KAPLAN PROFESSIONAL TAPS MELISSA CHAN TO LEAD ASIA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Melissa Chan_Headshot.

 
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Kaplan Professional has appointed experienced education and digital learning executive, Melissa Chan as Head of Business Development, Asia, strengthening its presence in Singapore and across Asia.

Kaplan Professional Chief Executive Officer, Brian Knight said Chan’s appointment reflected the organisation’s long-term commitment to building its presence and partnerships across Asia while responding to changing industry and workforce needs.

“Melissa brings an exceptional combination of education sector knowledge, commercial experience and deep regional expertise, with extensive experience building markets and strategic partnerships across different cultures,” said Knight in a statement.

Based in Singapore, Chan will focus on developing corporate relationships, strategic accounts and partnerships, strengthening Kaplan Professional’s commercial capability as it expands its professional education, continuing professional development (CPD) and tailored learning solutions across Asia.

Chan said her immediate priority would be building relationships with financial services organisations and industry partners, and understanding the capability challenges they are seeking to address.

The appointment comes as new research commissioned by Kaplan Professional highlights evolving workforce capability needs across Singapore’s financial services sector.

In a study of 200 professionals across banking, insurance and wealth management, 47 per cent ranked Advisory and Client Needs Assessment among the top three skill areas required to meet business objectives over the next 24 months, while 49 per cent identified difficulty applying learning to real-work situations as a barrier to professional development.

The findings point to demand for practical, role-relevant and flexible professional development that can be applied in the workplace, an area Kaplan Professional is targeting as it grows its regional corporate learning capability.

Chan brings over 20 years of commercial experience across education, digital learning and publishing in Asia, including more than 17 years with Cengage Asia in senior regional sales, marketing and management roles.

-- BERNAMA

YEAHKA EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHTS AI’S ROLE IN RESHAPING PAYMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Yeahka Ltd, through its international payment brand YeahPay, highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping payment platforms as consumer discovery, decision-making and transactions increasingly converge.

Speaking at the Platform Leaders Forum of Stripe Tour in Shanghai, YeahPay Global Vice President, David Tay said payment platforms could increasingly extend their role beyond transaction processing to areas such as merchant discoverability, customer engagement and payment acceptance.

“Value is migrating from processing the transaction to being present at the point of discovery and decision,” he said in a statement.

Yeahka has begun exploring this shift through agentic payments and commerce initiatives with industry partners, leveraging its merchant network and payments expertise to help businesses operate in an environment where transactions may increasingly be initiated by consumers and AI agents.

The initiatives aim to help merchants participate in AI-driven commerce, including making products discoverable through large language models and supporting emerging forms of payment interaction.

Yeahka is also applying AI to merchant operations through digital employees that support customer enquiries, product and service recommendations, bookings, payments, customer relationship management (CRM) and repeat purchases.

These initiatives reflect a broader effort to connect customer discovery and engagement with transactions and ongoing merchant management, creating a more integrated commerce model.

Looking ahead, Tay expects payment and technology platforms to differentiate themselves either through deeper investment in regulated capabilities that require time and regulatory approvals to build, or through specialised workflows that general-purpose platforms may not easily serve.

“As the interfaces through which consumers discover, buy and pay continue to evolve, the ability to maintain the underlying customer relationship could become an increasingly important measure of platform strength,” Tay said.

-- BERNAMA

Chery Auto’s LEPAS To Highlight Elegance In Daily Life At October Event

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- LEPAS, the premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand of Chery Auto, is set to launch its first LEPAS Global Elegant Lifestyle Week this October.

Under the theme “Together in Elegance”, the event will showcase LEPAS’ global progress and bring together users, partners and industry guests to explore diverse expressions of “elegance” and contribute to the brand’s future, according to a statement.

It will mark a new starting point for the brand, from global rollout towards sustained user connections and a new phase of co-creation. Users will move beyond experiencing LEPAS products to become participants and storytellers in the brand’s journey, joining as Global Elegant Lifestyle Partners to co-create elegant living.

Since its debut as a new independent brand in 2025, LEPAS has begun its global rollout of products and brand presence. In 2026, as it launched its brand and delivered vehicles worldwide, LEPAS welcomed its first customers, bringing “Drive Your Elegance” into their everyday lives.

Following its first encounters with global media to its first customers, LEPAS is building deeper connections worldwide. As the brand moves from being seen globally to being experienced by customers, it is creating ongoing opportunities for dialogue and co-creation while listening and responding to diverse market needs.

At the LEPAS Global Elegant Lifestyle Week, users worldwide will participate in brand co-creation and technology experiences, exchange ideas and explore the many meanings of “elegance”.

According to LEPAS, the first customers are taking the brand-customer relationship beyond a single purchase toward an ongoing experience, from one-way communication to active participation.

Aesthetic preferences, driving and riding experiences, and vehicle feedback across cultures give insight into local adaptation and inform LEPAS’ continued refinement of its product portfolio and service quality. By listening and responding, it deepens its understanding of user needs while tailoring its products, services and experiences across markets.

LEPAS said it will bring together users from different markets at the 2026 Chery International User Summit, giving them an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, as well as contribute to the continued development of its products, services and brand. 

-- BERNAMA

ITRON LAUNCHES GRID EDGE METERS FOR APAC UTILITIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Itron Inc, an intelligent infrastructure provider for modern energy and water management, has announced the availability of its grid edge portfolio, including Itron Riva S and Itron Riva T IEC electricity meters, for utilities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

As the first Itron Gen6 network platform devices available in APAC, the launch marks a significant milestone in its expansion of Grid Edge Intelligence in the region, according to the company in a statement.

Itron senior vice president of Networked Solutions, John Marcolini said the launch was an important step in helping utilities translate awareness into action, with an interoperable and modular architecture designed to preserve technology choice and expand value over time.

The Itron Riva meters provide utilities with a practical starting point to improve visibility across the low-voltage network and respond to the growing impact of distributed energy resources (DERs) with advanced intelligence over time.

Serving as both grid sensors and DER control points, the meters provide utilities with real-time visibility into grid conditions, enabling earlier identification of emerging network faults and constraints, proactive management of growing DERs across the low-voltage network, and optimisation of operational and capital budget allocation.

By extending sensing and intelligence to the grid edge, the Itron Riva meters allow utilities to begin with advanced metering and localised grid awareness and seamlessly expand to distributed intelligence (DI) applications as operational needs evolve, improving grid reliability, resilience and efficiency.

The meters also extend visibility beyond energy consumption data, helping utilities detect voltage fluctuations, transformer loading issues, emerging faults and other network conditions through high-frequency sensing and edge computing capabilities.

Built on open DLMS/COSEM standards and designed to meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) requirements, the meters help utilities modernise their infrastructure while maintaining flexibility to integrate with existing and future technologies.

The Itron Riva IEC electricity meter is initially available in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and is expected to expand to additional APAC countries, helping utilities modernise grid operations and respond to growing network complexity across the region.

-- BERNAMA

Itron Launches Riva IEC Grid Edge Portfolio as a Practical Foundation for Edge Intelligence in Asia Pacific Region

Grid Edge Device Helps Utilities Improve Advanced Grid Reliability, Advanced Outage Awareness and Integration of Distributed Energy Resources

• Itron has launched the Riva S and Itron Riva T IEC electricity meters in the Asia Pacific region, bringing advanced metrology, high-frequency sampling and intelligence to the grid edge.
• These grid edge devices enable utilities to build the foundation to improve low-voltage network visibility and grid flexibility today.
• Utilities can gain greater awareness of emerging faults, transformer loading, outages and DER impacts, helping improve reliability and resilience.
• Designed leveraging open standards and modular communications to enable multi-vendor interoperability.
• Backward compatibility with earlier generations of Itron solutions, which preserves prior investments to help utilities de-risk grid modernization.

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., Sept 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), the intelligent infrastructure provider for modern energy and water management, announced the availability of its grid edge portfolio, including Itron Riva S and Itron Riva T IEC electricity meters, for utilities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. As the first Itron Gen6 network platform devices available in APAC, this launch marks a significant milestone in Itron’s expansion of Grid Edge Intelligence in the region.

The Itron Riva meters provide utilities with a practical starting point to improve visibility across the low-voltage network today and respond to the growing impact of distributed energy resources (DERs) with advanced intelligence over time. The launch builds on Itron's more than 25-year presence in Australia, including its operations in Adelaide supporting utilities across the region.

Utilities across APAC face growing challenges from increasing behind-the-meter energy resources, accelerating electrification and changing low-voltage network conditions. For example, Australia is one of the world's leading distributed energy markets, with approximately one in three homes equipped with rooftop solar. As DER adoption continues to grow, utilities need greater insight into low-voltage network performance, including available hosting capacity and emerging constraints that can affect reliability, voltage management and customer exports.

The Itron Riva meters serve as both grid sensors and DER control points, providing utilities with real-time visibility into grid conditions. This enhanced visibility enables earlier identification of emerging network faults and constraints, proactive management of growing DERs across the low-voltage network, and the ability to optimize operational and capital budget allocation.

By extending sensing and intelligence to the grid edge, the Itron Riva meters allow utilities to begin with advanced metering and localized grid awareness, then seamlessly expand to distributed intelligence (DI) applications as operational needs evolve, improving grid reliability, resilience and efficiency.

The Itron Riva meters extend visibility beyond energy consumption data, helping utilities detect voltage fluctuations, transformer loading issues, emerging faults and other network conditions through high-frequency sensing and edge computing capabilities.

Built on open DLMS/COSEM standards and designed to meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) requirements, the meters help utilities modernize their infrastructure and maintain flexibility to integrate with existing and future technologies.

Key capabilities of the meters include:

• Grid edge intelligence: Combines high-frequency sampling, analytics and edge computing in a single device.
• Distributed intelligence-ready architecture: Modular DI NIC architecture decouples communications and edge processing from the meter, supporting vendor choice and deployment flexibility.
• Distribution grid awareness: Supports detection of voltage conditions, transformer loading, emerging faults, outages and other grid events.
• Remote operations capabilities: Supports functions such as remote disconnect, load control and automated event management, with utility-configurable options to align with operational and business requirements.
• Open standards interoperability: Built on DLMS/COSEM standards to support integration across utility systems, devices and technologies.
• Intelligent connectivity architecture: Built for Itron’s Gen6 network platform, the communications foundation supporting a growing ecosystem of grid edge devices and applications.
• Cybersecurity by design: Incorporates secure firmware and platform design principles to help protect critical metering and grid operations.

“Utilities across APAC are operating and managing networks that look vastly different from what they did even a decade ago,” said John Marcolini, senior vice president of Networked Solutions at Itron. “As DER adoption accelerates and bi-directional power flows introduce new complexity, the role of the meter is evolving into an intelligent grid asset capable of providing greater visibility into conditions across the low-voltage network. The launch of the Itron Riva meters as the first Gen6 device in APAC is an important step in helping utilities translate awareness into action, today. It introduces an interoperable and modular architecture designed to help utilities preserve technology choice and expand value over time.”

“Modernization is most effective when utilities can take a phased approach without disrupting current business operations,” said Fraser Young, vice president of sales, Asia-Pacific at Itron. “With a standards-based design and distributed intelligence-ready architecture, the Itron Riva meter gives utilities a practical, lower-risk starting point for modernization. Leveraging existing AMI networks and a centralized head-end system that supports interoperability, utilities can deploy Riva meters and other distributed intelligence-enabled devices in phases, protecting existing investments while supporting a more open, interoperable utility ecosystem.”

The Itron Riva IEC electricity meter in APAC builds on Itron's proven distributed intelligence and metering expertise worldwide. The company has shipped more than 18 million distributed intelligence-enabled meters and licensed more than 27 million distributed intelligence applications.

Availability

Initially available in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, the Itron Riva IEC electricity meter is expected to expand to additional countries in Asia-Pacific, helping utilities modernize grid operations and respond to growing network complexity across the region. To learn more, see the Itron Riva electricity meter brochure and video as well as the Itron Riva S spec sheet and Itron Riva T spec sheet.

About Itron

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live and thrive. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com.

Itron®, Itron Logo, Riva, and Gen are trademarks of Itron, Inc in the United States and other countries and regions. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.

For additional information, contact:

Itron, Inc.

Alison Mallahan
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
509-891-3802
PR@Itron.com

Paul Vincent
Vice President, Investor Relations
512-560-1172
Investors@itron.com

Itron, Inc.

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/itroninc
• X: www.x.com/itroninc
• Newsroom: https://itron.com/newsroom
• Blog: https://itron.com/blog

SOURCE: Itron, Inc.

--BERNAMA

CHERY AUTO’S LEPAS ADVANCES GLOBAL ROLLOUT WITH NEW MARKET MILESTONES

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Chery Auto, a global automotive manufacturer, announced that its premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, LEPAS, has expanded its global presence with progress across multiple markets.

This year marks LEPAS’ "Year of Delivery" following the European debut of its LEPAS L8 during Milan Design Week in April. The model is available for pre-order in the United Kingdom (UK), Italy, Spain and other European markets, while LEPAS L6 and LEPAS L4 deliveries are progressing in Southeast Asia.

In a statement, Chery Auto said in Indonesia, the LEPAS E4 EV (L4 EV) was named "Inspiring Long Range Electric SUV 2026" at the Indonesia Automotive Awards 2026, while automotive content creators in the UK praised the LEPAS L8 PHEV for its design, cabin quality and practicality.

During the Turin Auto Show in Italy, the LEPAS L6 won the "Best Interior Design Award" in the City Car category, while media in Spain described LEPAS as more than a means of transportation, combining comfort and lifestyle.

In Chile, automotive media assessed LEPAS across five dimensions, including contextualised intelligence, simplified technology interaction and cabin experience, and found its product approach suited to local needs. Media in Brazil also showed interest in its debut and upcoming activities.

The LEPAS L8 PHEV and LEPAS L6 EV have been shortlisted for the 2027 World Car of the Year. The LEPAS L8 PHEV is scheduled to launch across European markets from September to October, with dealer agreements signed in Italy, Spain, Romania and other countries.

Brand experience centres are also opening worldwide as LEPAS advances its market rollout and customer experience.

LEPAS’ global expansion is backed by Chery Auto's global capabilities. As of August 2026, Chery Group had exported more than seven million vehicles, becoming the first Chinese automaker to reach this milestone.

Chery Group’s strengths in research and development, manufacturing, supply chain and service support LEPAS’ global delivery and customer experience.

-- BERNAMA

YeahPay Extends Online Merchant Acquiring to Seven Markets, Expanding Across Payment Scenarios

Businesses incorporated in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States can now be onboarded and acquired directly by YeahPay, on infrastructure built on Stripe

SINGAPORE, Sept 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yeahka Limited (9923.HK) today announced that YeahPay, its international payment business, is working with Stripe to expand merchant services to seven markets. Businesses incorporated in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States can now be onboarded by YeahPay for online acquiring in their own market, supporting merchants and platforms operating across markets with integrated online and in-store payment capabilities.

The expansion further strengthens YeahPay’s online payment infrastructure across key global markets.

Alongside expanding its international market coverage and payment capabilities, YeahPay is also preparing for the next evolution of commerce. The company is prioritizing capabilities around agentic payments, exploring applications across online retail, dining, and gaming, and has begun proof-of-concept collaborations with international financial institutions.

"The number of ways to pay is growing faster than any business can integrate them, and the gap only widens from here. New rails, new currencies, and buyers who are not always human," said David Tay, Global Vice President, YeahPay. "Our clients should not have to predict any of it. YeahPay is the single integration a business needs to accept any form of payment, and when the next way to pay arrives, they will already be able to accept it."

YeahPay already provides in-store acceptance in Hong Kong and Singapore. Today's expansion is bringing the two together. The group has spent more than a decade building payment acceptance for small and medium merchants in mainland China, the majority of it across a counter. YeahPay is taking that experience international, and putting it on the same integration for online payments for the first time.

As intelligent agents increasingly participate in transactions, YeahPay continues to expand its payment capabilities and help merchants prepare for the next generation of commerce.

About Yeahka

Yeahka Limited is a leading payment-based technology platform, dedicated to creating value for merchants and consumers. The company was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020 under stock code 9923.HK. Yeahka serves approximately 9.2 million merchants and nearly 1 billion consumers.

YeahPay is the international payment brand of Yeahka, offering secure, seamless, and efficient digital financial services to global clients, spanning global acquiring, global collection, foreign exchange, global remittance, and beyond. It onboards and acquires for merchants across seven markets, supporting multi-currency processing, local payment methods, and integration options from payment links to ecommerce plugins and platform onboarding.

Contact email: isabelliu@yeahka.com

SOURCE: Yeahka Limited

--BERNAMA