EZE Cloud Consulting Advances AI-first Strategy with Agile In-house Deployment of Workday GO

EZE Cloud Goes Live on Workday.

By streamlining HCM and Finance on Workday, the organization establishes a high-performance foundation for continuous innovation.

SINGAPORE; BENGALURU, INDIA; AND SAN FRANCISCO, USA, April 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Leading by example, EZE Cloud Consulting, an official Services, Sales, and Innovation Partner of Workday, Inc., the enterprise AI platform for managing people, finance, and agents, has implemented the complete Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Workday Financial Management suite to power its own global operations across its people and finances.

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This successful go-live, completed in 3 months, leverages an AI-first approach to standardize and automate internal processes, positioning EZE Cloud for long-term growth while demonstrating a deep commitment to adopting a best-in-class enterprise AI platform for its employees.

As a young, globally operating firm with a workforce of 130+ employees, EZE Cloud demonstrates that Workday becomes their “forever platform” as they rapidly scale, beginning with Workday GO. This offering effectively supports agile businesses seeking structure, visibility, and scale across their people and finances.

The Workday GO implementation spans five strategic markets: India, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, highlighting Workday’s adaptability across diverse regulatory environments.

As part of Phase 1, EZE Cloud opted for a comprehensive, simultaneous rollout of both Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Workday Financial Management. The successful go-live milestones include Workday Core Human Capital Management, Workday Compensation, Workday Absence Management, Workday Time Tracking, Workday Projects, Workday Financial Management, and Workday Orchestrate. This unified approach enables seamless alignment between people and financial data, a capability seen as business-critical for a professional services company to accurately manage its operations.

This internal AI-first transformation of the backend systems is a strategic investment in the firm’s credibility. By "walking the talk," EZE Cloud ensures that its internal support functions, HR, Finance, and IT, are as robust in the Workday ecosystem as its client-facing consultants.

Damodar Pai, Founder & Co-CEO, EZE Cloud Consulting, stated: “This go-live is an indication of our belief in the solution we advocate. By adopting Workday internally, we are reinforcing confidence in the platform’s stability and long-term value. It signifies that we trust Workday to run our own business, creating stronger alignment between our teams and the organizations we support.”

Sandeep Sharma, Co-CEO & Board Member, EZE Cloud Consulting, added: “Our objective was to share a clear message to the ecosystem: EZE Cloud’s growth aspirations require Workday. It is a vital engine for growing companies that seek scalability. Implementing both HCM and Finance modules simultaneously allows us to showcase the true power of a unified data core for digital-first companies like EZE Cloud. Our HR and Finance teams are now empowered to collaborate in a frictionless manner, aided by AI, driving collaboration and operational excellence that mirrors what we deliver to our customers.”

Jess O’Reilly, General Manager, ASEAN, Workday, said: “By unifying HCM and Finance on Workday, EZE Cloud has built the trusted data core essential for an AI‑first strategy. This foundation will unlock faster insights across their people and finances, enabling the company to scale with precision and agility.”

Sunil Jose, President, Workday India, said: “EZE Cloud stands out as both a Workday partner and customer, showcasing how the platform drives transformation inside their own business while strengthening the expertise they deliver to clients. Their rapid, multi‑region deployment underscores Workday’s ability to serve as a scalable, AI‑enabled backbone for growth across all their markets.”

Looking ahead, EZE Cloud has already mapped out Phase 2 of its internal roadmap, which will introduce Workday Advanced Compensation, Workday Talent Acquisition, Workday Talent Optimization, Workday Expense Management, and Workday Learning, powered by Sana. This continued investment aligns with Workday’s growing footprint in India, ASEAN and beyond, positioning EZE Cloud at the forefront of the Workday ecosystem as a future-ready organization.

About EZE Cloud Consulting:

EZE Cloud Consulting is a boutique global Workday advisory organization headquartered in Singapore. An official Workday Services, Sales, and Innovation Partner serving several Fortune 500 companies, EZE Cloud offers a full spectrum of Workday services, including HCM & Finance Transformation, Workday AMS, Workday Adaptive Planning, and Workday Integration.

For more information on how EZE Cloud Consulting can help your organization, write to us at connect@ezecloudconsulting.com.

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Contact

connect@ezecloudconsulting.com

Source : EZE Cloud Consulting

--BERNAMA

WOLTERS KLUWER: APAC CFOS ACCELERATE AI ADOPTION IN FINANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in Asia‑Pacific (APAC) are accelerating their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), recognising its growing influence on the finance function while pursuing implementation in a deliberate, value-driven manner, according to the 2026 Future Ready CFO Survey – APAC Regional Insights by Wolters Kluwer.

The survey found that 83 per cent of APAC CFOs view AI adoption and implementation as a key force reshaping finance, closely aligned with the global average of 85 per cent.

This near parity highlights the rising importance of AI across regions, while APAC finance leaders continue to prioritise disciplined execution shaped by governance requirements and return-on-investment considerations, according to a statement.

The report, which surveyed 1,672 respondents across more than 20 markets, also found that 72 per cent of APAC finance leaders expect AI to have a significant impact on finance operations within the next three years, reflecting strong confidence in its potential to enhance insight, agility and decision-making.

Rather than viewing AI solely as an automation tool, CFOs in the region are focusing on use cases that strengthen control and strategic foresight. Key areas expected to be most impacted include financial planning and analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, as well as risk management and compliance monitoring.

Despite strong adoption momentum, APAC finance leaders cited several barriers to AI investment, including cost relative to expected returns (58 per cent), concerns over loss of human judgement and oversight (55 per cent), and data quality and governance challenges (53 per cent).

These factors underscore a measured approach to AI adoption in the region, with an emphasis on governance, transparency and regulatory alignment.

The survey also noted that APAC CFOs are expected to take on an expanded role at the intersection of technology, and enterprise risk, particularly in areas such as digital strategy, enterprise risk management and strategic decision support.

Wolters Kluwer said this evolution positions CFOs as key stewards of both innovation and resilience, as organisations balance AI-driven transformation with governance and control.

It suggested that APAC CFOs may gain a long‑term advantage by aligning AI investment with strong controls, talent readiness, and regulatory confidence, as those who are able to balance innovation with governance are best fit to navigate the next stage of finance transformation.

-- BERNAMA

BODOR LASER RETAINS GLOBAL NO.1 IN LASER CUTTING MACHINE SALES FOR SEVENTH YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Bodor Laser has ranked No. 1 globally in sales of laser cutting machines (1,000 watts and above) for the seventh consecutive year, according to data released by Qianzhan Industry Research Institute in March 2026.

The company also surpassed 10,000 units in annual sales in 2025, remaining the only manufacturer to achieve this milestone. The recognition was announced at ITES 2026 in Shenzhen, where Bodor Laser highlighted advances in manufacturing, innovation and global expansion.

“A seventh consecutive No. 1 ranking is not the end but a new starting point,” said Bodor Laser Senior Vice President, Zhan Zhihao, noting the company’s continued focus on innovation and support for global manufacturing.

At the event, the company said its DreamSpace super factory delivered more than 10,000 machines over the past year, while its South China headquarters in Shenzhen has commenced operations, strengthening its production and operational capabilities.

In a statement, Bodor Laser said it attributed its sustained leadership to continued investment in research and development, with tens of millions of United States (US) dollars invested over the past five years.

The company has built in-house capabilities across core components and developed a substantial patent portfolio, with products receiving international recognition, including Red Dot and iF Design Awards.

In 2025, the company expanded its portfolio with high-speed, high-precision systems and intelligent production solutions, enhancing efficiency in applications such as automotive parts manufacturing and sheet metal processing.

Bodor Laser has also strengthened its global footprint, with manufacturing bases in China and Thailand, more than 10 overseas subsidiaries and service centres, and operations spanning over 180 countries and regions with more than 3,500 employees worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

HKTB SHOWCASES HONG KONG AS ‘EVENTS CAPITAL OF ASIA’ AT HONG KONG SEVENS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is promoting Hong Kong’s position as the “Events Capital of Asia” by leveraging the 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens under its “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign.

In a statement, HKTB said the globally renowned rugby tournament serves as a key platform to attract international visitors, highlighting the city’s ability to host world-class events that combine sports, culture and innovation.

Adding a technological dimension to the celebrations, China-made robots previously featured on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala performed at the opening ceremony, delivering a dynamic showcase alongside traditional elements such as a dragon dance and cheerleading routines.

HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam said the Hong Kong Sevens has evolved into a major international sporting event over the past five decades, drawing global attention and reinforcing the city’s appeal as a premier destination for large-scale events.

Blending tradition with innovative elements, the opening performance of the 50th edition was packed with highlights. Following a dragon dance, 10 robots teamed up seamlessly with a cheerleading squad, kicking off the event with dynamic choreography and precise coordination.

After the cheerleading performance, lasers danced across the Main Stadium pitch and displayed the participating nations over the years, the names of legendary Sevens players, and the effect of twin dragons soaring over Hong Kong, celebrating 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens development.

The closing ceremony also featured a spectacular pyrotechnic display launched from the stadium roof, bringing the three-day tournament to a dazzling finale.

Beyond the stadium, HKTB extended promotional efforts by featuring the robots at iconic locations including the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point, creating content to boost Hong Kong’s global visibility.

To further strengthen outreach, HKTB collaborated with Hong Kong China Rugby to host international key opinion leaders (KOLs), alongside representatives from the travel trade, MICE and cruise sectors, offering firsthand experience of the event and the city’s tourism offerings.

-- BERNAMA

MULTI-COLOR CORPORATION CONFIRMS REORGANISATION PLAN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), a leader in prime label solutions, has confirmed its prepackaged plan of reorganisation and expects to emerge from prepackaged Chapter 11 in the coming weeks.

MCC President and Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Rmaile said with the support of financial stakeholders, MCC will emerge with a significantly deleveraged balance sheet and liquidity to support operations, invest in innovation, and continue delivering label solutions for its customers.

“I am grateful to our teammates, customers, and suppliers for their steadfast commitment and support throughout this process, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead,” he said in a statement.

Under the terms of the plan, MCC will complete a comprehensive restructuring transaction that significantly deleverages its balance sheet and recapitalises the business.

The restructuring reduces net debt by approximately US$3.8 billion, lowers annualised cash interest expense by more than US$330 million, and extends long-term debt maturities to 2033. (US$1 = RM3.95)

In addition, MCC will receive a US$889 million investment from CD&R and a group of existing secured lenders, and is expected to hold more than US$500 million in available liquidity post-emergence to support long-term growth and investment.

Plan confirmation follows a successful mediation and global settlement among all major constituencies in MCC’s prepackaged Chapter 11 cases, with more than 99 per cent of voting stakeholders approving the restructuring plan.

With approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, MCC expects to receive proceeds from the new equity investment and complete its financial restructuring in the coming weeks.

-- BERNAMA

MONEYHERO TO RELEASE 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS ON APRIL 30

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- MoneyHero Limited (MoneyHero), a tech- and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on April 30.

The results will be released before market opens, followed by a conference call on the same day to discuss the performance, according to a statement.

Investors and other interested parties are able to join the conference call by registering for the webcast or audio conference, with a replay available on the Investor Relations website for 12 months.

Operating in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines, MoneyHero had over 260 commercial partner relationships as at Sept 30, 2025, and had approximately 5.1 million monthly unique users across its platform for the three-month period ended Sept 30, 2025.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS NEW ZEALAND’S PINNACLE LIFE CREDIT RATINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb-” (Good) of New Zealand’s Pinnacle Life Limited (Pinnacle Life), with a stable outlook.

The credit ratings (ratings) reflect Pinnacle Life’s adequate balance sheet strength, operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM), alongside a neutral impact from its parent, Greenstone Holdco Pty Limited (Greenstone).

In a statement, AM Best said Pinnacle Life’s balance sheet strength is supported by strong risk-adjusted capitalisation at fiscal year-end 2025, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, along with sound regulatory solvency and financial flexibility.

However, reliance on third-party reinsurance and a relatively small capital base increase sensitivity to business growth, interest rate changes and external shocks.

Operating performance is assessed as adequate, driven by stable underwriting results and healthy investment returns, although earnings have shown moderate volatility due to interest rate movements and elevated expenses. The company is expected to maintain adequate performance as it continues its expansion strategy.

AM Best also noted Pinnacle Life’s limited business profile, reflecting its small scale and concentration in the New Zealand market, with a focus on mortality products such as term life and funeral insurance. Growth is largely supported by Greenstone as a key distribution partner, alongside direct online channels.

Pinnacle Life’s ERM is considered appropriate for the company’s size and complexity, with further development expected as the company expands its operations.

-- BERNAMA

DENODO REPORT HIGHLIGHTS "TRUST GAP" IN AGENTIC AI ADOPTION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Denodo, a leader in data management, has released The AI Trust Gap Report, a global study revealing that the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI)—agentic AI—is facing significant trust challenges driven by data-related issues.

“AI is rapidly shifting from systems that merely answer questions to systems that take autonomous action, and this transition changes the data requirement entirely,” said Denodo vice president of Product Marketing, Dominic Sartorio, noting that real-time, governed and contextually relevant data is critical for scaling agentic AI with confidence.

The report finds that 63 per cent of organisations struggle to locate relevant, context-specific data, while 66 per cent say real-time data access is essential for AI to be considered trustworthy.

At the same time, 67 per cent face difficulties maintaining consistent security and access controls, adding to the complexity of deploying autonomous AI systems safely, according to a statement.

Data scale is also a growing concern, with enterprise AI initiatives drawing from an average of over 400 data sources and 20 per cent of organisations managing more than 1,000 sources.

Nearly 60 per cent of respondents report performance challenges in handling the intensive workloads required for large-scale AI.

The report concludes that the "trust gap" stems not from AI models themselves, but from fragmented and outdated data architectures. Bridging this gap will be essential for organisations seeking to transition from experimental AI use cases to fully automated, enterprise-scale deployments.

-- BERNAMA

AI-Media Unveils LEXI Text Encoder and LEXI Voice Encoder in Major Product Milestone at NAB 2026

NEW YORK, April 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AI-Media, a global leader in AI-powered language technology and live captioning solutions, today announced the launch of two new next-generation encoders - the LEXI Text Encoder and LEXI Voice Encoder – at NAB Show 2026. Marking the company’s first new encoder hardware release in over a decade, this milestone builds on the proven success of AI-Media’s industry gold-standard Encoder Pro (HD592), trusted by broadcasters and enterprises worldwide.

The new solutions deliver powerful performance upgrades, advanced AI-driven capabilities, and a flexible subscription-based model designed to transform live broadcast workflows.

Built for the evolving demands of live production, both encoders combine high-performance hardware with intelligent automation to deliver greater efficiency, scalability, and quality across broadcast environments.

Next-Generation Encoder Highlights:

• 4K Broadcast Ready (12G-SDI) – Engineered for high-performance live production with full 4K support.
• Upgraded Processing Power – Future-proofed hardware designed to support increasingly complex AI-driven workflows.
• LEXI Live Sync (formerly CCMatch) – Configurable timing alignment ensures captions and translations remain perfectly synced with video feeds.
• Flexible Integration – Designed to work seamlessly across SDI, IP, and cloud-based workflows within the AI-Media ecosystem.

The LEXI Voice Encoder further enhances multilingual workflows with advanced AI sound separation and clean-up, isolating speech and removing background noise to optimise audio inputs for high-quality voice translation.

“This marks a significant step forward for AI-Media,” said Bill McLaughlin, Chief Product Officer at AI-Media. “For the first time in over a decade, we’re introducing entirely new encoder hardware—built not just to support today’s workflows, but to power the next generation of AI-driven live production. We’re focused on delivering the infrastructure that enables content to be understood in any language, anywhere in the world.”

AI-Media is also introducing a Hardware-as-a-Subscription (HaaS) model across its encoder range, including the new releases. This approach eliminates upfront capital expenditure and provides customers with a scalable, cost-effective way to access the latest technology as their needs evolve.

As part of its NAB 2026 presence, AI-Media is offering a limited-time incentive, with customers able to secure three months FREE, enabling immediate access to next-generation technology while reducing upfront costs.

At NAB 2026, AI-Media will also showcase its full LEXI Suite, an end-to-end ecosystem of AI-powered solutions designed to enhance accessibility, engagement, and global reach:

• LEXI Text – Industry-leading live captioning
• LEXI Voice – AI-generated multilingual voice translation
• LEXI Translate – Real-time language translation
• LEXI AD (Audio Description) – Enhanced accessibility for visually impaired audiences
• LEXI AI (Insights) – Actionable data and performance analytics
   

Visitors to the AI-Media booth will experience how the LEXI Suite integrates seamlessly with the new encoder technology to deliver a unified, scalable solution for broadcasters, enterprises, and content owners.

In addition, attendees can experience AI-Media technology across NAB through partner installations, including collaborations with AudioShake, Grass Valley and NVIDIA, demonstrating high-performance, AI-enabled workflows across the broadcast ecosystem.

Attendees can visit AI-Media at Booth #W2142 to see live demonstrations of the new encoders and the full LEXI ecosystem in action.

About AI-Media

AI-Media (ASX: AIM) is a global leader in live AI-powered language solutions and broadcast infrastructure. Its LEXI Suite delivers a range of SaaS solutions - including LEXI, LEXI Translate, LEXI Voice, and LEXI Insights - enabling real-time captioning, translation, multilingual workflows, and metadata-driven insights, enhanced by advanced AI for greater accuracy, performance, and operational efficiency. Underpinning these solutions, AI-Media’s broadcast-grade encoder technology ensures seamless integration into live production environments across IP, SDI, and streaming workflows. Trusted worldwide, AI-Media empowers broadcasters, enterprises, and governments to scale communication, enhance accessibility, and unlock new markets and value from content through intelligent language technologies.

Media Contact:
Fiona Habben
fiona.habben@ai-media.tv 

SOURCE: Ai-Media Technologies LLC

CUKTECH LAUNCHES 6-IN-1 CHARGING STATION IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- CUKTECH, a global leader in intelligent power solutions, has announced the official Malaysian launch of its flagship CUKTECH 15 Charging Station, featuring smart capabilities and high-efficiency performance.

Positioned as the ultimate "Desktop Power Hub", the device is designed to address common user pain points such as cable clutter and fast-charging incompatibility while redefining the minimalist digital workspace, according to a statement.

Built on a "6-in-1" concept, the CUKTECH 15 can power up to six devices simultaneously. Its configuration includes dual Type-C ports, a USB-A port, dual wireless charging zones, and an integrated retractable cable system supporting 120 watts (W) MAX fast charging.

For Malaysian professionals managing home offices, mobile work, or multi-device setups, the high-power multi-port design reduces desktop clutter and eliminates the need for multiple adapters.

The front of the charging station features a 1.83-inch TFT display, providing real-time visualisation of total power, individual port output status, and charging protocols. This "Visual Charging" function supports efficient device management, making it suitable for creative studios, shared workspaces, and modern households.

The device also supports PD 3.1, Xiaomi 120W, and ADC 2.0 fast-charging protocols, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Android smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks across different brands.

Engineered for tropical climates, the CUKTECH 15 is equipped with the proprietary Cool+ cooling system, ensuring stable operation under full load while enhancing battery protection and charging safety.

The CUKTECH 15 Charging Station is now available across major e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, including CUKTECH official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

-- BERNAMA

iFLYTEK Unveils Virtual Human Solutions At Singapore Event

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- iFLYTEK, a global leader in intelligent speech and AI technologies, has unveiled its lineup of virtual human technologies at the GITEX ASIA 2026 in Singapore, drawing strong interest from visitors across the exhibition floor.

Powered by its integrated artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the virtual humans are capable of perceiving, interacting, and delivering services in real-world environments.

“Our virtual human technologies are built to integrate into real service scenarios across industries. They help organisations deliver efficient services while making human-AI interaction more natural and accessible in everyday work and life,” said its Vice President, Vincent Zhan.

At the two-day event, iFLYTEK in a statement highlighted GuideX, its intelligent virtual human solution designed for public service environments, capable of managing the full passenger service flow in airport settings, from greeting and answering queries to check-in assistance and gate guidance.

By integrating multiple functions into a single interface, the system supports multimodal interaction, including voice, touch, and visual recognition, helping to streamline passenger journeys and improve operational efficiency.

Visual recognition includes lip movement and gesture recognition, while voice recognition features noise reduction for clearer communication. The system understands spoken queries, responds naturally, and functions as an intelligent service hub rather than a basic talking avatar.

GuideX operates as a round-the-clock service assistant in busy public environments and is also designed for use in transport hubs, hotels, retail stores, shopping malls, and exhibition venues.

-- BERNAMA

ICHAM LAUNCHES OPEN-ENDED VCC FUND FOCUSES ON AUTOCALL STRUCTURED PRODUCTS

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

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

IFLYTEK UNVEILS WORLD’S THINNEST AI E-INK TABLET FOR PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- iFLYTEK, a global leader in intelligent speech and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, unveiled AINOTE 2, the world’s thinnest AI-powered e-ink tablet, at GITEX ASIA 2026 in Singapore.

At the two-day event beginning April 9, the company highlighted AINOTE 2 as a tool to enhance professional productivity through focused thinking, secure communication, and smarter workflows.

More than a digital notebook, AINOTE 2 combines a paper-like writing experience with an ultra-thin design certified by Guinness World Records, delivering a distraction-free workspace that helps professionals stay focused and work efficiently in demanding environments.

According to iFLYTEK in a statement, the device, weighing 295 grammes and measuring 4.2 millimetres thick, is designed for portability while offering a 10.65-inch e-ink workspace for focused reading and note-taking.

AINOTE 2 addresses common challenges in professional settings, where constant note-taking can lead to missed details and time-consuming follow-ups. It features one-click recording and real-time transcription in 16 languages, automatically capturing conversations so users can stay fully engaged.

Real-time translation in 11 languages, along with speaker identification, further supports seamless cross-border collaboration.

Its paper-like display with low handwriting latency enables natural, responsive writing, allowing users to jot down ideas or sketch thoughts without disrupting the flow of discussion. Handwritten notes can also be converted into searchable text in 133 languages, ensuring insights are preserved and easy to retrieve.

In addition, AINOTE 2 supports offline transcription, allowing sensitive conversations to be recorded and processed without an internet connection, reinforcing trust in privacy-sensitive environments.

-- BERNAMA

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

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

SAUDI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT INKS US$15 MLN LOAN AGREEMENT WITH PALAU

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

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

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

OMNI BRIDGEWAY NAMES PETER GALGAY TO DRIVE CAPITAL STRATEGY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Omni Bridgeway, a global leader in litigation financing and risk management, has appointed Peter Galgay as Head of Commercial Strategy and Capital Solutions based in New York.

According to Omni Bridgeway in a statement, Galgay's primary focus will be on expanding the company’s capabilities in origination, underwriting, and management of large-scale structured finance and alternative investment solutions for legal assets.

Additionally, he is set to be a key player in supporting Omni Bridgeway’s global investor relations and capital formation initiatives.

“Peter brings a unique blend of investment leadership, capital markets expertise, and first‑hand experience in all aspects of legal finance.

“He knows Omni Bridgeway well, and his strategic insight, commercial drive and global perspective will be instrumental as we continue to expand our capital solutions offering for legal assets,” said its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Raymond van Hulst.

Meanwhile, Galgay expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating he is honoured to join Omni Bridgeway and is looking forward to collaborating with teams worldwide to advance the company's capital solution capabilities and support clients through scalable investment partnerships.

Prior to joining Omni Bridgeway, Galgay served for over a decade as Chief Investment Officer for a Singapore-based family office. Earlier in his professional life, Galgay worked as a Senior Analyst in Ernst & Young’s Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services practice and also held a position as an Equity Portfolio Manager at Deutsche Asset Management.

Galgay is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and holds a Master of Arts in International Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida, alongside a Master of Business Administration from INSEAD.

-- BERNAMA

Persona AI Announces Brian Davis as Head of Global Manufacturing

Former Amazon Robotics Executive Steps in to Lead Global Production Strategy as Company Expands

HOUSTON, March 31 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Persona AI, an emerging leader in embodied AI, today announced the appointment of Brian Davis as Head of Global Manufacturing. This move signals Persona’s commitment to scaling commercial production, as the company is planning the manufacturing infrastructure to bring humanoid robots to markets in shipyards, steel mills, and energy infrastructure worldwide.

Mr. Davis is a seasoned operations executive with over 30 years of experience transitioning global operations for some of the biggest names in industry. Prior to his role as Head of Global Manufacturing at Persona, Davis previously guided operation teams at both Amazon Robotics and Dell Technologies (previously EMC). During his tenure at Amazon Robotics and Dell, both companies realized a 25x increase in manufacturing volumes within a four-year period, with Davis overseeing manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality, and real estate.

Davis steps into this role as industrial enterprises face an urgent and accelerating challenge: a structural shortage of capacity for welding, fabrication, and heavy maintenance in dynamic environments, precisely the high-value, high-risk tasks where humanoid robots can deliver the greatest impact. His appointment comes as Persona prepares to fulfill growing demand following agreements with both HD Hyundai and POSCO Group to advance humanoids in shipyards and steel manufacturing, as well as a pilot program with the State of Louisiana.

“Now is the perfect time to accelerate our production capabilities as we rapidly close the gap between what’s possible in the lab versus what’s driving real commercial value,” said Brian Davis, Head of Global Manufacturing, Persona AI. “Building industrial-rated humanoid robots and production-deployable AI is only one piece of the puzzle. Producing humanoids at scale will require systematic supply chain management, stringent quality control, and building the playbook for safe, high-volume manufacturing. That’s what I’m here to build.”

“We’re building Persona to deploy humanoids in some of the hardest industrial environments. Now we need someone who has taken robots from the prototype phase to volume production and built the manufacturing engine to sustain it,” said Nicolaus Radford, CEO and Co-Founder of Persona AI. “Brian’s proven track record of rapidly scaling production is exactly the experience this moment demands.”

About Persona AI:

Persona AI, Inc. a pioneering robotics company headquartered in Houston, Texas, is at the forefront of developing intelligent humanoid robots specifically designed for a wide array of industrial applications. Established in 2024, Persona AI leverages a rich heritage of expertise, drawing from decades of experience in crafting sophisticated robotics for demanding environments, including space and deep-ocean exploration. This unparalleled background enables the company to address real-world labor challenges with innovative and robust solutions.

Learn more at www.persona.ai

Media Contact:
Katherine Garcia
Dir. of Executive Affairs
Persona AI
pr@persona.ai | (713) 305-6158

Jonathan Reichel
Principal Marketing Architect
Persona AI
reichel@persona.ai | (409) 549-3892

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9dca5027-d2ee-4f9f-b5a0-6ecf1d9fc906
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f3a0f82-2889-4996-b843-e9bd5b360cea 

SOURCE: Persona AI

--BERNAMA 

NEINOR PARTNERS STONESHIELD ON 150 MLN EUROS MARBELLA RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Neinor Homes (Neinor), Spain’s listed residential developer, has partnered with Stoneshield Capital (Stoneshield) to develop a 150 million euro premium residential project in Marbella, marking its entry into the high-end residential segment. (1 Euro = RM4.65)

“This partnership demonstrates the strength of our platform, combining development expertise with institutional capital to deliver high-quality projects,” said Neinor Chief Executive Officer, Borja García-Egotxeaga in a statement.

The development will comprise 262 homes across more than 60,000 square metres, adjacent to Río Real Golf Course and close to Marbella city centre, Puerto Banús and the beach.

It will include a 1,200 square metre private members’ club featuring wellness areas, pools, sports facilities and landscaped spaces.

The project is one of the largest residential developments launched in Marbella in recent years, with expected revenues exceeding 600 million euros over the next five years.

Under the joint venture structure, Stoneshield will hold a 70 per cent stake and Neinor 30 per cent, with Neinor acting as delegated developer across the full development lifecycle.

The investment reflects strong fundamentals in Marbella, supported by robust international demand and limited land supply.

The transaction reinforces Neinor’s asset management platform, which has deployed over 1.3 billion euros alongside institutional investors including AXA IM Alts, Orion Capital, King Street and Bain Capital.

-- BERNAMA