KiddeFenwal To Showcase Cutting-Edge Fire Suppression Solutions At Global Data Centre Events

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- KiddeFenwal, the global leader in the fire suppression and safety controls industry, is set to showcase its latest, most innovative solutions to numerous prestigious events for data centre professionals worldwide.

The company will exhibit at major data centre conferences, including DCD Connect LATAM in Cancún, Mexico (Sept 30 to Oct 1), Data Center World Asia in Singapore (Oct 8 to 9), and Data Center World Madrid (Oct 29 to 30). These events focus on technological advances, sustainability, and tailored solutions for data centre operations.

KiddeFenwal will showcase clean agent systems that have demonstrated the ability to significantly enhance fire detection and suppression for data centres while mitigating the potential for serious damage to extremely expensive and difficult-to-replace artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure by high-volume large-droplet water systems.

“Clean agent fire suppression systems represent the future for fire protection for data centres, which are seeing elevated risk as their energy loads increase with AI demand.

“We are proud to offer the most cutting-edge clean agent systems available—solutions that are being championed by a growing number of data centre professionals,” said KiddeFenwal Chief Executive Officer, Rekha Agrawal in a statement.

In addition to data centre events, KiddeFenwal will also attend a number of conferences for fire industry professionals, including Intersec Saudi Arabia in Riyadh (Sept 29 to Oct 1) and Fire Expo LATAM in Medellín, Colombia (Oct 1 to 2).

-- BERNAMA

Hanshow Powers FairPrice Group’s Flagship “Store Of Tomorrow” With Smart Retail Solutions

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Hanshow, a global leader in digital retail solutions, has provided advanced digital solutions to support FairPrice Group (FPG) for its newest FairPrice Finest store at Punggol Digital District, Singapore.

As FPG’s trusted technology provider, Hanshow in a statement said it continues to provide the digital retail solutions that support its Store of Tomorrow vision to reinvent the retail journey for consumers.

Positioned as the world’s first generative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered “Store of Tomorrow”, the new FairPrice Finest offers cutting-edge features such as digital price tags, AI shopping assistants, digital ‘endless’ aisles and automated discount application, delivering a more personalised, seamless and eco-friendly shopping experience.

Creating a connected environment that benefits both consumers and store teams, the new flagship store showcases how retail technology can optimise the full shopping journey, from pricing management to in-store engagement.

Hanshow’s digital store solutions, including its ESL and in-store marketing solutions, have been implemented across all key consumer touchpoints at the new FPG Finest store.

This integrated approach helps the store connect online and offline channels, creating a truly omnichannel environment while transforming each product zone into a more engaging, experiential destination for consumers.

In addition, Hanshow’s ESL solution enables dynamic, real-time price and promotion updates, giving store teams the flexibility to adjust prices daily or multiple times in a single day, providing consumers clear, accurate and up-to-date pricing and product information.

Meanwhile, Hanshow’s Lumina displays provide stores with a dynamic tool to engage consumers and drive sales. Store teams can flexibly showcase products they want to feature, while vivid, high‑resolution colour screens present detailed product information, usage ideas, and benefits in a highly visual format.

Together, Hanshow and FPG are building the Store of Tomorrow in Singapore while setting a new benchmark for global retail, where digital innovation, sustainability, and customer experience converge.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST TO SPONSOR, PRESENT AT 29TH INDONESIA RENDEZ-VOUS CONFERENCE IN BALI

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best will sponsor, exhibit and lead a session at the 29th Indonesia Rendez-Vous Conference, taking place for three days beginning Oct 15 in Bali, Indonesia.

At the event, AM Best financial analyst, XinYa Ong will give a presentation on what the credit rating agency’s market segment outlook for Indonesia’s non-life insurance segment will be heading into 2026, as well as a discussion on challenges and developments in the marketplace.

Meanwhile, managing director and chief executive officer of AM Best Singapore operations, Rob Curtis and its market development analyst, Johnathan Wong will be in attendance and available for meetings.

AM Best in a statement said it is sponsoring the Indonesia Rendez-Vous as a news partner, with the conference scheduled to take place at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center.

The annual conference is one of the leading events of the General Insurance Association of Indonesia and carries this year’s theme, “Empowering Trust: Connecting the World of Insurance & Reinsurance”.

Headquartered in the United States, AM Best does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.

-- BERNAMA

AI TAKES THE WHEEL: 96 PCT ENTERPRISES NOW EMBEDDING AI INTO CORE OPERATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Cloudera’s new global report, The Evolution of AI: The State of Enterprise AI and Data Architecture, reveals that 96 per cent of information technology (IT) leaders have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their core business processes, up from 88 per cent just a year ago.

This indicates that AI has gone from experimentation to full integration in core processes and workflows, with a striking 70 per cent of organisations reporting significant success from AI initiatives, with only one per cent yet to benefit.

Drawing insights from over 1,500 IT leaders worldwide, the 2025 report examines how AI adoption has accelerated, enterprise data architectures have evolved and new challenges have emerged around securely scaling AI in 2025.

Building on Cloudera’s 2024 study, the report highlights how priorities, obstacles, and goals have shifted in just one year, offering a snapshot of the rapidly changing enterprise AI landscape, exposing that the future will be driven by AI, and AI is fuelled by all data anywhere the data resides.

Cloudera Chief Technology Officer, Sergio Gago in a statement that AI has shifted from a strategic priority to an urgent mandate, adding that innovations like private AI and GPU-powered generative AI behind firewalls are key to this shift.

“But many enterprises are still stuck at the proof-of-concept stage. Cloudera’s mission is to bring AI to all data wherever it resides, with full governance and trust,” he said.

Companies are embracing multiple forms of AI to drive those outcomes, with 60 per cent of enterprises using generative AI, 53 per cent leveraging deep learning, and 50 per cent utilising predictive models. Confidence in diversifying AI is also rising, with 67 per cent of leaders feeling better equipped, especially with emerging AI agents.

Hybrid data architecture is now the standard. Companies are blending cloud and on-premise systems to enhance security (62 per cent), data management (55 per cent), and analytics (54 per cent). Still, challenges persist as data integration and accessibility remain major hurdles, with only nine per cent saying all their data is AI-ready.

The survey debuted at EVOLVE25 NYC, Cloudera’s flagship event series showcasing innovations at the intersection of AI and data.

-- BERNAMA

WHITE RABBIT LIGHTS UP GARDENS BY THE BAY WITH “DANCING OF BUTTERFLIES” LANTERN DISPLAY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The beloved Chinese brand White Rabbit unveiled a whimsical lantern installation titled “Dancing of Butterflies” at this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay.

Inspired by its iconic creamy candy, the display transforms the familiar red, white, and blue wrappers into glowing butterfly wings, fluttering under shifting lights to enchant festivalgoers.

The installation is not just a visual treat; it also celebrates deeper ties. This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, as well as the 66th anniversary of the brand White Rabbit.

The brand’s presence at the festival symbolises a cultural bridge, blending nostalgia, artistry, and international friendship, according to a statement.

Meanwhile, White Rabbit also participated in the lantern festival market, allowing visitors to experience its sweet charm up close. First launched in 1959, the brand continues to live up to its motto, “Share the joy, Share the warmth”.

This vibrant showcase highlights how traditional festivals and modern creativity can connect people across cultures — one glowing lantern at a time.

-- BERNAMA

JEJU’S SUMANG EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT WITH PREMIUM GREEN TEA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Clean Jeju Green Tea Agricultural Cooperative, better known as ‘Sumang’, has revealed that it is expanding its global presence with Hojicha, the recently launched premium organic green tea, and matcha produced on Jeju Island.

Founded in 2007, Sumang cultivates tea in soil rich in maekbanseok (a type of igneous rock) minerals, located near the sea with a mild climate and frequent fog that provides abundant moisture, in which this unique environment makes it an ideal location for tea farming.

According to a statement, the cooperative’s main products are green tea and matcha, with exports steadily increasing overseas.

Demand for matcha has grown significantly amid rising global interest in health and wellness. Sumang’s exports to the United States continue to climb, and enquiries have also been on the rise from international buyers as the cooperative also participated in the Jeju–Vietnam Market Development Delegation last year to further strengthen its overseas presence.

Last month, Sumang launched a new product, Hojicha, a roasted green tea known for its deep, nutty aroma and lower caffeine content, which is appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Additionally, Sumang’s tea garden produces matcha in three distinct grades, namely Ceremonial, Premium, and Superior, allowing consumers to choose products that best suit their preferences. With specialised tencha-line machinery for matcha processing, the cooperative ensures superior taste and aroma compared to other products in the market.

While focusing mainly on business-to-business (B2B) distribution channels, Sumang’s next goal is to expand direct-to-consumer sales through its own online store and e-commerce platforms and hopes to make its high-quality products available at more affordable prices to consumers worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

INVESTCLOUD PARTNERS GROW TO ELEVATE ADVISER-CLIENT WEALTH EXPERIENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- InvestCloud, a global leader in wealth management technology, has partnered with GROW with Singlife (GROW) to develop an enhanced investment platform to scale wealth solutions and elevate adviser-client experience in Singapore.

The upgraded platform empowers GROW’s financial adviser representatives with advanced tools to deliver more personalised advice, streamlined servicing, and stronger client engagement.

An integrated investment platform under leading financial services company Singlife, GROW’s new state-of-the-art platform represents a major step towards its vision to equip advisers with innovative digital tools and provide a differentiated wealth planning journey for their clients.

InvestCloud Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Yabuki said GROW with Singlife’s intuitive platform is helping advisers seamlessly manage investments while driving high-quality, differentiated financial outcomes for their clients.

“Our market-leading technology both elevates the client experience and enables advisers to build their business through unique insights and actionable intelligence,” added Yabuki in a statement.

Meanwhile, GROW Head of Technology, Jonathan Ong said with the upgraded platform, advisers can offer tailored and reliable service at scale, while clients benefit from a more transparent and seamless experience.

By leveraging InvestCloud’s advanced technology, advisers will be able to streamline client servicing, deliver curated portfolio solutions, and provide access to exclusive investment products.

In return, clients will benefit from greater clarity, control and confidence over their wealth journeys. Key enhancements on the platform include seamless client onboarding, enhanced adviser capabilities and personalised trading journeys.

-- BERNAMA

KATHMANDU RIOTS DEAL BLOW TO NEPAL’S INSURANCE SECTOR

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Insured losses from the recent “Gen Z” protests in Kathmandu are mounting, posing a significant threat to Nepal’s already fragile non-life insurance market, according to a new AM Best commentary.

“The outsized proportion of losses arising from widespread riots highlights the likelihood of earnings and capital impacts on the market, especially if claims continue to escalate,” said AM Best senior financial analyst, Susan Tan in a statement.

The unrest has exposed the vulnerability of Nepal’s insurers and reinsurers to socio-political instability.

The Best’s Commentary, titled “Riots Impose Financial Strain on Nepal’s Insurers and Reinsurers”, states that while many damaged assets are expected to be uninsured, policy extensions typically cover private properties for riots, strikes, malicious damage, sabotage and terrorism (RSMDST) risks.

Although the full extent of insured and economic losses remains unclear, the Nepal Insurance Authority reports gross insured claims approaching levels seen after the catastrophic 2015 earthquake.

Furthermore, capital pressure on Nepal’s domestic reinsurers is also likely, though retrocession may partially alleviate financial stress.

Notwithstanding, elevated retention of RSMDST exposures may still erode their capital buffers, reducing their ability to withstand subsequent shocks over the near term, says AM Best.

-- BERNAMA

Axi Select Celebrates Two Years with $400M+ in Trader Funding and Breakthrough Success Stories

SYDNEY, Sept 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axi Select, the pioneering trader development and funding program from global online trading broker Axi, is celebrating its second anniversary with a major milestone — surpassing $400 million in allocated trader funding and cementing its position as the industry’s most innovative prop-style broker-backed program.

Since launching in 2023, Axi Select has expanded to support thousands of traders worldwide across multiple regions. Its unique performance-based model has already seen more than five traders reach the ProM stage, each managing $1 million in funding, while its community of over 40,000 traders continue to progress through the program’s milestones.

Milestones at Two Years$400M+ in funding allocated to traders worldwide
Over $10M+ profit payouts
Five traders reaching the ProM $1M funding stage
A growing community of over 40,000 traders
Edge score performance analytics introduced, giving traders objective feedback on risk, consistency, and discipline
MT5 integration, expanding market access and trading tools
A New Standard for Trader Development

Axi Select has distinguished itself by removing the barriers and costs associated with traditional proprietary trading firms. There are no entry fees, rigid elimination challenges, or artificial timelines. Instead, traders grow through the program by demonstrating consistency, discipline, and skill in live markets.

“Over the past two years, we’ve built something truly different with Axi Select,” said Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select. “Our focus is on giving traders a fair and transparent path to scale their careers. Seeing five traders already reach $1 million in funding is proof that with the right tools and support, incredible things are possible.”

Looking Ahead

In its third year, Axi Select plans to expand its trader support ecosystem through:Advanced performance analytics tools, building on the success of Edge score
Enhanced education and mentorship, helping traders build sustainable long-term careers
Ongoing platform innovation, delivering seamless integration across MT5 and Axi’s global infrastructure“At Axi Select, we’re not just funding trades — we’re helping traders grow into professionals,” Rubin added. “The last two years have laid a strong foundation, and we’re excited to see how far our traders can go in year three and beyond.”

About Axi

Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, trusted by thousands of customers in over 100 countries. Axi offers trading across multiple asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, and Commodities.

For more information about Axi Select, visit: https://www.axi.com/int/funded-trader-program

Media enquiries: mediaenquiries@axi.com

The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. This content may not be available in your region. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply.

SOURCE: AxiTrader 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.

--BERNAMA

REGASK APPOINTS DEANNA COSCIA AS SVP TO DRIVE GLOBAL COMMERCIAL EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- RegASK, the agentic artificial intelligence (AI) platform for regulatory intelligence and workflow orchestration, has appointed Deanna Coscia as Senior Vice President (SVP) of Commercial, signalling a major push toward global growth and deeper market penetration.

A seasoned sales executive with over 15 years of experience in life sciences and software as a service (SaaS), Coscia will oversee RegASK’s worldwide commercial strategy, focusing on accelerating platform adoption among regulatory teams and increasing brand visibility in key markets.

“Deanna brings an exceptional track record of scaling commercial organisations, cultivating trusted client relationships, and delivering strong revenue performance. Her leadership will be key as we expand globally,” said RegASK Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Shleifer in a statement.

Meanwhile, Coscia noted that with proven demand and strong product-market fit, RegASK is poised to reshape how organisations manage regulatory complexity.

“I am excited to join RegASK at this defining stage of its journey,” she said.

Coscia previously served as Medable Vice President, Strategic Accounts, where she helped scale the health-tech unicorn to a US$2.1 billion valuation and drove 80 per cent revenue growth in 2024. Her background also includes leadership roles at IBM and SevOne.

Based in the United States (US), Coscia’s appointment underscores RegASK’s commitment to strengthening its presence in both the US and European markets.

The hire also marks an inflection point in RegASK’s trajectory as the company aims to empower regulatory teams with agentic AI tools to stay more proactive, agile, and strategic in their compliance operations.

-- BERNAMA

EB5 CAPITAL CLOSES US$42.4 MLN INVESTMENT IN ATLANTA HOUSING PROJECT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- EB5 Capital has announced the closing of its US$42.4 million investment in Woodfield Development’s Atlanta Woodrow Apartments (JF41) project. (US$1=RM4.19)

In a statement, EB5 Capital Senior Vice President of Investments, Jonathan Mullen said this project is a great example of how the EB-5 Program helps redevelop communities.

“We are proud to be part of a project that will bring over 900 new jobs to a high-unemployment area and contribute to the continued growth of the South Atlanta region,” he said.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the high-unemployment Target Employment Area (TEA) project is a Class A multifamily development featuring 300 units across four modern apartment buildings and 25 townhomes.

The development will include expansive amenity space, including a resort-style pool and lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a vibrant gaming courtyard, all complemented by top-of-market interiors and finishes.

Strategically located just 10 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the site offers strong connectivity and proximity to major employers like Coca-Cola, UPS, Delta Airlines, and CNN.

JF41 marks EB5 Capital’s 21st multifamily investment and its second project in Georgia. Construction is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025, with completion anticipated by the first quarter of 2027.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program), raising over US$1 billion of foreign capital across over 45 EB-5 projects.

-- BERNAMA

World Nears Quarter Million Crypto Millionaires in Historic Wealth Boom

LONDON, Sept 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The ranks of crypto millionaires have surged to an unprecedented 241,700 individuals worldwide, according to the newly released Crypto Wealth Report 2025 by international residence and citizenship advisory specialists Henley & Partners. That’s a remarkable 40% increase in just 12 months, fueled by a dramatic surge in Bitcoin millionaires — up 70% year-on-year to 145,100 holders — and a booming total market valuation of USD 3.3 trillion as of June 2025, a 45% jump from a year previously.

At the apex of the crypto wealth pyramid, the number of ultra-wealthy individuals is rising sharply: 450 centi-millionaires now control crypto portfolios worth USD 100 million or more, up 38% since last year, while the number of crypto billionaires has climbed to 36, an increase of 29%. This significant growth coincides with a watershed year for institutional adoption, highlighted by the first-ever cryptocurrencies launched by a sitting US President and First Lady.

Dominic Volek, Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, says the surge of crypto-wealth is forcing governments and wealth managers to confront a new reality. “Traditional finance assumes money has a home address — but cryptocurrency doesn’t. Geography is now optional. With just 12 memorized words, an individual can secure a billion dollars in Bitcoin, instantly accessible from Zurich or Zhengzhou alike.”

Wealth Without Borders

The shift towards Bitcoin as collateral rather than a speculative asset marks a critical evolution as Philipp A. Baumann, Founder of Z22 Technologies, points out in the report. “Bitcoin is becoming the foundation of a parallel financial system, where [it] is not merely an investment for speculation on fiat price appreciation, but the base currency for accumulating wealth.”

The philosophical implications of this shift are profound, according to Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, illustrating the tension between traditional and digital money systems: “Over any long-time horizon, fiat currency has one destiny: infinity. Bitcoin, on the contrary, has the opposite: 21 million.” This fixed supply versus infinite expansion represents what Mow calls “the defining paradox of our age”, as governments grapple with a form of wealth that exists outside traditional monetary control.

The convergence of crypto wealth and global mobility is accelerating. Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance, observes that “this new, mobility-driven class of investors is increasingly turning to citizenship by investment programs as a strategic route to geographic and financial flexibility.”

Townsend Lansing, Head of Product at CoinShares, confirms the broader momentum: “Driven by favorable regulatory winds, institutional adoption has not only arrived — it is surging.” Dr. Guneet Kaur, senior editor at CCN.com agrees, adding that “CBDCs, digital forms of a nation’s legal tender, are being explored by over 100 economies, with 49 countries in the pilot stage as of July 2025. They promise cheaper and faster state-backed payments.”

Crypto-Friendly Jurisdictions

The Henley Crypto Adoption Index, a proprietary tool updated annually, benchmarks the world’s most crypto-friendly countries with investment migration programs. Drawing on more than 750 data points, it offers digital asset investors a clear overview of how these different jurisdictions with residence and citizenship by investment pathways are regulating and adopting cryptocurrency and blockchain.

The index evaluates 29 investment migration programs across six key parameters — Public Adoption, Infrastructure Adoption, Innovation and Technology, Regulatory Environment, Economic Factors, and Tax-Friendliness — enabling investors to identify jurisdictions that best match their priorities.

Singapore leads with exceptional scores across Infrastructure Adoption, Innovation and Technology, and Regulatory Environment. Hong Kong (SAR China) follows with robust Economic Factors and high Tax-Friendliness, while the USA boasts strong Public Adoption and Innovation and Technology metrics. Switzerland and the UAE round out the Top 5 performers, with the Emirates scoring a perfect 10 for Tax-Friendliness, with zero taxes on crypto trading, staking, and mining.

Malta and the UK also score highly overall, both offering sophisticated regulatory frameworks, while Canada, Thailand, and Australia complete the top tier with balanced strengths across multiple factors.

Luxembourg brings deep financial expertise to digital assets while Portugal rewards patient crypto investors — those holding over one year pay no capital gains tax. Austria applies securities tax frameworks to crypto, while Italy’s flat-tax regime for new residents includes foreign-sourced crypto gains. Monaco draws ultra-wealthy crypto holders with zero personal income tax.

St. Kitts and Nevis accepts cryptocurrency for citizenship applications, as does Antigua and Barbuda. Thailand recently announced a five-year capital gains exemption for crypto trading and Malaysia builds fintech capabilities through Digital Free Trade Zone initiatives. Mauritius, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Greece, Latvia, New Zealand, Panama, Türkiye, and Uruguay also have strategies to attract mobile digital asset investors.

Read the Full Press Release

Sarah Nicklin
sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com
+27 72 464 8965

SOURCE: HENLEY & PARTNERS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD

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.

--BERNAMA

AMOGY, A*STAR PARTNER TO ADVANCE AMMONIA-TO-POWER TECHNOLOGIES IN SINGAPORE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Amogy, a United States-based ammonia-to-power technology firm, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to jointly develop and scale clean ammonia-based energy systems in support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and National Hydrogen Strategy.

“This collaboration marks an important step toward advancing decarbonisation in critical sectors such as data centres, while supporting Singapore’s low-carbon ambitions,” said Amogy chief executive officer, Seonghoon Woo.

Meanwhile, A*STAR Assistant Chief Executive, Science and Engineering Research Council, Professor Lim Keng Hui said it aims to help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors by advancing ammonia technologies for power generation and bunkering.

According to a statement, the collaboration will explore pilot deployments of Amogy’s proprietary ammonia-to-power systems on Jurong Island, focusing on applications in energy-intensive sectors like data centres and heavy industry.

The initiative also includes joint research and development (R&D) into advanced ammonia-cracking catalysts, development of digital integration tools, and workforce training for large-scale deployment.

Amogy’s technology uses a high-efficiency cracking process to extract hydrogen from ammonia, which is then used in fuel cells or engines to produce zero-carbon electricity — offering a scalable alternative to fossil fuels.

A*STAR will contribute expertise in safety standards, cost assessments, and technology scaling, with an emphasis on real-world validation and commercial readiness.

This collaboration underscores Singapore’s continued investment in clean energy innovation and reinforces its position as a regional hub for low-carbon technologies.

-- BERNAMA

CLOUDFLARE COMMITS TO HIRING 1,111 INTERNS, OFFERS FREE TOOLS TO US STUDENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- In a bold push to support the next generation of tech talent, Cloudflare Inc announced its plan to hire 1,111 interns in 2026 and offer one year of free developer tools to students across United States (US) universities—a move designed to counter a shrinking job market for young professionals in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

“We founded Cloudflare during a financial crisis and doubled our intern numbers during the pandemic. Now, when getting a job out of school has never been harder, we are leaning in and offering a training ground for the next generation.

“While many companies see AI as a way to replace jobs, we see this next generation as key to unlocking AI’s full potential. There is a lot we can learn from interns who grew up building with AI as a first-class tool,” said its chief executive officer, Matthew Prince in a statement.

As AI continues to automate entry-level roles, the job outlook for new graduates is tightening. A Stanford study reports up to a 13 per cent decline in employment for 22- to 25-year-olds in roles most exposed to AI, such as software engineering. Meanwhile, tech internships have dropped 30 per cent since 2023, according to Handshake.

Cloudflare’s “Intern-et” initiative aims to reverse that trend. The company will place interns across global hubs—including Austin, San Francisco, New York, Bengaluru, Lisbon, and London—providing mentorship, leadership access, and real-world impact on products used by millions.

In addition, all US students with a .edu email can now get one year of free access to Cloudflare Workers, its serverless development platform, allowing them to deploy and experiment without upfront costs.

Cloudflare is also expanding support for startups. Beginning in 2026, early-stage builders will be able to co-work in Cloudflare offices on select days. The company has already provided US$370 million in credits to over 4,000 startups, helping them scale while saving on infrastructure. (US$1=RM4.18)

These initiatives mark Cloudflare’s most ambitious investment yet in early-career talent—building a future of the Internet that is more open, more diverse, and more hands-on.

-- BERNAMA

TII, NVIDIA LAUNCH REGION’S FIRST AI & ROBOTICS JOINT LAB IN ABU DHABI

 

Abu Dhabi’s TII and NVIDIA Launch Middle East’s First Joint ‘AI & Robotics’ NVAITC Research Lab (Photo: AETOSWire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- In a landmark move for regional innovation, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and NVIDIA have launched the Middle East’s first Joint Lab dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Announced at a high-level signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the TII-NVAITC Joint Lab for AI and Robotics will serve as a premier hub for developing next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies that will accelerate innovation across industries.

“This collaboration with NVIDIA marks a major step toward building AI-enhanced robotic systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and acting in complex environments.

“By combining our advanced robotic platforms with powerful AI models and compute, we are accelerating the convergence of perception, control, and language – laying the foundation for a new era of intelligent machines,” said TII Chief Executive Officer, Dr Najwa Aaraj.

Meanwhile, NVIDIA Vice President - Enterprise Solutions & Operations EMEA, Carlo Ruiz hailed the launch as a new chapter in the NVAITC network, stating: “We are expanding the scope of these centres into robotics for the first time in the Middle East—helping accelerate breakthroughs that will shape the future of intelligent systems.”

As the first NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC) in the region, the lab integrates NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms with TII’s advanced research in robotics, autonomy, and high-performance computing.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader ambitions to lead in AI and robotics, complementing the recent US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership and cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global innovation hub, according to TII in a statement.

Research will focus on embodied AI, real-time robotic control, and large language model (LLM) integration—including TII’s Falcon LLMs, the largest developed in the Middle East.

The TII-NVIDIA lab emphasises open innovation, practical deployment, and cross-border knowledge exchange—driving real-world AI advancements from the heart of Abu Dhabi.

-- BERNAMA

Axi Announces Retirement of Chief Commercial Officer Louis Cooper

SYDNEY, Sept 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axi, a leading global online trading and fintech company, today announces the retirement of Louis Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer. Louis will formally step down from his executive responsibilities at the end of September 2025 but will remain a shareholder and a valued part of the Axi family.

Since joining Axi in 2016, Louis has been instrumental in the company’s transformation from a regional trading firm to a globally recognised broker serving clients in more than 100 countries. As CCO, Louis led with a clear vision for commercial growth, operational excellence, and customer value — helping to position Axi as one of the most trusted and innovative brokers in the industry.

CEO Rajesh Yohannan praised Louis’ impact on the business, saying: “Louis has played an integral role in building Axi into the global brand it is today. While we will miss him, we are immensely grateful for his contributions and pleased that he will remain connected to Axi as a shareholder and ongoing supporter of our mission.”

Louis Cooper reflected on his time with Axi, saying: “It has been a privilege to be part of Axi’s remarkable journey. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. I leave knowing that Axi is in strong, capable hands, and I have absolute confidence in the Executive and Senior Management Team to take the company forward to even greater heights.”

Details of his successor and further leadership updates will be announced in due course.

About Axi

Axi is a global online trading company, trusted by tens of thousands of traders in over 100 countries. We offer award-winning customer support, market-leading technology, and a wide range of trading instruments including FX, CFDs, crypto-currencies, indices, and commodities.

Our purpose is to give our clients and partners an edge — through better technology, transparent pricing, powerful tools, and trusted service. As a partner to traders of all levels, we are committed to delivering transparency, integrity, and value in everything we do.

For more information about Axi visit : www.axi.com

Media Contact: media@axi.com

Promoted by AxiTrader Ltd. OTC Derivatives carry a high risk of investment loss. This content may not be available in your region. T&Cs apply.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/afbd257e-f16d-40cb-8d4e-32167789ec3c

SOURCE: AxiTrader 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.

--BERNAMA

MONEYHERO SWINGS TO PROFIT IN Q2 2025 AS AI, HIGH-MARGIN VERTICALS DRIVE TURNAROUND

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- MoneyHero Limited (MoneyHero), a personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, reported a net income of US$0.2 million for the second quarter (Q2) ended June 30, 2025 reversing a net loss of US$12.2 million in the same period last year. (US$1=RM4.20)

MoneyHero Chief Executive Officer, Rohith Murthy said the company had set out to reshape its business for durable, profitable growth, and the Q2 results reflected significant progress.

“Our product engine continues to deliver momentum. Car Insurance is scaling with real-time pricing and end-to-end digital journeys in Hong Kong and Singapore, while Travel Insurance has been streamlined to a three-click purchase flow, significantly lifting completion rates,” he added in a statement.

Murthy also noted that AI integration across MoneyHero’s customer journey, from approvals to yield optimisation, is reducing acquisition costs and improving service efficiency, all while keeping headcount flat.

Revenue for the quarter fell 13 per cent year-over-year (YoY) to US$18.0 million, largely due to a planned reduction in lower-margin credit card volumes. However, the Insurance and Wealth segments rose to 27 per cent of revenue, up from 22 per cent YoY, highlighting the shift toward recurring, high-value offerings.

In addition, its cost of revenue decreased by 34 per cent YoY to US$9.1 million from US$13.8 million, reducing to 51 per cent of total revenue from 67 per cent, while total operating costs and expenses, excluding net foreign exchange differences, dropped by 37 per cent to US$20.6 million from US$32.5 million, driven by multiple factors including optimised reward costs, cost-efficient advertising and marketing campaigns.

The company’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) loss narrowed by 79 per cent year-over-year to US$2.0 million in the second quarter of 2025 from US$9.3 million in the prior year period.

MoneyHero expects to achieve adjusted EBITDA profitability in late 2025, supported by AI implementation, an improved revenue mix, and operational efficiency gains.

Meanwhile, operationally, the platform saw 5.3 million monthly Unique Users and group membership grew 33 per cent YoY to 8.6 million. MoneyHero sourced 408,000 applications with 173,000 approvals in Q2.

Looking ahead, the company plans to grow its Insurance and Wealth mix to 30 per cent of revenue by year-end and expand its Credit Hero Club with TransUnion across markets.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF TAIPING REINSURANCE, SUBSIDIARY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit ratings of “a” (Excellent) of Hong Kong’s Taiping Reinsurance Company Limited (TPRe) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Taiping Reinsurance (China) Company Ltd (TPRe China).

In a statement, AM Best said the outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) remains stable, reflecting TPRe’s balance sheet strength, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings also acknowledge the continued implicit and explicit support given by TPRe’s parent company, China Taiping Insurance Holdings Company Limited (CTIH), in terms of capital, investment, risk oversight and shared operational resources.

TPRe’s risk-adjusted capitalisation remained at the strongest level at year-end 2024, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, and is expected to be maintained at the current level over the short to intermediate term.

Notably, the company sponsored the issuance of Asia’s first dual-peril, dual-trigger catastrophe bond on Dec 31, 2024, enhancing its catastrophe risk management capabilities.

TPRe reported a net profit of HK$957.4 million in 2024, delivering an 8.3 per cent return-on-equity ratio. The non-life insurance service results have moderately improved with a combined ratio of 92.7 per cent, as calculated by AM Best. (HK$100 = RM54.20)

The reinsurer has been increasing its asset allocation to investment-grade bonds while lowering its exposure to alternative assets. Although investment impairment losses of financial assets materially narrowed in 2024, they continue to weigh down on the results.

Leveraging CTIH’s strong brand recognition, TPRe has established a solid presence across the Greater China region and maintains a leading position in the non-life reinsurance market in both Hong Kong and Macau.

The company continues to strategically diversify its business profile in mature markets while enhancing its underwriting capabilities in speciality lines. AM Best expects the parent company to provide timely financial support to TPRe when needed.

-- BERNAMA

​AM Best Withdraws Credit Ratings of Foundation Life (NZ) Limited

SINGAPORE, Sept 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has withdrawn the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of Foundation Life (NZ) Limited (FLNZ) (New Zealand) as the company no longer has insurance policy liabilities. While the company remains a licenced insurance company, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has granted FLNZ an exemption under section 60 (2A) of the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010 from having to hold a current financial strength rating. At the time of the withdrawal, the outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) was stable.

As of 1 September 2025, as part of the ongoing wind up of its insurance operations, FLNZ cancelled all participating insurance policies with existing policyholders, offering them as a replacement one of the following: a cash payment option, a life insurance policy with Chubb Life Insurance New Zealand Limited (Chubb Life NZ) or a combination of both. FLNZ also transferred all unsettled claims and policies to Chubb Life NZ. FLNZ is expected to commence cash payments in early October 2025.

AM Best’s procedure is for a final rating opinion to be produced in conjunction with a rating withdrawal. However, because FLNZ’s balance sheet does not contain any insurance assets or liabilities, AM Best was unable to produce a final rating opinion.

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 © 2025 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/20250918333003/en/ 

Contact

Yi Ding
Associate Director
+65 6305 5021
yi.ding@ambest.com 

Victoria Ohorodnyk
Director, Head of Analytics
+65 6303 5020
victoria.ohorodnyk@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 

--BERNAMA 

JTB Expands Middle East Footprint With Dubai Branch Office

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- JTB Corp, Japan’s leading travel solutions provider, has announced the establishment of a branch office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), as part of its strategic expansion in the business-to-business (B2B) travel solutions sector.

According to JTB in a statement, the new branch will commence operations in January 2026, supporting corporate travel and events while strengthening inbound tourism from the Middle East to Japan.

Dubai’s position as a key hub in the Middle East economy, coupled with its growing base of multinational corporations and high-net-worth travellers with strong interest in Japan, presents significant opportunities for the travel sector.

The Dubai branch will provide comprehensive services for corporate clients, including planning and management of opening ceremonies, incentive travel, award events and business meetings.

It will also offer business travel management, marketing support and inspection tours for firms seeking to expand into the region.

At the same time, JTB said the branch will actively promote inbound travel to Japan, aligning with national tourism policies and local government initiatives to capture the Middle East market.

Located in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, the office operates under the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), ensuring full compliance with local business regulations. The branch will be led by Naoki Kobayashi and operates under the legal entity JTB Pte Ltd Middle East Sales Office.

-- BERNAMA

EZE Cloud Consulting Delivers 14-Week Workday Deployment For ​MoneyHero Across APAC

 

EZE Cloud Consulting and MoneyHero reflecting on their Workday integration alliance

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- EZE Cloud Consulting SG Pte Ltd, an official Workday Services and Sales Partner, has successfully completed a 14-week deployment of Workday solutions for MoneyHero Group, a personal finance platform, and digital insurance broker in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

The fast-tracked implementation, enabled by EZE Cloud’s Ignite Lite deployment methodology, focused on Human Capital Management (HCM) and Talent Management, creating a streamlined, region-wide human resources digital ecosystem for MoneyHero’s 450-employee workforce across Asia Pacific (APAC).

EZE Cloud Consulting Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Damodar Pai in a statement said the deployment provides integrated solutions tailored to meet MoneyHero’s dynamic regional operations.

Its Co-CEO and Board Member, Sandeep Sharma added that the successful rollout reflects the firm’s expertise in managing complex integrations and multi-country Workday setups.

Meanwhile, MoneyHero CEO, Rohith Murthy said Workday provides a unified platform to manage, engage and grow talent while aligning people strategy with business goals.

He added that the transformation, supported by EZE Cloud Consulting’s expertise, strengthens the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence across the region.

Headquartered in Singapore, EZE Cloud Consulting is a boutique Workday advisory organisation serving clients across Asia.

-- BERNAMA

Bitget Marks New Era of Blockchain4Her with “Lady Forward”

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), today announced the next chapter of its flagship women-in-blockchain initiative, Blockchain4Her, with the unveiling of its new proposition: “Lady Forward.”
This refreshed direction reframes women not as participants but as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers in Web3. While the message evolves, the mission remains constant: to expand equity and opportunity across blockchain through education, empowerment, and global engagement.

Since its inception in January 2024, Blockchain4Her is anchored around four strategic pillars: Elevating, Empowering, Educating, and Embracing. Blockchain4Her has already produced impactful outcomes, with 11 women-led startups funded through Pitch n’ Slay pitching competition, over 300,000 people reached with UNICEF’s Game Changers Coalition, and thousands of women engaged in global meetups. With “Lady Forward,” these foundations move into a new phase, focused on creating sustained leadership pipelines and broader community impact.

“‘Lady first’ is a phrase granted from the outside. ‘Lady Forward’ is an action we take ourselves,” stated Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget and initiator of Blockchain4Her. “It means we are not waiting for a man to hold the door. We are building the door, opening it, and leading the way through it. Blockchain4Her provides the tools, but this slogan is our declaration that women are actively shaping the future of Web3 on our own terms.”

Upcoming programs under Lady Forward include expanded university partnerships, new internship programs, and the launch of a Female Leaders Program to connect women across the blockchain ecosystem, from developers and investors to entrepreneurs and policymakers. At TOKEN2049 Singapore, Bitget will have a standalone booth for Blockchain4Her, Pop Forward Station, with immersive activities and the chance to meet CEO Gracy Chen and other female KOLs onsite. Bitget’s initiatives reflect the broader vision of embedding women’s leadership within every layer of Web3, rather than positioning inclusion as an afterthought.

As Blockchain4Her enters a new chapter, Bitget continues to reinforce its role as a catalyst for inclusivity in the blockchain industry. By taking the lessons learned from its first chapter and setting bolder goals under Lady Forward, the initiative is positioning women not just to participate in the decentralized world, but to lead it.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX). Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
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/b0cfe478-231b-4ad4-85d1-87e1fd044cc1

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.

--BERNAMA

MYCOMPLIANCEOFFICE ENHANCES GOVERNANCE, RISK MANAGEMENT FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- MyComplianceOffice (MCO), a provider of compliance technology, has announced new enhancements to its platform aimed at strengthening governance, reducing operational risk and accelerating decision-making for financial services firms and banks.

The latest update builds on its mission to provide a single system and data set that simplifies compliance management, improves oversight and enables faster response to issues.

MCO chief executive officer, Brian Fahey said the release reinforces MCO’s long-standing commitment to simplifying compliance while strengthening governance and oversight.

“Our platform is designed to give compliance teams the tools they need to act quickly, decisively and with confidence,” he said in a statement.

The enhanced platform supports compliance programmes across key areas, including employee personal trading, communications surveillance, gifts and entertainment, political contributions, outside business activities, connected persons, licensing and registrations, deal review, compliance obligation management and third-party due diligence.

The latest enhancements to the MyComplianceOffice platform significantly improve visibility and task management by introducing features like dynamic compliance calendars, configurable currencies, and more streamlined workflows, allowing for faster issue resolution.

Oversight is strengthened through improved impersonation session logging with mandatory reason capture, and the addition of legal hold functionality ensures sensitive internal data is preserved. Governance is bolstered by expanded audit histories and more sophisticated reporting, while multi-firm rule aggregation prevents policy circumvention and enhances overall transparency.

Operational efficiency is increased through automation, including the auto-closure of trade pre-clearance assignments and automated notifications for denied trades. The platform now also covers structured products such as covered warrants, ensuring more comprehensive conflict checks.

For larger, more complex compliance programmes, the updates offer enhanced scalability with bulk assignment handling, faster deactivation of deal restrictions, and more granular permission controls—making it easier to manage compliance across teams and jurisdictions.

-- BERNAMA

Hong Kong Cyclothon Rolls Back Into Action On Nov 30

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced that Hong Kong’s largest annual cycling event, the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, is set to return on Nov 30, bringing with it an enhanced lineup of races, routes, and public festivities.

This year’s edition offers a fresh and comprehensive array of activities and experiences for sports lovers to immerse in the city’s vibrant energy, from professional races on brand new routes in the city streets among top athletes to a cycling-themed carnival with sports and entertainment experiences.

“The Hong Kong Cyclothon is a true highlight of our sporting calendar, offering locals and visitors an exceptional competitive cycling experience and showcasing the city’s ability to blend sport with tourism.

“Looking ahead, the HKTB aims to expand the Hong Kong Cyclothon across the Greater Bay Area and work in partnership with neighbouring destinations to build a world-class tourism brand for the region,” said HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam in a statement.

The popular non-competitive rides include the 50-kilometre (km) “four tunnels, three bridges” route, and the 32km featuring “two tunnels, two bridges” route, with a total of 6,000 places available to local, Mainland and overseas cyclists who can test their fitness along major roads passing renowned landmarks.

This year’s 32km ride will include the inaugural World University Trophy, bringing together cyclists from universities in Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas in a challenge that combines sports, tourism and cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, the City Cycling Challenge around the Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) – Sun Hung Kai Properties Men’s and Women’s Open will break from the traditional circuit format, as the race will extend beyond Tsim Sha Tsui for the first time with a longer course taking in varied terrain.

Furthermore, at the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Art Park, HKTB will present an action-packed Cyclothon Carnival offering a dynamic mix of music and sports performances with a variety of food booths, sports gear markets and activities such as face painting stalls and balloon art workshops.

-- BERNAMA

T&E: COUNTRIES MUST TACKLE PLANE CONTRAILS TO COMPLY WITH PARIS AGREEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- A new legal analysis warns that countries failing to address aviation’s non-carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, including contrails, in their national climate plans are breaching their obligations under the Paris Agreement.

The legal opinion, conducted by Cornerstone Barristers and commissioned by Transport and Environment (T&E) and Opportunity Green, argues that nations are legally required to include these emissions in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP30 in Brazil on Nov 20.

“Scientists have been warning about the warming caused by contrails for 25 years; now legal advice shows countries must act to reduce them.

“It is time to move from paper to action and include the full climate impact of aviation in national climate plans,” said T&E Aviation Director, Diane Vitry in a statement.

The legal analysis outlines three core reasons why countries are obligated under the Paris Agreement to include aviation's non-CO2 emissions in their climate plans.

The agreement’s central goal is to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (°C) above pre-industrial levels. Since non-CO2 emissions like contrails significantly contribute to warming, countries are legally required to address them to meet this goal.

The Paris Agreement also mandates broad emissions cuts, not just CO2. Countries must act on all climate pollutants, including aviation-related gases and particles emitted by aircraft that exacerbate warming.

Finally, the agreement compels nations to act based on the best available scientific knowledge. Given the robust body of scientific research showing the harmful effects of aviation’s non-CO2 emissions, countries are obliged to take precautionary measures, even amid some uncertainty.

T&E highlighted that non-CO2 aviation effects must be included in the forthcoming round of NDCs submitted ahead of COP in Brazil, and those countries that have already submitted NDCs should update them to include such effects.

-- BERNAMA

C1 FUND SECURES SEVEN INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS FOLLOWING IPO

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- C1 Fund Inc (Fund), a registered closed-end investment company, has announced the signing of seven investment agreements in the weeks following its Aug 7 initial public offering (IPO).

According to a statement, within weeks of its IPO, the Fund has already executed seven investment agreements in private digital asset companies that it believes are leaders in their respective categories.

These transactions are currently progressing through customary closing conditions and are expected to close in the near future, while several other agreements are in advanced negotiation and anticipated to be finalised in the coming weeks.

“Our team’s execution since the Fund’s IPO has been marked by speed, discipline, and access.

“Both institutional and retail investors are seeking to benefit from our unique ability to source and negotiate entry into late-stage private companies reshaping digital finance,” said its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Najam Kidwai.

Meanwhile, C1 Advisors LLC Chief Investment Officer, Elliot Han said these early transactions demonstrate the Fund’s ability to secure access to some of the most important companies shaping the digital-asset economy.

“We believe the pace of our initial activity shows that we can source and structure transactions, with speed and discipline, as we pursue our investment strategy,” he said.

Since being listed, the Fund has observed constructive engagement from both portfolio companies and existing private shareholders. Companies are attracted by the Fund’s long-term approach, while shareholders value the liquidity options it provides.

Key highlights since the IPO include rapid capital deployment, a robust pipeline of additional deals in negotiation, and exclusive access to leading late-stage digital asset firms.

C1 Fund is a Maryland corporation based in Palo Alto, California, with C1 Advisors serving as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Fund’s investment objective is to maximise the portfolio’s total return, principally by seeking capital gains on the Fund’s equity and equity-related investments.

-- BERNAMA

QUEST SOFTWARE UNVEILS UNIFIED AI-READY DATA PLATFORM, BOLD NEW STRATEGY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Quest Software has rolled out a sweeping new strategy and brand identity, anchored by the launch of its artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled erwin Data Management Platform, designed to accelerate its customers’ ability to thrive in the era of AI.

The strategy, which is based on three foundational priorities for companies to unlock AI success –delivering trusted AI-ready data, secure identities, and platform modernisation to scale with AI demands, includes a new, bold brand identity to reflect Quest’s focus on innovation, solutions, and growth.

“AI is driving the need for a dramatically new approach to data management. Working closely with our customers, including more than 90 per cent of the Fortune 500, has given us deep insights into their challenges and requirements.

“The erwin Data Management Platform is the first of its kind to deliver improved data accuracy and faster time to data product delivery to the marketplace, a game-changer for our customers,” said Quest Software Chief Executive Officer, Tim Page statement.

Featuring unified AI-enabled capabilities, the platform allows enterprises and public sector organisations to improve data accuracy and create trusted data products 54 per cent faster than before, uniquely meeting the scale and speed required for AI success.

The new Quest erwin platform leverages generative AI to deliver operational simplicity through automation, unifying data management capabilities such as data quality, data modelling, metadata management, and data governance, removing silos and creating data products all through a single platform.

Quest’s new brand identity reinforces its focus on market-leading innovation with this year’s US$350 million capital infusion to accelerate AI research and development and a new executive team to drive growth and customer focus. (US$1=RM4.19)

The company is expanding its go-to-market with a focus on its Partner ecosystem. With an extensive network of independent software vendors and other technology partners, Quest is able to better support global customers.

-- BERNAMA

Bitget Opens 2026 Graduate Program to Build the Next Billion Minds

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is opening applications for its 2026 Graduate Program, a global track under Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth initiative, recruiting next-generation talent from top universities and placing them directly into real Web3 workstreams.

The timeline is quick: applications open today, interviews begin in October, offers are delivered in December, and onboarding starts in 2026. Graduates will rotate across high-impact teams with senior mentorship and hands-on ownership, with over 50 roles available in engineering, product management, business development, growth, branding, operations, data analytics, algorithm, and risk control. The goal is simple: make high-impact roles accessible to the next generation and give them room to build.

“We believe in the future and that’s exactly why we are hiring for it,” said Vugar Usi Zade, Chief Operating Officer at Bitget. “This program is not just about building blockchain; it is about building thinkers who can question, design, and deliver. Together, Bitget is looking to build the next billion minds.”

To kick off the season, Blockchain4Youth and Blockchain4Her, two CSR initiatives launched by Bitget, will co-host a Web3 diversity career session at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on 20 September together with the 0xU student community. Bitget employees will share their professional experiences, discuss case studies, and connect one-on-one with candidates who want to build at the intersection of finance, technology, and culture.

Bitget is looking for proactive self-starters who are curious, inventive, and comfortable working across cultures. A genuine interest in AI and Web3 is essential. In return, graduates join one of the world’s fastest-growing exchanges, collaborate with colleagues from more than 50 countries, and advance through a clear development path that combines rotations, mentorship, competitive compensation, and the chance to ship on the frontier.

Anchored in Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth initiative, the Graduate Program is more than a hiring track; it’s a runway into Web3 built around workshops, campus salons, and hands-on mentorship that help graduates ship real products and grow inside a global community. The program sits within B4Y’s broader education roadmap, which pairs early-career opportunities with practical learning to turn literacy into independence and innovation.

Applications are open now. Submit your resume/portfolio here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.
Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
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/53dafef6-6326-4aa1-a8e5-94279a52495c

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.

--BERNAMA

MONGOLIAN MINING CORPORATION ACHIEVES FIRST GOLD POUR AT BAYAN KHUNDII MINE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Mongolian Mining Corporation (MMC), the largest internationally listed private mining company, successfully completed the first gold pour at the Bayan Khundii (BKH) gold mine in Mongolia on Sept 14.

The BKH gold mine, with total reserves of 513,700 ounces of gold at an average head grade of four grammes per tonne (g/t), is expected to produce approximately 85,000 ounces annually at a low quartile all-in sustaining cost, according to MMC in a statement.

“We are proud to see the Bayan Khundii mine reach this significant milestone and extend our sincere congratulations to our employees, contractors, and strategic partners whose dedication made this milestone possible, transforming this project into a fully operational gold mine.

“Moving forward, MMC will work closely with our strategic partner to support their continued focus on exploration efforts aimed at extending the mine life and bringing additional deposits into production covered under the Strategic Alliance Agreement,” said its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Battsengel Gotov.

MMC, together with its subsidiaries, has announced the investment of US$40 million for a 50 per cent equity interest in Erdene Mongol LLC (EM), under a Strategic Alliance and Investment Agreement which became effective on Jan 25, 2024.

At the time of MMC's participation, the project was still in its early stages as a greenfield site. Since construction commenced, progress has been rapid, with completion achieved in just 22 months, turning the project from a greenfield to a full-fledged operation.

Gold from the BKH mine will be sold to Mongolia’s Central Bank at spot gold prices, contributing to the country's foreign currency reserves and playing a vital role in the country’s economic stability.

With established operating systems and procedures, the mine is well positioned to achieve nameplate capacity production in the late fourth quarter of this year.

-- BERNAMA