exchange to place trades, creating unnecessary delays during fast-moving market conditions. Bitget's latest upgrade removes that disconnect by embedding TradingView directly into the CFD trading experience.
TradingView now serves as the default charting interface for Bitget CFD, allowing users to analyze markets and execute trades from the same screen. The integration includes customizable chart layouts, split-screen market monitoring, an extensive library of technical indicators, and advanced drawing tools, enabling traders to monitor multiple markets while executing positions without leaving the platform.
“With this integration we’ve removed the friction of switching between live charts in CFD trading; providing efficiency for traders to capitalize on market opportunities.” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.
The upgrade builds on Bitget's broader Universal Exchange vision of creating a unified trading environment across asset classes. While much of the industry's focus has been on expanding access to new markets, Bitget is equally focused on simplifying how users interact with those markets by reducing the operational complexity between research, analysis, and execution.
Bitget CFD enables users to trade global financial markets, including commodities, foreign exchange, and indices, through a single USDT-settled account. The addition of TradingView further strengthens the platform's analytical capabilities while supporting a more streamlined workflow for active traders seeking institutional-grade tools within a unified trading experience.
To find out more, visit here.
About Bitget
Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.
For more information, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf6e9eb6-0cc1-4859-a740-a547f08c0045
SOURCE: Bitget Limited
DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.
Monday, 3 August 2026
Lumora Closes Pre-Seed Round to Tap South Korea's USD 145 Billion Industrial Solar Market
South Korea's first idle-land-dedicated IPP secures multi-fund backing and 43.6 MW pipeline
SEOUL, South Korea, Aug 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lumora, South Korea's first Independent Power Producer (IPP) dedicated to underutilized industrial space, has closed a pre-seed financing round led by a fund anchored by Yuhan-Kimberly—one of the nation’s most recognized consumer goods companies—and managed by MYSC (My Social Company), alongside HGI and other strategic investors. Financial terms remain undisclosed. The company plans to continue raising capital from global investors as it scales its pipeline.
Market Opportunity
Korea's industrial sector has an estimated USD 145 billion worth of untapped rooftop and parking space. Unlike fee-based developers, Lumora directly owns and operates solar assets under a full-stack IPP model, securing long-term generation revenue while delivering energy savings to customers.
Traction & Recognition
Since founding, Lumora has assembled a 43.6 MW nationwide pipeline across Korea, securing co-investment from major conglomerates. It earned back-to-back government recognition: the 2026 Eco-Startup Growth Program (Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment) and the 19th Startup NEST cohort (Korea Credit Guarantee Fund).
Full-Stack Platform
Lumora's strategy targets three layers of the industrial energy stack: solar generation (rooftop lease and the newly launched ZeroOne self-consumption subscription), energy management (proprietary FEMS integrated), and energy savings (ESCO projects planned as the next growth lever).
Leadership
CEO has 15+ years of experience in renewable PF energy and led Korea's first blind-pool rooftop solar PF fund, establishing the credit framework Lumora applies to every deal. CBO adds over USD 44 million in solar BD experience. The broader team carries a combined 595 MW development track record across Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and Ireland.
Global Comparables
Lumora's model mirrors that of Altus Power (NYSE: AMPS, USD 2.2B) in the U.S. and CleanMax in India, both of which have built significant enterprise value through patient asset accumulation in industrial distributed generation.
Hyungjun Kim, CEO of Lumora, said, “Every factory has a unique load profile and energy environment. Lumora's edge is the ability to run integrated energy diagnostics and back the right solution with our own capital — from generation to management to savings.”
About Lumora
Lumora is South Korea's first IPP specializing in underutilized industrial space — factory rooftops, parking structures, and idle land. Backed by a fund anchored by Yuhan-Kimberly and managed by MYSC, alongside HGI and other strategic investors.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260802447224/en/
Contact
Lee Ji Yeon
bella.lee@lumora.kr
Source : Lumora Co., Ltd.
SEOUL, South Korea, Aug 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lumora, South Korea's first Independent Power Producer (IPP) dedicated to underutilized industrial space, has closed a pre-seed financing round led by a fund anchored by Yuhan-Kimberly—one of the nation’s most recognized consumer goods companies—and managed by MYSC (My Social Company), alongside HGI and other strategic investors. Financial terms remain undisclosed. The company plans to continue raising capital from global investors as it scales its pipeline.
Market Opportunity
Korea's industrial sector has an estimated USD 145 billion worth of untapped rooftop and parking space. Unlike fee-based developers, Lumora directly owns and operates solar assets under a full-stack IPP model, securing long-term generation revenue while delivering energy savings to customers.
Traction & Recognition
Since founding, Lumora has assembled a 43.6 MW nationwide pipeline across Korea, securing co-investment from major conglomerates. It earned back-to-back government recognition: the 2026 Eco-Startup Growth Program (Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment) and the 19th Startup NEST cohort (Korea Credit Guarantee Fund).
Full-Stack Platform
Lumora's strategy targets three layers of the industrial energy stack: solar generation (rooftop lease and the newly launched ZeroOne self-consumption subscription), energy management (proprietary FEMS integrated), and energy savings (ESCO projects planned as the next growth lever).
Leadership
CEO has 15+ years of experience in renewable PF energy and led Korea's first blind-pool rooftop solar PF fund, establishing the credit framework Lumora applies to every deal. CBO adds over USD 44 million in solar BD experience. The broader team carries a combined 595 MW development track record across Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and Ireland.
Global Comparables
Lumora's model mirrors that of Altus Power (NYSE: AMPS, USD 2.2B) in the U.S. and CleanMax in India, both of which have built significant enterprise value through patient asset accumulation in industrial distributed generation.
Hyungjun Kim, CEO of Lumora, said, “Every factory has a unique load profile and energy environment. Lumora's edge is the ability to run integrated energy diagnostics and back the right solution with our own capital — from generation to management to savings.”
About Lumora
Lumora is South Korea's first IPP specializing in underutilized industrial space — factory rooftops, parking structures, and idle land. Backed by a fund anchored by Yuhan-Kimberly and managed by MYSC, alongside HGI and other strategic investors.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260802447224/en/
Contact
Lee Ji Yeon
bella.lee@lumora.kr
Source : Lumora Co., Ltd.
Friday, 31 July 2026
MARY KAY REPORTS PROGRESS ON 2030 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
 |
| Mary Kay's annual 2026 Sustainability Report highlights the company's decades-long dedication to social, economic, and environmental sustainability - core pillars central to its business strategy and its purpose-driven legacy rooted in Mary Kay's mission of “enriching women’s lives” around the world. (Image Credit: Mary Kay Inc.) |
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc has released its 2026 Sustainability Report, highlighting progress towards its 2030 goals and key achievements in environmental, social and economic initiatives in 2025.
In a statement, the global beauty company said the report reflects its continued focus on sustainability, women’s empowerment and responsible business practices, which form part of its long-term strategy.
Mary Kay Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Rogers said the company’s commitment to enriching women’s lives continues to guide its operations, innovation and efforts to create sustainable impact worldwide.
Among its environmental achievements, Mary Kay reported progress in responsible packaging, resource conservation, sustainable sourcing and water management. The company said 100 per cent of water used at its Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing/R&D Center (R3) in Texas is treated and recycled back into the local watershed.
On social impact, Mary Kay said it has contributed more than US$230 million in monetary and in-kind donations through the company and its foundations since 1996, supporting initiatives including cancer research, domestic violence prevention and opportunities for women and families. (US$1=RM4.08)
The company also reported that more than 600,000 women globally have been positively impacted through empowerment initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, education and community development, while more than US$234,000 in grants has been awarded to young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Economically, Mary Kay said women hold 63 per cent of its global workforce positions, with women also representing a majority of leadership roles in several key areas.
The company has expanded its presence to 40 markets worldwide and continued its digital transformation through the rollout of its My Shop platform, which provides Independent Beauty Consultants with personalised online storefronts.
Mary Kay said the sustainability report aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves as a reference for stakeholders and partners working towards environmental and social impact.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 30 July 2026
HORIZON QUANTUM TO ENHANCE QUANTUM SYSTEMS EFFICIENCY WITH QM
 |
| Horizon Quantum's CEO Dr. Joe Fitzsimons and Quantum Machines' CEO Dr. Itamar Sivan at Horizon Quantum's quantum hardware testbed |
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte Ltd (Horizon Quantum), a pioneer in software infrastructure for quantum applications, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Q.M Technologies Ltd (QM) to develop more robust and efficient quantum systems.
According to Horizon Quantum in a statement, the collaboration will leverage QM's quantum control platform and engineering expertise to develop embedded calibration technologies for its first in-house hardware testbed system, Ember-1, with the aim of delivering more reliable, continuously operating quantum systems.
Horizon Quantum Chief Executive Officer, Dr Joe Fitzsimons said this strategic collaboration provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of more stable and high-performing quantum systems.
“By bringing together Horizon Quantum’s expertise in quantum software and QM’s expertise in quantum control, I believe we can develop lightweight calibration routines that increase uptime and improve the reliability of our testbed system,” he said.
The company said it intends to develop an embedded calibration framework that enables lightweight calibration routines to be executed during normal system operation, reducing reliance on lengthy full-system calibration cycles.
By updating system parameters more frequently, the framework is designed to reduce downtime, improve operational stability and maintain high-performance operation over extended runtimes.
Horizon Quantum will also leverage QM's OPX1000 control system to support the development, with improved Ember-1 uptime expected to increase access time for Triple Alpha users.
The collaboration reflects both companies' commitment to advancing practical quantum computing by combining quantum software and control technologies to support scalable, high-performance quantum systems.
-- BERNAMA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)