KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb-” (Good) of New Zealand’s Pinnacle Life Limited (Pinnacle Life), with a stable outlook.
The credit ratings (ratings) reflect Pinnacle Life’s adequate balance sheet strength, operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM), alongside a neutral impact from its parent, Greenstone Holdco Pty Limited (Greenstone).
In a statement, AM Best said Pinnacle Life’s balance sheet strength is supported by strong risk-adjusted capitalisation at fiscal year-end 2025, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, along with sound regulatory solvency and financial flexibility.
However, reliance on third-party reinsurance and a relatively small capital base increase sensitivity to business growth, interest rate changes and external shocks.
Operating performance is assessed as adequate, driven by stable underwriting results and healthy investment returns, although earnings have shown moderate volatility due to interest rate movements and elevated expenses. The company is expected to maintain adequate performance as it continues its expansion strategy.
AM Best also noted Pinnacle Life’s limited business profile, reflecting its small scale and concentration in the New Zealand market, with a focus on mortality products such as term life and funeral insurance. Growth is largely supported by Greenstone as a key distribution partner, alongside direct online channels.
Pinnacle Life’s ERM is considered appropriate for the company’s size and complexity, with further development expected as the company expands its operations.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, 17 April 2026
DENODO REPORT HIGHLIGHTS "TRUST GAP" IN AGENTIC AI ADOPTION
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Denodo, a leader in data management, has released The AI Trust Gap Report, a global study revealing that the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI)—agentic AI—is facing significant trust challenges driven by data-related issues.
“AI is rapidly shifting from systems that merely answer questions to systems that take autonomous action, and this transition changes the data requirement entirely,” said Denodo vice president of Product Marketing, Dominic Sartorio, noting that real-time, governed and contextually relevant data is critical for scaling agentic AI with confidence.
The report finds that 63 per cent of organisations struggle to locate relevant, context-specific data, while 66 per cent say real-time data access is essential for AI to be considered trustworthy.
At the same time, 67 per cent face difficulties maintaining consistent security and access controls, adding to the complexity of deploying autonomous AI systems safely, according to a statement.
Data scale is also a growing concern, with enterprise AI initiatives drawing from an average of over 400 data sources and 20 per cent of organisations managing more than 1,000 sources.
Nearly 60 per cent of respondents report performance challenges in handling the intensive workloads required for large-scale AI.
The report concludes that the "trust gap" stems not from AI models themselves, but from fragmented and outdated data architectures. Bridging this gap will be essential for organisations seeking to transition from experimental AI use cases to fully automated, enterprise-scale deployments.
-- BERNAMA
“AI is rapidly shifting from systems that merely answer questions to systems that take autonomous action, and this transition changes the data requirement entirely,” said Denodo vice president of Product Marketing, Dominic Sartorio, noting that real-time, governed and contextually relevant data is critical for scaling agentic AI with confidence.
The report finds that 63 per cent of organisations struggle to locate relevant, context-specific data, while 66 per cent say real-time data access is essential for AI to be considered trustworthy.
At the same time, 67 per cent face difficulties maintaining consistent security and access controls, adding to the complexity of deploying autonomous AI systems safely, according to a statement.
Data scale is also a growing concern, with enterprise AI initiatives drawing from an average of over 400 data sources and 20 per cent of organisations managing more than 1,000 sources.
Nearly 60 per cent of respondents report performance challenges in handling the intensive workloads required for large-scale AI.
The report concludes that the "trust gap" stems not from AI models themselves, but from fragmented and outdated data architectures. Bridging this gap will be essential for organisations seeking to transition from experimental AI use cases to fully automated, enterprise-scale deployments.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
AI-Media Unveils LEXI Text Encoder and LEXI Voice Encoder in Major Product Milestone at NAB 2026
NEW YORK, April 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AI-Media, a global leader in AI-powered language technology and live captioning solutions, today announced the launch of two new next-generation encoders - the LEXI Text Encoder and LEXI Voice Encoder – at NAB Show 2026. Marking the company’s first new encoder hardware release in over a decade, this milestone builds on the proven success of AI-Media’s industry gold-standard Encoder Pro (HD592), trusted by broadcasters and enterprises worldwide.
The new solutions deliver powerful performance upgrades, advanced AI-driven capabilities, and a flexible subscription-based model designed to transform live broadcast workflows.
Built for the evolving demands of live production, both encoders combine high-performance hardware with intelligent automation to deliver greater efficiency, scalability, and quality across broadcast environments.
Next-Generation Encoder Highlights:
The new solutions deliver powerful performance upgrades, advanced AI-driven capabilities, and a flexible subscription-based model designed to transform live broadcast workflows.
Built for the evolving demands of live production, both encoders combine high-performance hardware with intelligent automation to deliver greater efficiency, scalability, and quality across broadcast environments.
Next-Generation Encoder Highlights:
- 4K Broadcast Ready (12G-SDI) – Engineered for high-performance live production with full 4K support.
- Upgraded Processing Power – Future-proofed hardware designed to support increasingly complex AI-driven workflows.
- LEXI Live Sync (formerly CCMatch) – Configurable timing alignment ensures captions and translations remain perfectly synced with video feeds.
- Flexible Integration – Designed to work seamlessly across SDI, IP, and cloud-based workflows within the AI-Media ecosystem.
The LEXI Voice Encoder further enhances multilingual workflows with advanced AI sound separation and clean-up, isolating speech and removing background noise to optimise audio inputs for high-quality voice translation.
“This marks a significant step forward for AI-Media,” said Bill McLaughlin, Chief Product Officer at AI-Media. “For the first time in over a decade, we’re introducing entirely new encoder hardware—built not just to support today’s workflows, but to power the next generation of AI-driven live production. We’re focused on delivering the infrastructure that enables content to be understood in any language, anywhere in the world.”
AI-Media is also introducing a Hardware-as-a-Subscription (HaaS) model across its encoder range, including the new releases. This approach eliminates upfront capital expenditure and provides customers with a scalable, cost-effective way to access the latest technology as their needs evolve.
As part of its NAB 2026 presence, AI-Media is offering a limited-time incentive, with customers able to secure three months FREE, enabling immediate access to next-generation technology while reducing upfront costs.
At NAB 2026, AI-Media will also showcase its full LEXI Suite, an end-to-end ecosystem of AI-powered solutions designed to enhance accessibility, engagement, and global reach:
“This marks a significant step forward for AI-Media,” said Bill McLaughlin, Chief Product Officer at AI-Media. “For the first time in over a decade, we’re introducing entirely new encoder hardware—built not just to support today’s workflows, but to power the next generation of AI-driven live production. We’re focused on delivering the infrastructure that enables content to be understood in any language, anywhere in the world.”
AI-Media is also introducing a Hardware-as-a-Subscription (HaaS) model across its encoder range, including the new releases. This approach eliminates upfront capital expenditure and provides customers with a scalable, cost-effective way to access the latest technology as their needs evolve.
As part of its NAB 2026 presence, AI-Media is offering a limited-time incentive, with customers able to secure three months FREE, enabling immediate access to next-generation technology while reducing upfront costs.
At NAB 2026, AI-Media will also showcase its full LEXI Suite, an end-to-end ecosystem of AI-powered solutions designed to enhance accessibility, engagement, and global reach:
- LEXI Text – Industry-leading live captioning
- LEXI Voice – AI-generated multilingual voice translation
- LEXI Translate – Real-time language translation
- LEXI AD (Audio Description) – Enhanced accessibility for visually impaired audiences
- LEXI AI (Insights) – Actionable data and performance analytics
Visitors to the AI-Media booth will experience how the LEXI Suite integrates seamlessly with the new encoder technology to deliver a unified, scalable solution for broadcasters, enterprises, and content owners.
In addition, attendees can experience AI-Media technology across NAB through partner installations, including collaborations with AudioShake, Grass Valley and NVIDIA, demonstrating high-performance, AI-enabled workflows across the broadcast ecosystem.
Attendees can visit AI-Media at Booth #W2142 to see live demonstrations of the new encoders and the full LEXI ecosystem in action.
About AI-Media
AI-Media (ASX: AIM) is a global leader in live AI-powered language solutions and broadcast infrastructure. Its LEXI Suite delivers a range of SaaS solutions - including LEXI, LEXI Translate, LEXI Voice, and LEXI Insights - enabling real-time captioning, translation, multilingual workflows, and metadata-driven insights, enhanced by advanced AI for greater accuracy, performance, and operational efficiency. Underpinning these solutions, AI-Media’s broadcast-grade encoder technology ensures seamless integration into live production environments across IP, SDI, and streaming workflows. Trusted worldwide, AI-Media empowers broadcasters, enterprises, and governments to scale communication, enhance accessibility, and unlock new markets and value from content through intelligent language technologies.
Media Contact:
Fiona Habben
fiona.habben@ai-media.tv
SOURCE: Ai-Media Technologies LLC
In addition, attendees can experience AI-Media technology across NAB through partner installations, including collaborations with AudioShake, Grass Valley and NVIDIA, demonstrating high-performance, AI-enabled workflows across the broadcast ecosystem.
Attendees can visit AI-Media at Booth #W2142 to see live demonstrations of the new encoders and the full LEXI ecosystem in action.
About AI-Media
AI-Media (ASX: AIM) is a global leader in live AI-powered language solutions and broadcast infrastructure. Its LEXI Suite delivers a range of SaaS solutions - including LEXI, LEXI Translate, LEXI Voice, and LEXI Insights - enabling real-time captioning, translation, multilingual workflows, and metadata-driven insights, enhanced by advanced AI for greater accuracy, performance, and operational efficiency. Underpinning these solutions, AI-Media’s broadcast-grade encoder technology ensures seamless integration into live production environments across IP, SDI, and streaming workflows. Trusted worldwide, AI-Media empowers broadcasters, enterprises, and governments to scale communication, enhance accessibility, and unlock new markets and value from content through intelligent language technologies.
Media Contact:
Fiona Habben
fiona.habben@ai-media.tv
SOURCE: Ai-Media Technologies LLC
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
CUKTECH LAUNCHES 6-IN-1 CHARGING STATION IN MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- CUKTECH, a global leader in intelligent power solutions, has announced the official Malaysian launch of its flagship CUKTECH 15 Charging Station, featuring smart capabilities and high-efficiency performance.
Positioned as the ultimate "Desktop Power Hub", the device is designed to address common user pain points such as cable clutter and fast-charging incompatibility while redefining the minimalist digital workspace, according to a statement.
Built on a "6-in-1" concept, the CUKTECH 15 can power up to six devices simultaneously. Its configuration includes dual Type-C ports, a USB-A port, dual wireless charging zones, and an integrated retractable cable system supporting 120 watts (W) MAX fast charging.
For Malaysian professionals managing home offices, mobile work, or multi-device setups, the high-power multi-port design reduces desktop clutter and eliminates the need for multiple adapters.
The front of the charging station features a 1.83-inch TFT display, providing real-time visualisation of total power, individual port output status, and charging protocols. This "Visual Charging" function supports efficient device management, making it suitable for creative studios, shared workspaces, and modern households.
The device also supports PD 3.1, Xiaomi 120W, and ADC 2.0 fast-charging protocols, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Android smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks across different brands.
Engineered for tropical climates, the CUKTECH 15 is equipped with the proprietary Cool+ cooling system, ensuring stable operation under full load while enhancing battery protection and charging safety.
The CUKTECH 15 Charging Station is now available across major e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, including CUKTECH official stores on Shopee and Lazada.
-- BERNAMA
Positioned as the ultimate "Desktop Power Hub", the device is designed to address common user pain points such as cable clutter and fast-charging incompatibility while redefining the minimalist digital workspace, according to a statement.
Built on a "6-in-1" concept, the CUKTECH 15 can power up to six devices simultaneously. Its configuration includes dual Type-C ports, a USB-A port, dual wireless charging zones, and an integrated retractable cable system supporting 120 watts (W) MAX fast charging.
For Malaysian professionals managing home offices, mobile work, or multi-device setups, the high-power multi-port design reduces desktop clutter and eliminates the need for multiple adapters.
The front of the charging station features a 1.83-inch TFT display, providing real-time visualisation of total power, individual port output status, and charging protocols. This "Visual Charging" function supports efficient device management, making it suitable for creative studios, shared workspaces, and modern households.
The device also supports PD 3.1, Xiaomi 120W, and ADC 2.0 fast-charging protocols, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Android smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks across different brands.
Engineered for tropical climates, the CUKTECH 15 is equipped with the proprietary Cool+ cooling system, ensuring stable operation under full load while enhancing battery protection and charging safety.
The CUKTECH 15 Charging Station is now available across major e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, including CUKTECH official stores on Shopee and Lazada.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, 10 April 2026
ICHAM LAUNCHES OPEN-ENDED VCC FUND FOCUSES ON AUTOCALL STRUCTURED PRODUCTS
KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- ICHAM Pte Ltd (ICHAM), a regional multi-family office and asset manager, has launched a new open-ended Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) fund focused on autocall structured products, available exclusively to accredited and institutional investors.
In a statement, ICHAM said the fund offers access to a professionally managed portfolio of structured products in a fund format, providing a simplified, institutional approach while complementing diversified equity portfolios with equity-like return characteristics and a focus on lower volatility.
ICHAM Chief Executive Officer, Archan Chamapun said the fund provides accredited and institutional investors with access to a professionally managed portfolio of autocall structured products, which have traditionally been distributed by private banks as individual investments that may involve concentrated exposures and less transparent fee structures.
Meanwhile, lead Portfolio Manager of the fund, Felix Chew said the strategy is designed to complement diversified portfolios by providing access to structured product investments through a professionally managed approach.
The fund adopts an institutional approach with a focus on risk management, ongoing oversight, and a transparent, investor-aligned fee structure, aiming to complement broader investment portfolios through a diversified pool of such investments.
ICHAM is recognised for its expertise in alternative asset classes and structured products, having served accredited and institutional investors with tailored investment solutions since 2019, supported by a team with extensive experience in Asian financial markets.
The firm is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and focuses on delivering institutional-grade investment solutions with transparent fee structures and disciplined risk management.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, ICHAM said the fund offers access to a professionally managed portfolio of structured products in a fund format, providing a simplified, institutional approach while complementing diversified equity portfolios with equity-like return characteristics and a focus on lower volatility.
ICHAM Chief Executive Officer, Archan Chamapun said the fund provides accredited and institutional investors with access to a professionally managed portfolio of autocall structured products, which have traditionally been distributed by private banks as individual investments that may involve concentrated exposures and less transparent fee structures.
Meanwhile, lead Portfolio Manager of the fund, Felix Chew said the strategy is designed to complement diversified portfolios by providing access to structured product investments through a professionally managed approach.
The fund adopts an institutional approach with a focus on risk management, ongoing oversight, and a transparent, investor-aligned fee structure, aiming to complement broader investment portfolios through a diversified pool of such investments.
ICHAM is recognised for its expertise in alternative asset classes and structured products, having served accredited and institutional investors with tailored investment solutions since 2019, supported by a team with extensive experience in Asian financial markets.
The firm is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and focuses on delivering institutional-grade investment solutions with transparent fee structures and disciplined risk management.
-- BERNAMA
IFLYTEK SHOWCASES AI TRANSLATION DEVICES AT GITEX ASIA 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- iFLYTEK showcased its latest artificial intelligence (AI) translation devices, including AI Glasses and the AI Interpret Mic, at GITEX ASIA 2026, highlighting its expanding portfolio of AI-powered communication solutions.
In a statement, the company said it demonstrated how its large-model AI technology enables accurate, secure and scalable multilingual interactions across business and everyday scenarios.
“Clear communication is the cornerstone of global collaboration. With our AI translation technologies, we are helping people and businesses connect with greater clarity and confidence worldwide,” said iFLYTEK Vice President, Vincent Zhan.
The new AI Glasses support real-time face-to-face translation with a first-of-its-kind multimodal noise reduction with lip-reading recognition, while the AI Interpret Mic is designed for professional conferences, offering simultaneous interpretation integrated with event systems.
Beyond these devices, iFLYTEK presented a broader ecosystem of AI translation tools spanning office productivity, travel and large-scale events. These include AI-powered transcription solutions, translation earbuds, smart translators and enterprise-level interpretation systems, all aimed at enabling seamless cross-language communication.
The portfolio reflects iFLYTEK’s strategy to build a full-scenario AI translation framework, leveraging its long-standing expertise in speech and language technologies to support global collaboration.
The solutions are being showcased at GITEX ASIA 2026, where iFLYTEK is also presenting its broader AI infrastructure and enterprise applications.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, the company said it demonstrated how its large-model AI technology enables accurate, secure and scalable multilingual interactions across business and everyday scenarios.
“Clear communication is the cornerstone of global collaboration. With our AI translation technologies, we are helping people and businesses connect with greater clarity and confidence worldwide,” said iFLYTEK Vice President, Vincent Zhan.
The new AI Glasses support real-time face-to-face translation with a first-of-its-kind multimodal noise reduction with lip-reading recognition, while the AI Interpret Mic is designed for professional conferences, offering simultaneous interpretation integrated with event systems.
Beyond these devices, iFLYTEK presented a broader ecosystem of AI translation tools spanning office productivity, travel and large-scale events. These include AI-powered transcription solutions, translation earbuds, smart translators and enterprise-level interpretation systems, all aimed at enabling seamless cross-language communication.
The portfolio reflects iFLYTEK’s strategy to build a full-scenario AI translation framework, leveraging its long-standing expertise in speech and language technologies to support global collaboration.
The solutions are being showcased at GITEX ASIA 2026, where iFLYTEK is also presenting its broader AI infrastructure and enterprise applications.
-- BERNAMA
IFLYTEK UNVEILS WORLD’S THINNEST AI E-INK TABLET FOR PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY
KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- iFLYTEK, a global leader in intelligent speech and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, unveiled AINOTE 2, the world’s thinnest AI-powered e-ink tablet, at GITEX ASIA 2026 in Singapore.
At the two-day event beginning April 9, the company highlighted AINOTE 2 as a tool to enhance professional productivity through focused thinking, secure communication, and smarter workflows.
More than a digital notebook, AINOTE 2 combines a paper-like writing experience with an ultra-thin design certified by Guinness World Records, delivering a distraction-free workspace that helps professionals stay focused and work efficiently in demanding environments.
According to iFLYTEK in a statement, the device, weighing 295 grammes and measuring 4.2 millimetres thick, is designed for portability while offering a 10.65-inch e-ink workspace for focused reading and note-taking.
AINOTE 2 addresses common challenges in professional settings, where constant note-taking can lead to missed details and time-consuming follow-ups. It features one-click recording and real-time transcription in 16 languages, automatically capturing conversations so users can stay fully engaged.
Real-time translation in 11 languages, along with speaker identification, further supports seamless cross-border collaboration.
Its paper-like display with low handwriting latency enables natural, responsive writing, allowing users to jot down ideas or sketch thoughts without disrupting the flow of discussion. Handwritten notes can also be converted into searchable text in 133 languages, ensuring insights are preserved and easy to retrieve.
In addition, AINOTE 2 supports offline transcription, allowing sensitive conversations to be recorded and processed without an internet connection, reinforcing trust in privacy-sensitive environments.
-- BERNAMA
At the two-day event beginning April 9, the company highlighted AINOTE 2 as a tool to enhance professional productivity through focused thinking, secure communication, and smarter workflows.
More than a digital notebook, AINOTE 2 combines a paper-like writing experience with an ultra-thin design certified by Guinness World Records, delivering a distraction-free workspace that helps professionals stay focused and work efficiently in demanding environments.
According to iFLYTEK in a statement, the device, weighing 295 grammes and measuring 4.2 millimetres thick, is designed for portability while offering a 10.65-inch e-ink workspace for focused reading and note-taking.
AINOTE 2 addresses common challenges in professional settings, where constant note-taking can lead to missed details and time-consuming follow-ups. It features one-click recording and real-time transcription in 16 languages, automatically capturing conversations so users can stay fully engaged.
Real-time translation in 11 languages, along with speaker identification, further supports seamless cross-border collaboration.
Its paper-like display with low handwriting latency enables natural, responsive writing, allowing users to jot down ideas or sketch thoughts without disrupting the flow of discussion. Handwritten notes can also be converted into searchable text in 133 languages, ensuring insights are preserved and easy to retrieve.
In addition, AINOTE 2 supports offline transcription, allowing sensitive conversations to be recorded and processed without an internet connection, reinforcing trust in privacy-sensitive environments.
-- BERNAMA
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)