KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Japan Maritime Daily (JMD), Japan’s leading maritime newspaper, will host an international seminar in Singapore on Oct 5, focusing on “Emerging Transport Demands”.
JMD said in a statement the event supported by Singapore Exchange (SGX), will examine major shipping initiatives and the future of maritime transport through presentations and a panel discussion.
Registration is now open for “Charting the Course for the Future of Maritime” seminar, featuring senior maritime leaders from Ocean Network Express (ONE), SGX, Kpler and other international organisations.
ONE Chief Executive Officer, Till Ole Barrelet will deliver the keynote address, while SGX Group Director, Kenneth Ng will give a presentation, and Kpler Principal Heavy Distillates Analyst, Roslan Khasawneh will speak on “How Geopolitical Disruption Is Reshaping Asian Shipping”.
A panel discussion moderated by JMD Principal Editor Yohei Misaki will examine emerging transport demands and key industry challenges amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The panel will feature MOL Energia Managing Director, Miki Ogura; Wallem Ship Management Managing Director, Ioannis Stefanou; Tokyo Century Corporation Joint General Manager, Jigo Hayashi; and Baltic Exchange Asia Head, Cheong Jin Yu.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 20 August 2026
HONG KONG CYCLOTHON OPENS REGISTRATION WITH NEW 56 KM ROUTE, UCI ROAD RACE
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced the opening of public registration for the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, which will take place on Oct 11.
This year’s event continues to promote the spirit of sports for charity and features several new elements, including a 56-kilometre (km) non-competitive ride on a “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” route, while the popular 32 km ride will continue on the “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route. More than 6,500 places are available for the two non-competitive rides.
The Cyclothon will also feature the return of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1.1 Road Race, with a new 100 km racecourse that will draw elite teams from around the world for competition in Hong Kong.
“Starting in mid-September, HKTB will roll out a series of mega events, with the Hong Kong Cyclothon standing out as one of the most energetic and dynamic international sporting spectacles on our calendar,” said HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam in a statement.
HKTB said the popular non-competitive ride has been upgraded this year, with the previous 50 km route extended to 56 km and spanning six districts — Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon City.
The 56 km route will take participants along the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass for the first time, while the 32 km ride will maintain its “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route, incorporating Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge.
The starting and finishing lines will be relocated to Museum Drive in the West Kowloon Cultural District, with a dedicated viewing zone allowing locals and visitors to watch cyclists up close as they make their final dash to the finishing line. The new UCI route will also pass iconic landmarks, including the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the International Commerce Centre.
A new non-competitive World University Trophy will be introduced as part of the 56 km ride, bringing together university cyclists from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.
In addition, HKTB will stage a dedicated cycling-themed carnival at the Great Lawn of Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and culinary offerings.
-- BERNAMA
This year’s event continues to promote the spirit of sports for charity and features several new elements, including a 56-kilometre (km) non-competitive ride on a “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” route, while the popular 32 km ride will continue on the “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route. More than 6,500 places are available for the two non-competitive rides.
The Cyclothon will also feature the return of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1.1 Road Race, with a new 100 km racecourse that will draw elite teams from around the world for competition in Hong Kong.
“Starting in mid-September, HKTB will roll out a series of mega events, with the Hong Kong Cyclothon standing out as one of the most energetic and dynamic international sporting spectacles on our calendar,” said HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam in a statement.
HKTB said the popular non-competitive ride has been upgraded this year, with the previous 50 km route extended to 56 km and spanning six districts — Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon City.
The 56 km route will take participants along the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass for the first time, while the 32 km ride will maintain its “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route, incorporating Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge.
The starting and finishing lines will be relocated to Museum Drive in the West Kowloon Cultural District, with a dedicated viewing zone allowing locals and visitors to watch cyclists up close as they make their final dash to the finishing line. The new UCI route will also pass iconic landmarks, including the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the International Commerce Centre.
A new non-competitive World University Trophy will be introduced as part of the 56 km ride, bringing together university cyclists from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.
In addition, HKTB will stage a dedicated cycling-themed carnival at the Great Lawn of Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and culinary offerings.
-- BERNAMA
XSOLLA, ACCELBYTE UNVEIL INTEGRATED GAME BACKEND, PAYMENT SOLUTIONS
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| Graphic: Xsolla |
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, has introduced integrated backend solutions for game developers through a founding partnership with AccelByte, a fully managed extensible games backend platform.
Concurrently, Xsolla has opened a closed testing programme for a combined solution that pairs AccelByte Gaming Services (AGS) with Xsolla's global payments and monetisation tools.
Select developers can now apply for early access and help shape the integration ahead of its broader launch, according to Xsolla in a statement.
“Our first test partners will help us prove that a studio can stand up backend services and global payments together, without staffing separate teams for each, and get to market faster as a result,” said Xsolla President, Chris Hewish.
Meanwhile, AccelByte Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director, Junaili Lie said: “We are excited to partner with Xsolla, which shares our belief in making powerful technology accessible to studios of every size. By combining our technology and expertise, we can help studios launch faster, operate smarter, and reach players globally.”
Under the partnership, Xsolla brings AccelByte's backend services together with its payments and monetisation solutions in one integrated stack, shaped by direct input from studios shipping live games. This allows studios to avoid stitching separate solutions together on their own.
During the closed testing period, partner studios will help validate the feature set and modular implementation options. AccelByte's backend services, including player management and matchmaking, will be combined with Xsolla's payment, subscription, monetisation and identity services in an interoperable layer.
In addition, studios can stand up and operate live game services without building backend infrastructure in-house or staffing dedicated LiveOps teams, reducing time-to-market and accelerating iteration cycles.
Through Xsolla's global game payment platform, participating studios gain access to more than 1,000 payment methods across over 200 geographies, opening new revenue channels for games.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
TEMPLAFY LAUNCHES FREE AI AGENT FOR POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Templafy, the agentic document generation platform, has launched the Templafy Agent Add-In, a free artificial intelligence (AI) agent that enables users to create, edit and review presentations without leaving PowerPoint.
Available to download from Microsoft Marketplace and free for individual PowerPoint users, the add-in brings document agents directly into the presentation workflow, enabling both the creation of new presentations and editing tasks.
According to Templafy, users can ask the agent to create new slides, rewrite or translate a presentation, fix formatting, add editable charts and tables, as well as review content, through a conversational interface before it is shared.
“By bringing agents directly into PowerPoint, we are extending AI from creation into iteration, so users can keep working with the agent as their presentation evolves, inside the workflow they already know.
“When connected to Templafy, this becomes even more powerful as the agent is grounded in company knowledge and governed centrally, bringing the speed of AI together with the context and control enterprises need,” said Templafy Chief Product Officer, Oskar Konstantyner in a statement.
Templafy customers can connect the agent to approved company content and context, including templates and layouts, content libraries, brand rules, product information and business data. This enables teams to use AI while drawing on information and content their organisation already trusts.
Meanwhile, for enterprises, this can mean less time spent searching for the right slide, checking the latest messaging or correcting branding and formatting at the end of the process.
Templafy said Microsoft 365 administrators can also deploy the add-in to relevant users or groups across the organisation, in addition to centrally distributing rules governing AI document creation, reducing the need for complex prompting or configuration by individual users.
-- BERNAMA
Available to download from Microsoft Marketplace and free for individual PowerPoint users, the add-in brings document agents directly into the presentation workflow, enabling both the creation of new presentations and editing tasks.
According to Templafy, users can ask the agent to create new slides, rewrite or translate a presentation, fix formatting, add editable charts and tables, as well as review content, through a conversational interface before it is shared.
“By bringing agents directly into PowerPoint, we are extending AI from creation into iteration, so users can keep working with the agent as their presentation evolves, inside the workflow they already know.
“When connected to Templafy, this becomes even more powerful as the agent is grounded in company knowledge and governed centrally, bringing the speed of AI together with the context and control enterprises need,” said Templafy Chief Product Officer, Oskar Konstantyner in a statement.
Templafy customers can connect the agent to approved company content and context, including templates and layouts, content libraries, brand rules, product information and business data. This enables teams to use AI while drawing on information and content their organisation already trusts.
Meanwhile, for enterprises, this can mean less time spent searching for the right slide, checking the latest messaging or correcting branding and formatting at the end of the process.
Templafy said Microsoft 365 administrators can also deploy the add-in to relevant users or groups across the organisation, in addition to centrally distributing rules governing AI document creation, reducing the need for complex prompting or configuration by individual users.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
GMO GLOBALSIGN EXPANDS TLS CONNECT TO APAC, MIDDLE EAST
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- GMO GlobalSign Inc, a global Certificate Authority, has expanded the availability of TLS Connect by GMO to businesses in the Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East, following its initial launch in Western markets in April.
TLS Connect is a Certificate Lifecycle Management (CLM) tool designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), automating the deployment and renewal of public trust Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates to help strengthen security, maintain regulatory compliance and reduce business risk.
GMO GlobalSign said TLS Connect is designed to address the needs of SMEs that rely on TLS certificates but may lack in-house Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) expertise or a straightforward way to implement a CLM solution.
The company said the expansion comes as businesses face a series of reductions in TLS certificate validity periods. The first reduction took effect on March 15, 2026, shortening certificate lifespans from 398 to 200 days, while further reductions to 100 days and 47 days are scheduled for March 15, 2027, and March 15, 2029, respectively.
In a statement, GMO GlobalSign Head of Business Unit for TLS & CLM CA Division, Aditya Anand said shrinking certificate lifespans mean SMEs face greater risks of missed renewals and unexpected outages, often without the tools to manage certificates efficiently.
He said TLS Connect provides automated certificate lifecycle management specifically for smaller enterprises and offers a simple and affordable way for businesses in APAC and the Middle East to manage changing certificate requirements.
The solution is particularly relevant in APAC and the Middle East, where SMEs account for a significant share of businesses, including approximately 94 per cent in the United Arab Emirates, 97 per cent in Australia, and 99 per cent in Singapore and the Philippines.
According to GMO GlobalSign, cybersecurity regulations in these markets are also increasing the management and oversight requirements for SMEs, while a shortage of cybersecurity professionals is adding to the challenge.
The company said TLS Connect includes certificate discovery, a centralised interface and automated certificate management, and can be deployed on premises for centralised management across endpoints.
-- BERNAMA
ABNORMAL AI SECURES IMDA ACCREDITATION FOR GOVERNMENT, ENTERPRISE ADOPTION
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Abnormal AI, a behavioural artificial intelligence (AI) security platform, has been accredited by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and recognised as a trusted solution for government and enterprise adoption.
The accreditation status, effective July 1, positions Abnormal to pursue expanded engagement with Singapore government agencies and enterprises through IMDA's streamlined procurement process and market access channels.
Abnormal Regional Director, ASEAN, Sebastian Murphy said the accreditation reflected that the company’s platform has undergone IMDA’s robust evaluation process, giving Singaporean agencies and enterprises a validated path to adopt behavioural AI security.
“It reflects the investment we have made in this region over the past several years. We are looking forward to deepening our work with IMDA and the customers and partners we serve here,” added Murphy in a statement.
The IMDA Accreditation programme helps enterprise technology companies scale in the region. IMDA-accredited companies undergo independent evaluation across business and operations, technical capability and financial standing, giving government agencies and large enterprises confidence to adopt their solutions.
Being enrolled in the programme also gives companies access to IMDA's "Greenlane" procurement track, which is designed to substantially shorten typical government procurement timelines, as well as introductions to government decision-makers through IMDA's ecosystem.
Abnormal's accreditation status comes as organisations across Singapore and the broader ASEAN region contend with a rise in AI-generated social engineering, business email compromise, and identity-based attacks that typically bypass traditional, rules-based defences.
By establishing per-entity baselines across identities and environments, the company’s platform is designed to detect and stop sophisticated attacks, including many that have not been seen before, without relying on static rules or threat signatures.
Abnormal intends to continue evaluating opportunities to grow its presence in Singapore and across ASEAN, with additional investment in local go-to-market resources and government engagement expected in the near term.
-- BERNAMA
The accreditation status, effective July 1, positions Abnormal to pursue expanded engagement with Singapore government agencies and enterprises through IMDA's streamlined procurement process and market access channels.
Abnormal Regional Director, ASEAN, Sebastian Murphy said the accreditation reflected that the company’s platform has undergone IMDA’s robust evaluation process, giving Singaporean agencies and enterprises a validated path to adopt behavioural AI security.
“It reflects the investment we have made in this region over the past several years. We are looking forward to deepening our work with IMDA and the customers and partners we serve here,” added Murphy in a statement.
The IMDA Accreditation programme helps enterprise technology companies scale in the region. IMDA-accredited companies undergo independent evaluation across business and operations, technical capability and financial standing, giving government agencies and large enterprises confidence to adopt their solutions.
Being enrolled in the programme also gives companies access to IMDA's "Greenlane" procurement track, which is designed to substantially shorten typical government procurement timelines, as well as introductions to government decision-makers through IMDA's ecosystem.
Abnormal's accreditation status comes as organisations across Singapore and the broader ASEAN region contend with a rise in AI-generated social engineering, business email compromise, and identity-based attacks that typically bypass traditional, rules-based defences.
By establishing per-entity baselines across identities and environments, the company’s platform is designed to detect and stop sophisticated attacks, including many that have not been seen before, without relying on static rules or threat signatures.
Abnormal intends to continue evaluating opportunities to grow its presence in Singapore and across ASEAN, with additional investment in local go-to-market resources and government engagement expected in the near term.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 17 August 2026
CROSSBOW NAMED AS GEAR MEMBER, CONTRIBUTING PAYMENT SECURITY EXPERTISE
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Crossbow Enterprise Cybersecurity, an enterprise cybersecurity partner, has been selected to serve on the PCI Security Standards Council’s (PCI SSC) 2026–2028 Global Executive Assessor Roundtable (GEAR) for its third consecutive term.
The roundtable is a direct channel between payment security assessors and PCI SSC leadership, and Crossbow is one of 33 organisations selected for the 2026–2028 term, according to a statement.
“Continuing as a GEAR member for a third consecutive term is a meaningful milestone for Crossbow and reflects our ongoing engagement with the global payment security community,” said Crossbow Enterprise Cybersecurity Head of GRC Operations, Sabeena Job.
Meanwhile, PCI Security Standards Council Executive Director, Gina Gobeyn said GEAR brings together experienced industry leaders whose expertise and perspectives help guide the continued evolution of PCI security standards and programmes.
“We look forward to working with Crossbow Enterprise Cybersecurity as we continue advancing our shared mission of helping organisations protect payment data around the world,” added Gobeyn.
Crossbow’s continued role on GEAR enables it to contribute practical perspectives on evolving payment technologies and global compliance standards, helping support security frameworks that remain effective and relevant.
The company brings nearly 12 years of experience across cybersecurity consulting, payment security, assessment, compliance and advisory services, spanning India, Asia Pacific, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.
-- BERNAMA
The roundtable is a direct channel between payment security assessors and PCI SSC leadership, and Crossbow is one of 33 organisations selected for the 2026–2028 term, according to a statement.
“Continuing as a GEAR member for a third consecutive term is a meaningful milestone for Crossbow and reflects our ongoing engagement with the global payment security community,” said Crossbow Enterprise Cybersecurity Head of GRC Operations, Sabeena Job.
Meanwhile, PCI Security Standards Council Executive Director, Gina Gobeyn said GEAR brings together experienced industry leaders whose expertise and perspectives help guide the continued evolution of PCI security standards and programmes.
“We look forward to working with Crossbow Enterprise Cybersecurity as we continue advancing our shared mission of helping organisations protect payment data around the world,” added Gobeyn.
Crossbow’s continued role on GEAR enables it to contribute practical perspectives on evolving payment technologies and global compliance standards, helping support security frameworks that remain effective and relevant.
The company brings nearly 12 years of experience across cybersecurity consulting, payment security, assessment, compliance and advisory services, spanning India, Asia Pacific, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.
-- BERNAMA
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