Thursday, 27 March 2025

ALBACORE LAUNCHES US$1.8 BLN SENIOR DIRECT LENDING STRATEGY WITH ADIA, TRUST BANK BACKING

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- European credit specialist AlbaCore Capital Group (AlbaCore) has launched its new Senior Direct Lending Strategy (the Strategy), having secured anchor investments from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation (the Trust Bank).

In a statement, AlbaCore said the firm has successfully completed its first close, bringing in an expected US$1.8 billion in investable capital. (US$1=RM4.42)

The Strategy positions AlbaCore to capitalise on the growing market opportunity in loan financing, further expanding its global presence and delivering enhanced value to clients.

AlbaCore Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, David Allen highlighted that the backing from ADIA and Trust Bank reflects the appeal of the Strategy and AlbaCore's ability to take advantage of the opportunity.

Meanwhile, ADIA Executive Director of the Private Equities Department, Hamad Shahwan AlDhaheri, emphasised the importance of the anchor commitment in deepening its relationship with AlbaCore, noting the Strategy’s potential to meet the growing demand for private credit solutions in Europe.

On the other hand, the Trust Bank Chief Executive, Asset Management & Investor Services Business Unit, Takafumi Ihara expressed excitement about supporting the Strategy, aligning with the bank’s global asset management business in expanding private product competitiveness in the direct lending market.

The Strategy will leverage AlbaCore’s deep knowledge of European corporate capital structures to build a diversified portfolio of senior direct lending investments, focusing on downside protection and delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns.

It will also draw upon AlbaCore’s thorough bottom-up fundamental credit analysis to primarily finance senior private loans in upper-mid to large-cap performing European corporates.

-- BERNAMA

TOLUNA MERGES ITS GLOBAL BRANDS TO STRENGTHEN INSIGHTS LEADERSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Global research and insights leader, Toluna has unified its family of brands, namely Harris Interactive, GutCheck and MetrixLab, into a single, refreshed identity under the name ‘Toluna’.

This strategic transformation is the culmination of years of sustained investment in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), world-class research expertise, high-quality first-party data, and global scale, which firmly establish Toluna at the forefront of next-generation insights.

Toluna Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Frédéric-Charles Petit in a statement said bringing the company’s brands and people together under Toluna is more than a brand refresh; it is a strategic milestone that reflected its shared vision that began in 2000.

“Our relentless commitment to empowering a better world through trailblazing insights culminates today, and while this milestone marks a new chapter for Toluna, our journey is far from over – we remain focused on continuous innovation, especially through the responsible and dynamic use of AI, to help our clients navigate complexity and anticipate what is next,” he added.

By uniting under a single brand, Toluna is streamlining its value proposition with one partner delivering contemporary end-to-end solutions – from agile research to advanced analytics – powered by first-party data.

At the heart of Toluna’s transformation is the integration of AI across its platform, accelerating speed to insight, enhancing data quality, and unlocking deeper consumer understanding.

This transformation is strengthened by MetrixLab’s expertise in brand, product, and communications research; Harris Interactive’s best-in-class methodologies; and GutCheck’s agile, human-centric solutions, which are now combined under one unified platform.

With this evolution, Toluna is also introducing TolunaID, the new name for its dedicated division serving research agencies and consultancies to reinforce its legacy of industry-leading quality and expertise in this sector, while Toluna Start, its advanced insights technology platform, has been refreshed to align with the new brand identity.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES UNVEILS NON-VOLATILE CXL MEMORY MODULE

SMART Modular's NV-CMM, utilizing the CXL standard, combines the speed of DRAM with the persistence of NAND flash memory to deliver unprecedented performance and reliability for data-intensive applications.


KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- SMART Modular Technologies Inc (SMART), a global leader in integrated memory solutions, solid-state drives, and hybrid storage products, has announced the sampling of its redefined Non-Volatile CXL Memory Module (NV-CMM) to Tier 1 OEMs based on the CXL 2.0 standard.

According to a statement, the new module provides persistent memory that enables checkpointing, snapshotting and low-latency write cache for demanding data centre compute and storage applications.

This innovative product combines non-volatile high-performance DRAM memory, persistent flash memory and an energy source in a single removable EDSFF form factor to deliver superior reliability and serviceability for data-intensive applications.

SMART Modular Technologies senior product marketing manager, Torry Steed said the company’s NV-CMM represents a paradigm shift in memory technology for data centres.

“By combining the benefits of non-volatile memory with the CXL standard, we are making it significantly easier for system integrators to incorporate compact, non-volatile, high-performance persistent memory into their products,” he added.

The NV-CMM represents a significant leap forward in memory technology, offering enhanced system performance by improving responsiveness and reducing recovery processes, making it ideal for latency-sensitive applications such as high-performance computing and real-time analytics.

It also ensures data persistence through onboard backup power, which helps retain critical data during power outages, thus enhancing system reliability.

The module comes in a versatile E3.S 2T form factor, allowing for flexible server configurations, and its advanced connectivity, with PCIe Gen 5 and CXL 2.0 compliance, ensures seamless integration with the latest data centre architectures.

In addition to these features, the NV-CMM accelerates storage systems by acting as a high-speed cache, boosting storage appliance performance; enhances data recovery to maintain data integrity during power failures or system crashes; optimises virtualisation by enabling faster virtual machine restarts and reducing downtime in cloud infrastructures; and improves overall system performance with efficient write caching.

-- BERNAMA

SUPERFREEZE APPOINTS ALEX CHOI AS HEAD OF KOREA

 

Alex Choi has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for SuperFreeze in Korea.


KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- SuperFreeze, a leader in cold chain logistics, has appointed Alex Choi as its new Head of Korea, effective March 4.

Choi will play a key role in advancing SuperFreeze's mission of leading Asia’s transition to a sustainable cold chain, improving the availability of quality food and pharmaceutical products, reducing waste, and minimising carbon footprints. He will focus on driving the company's growth and sustainability initiatives in Korea.

SuperFreeze Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Troy Shortell expressed excitement about Choi’s appointment, emphasising his experience and leadership in logistics.

“His deep expertise in logistics and leadership with top industry players make him the ideal person to advance our vision for a sustainable and innovative cold chain in Asia,” said Shortell in a statement.

Meanwhile, Choi expressed his commitment to strengthening SuperFreeze’s operations in Korea.

“I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance our operations, reduce waste, and drive sustainability, ensuring we deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities,” he said.

Choi brings over 25 years of experience in the logistics industry, having held senior roles at Maersk Logistics, LF Logistics, Agility, and DB Schenker. His expertise in optimising supply chains and driving operational excellence makes him a strong addition to the team.

Choi succeeds YS Kim, who is retiring after seven years of service, during which he played a key role in establishing the Pyeongtaek site. He will also take on the responsibilities previously held by KSF CEO Duckwon Kim.

SuperFreeze extended its appreciation to YS Kim and Duckwon Kim for their significant contributions to the company’s growth and success in Korea.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

A USD$25 BILLION PUBLIC-PRIVATE GHANA CLIMATE FUTURES AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC INITIATIVE IS AGREED

 


The Ghana Green Guard USD$25 billion climate futures initiative agreement commits to deliver a series of diversified regenerative solutions to drive a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians. The agreement is a public-private collaborative partnership between the developer CarbonPura Africa, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) representing the government of Ghana and PSPH (Private Sector Participation in Health). Leveraging carbon financing, and carbon and biodiversity monetisation, the agreement will drive environmental restoration, clean water access, and community-based social programmes in Ghana.


ACCRA, Republic of Ghana, March 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CarbonPura pioneers Ghana Green Guard, a transformative series of privately funded environmental protection, restoration, and climate-smart projects and initiatives bespoke to the landscape of Ghana. The Ghana Green Guard Agreement harnesses the power of leveraging a climate futures ecosystem combined with flows unlocked from carbon finance to address critical climate and sustainability challenges while advancing Ghana’s environmental restoration and socio-economic development goals.

Chief Executive Officer of the EPA of Ghana, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse says “the Ghana Green Guard Agreement is a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental journey and marks the beginning of a new era in public-private stakeholder engagement to implement development practices and leverage international carbon markets to achieve sustainability, protect our water bodies and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.”
  • One of the most significant nature-based project methodology solutions globally it will generate over 305 million high-quality, investment-grade carbon credits across 12 million hectares of diverse landscapes with a projected cumulative revenue of $10.4 billion over 25 years.
     
  • Each project supports Ghana’s socio-economic and community enhancement programmes and initiatives to empower women, children, and the most vulnerable farmers and communities.
     
  • Aligns international and local partners, government support, NGO and University Collaboration, all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments.
     
  • Immediate intervention to enhance Ghana’s water security using the most effective and sustainable solutions and technologies that ensure long-term protection and safeguarding for the provision of clean water and the restoration of polluted water sources caused by illegal mining.
Ghana Green Guard combines the relationship driven socio-economic benefits of a public–private partnership to deliver projects that align seamlessly with President Mahama’s Policies for the Future of Ghana, Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement will utilise restorative and ecosystem vision - not only in project execution but from new relationship driven economic models fuelled by investment grade biodiversity and carbon credit projects.

Dr. Fred Bedzrah, the Vice President of Operations for CarbonPura Africa, stated that “the Green Guard Ghana Agreement sets a new benchmark for environmental and socio-economic impact and is a bold step forward toward positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable carbon finance by integrating transparent governance, investment grade carbon credit generation, and inclusive community engagement. CarbonPura is proud to deliver a framework that enhances global climate action and ensures tangible benefits for healthier local communities and ecosystems. Ghana demonstrates how high-integrity restorative biodiversity and climate smart projects can drive sustainability and long-term investment confidence.”

The Ghana Green Guard Project leverages 12 million hectares of risk assessed eligible land across various regions of Ghana, strategically and with scientific rigour, chosen for their ecological, biodiversity and socio-economic potential. The expansive project ensures scalable investment-grade carbon credit generation goals and sustained environmental improvement by carefully integrating targeted activities such as reforestation, regenerative agriculture, illegal mining restoration and coastal environment restoration.

The Executive Director of PSPH Dr. Francis Adjei adds that “True sustainability is not just about restoring the environment—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity for the most vulnerable. Through the Ghana Green Guard initiatives, we are ensuring that climate action translates into better healthcare, stronger communities, and a future where no one is left behind.”

Cath Thrupp, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Planet, says that “Ghana is leading the way in terms of showcasing a sustainable future for their country and the world. They are actively originating large-scale decarbonisation and landscape restoration programmes that will support their country to transition to net zero. In working with the global carbon markets to support this transition, Ghana is actively creating new jobs and opportunities for local communities. As a company, Carbon Planet is honoured to work with the Government and people of Ghana to create a sustainable future, with no one left behind”.

Each project methodology activity is designed to deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits, creating a positive feedback loop where ecological improvements—such as increased biodiversity, improved soil fertility, and enhanced coastal resilience—foster sustainable community development, employment creation, strengthen food security, provide clean water, eliminate species extinction, and drive long-term economic resilience across regions dependent on agricultural and coastal livelihoods.

Mark Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Capital Corporation, says that “through strategic collaboration with Carbon Planet we lead the Ghana Green Guard project origination and ensure that all credits are investment ready, meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and financial integrity and achieve long term environmental and social impact. This initiative exemplifies how carbon finance can drive real change, protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and supporting Ghana’s climate commitments. Through Ghana Green Guard, we demonstrate that carbon markets can be a force for equitable and sustainable development.”

The Parties to the Ghana Green Guard Agreement

About the EPA

The EPA is the leading statutory body for protecting and improving the environment in Ghana and is led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. Recognising the need for stronger oversight, the Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124) was enacted. Effective from January 6, 2025, this Act elevated the EPA to an Authority, expanding its mandate to regulate, protect, coordinate, and oversee all matters pertaining to the environment. This new legislation marks a pivotal moment in the EPA’s evolution towards greater environmental stewardship and governance.

For further information on Ghana EPA, please visit: www.epa.gov.gh/new/

For media enquiries, please contact: info@epa.gov.gh 

About CarbonPura

CarbonPura Africa is the Ghana Green Guard lead developer and is committed to advancing global sustainability through large-scale innovative carbon management and stewardship initiatives that transform environmental goals into impactful realities.

CarbonPura is dedicated to pioneering projects that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and propelling the world towards a greener and more prosperous future.

CarbonPura provides end-to-end expertise in net-zero advisory and bespoke solutions that ensure each project contributes to carbon reduction and enhances ecological and social value. CarbonPura integrates top-tier methodologies with community-based conservation efforts for land, forestry wetland and marine ecosystems protection and restoration with scalable carbon solutions.

The social capital and ecological model demand the highest degree of team expertise, including ecologists and environmental auditors, trusted partners and strategic alliances, to enhance the capabilities for CarbonPura in carbon-backed funding, project development, and community reinvestment. CarbonPura navigate market complexities with data-driven precision, ensuring each project maximises value and supports global sustainability.

For more information, visit: www.carbonpura.com/greenguard

For media enquiries, please contact:
Melanie Budden
melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com

About Private Sector Participation in Health

Private Sector Participation in Health (PSPH) is a leading not-for-profit organisation driving transformative healthcare and social development in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities. As a key partner in the Ghana Green Guard Agreement, PSPH integrates healthcare, education, and social empowerment into climate resilience efforts. Through innovative public-private partnerships, PSPH expands access to essential healthcare, empowers women and youth, and fosters alternative livelihoods, creating lasting socio-economic impact. By bridging corporate Ghana with grassroots needs, PSPH ensures that sustainability, health, and development go hand in hand; building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for generations to come.

For further information on PSPH, please visit: www.psphghana.com

For media enquiries, please contact: DrFred@carbonpura.com

About Carbon Capital Corporation [CCC]

CCC is an Australian registered company that operates under an Australian Authorised Financial Services License [278530]. CCC is part of the GBC Group and stands out in global carbon markets offering unique and specialised feasibility, origination, procurement, trading and advisory services for both the buy and sell side. With operations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Pacific CCC facilitates large scale carbon projects with stackable value methodologies that allow projects to generate multiple environmental and social co-benefits.

CCC utilises an integrated approach that combines financial structuring, technical expertise, and advanced technology, delivering unmatched value in carbon markets. By optimising carbon and biodiversity credits to meet the high standards demanded by institutional buyers, CCC achieve both financial returns and measured sustainability impact.

For more information, visit: www.carboncapitalcorporation.com

For media enquiries, please contact: markphillips@greenbondcorporation.com

About Carbon Planet

Carbon Planet is an Australian registered ecological company globally leading project feasibility, origination and technical development, bringing extensive expertise in carbon project execution and innovation. Carbon Planet picture a world where natural capital has value, investments are transparent, landholders can feed their families, and local communities can create new jobs and regenerative industries. This requires creating a world where trees and natural capital are valued.

For further information on CarbonPlanet, please visit: www.carbonplanet.io/

For media enquiries, please contact: cath@carbonplanet.io 

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bde12b4-932a-4a25-a144-dc2edc0cb373

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0bb5dd6-e886-4d71-89d4-ddb793c08a70

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ad39039-d081-4987-862b-aae74c12cebf

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb7393fb-aab6-4276-aa2b-757084c3764f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1c55422-8468-4acc-ab59-282b4e076a3b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21dffd0d-14f2-45af-afca-f3659132ba7a  


SOURCE : CarbonPura

Friday, 21 March 2025

EXCELLENT CREDIT RATINGS ASSIGNED TO CHINA TAIPING INSURANCE (MACAU) - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (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 China Taiping Insurance (Macau) Company Limited (CTIM).

The outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) is stable, reflecting CTIM’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

As measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, CTIM’s risk-adjusted capitalisation remained at the strongest level as of year-end 2023, while its capital level remained robust and further strengthened to US$120 million at year-end 2024, based on the unaudited financial statements. (US$1=RM4.42)

According to AM Best in a statement, the company’s investment strategy is consistently conservative, with the majority of its assets held in cash and investment-grade bonds.

In addition, CTIM’s reinsurance programme remains comprehensive with reinsurer panels of good credit quality; although, the reinsurance dependency of the company is moderate.

Reported a five-year average return-on-equity ratio (ROE) of 18.4 per cent from 2019 to 2023, CTIM achieved an ROE of 19.8 per cent in 2024, with a historical full-year-recorded net profit.

Last year, the net combined ratio increased moderately, mainly driven by an uptick in the loss ratio from motor business, while the net expense ratio stayed largely at a similar level as the prior year, thanks to the effective control of management expenses.

CTIM maintains a long track record as the leader in Macau’s non-life insurance segment and has a market share of approximately 33 per cent as of the third quarter 2024, based on gross premiums written, with its underwriting portfolio and distribution channels remaining diversified.

-- BERNAMA

AMTD UNVEILS ANOTHER NEW MOVIE: A GILDED GAME

 


PARIS & NEW YORK & SINGAPORE, March 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AMTD Group Inc. ("AMTD" or the "Group"), alongside World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc. ("WME"), a subsidiary of the Group under AMTD Digital, jointly announced that following the success of the “The Last Dance”, another AMTD movie is coming soon: “A Gilded Game” is set to premiere in China on May 1.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250320580381/en/

Directed by Herman Yau, the Movie stars Andy Lau and Oho Ou in lead roles, along with a special appearance by Ni Ni. Andy Lau plays a capital markets expert, regarded as the top "prophet" in the industry, while Oho Ou takes on the role of Lau's apprentice.

AMTD serves as a Production Company of the Movie, alongside with Universe Entertainment, Maoyan, and Yingming Culture, while Dr. Calvin Choi, founder of AMTD IDEA Group and AMTD Digital, serves as both producer and executive producer.

This Movie represents AMTD's fourth time working as a production company alongside the international acclaimed actor Andy Lau. The previous collaborations have been immensely successful, with 'Shock Wave 2' reaching a box office of RMB1.314 billion, 'Moscow Mission' grossing RMB664 million, and 'Golden Finger' achieving RMB574 million.

Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chairman of AMTD and WME, commented: “We are thrilled to embark on another creative journey with Andy Lau and our talented cast in ‘A Gilded Game’. This Movie embodies our commitment to producing high-quality entertainment, and we look forward to the audience's enthusiastic response to this remarkable cinematic experience.”

About AMTD Group

AMTD Group is a conglomerate with core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality areas.

About AMTD IDEA Group

AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as “Twitter") at @AMTDGroup.

About AMTD Digital Inc.

AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, digital investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital’s announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.

About World Media and Entertainment

World Media and Entertainment, jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide. WME comprises L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects, collectively a diversified media and entertainment portfolio of global businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group and/or AMTD Digital, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group and/or AMTD Digital with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and neither AMTD IDEA Group nor AMTD Digital undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250320580381/en/

Contact

For AMTD IDEA Group:
IR Office
AMTD IDEA Group
EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com

For AMTD Digital Inc.:
IR Office
AMTD Digital Inc.
EMAIL: ir@amtdigital.com

Source : AMTD Digital Inc.

Thursday, 20 March 2025

8X8 CPAAS API CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS SURGE 43 PCT YOY WITH AI-POWERED ENGAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Integrated CX platform provider, 8x8 Inc has announced that the strong desire for personalised, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered self-service engagement options and channels is driving increased customer interactions across 8x8 communications platform as a service (CPaaS) application programming interfaces (APIs).

According to 8x8 in a statement, its CPaaS API customer interactions increased more than 43 per cent year-over-year across messaging, voice, and video channels, as of the third quarter (Q3) of fiscal year 2025 (FY25), ending Dec 31, 2024.

“8x8 CPaaS APIs are fuelling AI utilisation in companies by supporting AI-powered chatbots via WhatsApp and SMS, as well as voice-based talk bots, allowing customers to really choose the ‘when’, ‘where’, and ‘how’ when it comes to customer engagement,” said 8x8 Inc General Manager, CPaaS, Stephen Hamill.

In addition, the total number of interactions reached almost half a billion per month in December 2024, an increase of 59 per cent compared to December 2023, while short message service (SMS) interactions increased 41 per cent and grew over 26 per cent quarter-over-quarter from FY25 second quarter (Q2) to Q3.

Meanwhile, recent 8x8 CPaaS API enhancements in FY25 include voice bots for billing and payments. Organisations can boost responsiveness through number anonymisation, follow up with SMS, and capture every interaction with call recording and speech recognition.

The silent mobile authentication for CPaaS customers provides a seamless method of mobile verification, allowing users to verify phone numbers with just one click and without manual input. Instead of receiving and entering a code, users are automatically verified based on their network IP.

Furthermore, the enhancement includes seamless and secure authentication with Verif8. A next-generation authentication solution designed for effortless security and compliance. With self-service multichannel OTP authentication via SMS, Viber, and voice, businesses can enhance user verification while minimising friction.

8x8 CPaaS APIs power essential business functions like authentication and fraud prevention, marketing and communications, customer support, and operations.

With omnichannel messaging including SMS, messaging apps, voice, and video interaction, it serves as a key enabler of business communications and customer experience in an ever-evolving digital transformation.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 19 March 2025

EXTENDED VERSION OF AMTD’S THE LAST DANCE MOVIE TO RELEASE ON APRIL 4



KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- AMTD Group Inc (AMTD), alongside World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc (WME), a subsidiary of the group under AMTD Digital, jointly announced that AMTD’s latest movie, "The Last Dance: Extended Version", will be released to the public on April 4.

The extended version of The Last Dance will feature an additional 15 minutes of footage, including new scenes with acclaimed actors Kaki Sham and Vincent Kok, as well as additional scenes of Catherine Chau and Dayo Wong.

According to a statement, the additional footage enriches the story by delving deeper into the family background issues faced by Wong's character, Dominic Ngai.

As of the date of the announcement, the movie has achieved a global box office of US$50.7 million, becoming the highest-grossing Chinese-language film ever in Hong Kong history. (US$1=RM4.44)

Continuing to enjoy widespread acclaim following its original release in November last year, The Last Dance is also a clear front runner for various international film festivals, including 18 nominations in the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, the 18th Asian Film Awards; and the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Awards.

AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality areas.

Meanwhile, jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group, and AMTD Digital Inc, World Media and Entertainment focuses on global strategies and developments in multimedia, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

HKTB VIDEO SERIES SHOWCASES HONG KONG'S OUTDOOR WONDERS



KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched a new video series, titled “Four Corners of Hong Kong”, featuring four captivating short films that take viewers on a journey to the city’s four corners, namely north, south, east and west, showcasing the city’s breathtaking landscapes and rich ecotourism experiences.

The series also showcases Hong Kong's diverse scenery that offers an irresistible invitation for visitors to experience the city’s extraordinary natural beauty, with the first full video of the four-part series having been released on the Discover Hong Kong YouTube channel.

The first video takes viewers into the splendour of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and features awe-inspiring geological wonders such as the rhyolitic hexagonal rock columns, which were crafted over millions of years by nature’s hand.

HKTB in a statement said the remaining three episodes will come one after another throughout the coming fortnight, and the video will also be released on the HKTB’s Xiaohongshu, Douyin and Weibo platforms.

The videos transport viewers on an epic, fun-filled adventure in four spectacular corners of Hong Kong, climbing mountains and diving into the sea, travelling east to Sai Kung, south to Po Toi Island, Stanley, and Ap Lei Chau, west to Lantau Island, and north to Robin’s Nest Country Park.

Each location has its own special charm and offers a distinct outdoor experience, demonstrating the diverse appeal and boundless potential of ecotourism in Hong Kong.

HKTB has also teamed up with celebrities from Thailand and Taiwan who bring a sprinkle of stardust to carry the video campaign to a wider audience. The videos, imbued with the unique charisma of the celebrities, are tailored to captivate worldwide audiences via compelling storytelling and mesmerising landscapes.

In addition, HKTB is also ramping up its efforts to promote outdoor activities and trail-running events to overseas visitors following the runaway success of the TransLantau by UTMB and Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon races last year.

Looking ahead, with initiatives targeting key markets, including Mainland China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and India, HKTB aims to position Hong Kong as a premier destination for adventure and green tourism.

-- BERNAMA

EAACI CONGRESS 2025 TO ADDRESS ALLERGY, IMMUNOLOGY IN GLASGOW

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is set to host the EAACI Congress 2025 from June 13 to 16 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Themed “Breaking Boundaries in Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology: Integrating Planetary Health for a Sustainable Future”, this year’s congress will highlight the critical link between environmental changes and allergic diseases.

Bringing together global leading experts, EAACI Congress 2025 is the premier event for networking and collaboration in allergy and immunology with cutting-edge research presentations, interactive sessions, and invaluable opportunities to connect with peers shaping the future of the field.

According to a statement, the exhibition area will feature cutting-edge products and therapies, fostering interaction between delegates and industry partners through dynamic presentations and engaging activities.

In addition, a special highlight of the event is the Allergy Run 2025, a community event promoting awareness of allergy, asthma, and immunology while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Standard registration fees are available until April 18, with tailored rates for EAACI members, non-members, seniors, juniors, students, nurses, and lab technicians, ensuring accessibility for all professionals in the field.

EAACI is the leading professional organisation dedicated to excellence in allergy and immunology.

-- BERNAMA

Monday, 17 March 2025

Bitget Features in UCLA Professor Alex Nascimento’s Book on Blockchain and STOs

VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has been featured in the fourth edition of The STO Financial Revolution by Alex Nascimento, leading blockchain researcher and professor at UCLA. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain, crypto, and Web3 technologies, offering practical insights into compliant fundraising and real-world use cases for businesses and investors.
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, this edition showcases case studies from leading organizations, including Bitget, DWF Labs, UNICEF, BTG Pactual, and Polymath. It highlights key developments in the blockchain sector and shows how blockchain solutions are transforming global finance. The book has been adopted by several academic institutions, including UCLA, as a key resource for educating future professionals in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

"The integration of blockchain technology and Web3 principles into educational frameworks across the globe is essential for cultivating a generation equipped to navigate an increasingly decentralized digital landscape. By sponsoring blockchain education initiatives like our textbook, Bitget fulfills a crucial role beyond commerce, becoming architects of literacy of a technology that promises to reshape our fundamental understanding of money, governance, and digital autonomy,” said Alex Nascimento, MA, MBA, UCLA Blockchain Faculty.

Bitget’s case study in the book focuses on its strategic role in the blockchain ecosystem and its efforts to enhance access to digital financial tools. The feature outlines how Bitget contributes to the advancement of blockchain adoption through practical, secure solutions and highlights its initiatives in the Web3 space. It offers readers a closer look at the innovations and developments that have positioned Bitget as a notable player in the crypto industry.

This edition of The STO Financial Revolution includes up-to-date information on blockchain advancements and emerging trends, making it a valuable resource for academics, investors, and industry professionals worldwide. By featuring Bitget’s contributions, the book further establishes its relevance in offering practical insights into the future of digital finance and tokenized ecosystems.

"Being featured in one of my personal favourites The STO Financial Revolution is a significant moment for Bitget,” said Vugar Usi Zade, Chief Operating Officer at Bitget. It's a badge of honour for us to gain placement in the book, where Bitget's firm stance and fast growth has been highlighted aligned with our goals of pushing the boundaries of blockchain adoption. As we continue to innovate and offer crypto solutions, our role in advancing the Web3 ecosystem has been more rigid now than ever."

The book’s release serves as an important reference for those looking to deepen their understanding of blockchain technology and its growing impact on financial markets. The recognition of Bitget in this publication shows its relevance and growing influence in the global blockchain sector.

To know more about STO Financial Revolution edition four, please visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3211028-7186-458c-b2b6-413205ad02de

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

Thursday, 13 March 2025

XSOLLA REPORT REVEALS KEY TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES IN GAMING INDUSTRY

 

Graphic: Xsolla

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- Xsolla, a video game commerce company, has released the first quarter (Q1) 2025 Edition of “The Xsolla Report: The State of Play” with key topics including the global gaming market, mobile monetisation trends and player engagement.

In a statement, Xsolla said this detailed report provides crucial insights, trends, and opportunities shaping the gaming landscape, empowering industry professionals to adapt and thrive in today’s rapidly changing market.

The report focuses on the rapid growth of the global gaming market, which is expected to reach US$522.5 billion in 2025 and expand at a 7.25 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), with total revenue hitting US$691.3 billion by 2029. The United States is expected to lead, contributing around US$141 billion, primarily driven by the rise of mobile gaming. (US$1=RM4.41)

The report also reveals evolving player engagement trends, with Gen Z and Gen Alpha at the forefront of a shift toward interactive, socially connected, and player-generated content. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are fostering deeper community interactions, making gaming more of a social and cultural phenomenon.

Furthermore, technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud gaming are significantly shaping the sector. Cloud gaming, projected to reach US$25.3 billion by 2029, is breaking down accessibility barriers, while AI is revolutionising game development, optimising workflows, and creating personalised player experiences, boosting engagement and retention.

As the gaming sector rapidly evolves, industry leaders such as Activision Blizzard, NVIDIA, and Microsoft are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation, driving investment and expansion across cloud gaming, AI, and new monetisation models.

The full report outlines the current trends and strategic opportunities in the global gaming market, offering invaluable insights for developers and industry stakeholders.

-- BERNAMA

Friday, 7 March 2025

QUANTEXA UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATIONS AT QUANCON25



KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) -- Quantexa, a global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions, has announced a series of innovative updates and launches across its platform at QuanCon25, its annual customer and partner ecosystem event.

Hosted in London, Quantexa highlighted its continued commitment to helping its customers get their data artificial intelligence (AI)-ready, break down organisational silos, and transform decision-making in the era of AI.

Quantexa’s flagship offering, the DI Platform, continues to evolve with its Contextual Fabric, which unifies fragmented data and enriches it with contextual insights, enabling organisations to make smarter, more transformative decisions.

In a statement, the company’s Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Vishal Marria said: “These results demonstrate that when your data is trusted and contextual, it drives better decision-making and significant bottom-line impact in the era of AI.”

Meanwhile, its Chief Product Officer, Dan Higgins announced the platform capabilities, including advanced language parsers supporting multiple non-Latin scripts, scalable knowledge graphs capable of handling over a billion nodes, and real-time entity streaming for fraud detection and know-your-customer (KYC).

Higgins also gave a sneak peek into significant platform innovations coming in 2025, such as more support for unstructured data through a new natural language processing (NLP) pipeline; new workflow and case management capabilities; and AI-powered data quality assessment features.

Quantexa also shared findings from a Total Economic Impact study conducted with Forrester, revealing significant return on investment (ROI) for its clients, including nearly US$8 million in data management efficiency savings, US$15 million in operational efficiencies, and over US$19 million in risk reduction. (US$1=RM4.41)

Two major announcements further cemented Quantexa’s DI leadership, namely Q Assist, a context-aware generative AI solution suite, and Quantexa Cloud, a comprehensive suite of native software as a service (SaaS) solutions for anti-money laundering.

The company also introduced Q Labs, a hub focused on accelerating product innovation and solving complex customer challenges. The event concluded with the recognition of Accenture as Innovation Partner of the Year and KPMG as Growth Partner of the Year, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in driving data and AI transformation.

-- BERNAMA

FIDELITY LIFE ASSURANCE SECURES EXCELLENT CREDIT RATINGS - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (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 New Zealand’s Fidelity Life Assurance Company Limited (Fidelity Life Assurance).

The outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) is stable, reflecting Fidelity Life Assurance’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The company’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level as of fiscal year-end (June 30, 2024), as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

It has a robust capital management strategy that supports a solid regulatory solvency position, as well as the maintenance of risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level over the medium term.

Additionally, AM Best in a statement viewed Fidelity Life Assurance as having good financial flexibility, supported by its two largest shareholders, NZ Superannuation Fund and Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation Limited.

AM Best considers Fidelity Life Assurance's operating performance adequate, noting that the company has reported positive earnings over the last five years (fiscal years 2020-2024), despite elevated operating expenses from system infrastructure investment and the acquisition of Westpac Life-NZ-Limited (renamed to Fidelity Insurance Limited) in recent years.

In fiscal-year 2024, the company recorded a return-on-equity ratio of 5.9 per cent with a net investment yield of 5.6 per cent. AM Best anticipates that its operating performance metrics will remain supportive of the adequate assessment over the medium term.

Ranked among the largest life insurance companies in New Zealand, Fidelity Life Assurance’s product offerings include term life, disability income, trauma and total permanent disability insurance, with a legacy portfolio of investment-linked and traditional participating policies.

Its policies are primarily distributed through financial advisers and Westpac New Zealand Limited's banking network, with a 15-year exclusive distribution agreement with the bank.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, 6 March 2025

TOSHIBA UNVEILS GATE DRIVER PHOTOCOUPLER WITH ENHANCED SAFETY FUNCTIONS

Toshiba: SiC MOSFET gate driver photocoupler TLP5814H with enhanced safety functions for industrial equipment. (Graphic: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has launched a gate driver photocoupler, “TLP5814H”, in a small size SO8L package that incorporates an active Miller clamp function for driving silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs.

In circuits such as inverters, where MOSFETs or IGBTs are used in series, gate voltage can be generated by a Miller current when the lower arm is turned off, causing malfunctions such as short circuits in the upper and lower arms.

A commonly used protection function to prevent this is the application of a negative voltage to the gate when it is turned off, according to Toshiba in a statement.

With a built-in active Miller clamp circuit, there is no need for an additional power supply for negative voltage and external active Miller clamp circuits, providing a safety function for the system and also promoting system miniaturisation by reducing the number of external circuits.

The TLP5814H has an operating temperature rating of -40 to 125 degrees Celsius (°C), achieved by enhancing the optical output of the infrared emitting diode on the input side and optimising the design of the photo detector devices (photodiode arrays) to improve optical coupling efficiency.

This makes it suitable for industrial equipment that require strict thermal management, such as photovoltaic (PV) inverters and uninterruptible power supplies. Its propagation delay time and propagation delay skew are also specified in the operating temperature rating range.

A supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, Toshiba will continue to develop photocoupler products that contribute to enhancing the safety function of industrial equipment.

-- BERNAMA

MAVENIR PARTNERS E& UAE TO DEPLOY CONVERGED 5G PACKET CORE



KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider, and e& UAE have announced collaboration to advance e& UAE’s future of cloud-native converged packet core networks across 4G, 5G (NSA and SA).

Announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey towards next-generation connectivity and digital transformation.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers. The advanced features and technologies integrated into this network will unlock new possibilities and set the foundation for future 6G capabilities,” said Mavenir President and Chief Executive Officer, Pardeep Kohli.

Meanwhile, e& UAE Senior Vice President of core networks and platforms, Khaled Al Suwaidi said the collaboration with Mavenir marked a significant step forward in the company’s mission to provide world-class connectivity and digital services to its customers.

Mavenir in a statement said this long-term partnership leveraged cutting-edge technologies and advanced features, including artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled 5G services, automation, and orchestration.

This robust infrastructure is designed to support a wide range of future use cases, from enhanced mobile broadband and ultra-reliable low-latency communications to massive machine-type communications.

With Mavenir and e& UAE coming together, it sets the stage for innovative use cases, including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and immersive augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences using the latest AI technology.

The converged packet core environment ensures seamless transition and readiness for 6G capabilities, paving the way for future advancements in connectivity supporting the expanding business needs of e& UAE.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 5 March 2025

DENODO UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE: DATA SHOE TEAM WINS WITH LIFE EXPECTANCY IMPROVEMENT SOLUTION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Denodo, a leader in data management, announced the winner of the latest Denodo University Challenge, Data for Social Change: Improve Life Expectancy.

In a statement, Denodo said the award went to the Data Shoe team from Dauphine University in Paris, France, composed of Dounia Bouloudene, Nassim Fatmi, and Youcef Azouaoui.

Their solution focused on improving life expectancy by addressing critical factors such as healthcare access, air pollution, and political stability. The team used the Denodo Platform to integrate diverse data sources, analyse them using reporting tools, and present their findings through clear, accessible visuals.

Additionally, the Universidade da A Coruña in Spain also received recognition for contributing the most teams to this competition.

Denodo chief technology officer, Alberto Pan praised the team's professionalism, highlighting how the Denodo Platform enabled them to quickly develop a robust solution with its logical data management capabilities and low-code/no-code tools.

The Denodo Academic Program prepares students through virtual, self-paced training modules, live workshops, and a free version of the Denodo Platform. In this challenge, students were tasked with using data analytics to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and ultimately life expectancy.

Data Shoe’s winning solution emphasised the importance of public policies aimed at healthcare improvement, air pollution reduction, and political stability in driving social progress and better global quality of life.

The team's use of the Denodo Design Studio and Microsoft Power BI effectively showcased their analytical process and conclusions.

-- BERNAMA

MAVENIR AND E& UAE ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP AT #MWC25 STARTING WITH COLLABORATION IN CONVERGED 5G PACKET CORE

 


BARCELONA, Spain, March 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider, and e& UAE, telecom arm of global technology group e&, announced a collaboration to advance e& UAE’s future of cloud-native converged packet core networks across 4G, 5G (NSA and SA) at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This marks a significant milestone in the journey towards next-generation connectivity and digital transformation.

This long-term partnership leverages cutting-edge technologies and advanced features, including AI-enabled 5G services, automation, and orchestration. This robust infrastructure is designed to support a wide range of future use cases, from enhanced mobile broadband and ultra-reliable low-latency communications to massive machine-type communications.

With Mavenir and e& UAE coming together, it sets the stage for innovative use cases, including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, industrial IoT, and immersive AR/VR experiences using the latest AI technology. The converged packet core environment ensures seamless transition and readiness for 6G capabilities, paving the way for future advancements in connectivity supporting the expanding business needs of e& UAE.

Pardeep Kohli, President and CEO of Mavenir: "We are thrilled to partner with e& UAE in deploying a state-of-the-art 5G core network. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers. The advanced features and technologies integrated into this network will unlock new possibilities and set the foundation for future 6G capabilities."

Khaled Al Suwaidi, core networks and platforms, e& UAE, said: "Our successful collaboration with Mavenir marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide world-class connectivity and digital services to our customers. The deployment of this advanced 5G core network not only enhances our current offerings but also positions us at the forefront of technological innovation. We look forward to exploring new areas together in AI, automation, orchestration, digital BSS, and RCS, to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers."

Mavenir and e& UAE are committed to ongoing collaboration in various domains to drive continuous innovation and deliver transformative digital experiences to customers across the region.

About Mavenir

Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

About e& UAE

e& UAE is the flagship telecom arm of e& in the UAE, built on a 5-decades legacy of connectivity excellence. Our mission is to deliver world-class superior connectivity experiences that fuel the UAE’s future-focused innovation.

Leveraging the latest world-class technologies, e& UAE aims to transform lives and industries, turning every connection into an opportunity for growth and every interaction into a transformative possibility.

We are focused on expanding our core services and digital marketplaces by enriching consumer value propositions that cater to new lifestyles and emerging demands beyond core telecom services, including health, insurance and gaming.

As a trusted enterprise partner, e& UAE continues to power entire industries with 5G and AI, delivering a tailored ecosystem of solutions to meet their connectivity needs and more, empowering them to automate, innovate, transform, and scale.

Strengthening our leadership position as an AI-powered telco, e& UAE delivers seamless connectivity, cutting-edge AI solutions, and sustainable innovation to uplift people and communities, and empower businesses and industries, so everyone thrives in a digital-first world.

To learn more about e& UAE, please visit: https://www.etisalat.ae

Media Contacts

For more information, please contact:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5719a435-212f-48b7-b56f-e318b5f9a125 


SOURCE : Mavenir Systems, Inc.

Tuesday, 4 March 2025

ANAQUA APPOINTS JUSTIN P. CROTTY AS CEO SUCCEEDING BOB ROMEO

BOSTON, March 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anaqua, a leading provider of innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services, announced today that Bob Romeo will retire as of April 1, 2025 and Justin P. Crotty will succeed him as CEO.  Romeo, who has been leading the company for ten years, will participate in Anaqua’s continued growth as an investor and by serving on Anaqua’s Board of Directors.


Crotty joined Anaqua in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and was appointed COO in 2018, a role in which he currently serves. During his tenure, he has overseen critical functions such as hosting and commercial operations and led and successfully integrated ten acquisitions to deliver on Anaqua’s value proposition as an integrated platform for its clients. In addition to operating responsibilities, he will continue to serve on the board under new owners Nordic Capital. Furthermore, Crotty spends time as an executive sponsor for clients and prospects, and is a board member at Copyright Clearance Center, the largest, voluntary collective rights organization worldwide.
 
Prior to Anaqua, Crotty was a Partner at management consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, advising private equity and corporate clients on growth and M&A initiatives involving software, information and services businesses. Crotty also held senior positions in private equity, investment banking and corporate development working in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
 
Crotty said of his appointment: “It is an honor to lead Anaqua in partnership with our incredible leadership team, employees, and clients. Anaqua has thrived under Bob’s leadership, and we are looking forward to our next phase of growth with our new owners, Nordic Capital. With Nordic Capital’s support, we will further enhance our technology-driven solutions, accelerate our global presence, and drive operational excellence, all of which are for the ultimate benefit of our clients.”

Commented Bob Romeo: “I am proud and honored to have served Anaqua for the past decade. Anaqua is a fantastic business with the best clients, the industry’s most talented employees, and a very bright future. I have had the privilege of working alongside Justin on a daily basis for nearly ten years. His knowledge of the business, commitment to clients, success in building high-performing teams, and business acumen, uniquely position him to take Anaqua to new heights. I am excited for Anaqua’s next chapter.”

"Bob Romeo has done outstanding work in positioning Anaqua as a leading provider of innovation and IP management technology solutions. Under his leadership, the company has built a strong track record of success, earning the trust of top US brands and leading patent holders. As we transition into the next phase of Anaqua's journey, we’re excited to collaborate with Justin P. Crotty. The board is confident in his ability to drive growth as Anaqua continues to solidify its position as a leading platform for innovation-driven industries," said Fredrik Näslund, Partner and Head of Technology & Payments at Nordic Capital Advisors.

About Anaqua
Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services for corporations and law firms. Its IP management software solutions, AQX® and PATTSY WAVE®, both offer best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations, tailored to each segment’s need. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaqua’s solutions. Over two million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators use the platform for their IP management needs. The company’s global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on Anaqua's LinkedIn.
 
Company Contact:
Nancy Hegarty
VP, Marketing
Anaqua
617-375-2655
nhegarty@anaqua.com 


SOURCE : Anaqua Inc