KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- AI-Media, a global provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered subtitling and language solutions, will showcase its real-time translation, captioning, and audio description technologies at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026, from Feb 3 to 6.
In a statement, AI-Media said it will highlight how multilingual and accessible communication is becoming a standard requirement across professional audio-visual (AV) environments.
“Professional AV is moving quickly toward the same expectations broadcasters have operated under for years—reliability, low latency and experiences that work across languages and accessibility needs,” said AI-Media Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Vice President of Sales for EMEA, Mark Lovatt.
He said the company will demonstrate at ISE how real-time voice translation, subtitling and audio description can be delivered as part of live production workflows to help organisations design more inclusive experiences from the outset.
At the event, the company will demonstrate how its broadcast-grade AI technology can be integrated into professional AV workflows to deliver scalable, low-latency language and accessibility support for live events, corporate communications, venues and public installations.
AI-Media will feature LEXI Voice, an AI-driven solution that provides real-time voice translation into multiple languages with natural-sounding output and minimal delay, designed for live and broadcast environments.
The company will also showcase LEXI Text, its real-time subtitling solution, and LEXI AD, which delivers automated audio description to support inclusive viewing experiences.
According to AI-Media, the LEXI suite enables organisations to deliver multilingual and accessible experiences across professional AV and broadcast settings, supporting an industry shift towards inclusive communication as a standard practice.
All LEXI solutions integrate seamlessly with SDI and IP infrastructures, supporting deployments across conferences, corporate communications, live events, sports venues, houses of worship, and public installations.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, 30 January 2026
AI-MEDIA TO BRING REAL-TIME TRANSLATION TO ISE 2026
Thursday, 29 January 2026
HR Leaders Face Critical Inflection Point as 'Intentional Organisation' Becomes Essential for Business Resilience in 2026
New global research from Top Employers Institute reveals that deliberate design will define organisational success in the year ahead
LONDON, Jan 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The strategies that sustained organisations through recent years will no longer be sufficient in 2026, according to a new report launched today by Top Employers Institute, a leading certification, benchmarking and advisory firm. Speed and scale, as default responses to pressure, have reached their limits. What will fuel high-performing organisations in the year ahead will be designing work, leadership and management systems with deliberate intent.
World of Work Trends 2026: The Intentional Organisation sets out a next-phase model for organisational performance that prioritises coherence over acceleration, value over volume, and clarity over complexity. The research draws on Top Employers Institute's unique dataset of 2,358 organisations globally, providing early signals of patterns now becoming visible at scale. The research identifies the following five defining trends that will determine which organisations sustain performance under pressure in 2026 and beyond.
1. Purpose in Practice
Purpose statements will no longer be enough in the year ahead. Stakeholders will demand tangible evidence that purpose shapes behaviours and outcomes. HR leaders must now embed purpose into decision-making systems, leadership expectations and scorecards that trigger early intervention. Organisations with higher revenue growth and profitability are 8% more likely to have deployed a purpose measurement scorecard. This includes 96% aligning strategy to purpose and 55% actively monitoring alignment.
2. AI with Intent
2026 marks the end of AI adoption for adoption's sake. With nearly half of AI projects scrapped between pilot and deployment and only 37% of teams reporting productivity gains, organisations can no longer afford to implement without clear governance. The 40% of Top Employers continuously evaluating how AI balances organisational needs with employee impact show what intentional deployment looks like. HR leaders entering 2026 must establish transparent frameworks for where AI is used, who remains accountable, and how fairness is protected.
3. Structured Flexibility
While 87% of organisations already have remote work policies, what will distinguish performance in 2026 will be how deliberately flexibility is structured. Organisations with low turnover are 13% more likely to have equipped leaders to manage hybrid teams effectively. HR leaders can no longer expand flexibility by default – they must design it with boundaries that protect fairness, performance and wellbeing, or watch disengagement and inconsistency undermine results.
4. Designing for Productivity
This is the year organisations must accept that productivity cannot come from working people harder. With HR budgets shrinking – just 35% planning increases versus 66% in 2022 – and burnout mentions in Glassdoor reviews up 32%, the path forward needs to be a new one. HR leaders must direct time, energy and resources to the highest-impact work, protect focus through clear boundaries, and build renewable workforce capability through redeployment and reskilling. Organisations reporting higher revenue growth are 12% more likely, and those reporting stronger customer satisfaction are 27% more likely, to use iterative planning and feedback loops to stay responsive to change. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of organisations now use these practices, reinforcing the role of deliberate organisational design in sustainable productivity.
5. The Stability Paradox
While only 17% of organisations surveyed currently prioritise job security in their Employee Value Proposition (EVP), those that do have voluntary turnover 9% lower than average. In the year ahead, as workforce shortages intensify and labour markets tighten, HR leaders must redesign stability as a platform for continuous learning and internal mobility, not just retention. The 67% prioritising career advancement recognise that competitive advantage in 2026 depends on their ability to continuously redeploy and reskill existing talent.
"2026 is where speed gives way to intentional design,” says Adrian Seligman, CEO of Top Employers Institute. “Our data shows that performance under pressure now depends on how deliberately organisations structure work, decision-making and leadership focus. That’s what turns organisational design into a true operating discipline – and where HR leaders will create the greatest value.”
Notes to editors
Methodology
The data shown in this report has been extracted from the anonymised responses of 2,358 global participants of the Top Employers Institute's HR Best Practices Survey for 2026. We used regression analyses to understand the links between the adoption of HR best practices and success metrics (specifically, employee engagement, internal promotion rates, profitability and market share). All findings discussed in this document are significant (p<0.05). Case studies in the report have been collected from Top Employers demonstrating excellence across the five trends.
About Top Employers Institute
Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices. We help accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Programme, participating companies can be certified and recognised as an employer of choice. The certification is awarded to organisations based on the participation and results of the HR Best Practices Survey covering six HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing.
In 2025, Top Employers Institute certified nearly 2,500 organisations in 131 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 14 million employees globally.
Top Employers Institute. For a better world of work.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128749327/en/
Contact
Media contact
Rosemary Lavender
TEI@brands2life.com
+44 (0) 20 7592 1200
Source : Top Employers Institute
--BERNAMA
LONDON, Jan 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The strategies that sustained organisations through recent years will no longer be sufficient in 2026, according to a new report launched today by Top Employers Institute, a leading certification, benchmarking and advisory firm. Speed and scale, as default responses to pressure, have reached their limits. What will fuel high-performing organisations in the year ahead will be designing work, leadership and management systems with deliberate intent.
World of Work Trends 2026: The Intentional Organisation sets out a next-phase model for organisational performance that prioritises coherence over acceleration, value over volume, and clarity over complexity. The research draws on Top Employers Institute's unique dataset of 2,358 organisations globally, providing early signals of patterns now becoming visible at scale. The research identifies the following five defining trends that will determine which organisations sustain performance under pressure in 2026 and beyond.
1. Purpose in Practice
Purpose statements will no longer be enough in the year ahead. Stakeholders will demand tangible evidence that purpose shapes behaviours and outcomes. HR leaders must now embed purpose into decision-making systems, leadership expectations and scorecards that trigger early intervention. Organisations with higher revenue growth and profitability are 8% more likely to have deployed a purpose measurement scorecard. This includes 96% aligning strategy to purpose and 55% actively monitoring alignment.
2. AI with Intent
2026 marks the end of AI adoption for adoption's sake. With nearly half of AI projects scrapped between pilot and deployment and only 37% of teams reporting productivity gains, organisations can no longer afford to implement without clear governance. The 40% of Top Employers continuously evaluating how AI balances organisational needs with employee impact show what intentional deployment looks like. HR leaders entering 2026 must establish transparent frameworks for where AI is used, who remains accountable, and how fairness is protected.
3. Structured Flexibility
While 87% of organisations already have remote work policies, what will distinguish performance in 2026 will be how deliberately flexibility is structured. Organisations with low turnover are 13% more likely to have equipped leaders to manage hybrid teams effectively. HR leaders can no longer expand flexibility by default – they must design it with boundaries that protect fairness, performance and wellbeing, or watch disengagement and inconsistency undermine results.
4. Designing for Productivity
This is the year organisations must accept that productivity cannot come from working people harder. With HR budgets shrinking – just 35% planning increases versus 66% in 2022 – and burnout mentions in Glassdoor reviews up 32%, the path forward needs to be a new one. HR leaders must direct time, energy and resources to the highest-impact work, protect focus through clear boundaries, and build renewable workforce capability through redeployment and reskilling. Organisations reporting higher revenue growth are 12% more likely, and those reporting stronger customer satisfaction are 27% more likely, to use iterative planning and feedback loops to stay responsive to change. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of organisations now use these practices, reinforcing the role of deliberate organisational design in sustainable productivity.
5. The Stability Paradox
While only 17% of organisations surveyed currently prioritise job security in their Employee Value Proposition (EVP), those that do have voluntary turnover 9% lower than average. In the year ahead, as workforce shortages intensify and labour markets tighten, HR leaders must redesign stability as a platform for continuous learning and internal mobility, not just retention. The 67% prioritising career advancement recognise that competitive advantage in 2026 depends on their ability to continuously redeploy and reskill existing talent.
"2026 is where speed gives way to intentional design,” says Adrian Seligman, CEO of Top Employers Institute. “Our data shows that performance under pressure now depends on how deliberately organisations structure work, decision-making and leadership focus. That’s what turns organisational design into a true operating discipline – and where HR leaders will create the greatest value.”
Notes to editors
Methodology
The data shown in this report has been extracted from the anonymised responses of 2,358 global participants of the Top Employers Institute's HR Best Practices Survey for 2026. We used regression analyses to understand the links between the adoption of HR best practices and success metrics (specifically, employee engagement, internal promotion rates, profitability and market share). All findings discussed in this document are significant (p<0.05). Case studies in the report have been collected from Top Employers demonstrating excellence across the five trends.
About Top Employers Institute
Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices. We help accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Programme, participating companies can be certified and recognised as an employer of choice. The certification is awarded to organisations based on the participation and results of the HR Best Practices Survey covering six HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing.
In 2025, Top Employers Institute certified nearly 2,500 organisations in 131 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 14 million employees globally.
Top Employers Institute. For a better world of work.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128749327/en/
Contact
Media contact
Rosemary Lavender
TEI@brands2life.com
+44 (0) 20 7592 1200
Source : Top Employers Institute
--BERNAMA
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
COVENTRY COMPLETES US$750 MLN IN LIFE INSURANCE-BACKED DEAL UNDER LILY PROGRAMME
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Coventry, the leader and creator of the secondary market for life insurance, has completed its third asset-backed securitisation since April 2025 under its LILY programme.
The transactions collectively total US$750 million in life insurance-backed financing and further position Coventry as a platform for institutional investors seeking differentiated exposure to longevity-linked assets. (US$1=RM3.94)
Coventry Chief Executive Officer, Reid Buerger said the significance of the LILY programme lies in the establishment of a repeatable, institutional-quality issuance platform rather than any single transaction.
“That evolution reflects years of building the origination scale, analytics, servicing capabilities and structural rigour required to support sustained securitisation activity,” he said in a statement.
The LILY programme structures longevity-linked assets into investment-grade asset-backed securities (ABS), emphasising durable collateral, predictable cash flows and characteristics that are largely uncorrelated with traditional markets.
By combining disciplined underwriting, actuarial analytics and robust structural protections, the programme provides investors access to a specialised asset class through a familiar ABS format.
The continued growth of the LILY programme underscores its position at the intersection of life insurance, asset-backed finance and private credit.
Coventry expects the programme to play a central role in funding the expansion of the life insurance-backed asset class as demand for high-quality, uncorrelated assets continues to rise.
-- BERNAMA
Kioxia Introduces QLC UFS 4.1 Embedded Flash Memory Devices for High-Capacity Mobile Storage
QLC UFS 4.1 Embedded Flash Memory Devices
8th Generation BiCS FLASH™ Technology Delivers Performance, Efficiency Gains
TOKYO, Jan 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, today announced that it has begun sampling new Universal Flash Storage1 (UFS) Ver. 4.1 embedded memory devices with 4-bit-per-cell, quadruple-level cell (QLC) technology. Designed for read-intensive applications and high-capacity storage needs, the new devices are powered by Kioxia’s 8th generation BiCS FLASHTM 3D flash memory technology.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260127840829/en/
QLC UFS offers a higher bit density than traditional TLC UFS, making it suitable for mobile applications that require higher storage capacities. Advancements in controller technology and error correction have enabled QLC technology to achieve this while maintaining competitive performance.
Building on these advancements, the new Kioxia devices achieve substantial performance increases2. Kioxia’s QLC UFS boosts sequential write speeds by 25%, random read speeds by 90%, and random write speeds by 95% compared to the previous generation (UFS 4.0 / BiCS FLASH™6 QLC UFS)3. Write Amplification Factor (WAF) is also improved by max. 3.5× (with WriteBooster disabled).
Well-suited for smartphones and tablets, Kioxia QLC UFS also supports emerging product categories that demand higher capacity and performance, including PCs, networking, AR/VR, IoT, and AI-enabled devices.
Available in 512-gigabyte (GB) and 1-terabyte (TB) capacities, the new UFS 4.1 devices combine Kioxia’s advanced BiCS FLASH™ 3D flash memory and an integrated controller in a JEDEC-standard package. Kioxia’s 8th generation BiCS FLASH™ 3D flash memory introduces CMOS directly Bonded to Array (CBA) technology - an architectural innovation that marks a step-change in flash memory design.
Key features include:
- Compliant with the UFS 4.1 specification. UFS 4.1 is backward-compatible with UFS 4.0 and UFS 3.1.
- 8th generation Kioxia BiCS FLASH™ 3D flash memory
- WriteBooster support for significantly faster write speeds
- Reduced package size compared to the previous QLC UFS: 11×13 mm to 9×13 mm
Notes: | |
| (1) | Universal Flash Storage (UFS) is a product category for a class of embedded memory products built to the JEDEC UFS standard specification. Due to its serial interface, UFS supports full duplexing, which enables both concurrent reading and writing between the host processor and UFS device |
| (2) | Based on Kioxia internal testing |
| (3) | 512GB product, when WriteBooster is enabled |
- In every mention of a Kioxia product: Product density is identified based on the density of memory chip(s) within the Product, not the amount of memory capacity available for data storage by the end user. Consumer-usable capacity will be less due to overhead data areas, formatting, bad blocks, and other constraints, and may also vary based on the host device and application. For details, please refer to applicable product specifications. The definition of 1KB = 2^10 bytes = 1,024 bytes. The definition of 1Gb = 2^30 bits = 1,073,741,824 bits. The definition of 1GB = 2^30 bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes. 1Tb = 2^40 bits = 1,099,511,627,776 bits.
- 1 Gbps is calculated as 1,000,000,000 bits/s. Read and write speeds are the best values obtained in a specific test environment at Kioxia and Kioxia warrants neither read nor write speeds in individual devices. Read and write speed may vary depending on device used and file size read or written.
- Company names, product names and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.
About Kioxia
Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with “memory” by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, data centers and generative AI systems.
*Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260127840829/en/
Contact
Media Inquiries:
Kioxia Corporation
Promotion Management Division
Satoshi Shindo
Tel: +81-3-6478-2404
Source : Kioxia Corporation
Coventry Expands LILY Life Insurance-Backed Funding Program with $750 Million in New Asset-Backed Notes
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Jan 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coventry, the leader and creator of the secondary market for life insurance and a pioneer of the life insurance-backed asset class, today announced the successful completion of its third asset-backed securitization since April 2025 under its LILY program. Collectively, these transactions total $750 million in life insurance-backed financing and further establish Coventry as the leading platform for institutional investors seeking differentiated exposure to longevity-linked assets.
The LILY program structures longevity-linked assets into investment-grade asset-backed securities that emphasize durable collateral, predictable cash flows, and characteristics that are largely uncorrelated with traditional markets. By combining disciplined underwriting, actuarial analytics, and robust structural protections, LILY provides investors with access to a specialized asset class through a familiar ABS format.
“What’s most important about the success of the LILY program is not any single transaction, but the establishment of a repeatable, institutional-quality issuance platform for life insurance-linked assets,” said Reid Buerger, CEO of Coventry. “That evolution reflects years of building the origination scale, analytics, servicing capabilities, and structural rigor required to support sustained securitization activity.”
The continued growth of the LILY program underscores Coventry’s position at the intersection of life insurance, asset-backed finance, and private credit, and highlights the firm’s role in shaping the institutional market for longevity-linked investments. As demand for high-quality, uncorrelated assets continues to grow, Coventry expects LILY to play a central role in funding the responsible expansion of the life insurance-backed asset class.
About Coventry
Coventry is the leader and creator of the secondary market for life insurance and a pioneer of the life insurance-backed asset class, operating an integrated platform across four complementary verticals: the secondary market for life insurance, longevity lending, life insurance and annuity distribution, and insurance technology. Through these businesses, Coventry expands financial options for policyowners, provides capital solutions backed by life insurance policies and other longevity-linked assets, broadens access to protection and retirement products, and applies technology to enhance pricing, risk management, and operational efficiency across the life insurance ecosystem. Guided by a longstanding commitment to consumer rights and market integrity, Coventry leverages its leadership position to raise industry standards, expand consumer choice, and responsibly develop institutional-quality life insurance-backed investment solutions. Over its history, Coventry has acquired more than 21,000 life insurance policies, completed more than $50 billion in longevity-linked transactions, delivered more than $6 billion to policyowners, and originated more than $1 billion in life insurance-linked loans. To learn more about Coventry, visit Coventry.com.
Media Contact:
Jonny Shiver
Vice President, Marketing
jshiver@coventry.com
(215) 836-8300
SOURCE: Coventry
The LILY program structures longevity-linked assets into investment-grade asset-backed securities that emphasize durable collateral, predictable cash flows, and characteristics that are largely uncorrelated with traditional markets. By combining disciplined underwriting, actuarial analytics, and robust structural protections, LILY provides investors with access to a specialized asset class through a familiar ABS format.
“What’s most important about the success of the LILY program is not any single transaction, but the establishment of a repeatable, institutional-quality issuance platform for life insurance-linked assets,” said Reid Buerger, CEO of Coventry. “That evolution reflects years of building the origination scale, analytics, servicing capabilities, and structural rigor required to support sustained securitization activity.”
The continued growth of the LILY program underscores Coventry’s position at the intersection of life insurance, asset-backed finance, and private credit, and highlights the firm’s role in shaping the institutional market for longevity-linked investments. As demand for high-quality, uncorrelated assets continues to grow, Coventry expects LILY to play a central role in funding the responsible expansion of the life insurance-backed asset class.
About Coventry
Coventry is the leader and creator of the secondary market for life insurance and a pioneer of the life insurance-backed asset class, operating an integrated platform across four complementary verticals: the secondary market for life insurance, longevity lending, life insurance and annuity distribution, and insurance technology. Through these businesses, Coventry expands financial options for policyowners, provides capital solutions backed by life insurance policies and other longevity-linked assets, broadens access to protection and retirement products, and applies technology to enhance pricing, risk management, and operational efficiency across the life insurance ecosystem. Guided by a longstanding commitment to consumer rights and market integrity, Coventry leverages its leadership position to raise industry standards, expand consumer choice, and responsibly develop institutional-quality life insurance-backed investment solutions. Over its history, Coventry has acquired more than 21,000 life insurance policies, completed more than $50 billion in longevity-linked transactions, delivered more than $6 billion to policyowners, and originated more than $1 billion in life insurance-linked loans. To learn more about Coventry, visit Coventry.com.
Media Contact:
Jonny Shiver
Vice President, Marketing
jshiver@coventry.com
(215) 836-8300
SOURCE: Coventry
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
THREE SCIENTISTS AWARDED 2026 JAPAN PRIZE, CEREMONY SET FOR TOKYO
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The Japan Prize Foundation has announced that three scientists from the United States (US) and Japan have been awarded the 2026 Japan Prize.
Prof Cynthia Dwork of the US received the Japan Prize in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication for her contributions to research on building an ethical digital society, including advances in differential privacy and fairness.
Meanwhile, Prof Shizuo Akira of Japan and Prof Zhijian "James" Chen of the US were awarded the Japan Prize in the field of Life Sciences for their discovery of the nucleic acid sensing mechanism by the innate immune system.
According to the foundation in a statement, the award presentation ceremony will be held in Tokyo this April.
For the 2026 Japan Prize, approximately 16,000 prominent scientists and engineers worldwide were invited to submit nominations. A total of 107 nominations were received for the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication, while 185 nominations were submitted for Life Sciences, with the winners selected from 292 nominees overall.
Established in 1981, the Japan Prize recognises scientists and engineers whose creative and dramatic transformative achievements advance their fields and contribute significantly to the peace and prosperity of humanity.
-- BERNAMA
Prof Cynthia Dwork of the US received the Japan Prize in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication for her contributions to research on building an ethical digital society, including advances in differential privacy and fairness.
Meanwhile, Prof Shizuo Akira of Japan and Prof Zhijian "James" Chen of the US were awarded the Japan Prize in the field of Life Sciences for their discovery of the nucleic acid sensing mechanism by the innate immune system.
According to the foundation in a statement, the award presentation ceremony will be held in Tokyo this April.
For the 2026 Japan Prize, approximately 16,000 prominent scientists and engineers worldwide were invited to submit nominations. A total of 107 nominations were received for the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication, while 185 nominations were submitted for Life Sciences, with the winners selected from 292 nominees overall.
Established in 1981, the Japan Prize recognises scientists and engineers whose creative and dramatic transformative achievements advance their fields and contribute significantly to the peace and prosperity of humanity.
-- BERNAMA
TOURISE CEMENTS TOURISM'S ROLE AS STRATEGIC ECONOMIC SYSTEM AT DAVOS
 |
| His Excellency Ahmed Al‑Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE, convenes executives from Trip.com, Visa, TikTok, PayPal, Salesforce, Forbes, Avolta, ByteDance, and more at Davos 2026 |
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- TOURISE, the global platform shaping a new horizon for tourism, successfully advanced the sector’s strategic importance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, advocating for its recognition as a vital economic system connecting industries, economies, and regions.
Often overlooked as a siloed industry, TOURISE pressed the importance of tourism being recognised as a strategic sector, contributing one in every US$10 to global gross domestic product and uplifting every industry it touches. (US$1=RM3.98)
Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE, Ahmed Al Khateeb said these partnerships will shape the next decade of tourism, creating trust and shared purpose to move the world forward.
“Tourism is more than a lifestyle sector; it functions as a strategic economic system. TOURISE serves as a platform where leaders form alliances to build shared solutions where technology aligns with community development, finance with sustainability, and education with mobility,” he said in a statement.
The Davos programme was anchored by two strategic workshops: ‘Can Tourism Save the World?’ and ‘Agentic Tourism: From Insight to Action’. The latter advanced the development of an Agentic Tourism Protocol, a shared framework designed to enable safe, connected, and interoperable artificial intelligence systems across the sector.
The workshops drew high-level participation from global executives and technologists, including leaders from Trip.com, Visa, TikTok, PayPal, Salesforce, Forbes, Avolta, and ByteDance, underscoring tourism’s growing role as a platform for growth and innovation across diverse industries.
TOURISE also sponsored the annual Women Leaders Reception, where Advisory Board Member and Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism Deputy Minister of International Affairs, Hawazen Nassief, emphasised the necessity of advancing women into leadership roles within a sector where they represent nearly half of the global workforce.
Davos marked the start of TOURISE’s 2026 global calendar, which will feature cross-sector workshops and new partnerships, propelling the platform’s momentum toward its second summit scheduled for March 2027.
TOURISE is the world’s premier platform shaping a new horizon for global tourism, operating under the umbrella of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Its inaugural summit took place in November 2025 in Riyadh.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 26 January 2026
SAUDI MINISTERS PITCH 'CONNECTOR ECONOMY' AT WEF DAVOS
 |
| Amid shifting global trade dynamics, Saudi Arabia underscores its role as a stable connector economy linking markets across regions (Photo: AETOSWire) |
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia’s ministers at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos outlined the Kingdom's strategy to become a pivotal "connector economy" amid shifts in global trade, aggressively expanding its tourism sector, and reinforcing its role as a stable partner in finance and emerging technologies.
Minister of Commerce, Majid A. Alkassabi stated that global trade is moving toward a "managed and rule-driven trade model". He positioned Saudi Arabia's strategic location and resources as key advantages, allowing it to become a "bridge economy" and a major "logistic hub" linking Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The Kingdom’s tourism ambitions were highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Ahmed A. Alkhateeb. Citing UN Tourism projections for two billion tourists by 2030, he described the growth potential as "very encouraging" for Saudi hotel operators, investors, and technology providers.
On the financial front, Minister of Finance, Mohammed A. Aljadaan affirmed the government's role in providing a predictable business environment. This is being achieved by strengthening the national economy’s resilience and ensuring the private sector maintains the necessary confidence.
The Kingdom's technological focus was detailed by Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah A. Alswaha. Addressing challenges like the "energy wall and the memory wall" in artificial intelligence (AI), he extended a call for global partners, emphasising that Saudi Arabia is the partner of choice to accelerate and adopt AI in the "Intelligence Age".
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar I. Alkhorayef stressed Saudi Arabia's commitment to a multilateral approach in international cooperation. He pointed to the Future Minerals Forum as a global convening platform uniting governments, industry, finance, and academia to address the future of minerals.
Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal F. Alibrahim, speaking on economic partnerships, expressed belief in a world where every country can realise its economic potential while maintaining open dialogue, calling the current era a vast opportunity to "design the future".
Further cementing its global role, the Global Innovation Platform—a strategic partnership between Saudi HoldCo and GoldenPoint Global—launched the Saudi–United States Innovation Partnership during the meeting, according to a statement.
This platform is designed to accelerate bilateral collaboration in life sciences, AI, and advanced manufacturing, anchored in Riyadh and Austin.
Additionally, Amplifai Health was recognised as a winner in the second cohort of WEF’s MINDS - AI Global Alliance initiative.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, 23 January 2026
“Taste Hong Kong,” a Chef-Curated Gourmet Guide to the City’s True Culinary Soul
More than 50 master chefs handpick 250 restaurants to showcase the authentic flavours of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods
HONG KONG, Jan 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hong Kong’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s great food cities has been built on contrast — a destination where humble street stalls sit comfortably alongside polished Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where “Great Taste” can be found everywhere in Hong Kong. This season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrates the city’s rich culinary culture with the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a new gourmet guide developed in collaboration with the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) that invites visitors to experience the city through the eyes — and appetites — of its master chefs.
Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. More than 50 master chefs — all graduates of CCI’s prestigious Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine — have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. The guide offers a comprehensive and refined overview of the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting a rich tapestry of Chinese cuisines alongside an array of international flavours, from traditional noodle shops and classic dessert parlours to family run local gems, artisanal cafés, upscale hotel restaurants, and Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Going beyond conventional rankings and accolades, the guide provides an authoritative, insider perspective on the city’s most authentic and distinctive gastronomic experiences.
HONG KONG, Jan 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hong Kong’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s great food cities has been built on contrast — a destination where humble street stalls sit comfortably alongside polished Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where “Great Taste” can be found everywhere in Hong Kong. This season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrates the city’s rich culinary culture with the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a new gourmet guide developed in collaboration with the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) that invites visitors to experience the city through the eyes — and appetites — of its master chefs.
Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. More than 50 master chefs — all graduates of CCI’s prestigious Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine — have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. The guide offers a comprehensive and refined overview of the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting a rich tapestry of Chinese cuisines alongside an array of international flavours, from traditional noodle shops and classic dessert parlours to family run local gems, artisanal cafés, upscale hotel restaurants, and Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Going beyond conventional rankings and accolades, the guide provides an authoritative, insider perspective on the city’s most authentic and distinctive gastronomic experiences.
At the heart of Taste Hong Kong are the chefs themselves. As the creative minds behind some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated dining rooms, they bring a rare perspective on what defines a great meal — and what makes a restaurant endure. Among them are acclaimed figures such as Adam Wong and Lee Man-sing, who have each contributed personal recommendations that reflect both their culinary roots and their deep connection to Hong Kong’s dining culture.
“When I think about Hong Kong food, I think about the neighbourhood places I always go back to — dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and small restaurants that define the city’s everyday dining culture. These spots reflect how locals really eat and the city’s culinary soul. I am excited to be part of this guide because it gives visitors a genuine way to experience Hong Kong through the food and neighbourhoods that locals know and love,” says Adam Wong, a 3-star Michelin Executive Chef at the Forum Restaurant.
“I have always believed that some of Hong Kong’s best food is found in the simplest settings, whether it’s a comforting bowl of noodles or hot pot shared with friends. The restaurants highlighted in Taste Hong Kong are places with history, consistency and heart. They show why Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting cities to eat in,” says Lee Man-sing, Executive Chef of Mott 32 Group.
Designed for both visitors and locals, Taste Hong Kong organises its 250 restaurant picks by neighbourhood. With various neighbourhoods represented, travellers are encouraged to venture beyond well-trodden dining districts and experience the distinctive character of each area. From sizzling woks in bustling street kitchens to quiet neighbourhood favourites passed down through generations, the chefs’ selections offer visitors and locals a deeper insight into Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant diversity, guiding them to the true “Great Taste” of the city.
The guide is supported by a rich suite of digital content, including neighbourhood videos and curated maps, hosted on the campaign’s dedicated website. A downloadable digital edition of the Taste Hong Kong guide will also be available, serving as an easy-to-use companion for planning meals and neighbourhood discovery. QR codes will be displayed at various MTR stations, bus shelters and visitor signage across neighbourhoods. HKTB will also broadcast the “Taste Hong Kong” promotional video at major tourist hotspots, and prominent shopping malls and hotels across the city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global gourmet capital where exceptional food can be found everywhere — often in the most unexpected places.
To discover the full Taste of Hong Kong guide and begin your culinary adventure, visit tastehk.discoverhongkong.com. Download the digital guide, watch the neighbourhood videos and join the conversation using #TasteHongKong to discover the authentic flavours that define Hong Kong, one neighbourhood at a time.
Media can download photos at the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?cachedCriteria=1&categoryId=2323&categoryTypeId=2&allCats=0
For media enquiries, please contact:
| Ms Holly Chan Tel: 2807 6206 Email: holly.chan@hktb.com | Ms Irene Tsang Tel: 2807 6541 Email: irene.tsang@hktb.com |
Photo accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dabc68d-9bfd-4f1b-a708-40865a2acdec
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d7b089ab-153d-4098-b587-c33148715edf
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50b198ca-9764-4305-991c-fff01c8fd669
SOURCE: Hong Kong Tourism Board
JAPAN’S MEIJI YASUDA CREDIT RATINGS AFFIRMED SUPERIOR - AM BEST
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “aa-” (Superior) of Japan’s Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company (Meiji Yasuda).
The outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) is stable, reflecting Meiji Yasuda’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Meiji Yasuda’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, and is supported further by its solid capital base and conservative financial leverage.
Following market-driven fluctuations in unrealised gains on securities, the company’s absolute capital retreated from its peak of 5.8 trillion Japanese yen between March 2024 and March 2025, though it had since recovered by September 2025. (100 Japanese yen = RM2.54)
According to AM Best in a statement, Meiji Yasuda’s substantial equity holdings continue to present a degree of equity risk; however, the company possesses ample capital buffers to absorb such risks.
Capital management is conducted through a disciplined framework incorporating economic-based metrics such as the economic solvency ratio and group surplus, complemented by a sound asset-liability management strategy.
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 (fiscal year 2024), Meiji Yasuda delivered a strong and resilient operating performance, with consolidated insurance premiums of 3.4 trillion Japanese yen and a base profit of 626 billion Japanese yen, supported by higher investment-related gains and a stronger contribution from its overseas operations.
One of Japan’s largest private life insurance companies, Meiji Yasuda maintains a leading position in the domestic group insurance segment. Its ongoing efforts to improve the quality and productivity of the agency channel and strong sales of the bancassurance channel continue to support revenue growth and its position in the domestic market.
-- BERNAMA
The outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) is stable, reflecting Meiji Yasuda’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Meiji Yasuda’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, and is supported further by its solid capital base and conservative financial leverage.
Following market-driven fluctuations in unrealised gains on securities, the company’s absolute capital retreated from its peak of 5.8 trillion Japanese yen between March 2024 and March 2025, though it had since recovered by September 2025. (100 Japanese yen = RM2.54)
According to AM Best in a statement, Meiji Yasuda’s substantial equity holdings continue to present a degree of equity risk; however, the company possesses ample capital buffers to absorb such risks.
Capital management is conducted through a disciplined framework incorporating economic-based metrics such as the economic solvency ratio and group surplus, complemented by a sound asset-liability management strategy.
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 (fiscal year 2024), Meiji Yasuda delivered a strong and resilient operating performance, with consolidated insurance premiums of 3.4 trillion Japanese yen and a base profit of 626 billion Japanese yen, supported by higher investment-related gains and a stronger contribution from its overseas operations.
One of Japan’s largest private life insurance companies, Meiji Yasuda maintains a leading position in the domestic group insurance segment. Its ongoing efforts to improve the quality and productivity of the agency channel and strong sales of the bancassurance channel continue to support revenue growth and its position in the domestic market.
-- BERNAMA
DAYONE UNVEILS 560 MW FINLAND DATA CENTRE EXPANSION
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- DayOne, a Singapore-based global data centre developer and operator, announced early-stage plans for a significant data centre project in Klaukkala, Nurmijärvi, Finland.
In a statement, the company said the Municipality of Nurmijärvi has concurrently begun handling the preliminary sale of the data centre site to DayOne.
This new project further solidifies DayOne’s long-term commitment to Finland’s digital ecosystem, building on its previously announced approximately 1.2 billion euros investment in the Lahti project and a joint venture in Kouvola. (1 Euro = RM4.71)
The Nurmijärvi data centre is tentatively slated for a phased development with a potential of up to 560 megawatts (MW) of total grid power.
The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, estimated to employ up to 1,000 workers during its peak construction phase. Long-term operations will support the gradual ramp-up of up to 700 skilled positions.
DayOne has signed a site securing and development agreement with Fortum, Finland’s leading energy producer. Under the agreement, Fortum will assist the project’s development by facilitating zoning processes and grid connection planning.
The continued development and construction are subject to various municipal, regulatory, and government approvals, including a required permit from the Ministry of Defence.
In line with Finland’s national objectives for sustainable digital infrastructure, the project is planned as a high value-adding data centre.
Beyond the facility, DayOne is preparing a framework agreement to support the local community in Nurmijärvi. This includes plans for cooperation with educational institutions such as Aalto University, as well as support for regional environmental protection and culture initiatives.
The expansion follows DayOne’s recent success in securing major funding, including a mezzanine financing facility of up to one billion euro from global investment firm Brookfield and a global sovereign investor in December 2025, and over US$2.0 billion in Series C equity financing secured in January 2026.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, the company said the Municipality of Nurmijärvi has concurrently begun handling the preliminary sale of the data centre site to DayOne.
This new project further solidifies DayOne’s long-term commitment to Finland’s digital ecosystem, building on its previously announced approximately 1.2 billion euros investment in the Lahti project and a joint venture in Kouvola. (1 Euro = RM4.71)
The Nurmijärvi data centre is tentatively slated for a phased development with a potential of up to 560 megawatts (MW) of total grid power.
The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, estimated to employ up to 1,000 workers during its peak construction phase. Long-term operations will support the gradual ramp-up of up to 700 skilled positions.
DayOne has signed a site securing and development agreement with Fortum, Finland’s leading energy producer. Under the agreement, Fortum will assist the project’s development by facilitating zoning processes and grid connection planning.
The continued development and construction are subject to various municipal, regulatory, and government approvals, including a required permit from the Ministry of Defence.
In line with Finland’s national objectives for sustainable digital infrastructure, the project is planned as a high value-adding data centre.
Beyond the facility, DayOne is preparing a framework agreement to support the local community in Nurmijärvi. This includes plans for cooperation with educational institutions such as Aalto University, as well as support for regional environmental protection and culture initiatives.
The expansion follows DayOne’s recent success in securing major funding, including a mezzanine financing facility of up to one billion euro from global investment firm Brookfield and a global sovereign investor in December 2025, and over US$2.0 billion in Series C equity financing secured in January 2026.
-- BERNAMA
UTS-LED RESEARCH DEVELOPS NANOPARTICLES TARGETING DISEASE PROTEINS
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Chair Professor in Nanomedicine Bingyang Shi and international collaborators have developed a novel nanoparticle-based approach aimed at targeting disease-causing proteins in the body.
Published in Nature Nanotechnology, the perspective article describes engineered nanoparticles, known as nanoparticle-mediated targeting chimaeras (NPTACs), which can be customised to bind and degrade specific proteins linked to diseases such as cancer and dementia, according to UTS in a statement.
Professor Shi said these nanoparticles are designed to guide harmful proteins into the body’s natural recycling system, where they can be broken down and removed, adding that while promising, this research remains at the preclinical stage, and further studies are required before any clinical application.
The technology builds on the concept of targeted protein degradation, a growing field in biotechnology, and could eventually expand the range of proteins considered "undruggable". Early preclinical experiments have shown potential against key disease targets, including EGFR and PD-L1, which are implicated in tumour growth and immune evasion.
Key advantages of the approach include tissue- and disease-specific targeting, the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, modular design for multiple protein targets, and compatibility with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nanomaterials.
Professor Shi highlighted that NPTACs are still in the experimental phase, and the team is seeking strategic partners to support further development, regulatory review, and potential therapeutic applications in oncology, neurology, and immunology.
Professor Shi noted that this research illustrates the potential of nanoparticle-based platforms not just as delivery vehicles but as active therapeutic agents.
The work involved collaboration with Professor Kam Leong of Columbia University and Professor Meng Zheng of Henan University.
-- BERNAMA
Published in Nature Nanotechnology, the perspective article describes engineered nanoparticles, known as nanoparticle-mediated targeting chimaeras (NPTACs), which can be customised to bind and degrade specific proteins linked to diseases such as cancer and dementia, according to UTS in a statement.
Professor Shi said these nanoparticles are designed to guide harmful proteins into the body’s natural recycling system, where they can be broken down and removed, adding that while promising, this research remains at the preclinical stage, and further studies are required before any clinical application.
The technology builds on the concept of targeted protein degradation, a growing field in biotechnology, and could eventually expand the range of proteins considered "undruggable". Early preclinical experiments have shown potential against key disease targets, including EGFR and PD-L1, which are implicated in tumour growth and immune evasion.
Key advantages of the approach include tissue- and disease-specific targeting, the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, modular design for multiple protein targets, and compatibility with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nanomaterials.
Professor Shi highlighted that NPTACs are still in the experimental phase, and the team is seeking strategic partners to support further development, regulatory review, and potential therapeutic applications in oncology, neurology, and immunology.
Professor Shi noted that this research illustrates the potential of nanoparticle-based platforms not just as delivery vehicles but as active therapeutic agents.
The work involved collaboration with Professor Kam Leong of Columbia University and Professor Meng Zheng of Henan University.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 22 January 2026
IPC Partners with Taiwan-Based Vsense to Deliver Next-Generation FPGA Trading Infrastructure to Global Markets
TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan, Jan 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPC Systems (“‘IPC”), a leading global provider of secure, compliant communications and multi-cloud connectivity solutions, announced its role as the exclusive global distributor for Vsense FinTech, Inc. (“Vsense”), a Taiwan-based innovator in FPGA-powered trading solutions.
IPC will serve as the exclusive global distributor and white-label reseller of Vsense’s high-performance FPGA-based low latency trading solutions, as part of the deal. IPC now has the exclusive rights to distribute this hardware solution to bypass software overhead, ultimately paving the way for extreme speed and performance critical for high-frequency trading.
“This agreement strengthens IPC’s role as a leading provider of trading infrastructure,” said Paul Zatek, Global Head of Data Sales at IPC. “Our partnership allows IPC to combine Vsense’s advanced FPGA solutions to our global solution portfolio. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovation and low-latency solutions to the capital markets.”
The partnership significantly strengthens IPC’s competitive position in Asia-Pacific, where demand for deterministic latency, exchange-certified infrastructure, and hardware-based risk controls continues to grow. By combining Vsense’s FPGA technology and deep Asian exchange integrations with IPC’s regional presence and global service capabilities, IPC is uniquely positioned to support buy-side, sell-side, and proprietary trading firms across the region with next-generation trading infrastructure. Additional highlights of the partnership include:
IPC will serve as the exclusive global distributor and white-label reseller of Vsense’s high-performance FPGA-based low latency trading solutions, as part of the deal. IPC now has the exclusive rights to distribute this hardware solution to bypass software overhead, ultimately paving the way for extreme speed and performance critical for high-frequency trading.
“This agreement strengthens IPC’s role as a leading provider of trading infrastructure,” said Paul Zatek, Global Head of Data Sales at IPC. “Our partnership allows IPC to combine Vsense’s advanced FPGA solutions to our global solution portfolio. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovation and low-latency solutions to the capital markets.”
The partnership significantly strengthens IPC’s competitive position in Asia-Pacific, where demand for deterministic latency, exchange-certified infrastructure, and hardware-based risk controls continues to grow. By combining Vsense’s FPGA technology and deep Asian exchange integrations with IPC’s regional presence and global service capabilities, IPC is uniquely positioned to support buy-side, sell-side, and proprietary trading firms across the region with next-generation trading infrastructure. Additional highlights of the partnership include:
- Exclusive Distribution Rights: IPC gains an exclusive, worldwide license to market, resell, and distribute Vsense’s FPGA product portfolio to financial institutions, trading firms, exchanges, and capital markets participants.
- Product Portfolio: IPC will integrate Vsense’s flagship solutions into its offering threefold:
- Vlite: Normalized Market Data Solution delivering FPGA-accelerated, low-latency market data from global exchanges
- Vpass: FPGA-based Risk Check Solution with pre-trade validation for sell-side brokers
- Vpal: Multi-Exchange Order Gateway Solution providing ultra-low latency order placement and monitoring for buy-side customers
- Service Levels: Solutions are backed by stringent SLAs
The strategic impact of this collaboration will expand IPC’s global trading ecosystem by combining its client network with Vsense’s cutting-edge FPGA solutions. Together, the companies will deliver next-generation risk management, data normalization, and trading connectivity—empowering customers with speed, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
“Partnering with IPC allows us to scale globally and bring our mission-critical technologies to financial institutions worldwide," said Wels Tsao, Co-Founder and COO of Vsense. “Together, we’re reshaping trading infrastructure with unmatched performance and resilience.”
About IPC Systems
A specialist technology and service leader powering global financial markets for over 50 years, IPC Systems is at the forefront of innovation in trading and market data connectivity and communications technologies, setting the standard for exceptional service, innovation, and expertise.
IPC’s customer-first approach is bolstered by an extensive and diverse financial ecosystem that spans all asset classes and connects market participants anywhere in the world for enhanced communication, collaboration, and compliance.
Global services include trading communications, electronic trading, data and analytics and infrastructure-as-a-service solutions. IPC is ideally positioned to anticipate change and remain aligned with rapidly transforming markets, and to empower customers to adapt to change, now and in the future.
To learn more, visit www.ipc.com, explore our Insights page and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Vsense
Vsense FinTech Inc. specializes in FPGA-accelerated trading infrastructure, offering cutting edge, ultra-low latency solutions for market data normalization, pre-trade risk management, and order execution.
Established in 2021, Vsense is a Taiwan-based fintech leader and a trusted partner for Exchanges, accredited by CME, CBOE, JPX, HKEX, TWSE, TAIFEX, and SGX. By delivering state-of-the art hardware and software applications, Vsense continues to provide customized solutions tailored to the needs of all financial participants.
To learn more, visit https://vsensefintech.com
Media Contact
Capital V
Mikayla Ellis
mikayla@capvstrategies.com
SOURCE: IPC Systems
“Partnering with IPC allows us to scale globally and bring our mission-critical technologies to financial institutions worldwide," said Wels Tsao, Co-Founder and COO of Vsense. “Together, we’re reshaping trading infrastructure with unmatched performance and resilience.”
About IPC Systems
A specialist technology and service leader powering global financial markets for over 50 years, IPC Systems is at the forefront of innovation in trading and market data connectivity and communications technologies, setting the standard for exceptional service, innovation, and expertise.
IPC’s customer-first approach is bolstered by an extensive and diverse financial ecosystem that spans all asset classes and connects market participants anywhere in the world for enhanced communication, collaboration, and compliance.
Global services include trading communications, electronic trading, data and analytics and infrastructure-as-a-service solutions. IPC is ideally positioned to anticipate change and remain aligned with rapidly transforming markets, and to empower customers to adapt to change, now and in the future.
To learn more, visit www.ipc.com, explore our Insights page and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Vsense
Vsense FinTech Inc. specializes in FPGA-accelerated trading infrastructure, offering cutting edge, ultra-low latency solutions for market data normalization, pre-trade risk management, and order execution.
Established in 2021, Vsense is a Taiwan-based fintech leader and a trusted partner for Exchanges, accredited by CME, CBOE, JPX, HKEX, TWSE, TAIFEX, and SGX. By delivering state-of-the art hardware and software applications, Vsense continues to provide customized solutions tailored to the needs of all financial participants.
To learn more, visit https://vsensefintech.com
Media Contact
Capital V
Mikayla Ellis
mikayla@capvstrategies.com
SOURCE: IPC Systems
TII, WEF UNVEIL ABU DHABI CENTRE FOR FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES AT DAVOS MEETING
 |
| Technology Innovation Institute and World Economic Forum Announce ‘Abu Dhabi Centre for Frontier Technologies’ at Davos (Photo: AETOSWire) |
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Frontier Technologies, a new centre within WEF’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Global Network.
The collaboration was formalised during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, marking a significant step in strengthening international cooperation to shape the future of frontier technologies.
TII Chief Executive Officer, Dr Najwa Aaraj said the new centre brings together research excellence, policy leadership and global collaboration on a single platform to advance frontier research and development while enabling scientific breakthroughs to move from the laboratory into real-world application.
“By translating innovation into responsibly governed, scalable solutions, we are reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for science, innovation and impact,” she said in a statement.
Supported by an agile regulatory environment and a strong link between research, policy and execution, the United Arab Emirates offers a unique platform for piloting, deploying and scaling emerging technologies at a national level, a capability that will be amplified via WEF’s globally connected C4IR network.
The new centre positions Abu Dhabi as a global epicentre for pioneering research of advanced technologies, with a focus on quantum computing, robotics, propulsion and space systems, and related artificial intelligence applications.
Through this strategic partnership, TII joins a globally connected innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate the responsible adoption of transformative technologies.
The centre aims to advance research and development in critical frontier technologies while showcasing Abu Dhabi’s thought leadership through proof-of-concept pilots, regulatory sandboxes and global convenings.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO Launches Limited-Time Anniversary Stay Plan
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO has marked its first anniversary with the launch of a limited-edition “Thank You Anniversary Stay”, an all-inclusive premium accommodation plan designed for small groups seeking an elevated winter experience in Niseko.
Available for one exclusive party staying three nights between Jan 7 and March 8, 2026, the plan is priced at 3.9 million Japanese yen—a play on the Japanese pronunciation of “3.9”, which sounds like “thank you”. (100 Japanese yen = RM2.55)
The stay combines premium accommodation, private transportation, dining, guided tours, and curated experiences into a seamless winter getaway. The plan is limited to a single group per stay.
Guests will enjoy exclusive use of the hotel’s largest Nikko Style Suite and adjoining Premium Studio Suite View, connected by a private 66-square-metre rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Niseko HANAZONO Resort slopes.
The plan accommodates up to seven adults and offers a secluded retreat amid Hokkaido’s winter landscape, according to a statement.
The package includes round-trip airport transfers, a private luxury vehicle with a dedicated driver allowing guests to travel freely throughout Kutchan, Hirafu, and the greater Niseko area, three-day lift passes for the Hanazono and Hirafu ski areas, and a half-day private tour to destinations such as Otaru, Sapporo, Lake Toya, or Lake Shikotsu.
Guests will be welcomed with a curated gift set featuring local Hokkaido and Niseko specialities.
Crafted in line with the brand promise “Your Stay, Your Style”, the anniversary plan offers an immersive and indulgent way to experience Niseko’s world-renowned winter season.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, 16 January 2026
NEXUS MERIDIAN CAPITAL TO EXPAND IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, CREATING OVER 200 JOBS
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Nexus Meridian Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd has announced plans to establish five new regional offices across Southeast Asia by 2026, creating more than 200 high-value jobs.
The strategic expansion reflects Malaysia’s shift from a traditional business outsourcing model to a more complex, system-driven digital economy, supported by policy maturity, infrastructure, and converging capital flows.
As part of this trend, technology-orientated holding companies are increasingly establishing physical entities in Malaysia to participate in long-term digital development, with Nexus Meridian Capital standing out as a leading example, according to a statement.
The company has adopted a systematic approach for market entry, focusing on platform viability, artificial intelligence integration, and governance and integration. This aligns with the global shift from "rapid expansion" toward "structural quality and sustainability".
While individual project lifecycles are often limited, long-term value resides in underlying systems and platform architecture. Nexus Meridian Capital functions as a holding entity that builds replicable, scalable technical frameworks rather than chasing short-term scale, providing strong resilience against market cycles.
Malaysia offers a mature, transparent regulatory framework alongside a market still in a deep phase of digital transformation. The country increasingly serves as a pivotal node for regional synergy, enabling long-term strategic positioning and platform integration.
The core challenge for Nexus Meridian lies in evolving its platform capabilities while maintaining stability. In a tech landscape returning to rationality, enterprises focused on systems may attract less initial attention but often demonstrate superior value over extended cycles.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Post-Telecommunication Joint Stock Insurance Corporation
SINGAPORE, Jan 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good), the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” (Good), and the Vietnam National Scale Rating of aaa.VN (Exceptional) of Post-Telecommunication Joint Stock Insurance Corporation (PTI) (Vietnam). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
The ratings reflect PTI’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
PTI’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which remained at the strongest level in 2024, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Capital adequacy has improved in recent years, driven by full earnings retention and portfolio restructuring. The company has a moderate-risk investment strategy, with the majority of investments held in cash and deposits, coupled with some higher-risk investments that include corporate bonds, real estate and equities. In addition, PTI’s exposure to large risks and natural catastrophes is partially mitigated through its reinsurance programme, whereby its reinsurance counterparties are generally of good credit quality.
AM Best assesses PTI’s operating performance as adequate as demonstrated by a five-year weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 8.6% (2020-2024). The company’s underwriting performance continued to show improvements following tightened underwriting guidelines and portfolio restructuring. In addition, PTI’s investment returns, consisting primarily of interest income, have been a relatively stable contributor to its overall earnings over the last five years.
PTI’s market share has reduced over the last three years, in part due to business restructuring and tighter risk selection. The company’s key product lines are mainly short-tail personal insurance, namely, motor, health and personal accident. PTI also benefits from a wide distribution network and good relationships with distribution partners.
Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.
AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260113297866/en/
Contact
Ken Lau
Senior Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5025
ken.lau@ambest.com
Chris Lim, CFA
Associate Director
+65 6303 5018
chris.lim@ambest.com
Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com
Source : AM Best
The ratings reflect PTI’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
PTI’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which remained at the strongest level in 2024, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Capital adequacy has improved in recent years, driven by full earnings retention and portfolio restructuring. The company has a moderate-risk investment strategy, with the majority of investments held in cash and deposits, coupled with some higher-risk investments that include corporate bonds, real estate and equities. In addition, PTI’s exposure to large risks and natural catastrophes is partially mitigated through its reinsurance programme, whereby its reinsurance counterparties are generally of good credit quality.
AM Best assesses PTI’s operating performance as adequate as demonstrated by a five-year weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 8.6% (2020-2024). The company’s underwriting performance continued to show improvements following tightened underwriting guidelines and portfolio restructuring. In addition, PTI’s investment returns, consisting primarily of interest income, have been a relatively stable contributor to its overall earnings over the last five years.
PTI’s market share has reduced over the last three years, in part due to business restructuring and tighter risk selection. The company’s key product lines are mainly short-tail personal insurance, namely, motor, health and personal accident. PTI also benefits from a wide distribution network and good relationships with distribution partners.
Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.
AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Source : AM Best
Sunday, 11 January 2026
Meltwater Achieves SOC 2 Type II Certification, Reinforcing Commitment to Data Security and Trust
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meltwater, a global leader in media, social, and consumer intelligence, has achieved SOC 2 Type II certification, underscoring the company's commitment to maintaining the highest standards for data security.
The certification confirms that Meltwater’s systems and processes are designed and operating effectively to protect customer data and support enterprise-grade security requirements.
“At Meltwater, trust, safety and security are foundational,” said Aditya Jami, Chief Technology Officer at Meltwater. “Achieving SOC 2 Type II certification reflects the rigor of our security practices and our ongoing investment in protecting customer data across our global platform.”
SOC 2 Type II certification assesses an organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, validating not only their design but their effectiveness over time. For Meltwater customers across industries, the certification provides assurance that Meltwater meets stringent security and compliance expectations.
This milestone builds on Meltwater’s ISO 27001, ISO 27701 and ISO 42001 certifications and the company’s broader approach to responsible data stewardship, which includes continuous monitoring, internal controls, and regular third-party assessments to adapt to evolving security and regulatory requirements. With growing concerns surrounding data privacy and security, these certifications are a testament to Meltwater's proactive approach in addressing these challenges.
For more information about Meltwater’s security and compliance practices, visit Meltwater’s Trust Center.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Costello
pr@meltwater.com
About Meltwater
Meltwater empowers companies with a suite of solutions that spans media, social and consumer intelligence. By analyzing ~1 billion pieces of content each day and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge needed to drive results. With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents, and 2,200 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner of choice for global brands making an impact. Learn more at meltwater.com.
SOURCE: Meltwater
--BERNAMA
“At Meltwater, trust, safety and security are foundational,” said Aditya Jami, Chief Technology Officer at Meltwater. “Achieving SOC 2 Type II certification reflects the rigor of our security practices and our ongoing investment in protecting customer data across our global platform.”
SOC 2 Type II certification assesses an organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, validating not only their design but their effectiveness over time. For Meltwater customers across industries, the certification provides assurance that Meltwater meets stringent security and compliance expectations.
This milestone builds on Meltwater’s ISO 27001, ISO 27701 and ISO 42001 certifications and the company’s broader approach to responsible data stewardship, which includes continuous monitoring, internal controls, and regular third-party assessments to adapt to evolving security and regulatory requirements. With growing concerns surrounding data privacy and security, these certifications are a testament to Meltwater's proactive approach in addressing these challenges.
For more information about Meltwater’s security and compliance practices, visit Meltwater’s Trust Center.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Costello
pr@meltwater.com
About Meltwater
Meltwater empowers companies with a suite of solutions that spans media, social and consumer intelligence. By analyzing ~1 billion pieces of content each day and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge needed to drive results. With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents, and 2,200 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner of choice for global brands making an impact. Learn more at meltwater.com.
SOURCE: Meltwater
--BERNAMA
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