PRIMER SECURES US$100 MLN FUNDING FOR AI, US EXPANSION

Primer leadership team pictured left to right. Top row: Pierre-Edouard Jumel (CFO), Gabriel Le Roux (Co-Founder and CEO), Sam Elgar (VP Merchant Experience) and Theo Spyrides (VP Product). Bottom row: Caitriona Staunton (VP People), Alex Mallet (CTO), Jade Maitland (VP Marketing) and Mikael Minvielle (COO).

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Primer, the unified infrastructure for global payments, has secured a US$100 million Series C funding round as it expands its artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled operating layer for global payments and finance. (US$1=RM3.97)

The funding round was led by Sofina, with participation from Peak XV Partners and continued backing from existing investors, including Balderton Capital, Accel, ICONIQ Capital, Tencent, and Speedinvest.

In a statement, Primer said the new funding will support expanded investment in AI capabilities, including the development of its proprietary AI agent, Primer Companion.

The company said Primer Companion is already being used by merchants to address payment-related queries and generate contextual insights, with future capabilities expected to include autonomous experimentation, performance optimisation, and execution within merchant-defined parameters.

Primer said fragmented payment data across processors, acquirers, and fraud tools remains a major challenge for businesses seeking to deploy AI-driven payment systems effectively.

Founded in 2020, the company said its unified payments infrastructure captures more than 400 data points per transaction and manages more than 95 per cent of customer payment volume on average.

According to Primer, the United States (US) currently accounts for around one-fifth of company revenue, with annual recurring revenue in the region doubling year-on-year.

The company plans to increase US revenue to more than one-third of its business by 2028 and expects to hire up to 50 employees in the region to support its expansion strategy.

-- BERNAMA

SAMSUNG BIOEPIS LAUNCHES FIRST PRODUCT IN JAPAN UNDER NIPRO PARTNERSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Samsung Bioepis Co Ltd has launched Ustekinumab BS 45 mg Syringe for S.C. Injection「 NIPRO」, a biosimilar referencing Stelara (ustekinumab), marking its first product launch in Japan with NIPRO Corporation (NIPRO).

According to Samsung Bioepis in a statement, the launch follows the product’s listing under Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Drug Price Standard, which became effective following an Official Gazette announcement on May 19.

“Together with our partner NIPRO, we look forward to supporting patients living with autoimmune diseases and contributing to the sustainability of Japan's healthcare system by providing quality-assured, safe and effective biosimilar options,” said Samsung Bioepis Vice President and Head of Commercial Strategy for International Markets, Jinhan Chung.

Ustekinumab is a human immunoglobulin G1 kappa monoclonal antibody designed to prevent abnormal regulation of IL-12 and IL-23 associated with immune-mediated diseases.

Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency granted marketing authorisation for the product in December 2025 for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Samsung Bioepis said it formed a strategic partnership with NIPRO in June 2025 to develop and commercialise multiple biosimilar candidates in Japan, including ustekinumab.

The company added that its ustekinumab biosimilar is already available under different brand names across the European Union, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

-- BERNAMA

CLOUDFLARE, ANTHROPIC TO PROVIDE SECURE, SCALABLE FOUNDATION FOR AUTONOMOUS AI

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Cloudflare Inc, the leading connectivity cloud company, is collaborating with Anthropic to launch Cloudflare Environments for Claude Managed Agents, aimed at providing a secure and scalable foundation for autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agents.

The integration enables organisations to run core agent loops on Anthropic’s Claude platform while leveraging Cloudflare’s global network and Workers developer platform to execute code, secure private connections, and equip agents with specialised tools.

Cloudflare in a statement said the platform is designed to help developers build next-generation AI assistants quickly and securely at a global scale.

Cloudflare co-founder and chief executive officer, Matthew Prince said the partnership would enable businesses to securely execute code and access private data using Cloudflare’s network infrastructure.

“Now, businesses can focus on building the most innovative AI applications on the planet,” he said.

According to Cloudflare, the platform provides secure sandboxes for every AI agent session through a Workers-based control plane, while security and compliance controls are automatically applied.

The company said the infrastructure allows organisations to maintain strict security standards while scaling AI initiatives from prototypes to large-scale deployments without infrastructure bottlenecks.

Cloudflare Environments for Claude Managed Agents also enables developers to scale globally with diverse runtimes, secure sensitive data through Zero-Trust connectivity, audit agent behaviour using native observability tools, and extend agent capabilities through customisable frameworks.

The launch of Cloudflare Environments marks the latest milestone in its ongoing collaboration with Anthropic to strengthen AI connectivity and infrastructure capabilities.

-- BERNAMA

HACK THE BOX HIGHLIGHTS AI CYBERSECURITY SKILLS SHIFT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Hack The Box, the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) cybersecurity readiness, has released its Cybersecurity Workforce Intelligence Report, highlighting how AI is reshaping cybersecurity skills, career paths, and team structures globally.

Based on anonymised data from more than 702,000 cybersecurity professionals across 251 countries and territories, the report found growing demand for advanced AI-related skills and more integrated cybersecurity team models.

The findings suggest that as AI transforms both cyberattacks and defence strategies, the effectiveness of organisations will increasingly depend on workforce adaptability, readiness, and cross-functional expertise rather than technology alone.

According to Hack The Box in a statement, organisations are accelerating investments in AI security capabilities, with AI penetration testing emerging as a leading global training priority.

Cybersecurity practitioners are also placing greater focus on risks such as prompt injection, model exploitation, and agentic AI attacks, reflecting changing approaches to workforce preparation.

The report noted that traditional role boundaries are becoming less rigid, with growing overlap between offensive and defensive cybersecurity training supporting a more collaborative “purple-team” model.

Structured hands-on training programmes are accelerating this transition, with AI-focused training completion rates reaching 64 per cent, reinforcing the role of organisation-led learning in building advanced cybersecurity capabilities.

To remain effective in an AI-driven environment, the report said security leaders should prioritise AI security skills, expand global talent pipelines, invest in integrated training models, and commit to continuous workforce upskilling.

-- BERNAMA

MOBIX LABS TARGETS CRITICAL MINERALS SUPPLY CHAIN WITH SPD DEAL

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Mobix Labs has unveiled plans to expand into the strategic rare earth and critical minerals sector through a proposed acquisition of Special Project Delivery LLC (SPD), a United States (US)-based supply chain platform.

According to a statement, the proposed acquisition would expand Mobix Labs’ national security operations into the supply chain supporting modern defence, aerospace, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Mobix Labs currently supplies technologies for US and allied fighter jets, missiles, submarines, and satellites.

The company said the Letter of Intent is non-binding, and there can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be executed or the proposed transaction completed.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY LAUNCHES GLOBAL SOCIAL SQUAD PILOT PROGRAM TO STRENGTHEN DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

 

The Global Social Squad ignites a diverse and talented group of 73 Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants with representation across 15 markets in four regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Europe. These digital leaders create engaging, high-quality content, participate in global campaign activations, and share practical social media strategies with their communities and other Independent Beauty Consultants, fuelling both brand relevance and business growth. (Image Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc has launched its Global Social Squad (GSS) Pilot Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening digital engagement by empowering Independent Beauty Consultants (IBCs) as brand advocates and social media content creators.

The programme, which will be introduced in selected markets worldwide in 2026, is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its presence in an increasingly social-first business environment and enhance engagement with consumers across digital platforms.

According to Mary Kay, the GSS brings together IBCs who are recognised for their creativity, authenticity and social media capabilities to produce digital content, participate in global campaigns, and share social media strategies with their communities and fellow consultants.

Mary Kay Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer, Tara Eustace said the programme is intended to help consultants strengthen digital storytelling and consumer engagement in a social-first business environment.

In a statement, the company said the initiative is also expected to support brand visibility, increase product discovery through user-generated content, and strengthen peer-to-peer learning within the Mary Kay community.

A total of 73 members have been selected for the pilot programme, representing 15 markets across North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe.

Participants will receive exclusive merchandise, take part in content-based challenges, and gain access to training and development opportunities throughout the year.

Mary Kay said the pilot programme will allow the company to evaluate and refine the initiative ahead of a potential wider rollout beginning in 2027 and beyond.

The global leader in beauty and entrepreneurship added that the programme forms part of its efforts to develop a scalable business model that combines entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal connection.

-- BERNAMA

Green Building Initiative Announces Departure of CEO Vicki Worden

 

Vicki Worden, CAE, led GBI to achieve tremendous growth during her 11-year tenure; The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, appointed as GBI Interim CEO


PORTLAND, Ore., May 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Building Initiative (GBI) is announcing the planned departure of its CEO, Vicki Worden. Worden is leaving to take a new CEO role after serving as GBI’s chief executive since 2015. GBI is an international nonprofit organization and ANSI accredited standards developer that operates virtually with a 30-member staff.

“Vicki Worden’s tenure has been defined by an unwavering commitment to expanding GBI’s mission impact,” stated Sumayyah Theron, Chair of GBI’s Board of Directors and CEO and Founder of Avant-garde Sustainable Solutions. “Under Vicki’s leadership, GBI evolved from a U.S.-focused organization into a truly global presence, now serving members in more than 20 countries. Her vision and dedication helped GBI’s green building standards reach more than one billion square feet of certified commercial and multifamily space worldwide and positioned GBI as a leading certifier across multifamily housing, health care facilities, data centers, and beyond. We are deeply grateful for everything Vicki has brought to this organization and wish her great success as she continues to advance mission-driven leadership.”

GBI’s mission is to improve the built environment’s impact on climate and society. Its community of 15,000 is united by a vision of sustainable, healthy, and resilient buildings for all.

Prior to her leadership at GBI, Worden’s experience included interim CEO roles and senior executive roles in the Washington, D.C., association community as well as more than ten years running her own strategic management consulting firm based in Maryland and Maine. She has been a significant force in sustainability and built environment spaces for more than 30 years.

“I am deeply grateful for the partnership of GBI’s Board members over my eleven years and for our joint commitment to meaningful growth,” stated Worden. “GBI is known for its culture of service, collaboration, transparency, and teamwork, and it is a culture we built intentionally to support our vision and mission. It has been an honor to serve alongside GBI’s highly passionate members, assessors, clients, and staff. I know I’m leaving GBI in great hands as it continues to advance and increase its positive impact in its next evolution.”

Worden’s departure is slated for late June 2026, and a consulting firm will be engaged to manage the search for Worden’s permanent replacement.

For the transition period, GBI’s Board has appointed The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, as GBI’s Interim CEO. Ayers is a nationally recognized leader in architecture, public service, and organizational transformation, with a distinguished career spanning government, nonprofit, and private sector roles. He most recently has served in multiple interim chief executive roles, including Interim CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences (twice, in 2022 and 2024) and Interim CEO of the American Institute of Architects in 2025, where he provided steady leadership during pivotal transition periods and helped position each organization for long-term success. Mr. Ayers previously served as the 11th Architect of the Capitol, appointed by Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate.

About GBI

GBI, Inc. is an international nonprofit organization and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer whose mission is to improve the built environment’s impact on climate and society. Founded in 2004, the organization is the global provider of the Green Globes®, Journey to Net Zero™, Guiding Principles Compliance™, and Ascent Building Certification™ programs, and it is the parent company of GB Initiative Canada. GBI also issues professional credentials, including the Green Globes Professional (GGP) and Guiding Principles Compliance Professional (GPCP). To learn more about opportunities to become involved with GBI, contact info@thegbi.org or visit the GBI website at www.thegbi.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Joe Kurle, Director of Marketing & Communications, GBI jkurle@thegbi.org 

SOURCE: Green Building Initiative