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
Friday, 10 April 2026
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
Thursday, 9 April 2026
REGASK PARTNERS VEEVA TO BRING AI-DRIVEN REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE TO RIM
KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- RegASK has partnered with Veeva Systems to integrate its agentic artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities with Veeva’s Regulatory Information Management (RIM) system, enabling life sciences organisations to connect near-real-time regulatory insights with core compliance workflows.
Through the collaboration, organisations can translate regulatory changes into structured assessments, prioritised actions and documented compliance decisions within existing systems of record.
According to a statement, the integration combines Veeva’s unified regulatory platform with RegASK’s AI-driven intelligence layer to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
“Through our partnership with Veeva, joint customers gain RegASK’s intelligence and predictive layer to help stay ahead of regulatory change.
“Through our integration with Veeva RIM, teams can connect that intelligence directly to their compliance workflows, enabling faster and more confident regulatory decisions,” said RegASK Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Shleifer.
RegASK’s platform continuously monitors regulatory developments across more than 160 markets, leveraging large language models and a global network of subject matter experts to convert updates into actionable compliance steps.
The solution is built to enterprise-grade security standards, with multiple certifications, including ISO/IEC 42001 for AI management systems.
The partnership reflects a broader shift in the life sciences sector, where regulatory intelligence is becoming a strategic capability. By embedding AI-driven insights into compliance systems, RegASK and Veeva aim to help organisations respond more proactively to global regulatory changes and accelerate time to market.
-- BERNAMA
Through the collaboration, organisations can translate regulatory changes into structured assessments, prioritised actions and documented compliance decisions within existing systems of record.
According to a statement, the integration combines Veeva’s unified regulatory platform with RegASK’s AI-driven intelligence layer to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
“Through our partnership with Veeva, joint customers gain RegASK’s intelligence and predictive layer to help stay ahead of regulatory change.
“Through our integration with Veeva RIM, teams can connect that intelligence directly to their compliance workflows, enabling faster and more confident regulatory decisions,” said RegASK Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Shleifer.
RegASK’s platform continuously monitors regulatory developments across more than 160 markets, leveraging large language models and a global network of subject matter experts to convert updates into actionable compliance steps.
The solution is built to enterprise-grade security standards, with multiple certifications, including ISO/IEC 42001 for AI management systems.
The partnership reflects a broader shift in the life sciences sector, where regulatory intelligence is becoming a strategic capability. By embedding AI-driven insights into compliance systems, RegASK and Veeva aim to help organisations respond more proactively to global regulatory changes and accelerate time to market.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 8 April 2026
MEIJI PHARMA ASIA BEGINS OPERATIONS IN SINGAPORE TO STRENGTHEN ASEAN PRESENCE
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Meiji Seika Pharma Co Ltd has announced that its subsidiary, Meiji Pharma Asia Pte Ltd, commenced operations in Singapore on April 1, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the ASEAN region.
In a statement, the company said the Singapore-based subsidiary will support the commercialisation, marketing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, across the region.
Meiji Seika Pharma aims to become “a leading company in Asia in the field of infectious diseases” under its “Meiji Group 2026 Vision”, leveraging nearly half a century of experience in manufacturing and marketing pharmaceuticals in Thailand and Indonesia.
Singapore will serve as a regional hub for the company’s business and commercial strategies, aimed at enhancing its influence and accelerating growth across ASEAN markets.
Established on Dec 10, 2025, Meiji Pharma Asia will focus on pharmaceuticals for infectious diseases, haematologic cancers and lifestyle-related diseases, with the aim of ensuring reliable supply and contributing to public health in the region.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, the company said the Singapore-based subsidiary will support the commercialisation, marketing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, across the region.
Meiji Seika Pharma aims to become “a leading company in Asia in the field of infectious diseases” under its “Meiji Group 2026 Vision”, leveraging nearly half a century of experience in manufacturing and marketing pharmaceuticals in Thailand and Indonesia.
Singapore will serve as a regional hub for the company’s business and commercial strategies, aimed at enhancing its influence and accelerating growth across ASEAN markets.
Established on Dec 10, 2025, Meiji Pharma Asia will focus on pharmaceuticals for infectious diseases, haematologic cancers and lifestyle-related diseases, with the aim of ensuring reliable supply and contributing to public health in the region.
-- BERNAMA
SAUDI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT INKS US$15 MLN LOAN AGREEMENT WITH PALAU
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| Saudi Fund for Development Signs USD 15 Million Agreement with the Republic of Palau to Drive Local Economic Growth (Photo: AETOSWire) |
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed a US$15 million development loan agreement with the Republic of Palau, marking its inaugural development partnership in the Pacific island nation. (US$1=RM3.99)
The agreement was signed by SFD Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and Republic of Palau President, Surangel S. Whipps Jr during a ceremony in Palau’s capital, Ngerulmud.
The loan will be channelled through the National Development Bank of Palau to support local economic development, including projects led by businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We are proud to launch our first collaboration with the Republic of Palau. By expanding access to vital funding, we aim to uplift local entrepreneurs and help secure a resilient future for the Palauan people.
“This agreement embodies our broader mission to foster prosperity across island nations,” said Sultan Abdulrahman.
Meanwhile, Whipps Jr said the agreement will help strengthen the Palauan economy by enabling local players to drive projects that create jobs and attract investment.
He added that prioritising affordable, climate-resilient housing would help build stronger communities and support long-term economic resilience.
According to SFD in a statement, the financing aligns with Palau’s national priorities and is expected to support high-impact initiatives and sustainable grassroots economic growth.
The agreement reflects SFD’s continued commitment to Small Island Developing States, having supported development projects in 18 island nations across the Caribbean and Pacific regions, contributing to economic resilience, improved access to essential services and sustainable development.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, 3 April 2026
AM BEST AFFIRMS CMB WING LUNG INSURANCE RATINGS WITH STABLE OUTLOOK
KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a” (Excellent) of Hong Kong’s CMB Wing Lung Insurance Company Limited (CMBWLI), with a stable outlook.
In a statement, AM Best said the credit ratings (ratings) reflect CMBWLI’s very strong balance sheet strength, strong operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.
The company’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its robust risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. Capital and surplus recorded mid- to high-single-digit growth in 2024 and 2025, benefiting from partial retention of its sustained and stable operating profits.
CMBWLI maintains a prudent investment strategy, enhancing bond portfolio quality while keeping cash and cash equivalents as its largest asset class. Additional supporting factors include its strong regulatory solvency position, positive liquidity, and comprehensive reinsurance programme with moderate dependency.
Its operating performance remains strong, with high-single-digit average returns on equity over the past five years (2021 to 2025). Despite a slight decline of topline in 2025 due to competitive market conditions, the company maintained a net/net combined ratio consistently below 90 per cent, outperforming the broader market.
CMBWLI’s investment performance also improved, supported by stable interest and dividend income, fair value gains on listed securities, and recovery of impairment loss.
As a medium-sized non-life insurer in Hong Kong, CMBWLI is one of the major market players in the employees’ compensation segment, with a diversified portfolio spanning motor and property damage lines.
Backed by China Merchants Group Limited, the company expects further growth in marine insurance and is exploring opportunities in inward property damage business beyond Hong Kong.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, AM Best said the credit ratings (ratings) reflect CMBWLI’s very strong balance sheet strength, strong operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.
The company’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its robust risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. Capital and surplus recorded mid- to high-single-digit growth in 2024 and 2025, benefiting from partial retention of its sustained and stable operating profits.
CMBWLI maintains a prudent investment strategy, enhancing bond portfolio quality while keeping cash and cash equivalents as its largest asset class. Additional supporting factors include its strong regulatory solvency position, positive liquidity, and comprehensive reinsurance programme with moderate dependency.
Its operating performance remains strong, with high-single-digit average returns on equity over the past five years (2021 to 2025). Despite a slight decline of topline in 2025 due to competitive market conditions, the company maintained a net/net combined ratio consistently below 90 per cent, outperforming the broader market.
CMBWLI’s investment performance also improved, supported by stable interest and dividend income, fair value gains on listed securities, and recovery of impairment loss.
As a medium-sized non-life insurer in Hong Kong, CMBWLI is one of the major market players in the employees’ compensation segment, with a diversified portfolio spanning motor and property damage lines.
Backed by China Merchants Group Limited, the company expects further growth in marine insurance and is exploring opportunities in inward property damage business beyond Hong Kong.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 2 April 2026
VISUAL BANK EXPANDS AI TRAINING DATA SOLUTION FOR JAPANESE SPEECH MODELS
KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Visual Bank Inc, via its subsidiary amanaimages Inc, has announced the expansion of its Qlean Dataset, a premium artificial intelligence (AI) training data solution for developers building high-performance Japanese speech foundation models.
The expansion strengthens its position in providing rights-cleared datasets for research and development and large-scale AI applications.
“As demand for culturally contextualised foundation models grows, high-quality, legally compliant Japanese training data is becoming increasingly critical.
“Visual Bank is committed to bridging the gap between raw content and production-ready AI systems through rigorous data preparation and engineering,” said its chief executive officer, Saneyuki Nagai, in a statement.
The datasets are fully rights-cleared for commercial use and aligned with global compliance standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
They include high-fidelity audio assets recorded at 48 kilohertz (kHz)/16-bit or higher, enabling capture of both studio-quality speech and diverse acoustic environments.
In addition, the datasets support detection of harmful language, including hate speech and abusive prompts, and include evaluation datasets aligned with international benchmarks such as MMSU to assess reasoning and linguistic nuance in Japanese.
The solution also incorporates Japan-specific audio, including traditional and urban sound environments, to support multimodal and spatial AI applications.
The datasets are available through AI Data Recipe, which offers both ready-to-use datasets and customised data production, including speaker casting, recording and annotation tailored to specific development needs.
-- BERNAMA
The expansion strengthens its position in providing rights-cleared datasets for research and development and large-scale AI applications.
“As demand for culturally contextualised foundation models grows, high-quality, legally compliant Japanese training data is becoming increasingly critical.
“Visual Bank is committed to bridging the gap between raw content and production-ready AI systems through rigorous data preparation and engineering,” said its chief executive officer, Saneyuki Nagai, in a statement.
The datasets are fully rights-cleared for commercial use and aligned with global compliance standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
They include high-fidelity audio assets recorded at 48 kilohertz (kHz)/16-bit or higher, enabling capture of both studio-quality speech and diverse acoustic environments.
In addition, the datasets support detection of harmful language, including hate speech and abusive prompts, and include evaluation datasets aligned with international benchmarks such as MMSU to assess reasoning and linguistic nuance in Japanese.
The solution also incorporates Japan-specific audio, including traditional and urban sound environments, to support multimodal and spatial AI applications.
The datasets are available through AI Data Recipe, which offers both ready-to-use datasets and customised data production, including speaker casting, recording and annotation tailored to specific development needs.
-- BERNAMA
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