2POINTZERO REPORTS STRONG FIRST HALF REVENUE, NET PROFIT

Samia Bouazza, CEO of 2PointZero (Photo: AETOSWire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Abu Dhabi-based investment holding firm, 2PointZero Group has reported revenue of 21.9 billion Emirati dirham and a group net profit of 7.7 billion Emirati dirham for the first half of 2026. (100 Emirati dirham = RM111.58)

The group said continued operational integration, wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and ongoing cost optimisation strengthened operational performance, lifting revenue while maintaining a blended gross profit margin of 29 per cent.

Net profit from the group's businesses increased 2,301 per cent year-on-year, driven by the consolidation of Tendam and the mega-merger that formed 2PointZero Group, new investments in African financial services, expansion into European packaging markets and steady operational progress across all business segments.

The strong performance was reflected in the group's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), which reached 5.0 billion Emirati dirham after excluding fair value changes and one-off items.

“As we enter the second half of the year, we continue to strengthen the platform for long-term growth. Nearly 10 per cent of our workforce consists of AI co-workers, embedded across the group to improve productivity, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen operational performance.

“Together with our disciplined capital allocation and strong financial position, this gives us confidence in our ability to create long-term shareholder value,” said 2PointZero Chief Executive Officer, Samia Bouazza in a statement.

The group's financial position remained strong, supported by cash holdings of 13.7 billion Emirati dirham and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, providing flexibility to manage risks, allocate resources efficiently and fund high-return investment opportunities globally.

Among its key developments, 2PointZero completed the sale of its entire 7.29 per cent stake in TAQA to Abu Dhabi Power and expanded its energy infrastructure portfolio through subsidiary ePointZero's acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in Traverse Midstream Partners.

The group also participated in the Series G funding round for WHOOP, a global health technology company, and acquired a 60.8 per cent controlling interest in Italy's ISEM Packaging Group for 704 million Emirati dirham.

Recognising its financial performance, 2PointZero ranked 36th on TIME's inaugural World's Growth Leaders 2026 list, reflecting its business growth, market performance and long-term financial stability.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY REPORTS PROGRESS ON 2030 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

Mary Kay's annual 2026 Sustainability Report highlights the company's decades-long dedication to social, economic, and environmental sustainability - core pillars central to its business strategy and its purpose-driven legacy rooted in Mary Kay's mission of “enriching women’s lives” around the world. (Image Credit: Mary Kay Inc.)

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc has released its 2026 Sustainability Report, highlighting progress towards its 2030 goals and key achievements in environmental, social and economic initiatives in 2025.

In a statement, the global beauty company said the report reflects its continued focus on sustainability, women’s empowerment and responsible business practices, which form part of its long-term strategy.

Mary Kay Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Rogers said the company’s commitment to enriching women’s lives continues to guide its operations, innovation and efforts to create sustainable impact worldwide.

Among its environmental achievements, Mary Kay reported progress in responsible packaging, resource conservation, sustainable sourcing and water management. The company said 100 per cent of water used at its Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing/R&D Center (R3) in Texas is treated and recycled back into the local watershed.

On social impact, Mary Kay said it has contributed more than US$230 million in monetary and in-kind donations through the company and its foundations since 1996, supporting initiatives including cancer research, domestic violence prevention and opportunities for women and families. (US$1=RM4.08)

The company also reported that more than 600,000 women globally have been positively impacted through empowerment initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, education and community development, while more than US$234,000 in grants has been awarded to young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Economically, Mary Kay said women hold 63 per cent of its global workforce positions, with women also representing a majority of leadership roles in several key areas.

The company has expanded its presence to 40 markets worldwide and continued its digital transformation through the rollout of its My Shop platform, which provides Independent Beauty Consultants with personalised online storefronts.

Mary Kay said the sustainability report aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves as a reference for stakeholders and partners working towards environmental and social impact.

-- BERNAMA

CryptoRank Study Finds Bitget rTokens Recorded Up to 58% Lower Slippage on $50,000 Orders Across Leading Tokenized Equity Platforms

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), ranked first for large-order execution in a CryptoRank study evaluating liquidity, market structure and execution quality across leading tokenized equity products. The research found that Bitget's Reality rTokens delivered the lowest simulated slippage across every comparable asset tested, recording up to 58% lower slippage on $50,000 orders than competing tokenized equity products, highlighting the growing importance of execution quality as tokenized equities continue to mature.

The report arrives as the tokenized equity market approaches $2 billion in onchain value with more than 471,000 onchain holders, reflecting growing investor demand for blockchain-based access to traditional financial assets. As tokenized stocks become more widely available across crypto exchanges, CryptoRank examined how differences in product structure, liquidity models and execution infrastructure influence the trading experience beyond simple price exposure.

The study compared tokenized stock offerings across major exchanges and found that products tracking the same underlying equities can differ significantly in investor rights, liquidity mechanisms, redemption models and execution quality. The report evaluated NVIDIA, Microsoft, Meta and Tesla, the only four assets that maintained valid two-sided order books across all venues tested. In this comparable set, Bitget's Reality rTokens consistently produced the strongest execution results for larger trades.

The report found that Bitget delivered the lowest simulated slippage across all four comparable assets for both $10,000 and $50,000 orders, while Reality rTokens recorded the highest balanced displayed liquidity within 50 basis points. CryptoRank attributed these results to Bitget's liquidity architecture, which combines exchange liquidity with NYSE and NASDAQ-linked underlying market liquidity, enabling deeper liquidity and more efficient execution for larger trades. CryptoRank also examined the legal and operational structures behind tokenized equity products, noting that similar stock tickers can represent different forms of investor claims depending on how each product is issued and settled.

“Tokenization is moving beyond access and into infrastructure," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. “If even 10% of global financial assets become tokenized by 2030, we’ll witness one of the most significant transformations in modern capital markets. The next phase of tokenization will be defined by quality of execution liquidity and market infrastructure supporting those assets. Independent research like this helps establish the benchmarks the industry needs as tokenzied markets continue to mature.”

The findings build on Bitget's continued expansion of its Stock+ ecosystem, which gives eligible users access to more than 500 tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities and other traditional financial assets alongside cryptocurrencies through a single unified account. By combining 24/7 market access, fractional investing and NYSE and NASDAQ-linked liquidity, Bitget is building the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of tokenized capital markets.

Read the CryptoRank report here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

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

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c8f2a89-2b0b-465f-9fe6-d03b919d5754

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2fd67267-7705-42b5-82f2-dc4dbe7c590b 

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

Busan To Launch Revisit Pass Promotion For Returning Tourists

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) has announced the launch of the ‘2026 Revisit Busan Pass Promotion’, a welcome gift for international Free Independent Travelers (FITs) returning to Busan.

With the recent expansion of regional low-cost carrier (LCC) flights from Taiwan, Japan and Southeast Asia to Busan, the campaign will offer practical benefits to smart travellers who have previously visited Busan and purchased the Visit Busan Pass again for an upcoming trip.

Upon meeting the conditions, participants will receive Busan Pay credits worth up to 20,000 South Korean won as a reward. This mobile local currency can be used instantly like cash at participating small businesses throughout Busan. (1,000 South Korean won = RM2.79)

The reward amount varies depending on the type of pass purchased. Purchasers of the 24-Hour Pass and BIG3 Pass will receive 10,000 South Korean won, while purchasers of the 48-Hour Pass and BIG5 Pass will receive 20,000 South Korean won.

With a simple application process, travellers can apply via the dedicated multilingual promotional microsite by entering their Visit Busan Pass purchase information, uploading proof of a previous visit to Busan, and verifying the Busan Pay account to receive the reward.

“Through this Revisit campaign prepared with our gratitude, we hope more global travellers will experience Busan's warm hospitality and exclusive benefits,” said a BTO official in a statement.

This promotion is available on a first-come, first-served basis while the allocated budget lasts and may close early once the budget is exceeded. Details on the application methods and precautions are available via the multilingual pop-up windows on the official Visit Busan Pass website and mobile app.

-- BERNAMA

HORIZON QUANTUM TO ENHANCE QUANTUM SYSTEMS EFFICIENCY WITH QM

 

Horizon Quantum's CEO Dr. Joe Fitzsimons and Quantum Machines' CEO Dr. Itamar Sivan at Horizon Quantum's quantum hardware testbed

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte Ltd (Horizon Quantum), a pioneer in software infrastructure for quantum applications, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Q.M Technologies Ltd (QM) to develop more robust and efficient quantum systems.

According to Horizon Quantum in a statement, the collaboration will leverage QM's quantum control platform and engineering expertise to develop embedded calibration technologies for its first in-house hardware testbed system, Ember-1, with the aim of delivering more reliable, continuously operating quantum systems.

Horizon Quantum Chief Executive Officer, Dr Joe Fitzsimons said this strategic collaboration provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of more stable and high-performing quantum systems.

“By bringing together Horizon Quantum’s expertise in quantum software and QM’s expertise in quantum control, I believe we can develop lightweight calibration routines that increase uptime and improve the reliability of our testbed system,” he said.

The company said it intends to develop an embedded calibration framework that enables lightweight calibration routines to be executed during normal system operation, reducing reliance on lengthy full-system calibration cycles.

By updating system parameters more frequently, the framework is designed to reduce downtime, improve operational stability and maintain high-performance operation over extended runtimes.

Horizon Quantum will also leverage QM's OPX1000 control system to support the development, with improved Ember-1 uptime expected to increase access time for Triple Alpha users.

The collaboration reflects both companies' commitment to advancing practical quantum computing by combining quantum software and control technologies to support scalable, high-performance quantum systems.


-- BERNAMA

Artel Announces New Carrier-Class PTP Switch Built for the Demands of Modern Broadcast

The new Quarra PTP-10GSE12SFP 10 Gbps PTP Ethernet Switch Delivers Nanosecond-Accurate Timing, 20 Ports of Flexible Connectivity, and Full SMPTE 2110 Interoperability for Pro-AV, Media Broadcast, and Industrial Networks
Patton... Let's Connect!

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artel Video Systems—a Patton company, and leading provider of media transport and broadcast networking solutions for professional AV, defense, and industrial markets—today announced the new Quarra PTP-10GSE12SFP 10 Gbps PTP Ethernet Switch is now available for pre-order.

The newest member of the Quarra switch family is purpose-built for Pro-AV, media broadcast, factory automation, and 4G/5G mobile backhaul. It delivers the nanosecond-accurate timing that mission-critical networks demand.

"We designed this switch with broadcast and Pro AV in mind," said Tim Godby, Director, Media Transport Systems, Artel Video Systems. "The option for DC or AC, single or dual power supplies, Sync-E, 1PPS input/output ports, and 12 SFP+ ports make this a uniquely powerful and versatile part of any timing-sensitive media transport network."

“The option for DC or AC, single or dual power supplies systems… make this a uniquely powerful and versatile part of any timing-sensitive media transport network."

Tim Godby
Director, Media Transport Systems
Artel Video Systems

Carrier Class. The Quarra is a carrier-class managed Ethernet switch combining twelve (12) 10G SFP+ fiber ports with eight (8) copper Gigabit (RJ-45) ports. Boasting a flexible, future-ready design, the device provides Leaf Switch and a Spine Switch functions in a single ruggedized unit.

Timing Matters. In live broadcast, timing errors destroy content. The Quarra PTP-10GSE12SFP eliminates that risk. It supports IEEE 1588 PTPv2 with all clocking modes. Every port can be individually configured for SyncE or PTP timestamp delivery. A built-in 1PPS SMA connector supports external clock sources and waveform measurement.

Quarra PTP-10GSE12SFP Key Features:

• 12x 10G SFP+ plus 8x Gigabit copper (RJ-45) ports
• IEEE 1588 PTPv2 — nanosecond-accurate timing, all clocking modes
• SyncE (ITU-T G.8261/G.8262/G.8264) on every interface
• 256 Gbps switch fabric, 8 priority queues per port
• SMPTE 2110, ST-2022-7, SDVoE, AES67, and Dante — fully interoperable
• Grandmaster Clock compatibility — Thales, Meinberg, Sonifex, and more
• Web GUI, Telnet, and SNMPv1/v2c/v3 management
• Details. Four models are now available for pre-order with single or dual DC and AC power supply options. For more information, visit patton.com/artel/quarra-ptp-10gse12sfp

In related news, last week Patton was awarded a subcontract to develop source-secure fiber-optic modules for US DoD applications.

Media Contact: Glendon Flowers | +1 301 975 1000 | press@patton.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6e94b258-eaee-4cbd-a4e3-d5354f6bd8ed

SOURCE: Patton Electronics Co.

--BERNAMA

FOUR TAIWAN GROUPS TO PERFORM AT EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

Lei Dance Theater will be featured at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.


KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Four Taiwanese performing arts groups will present their productions at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August under the Taiwan Season programme, showcasing the island's contemporary performing arts to international audiences.

The participating groups are Lu Production, Mailantia Dance Company, Seed Dance Company and Lei Dance Theater, with performances ranging from theatre and dance to cross-cultural collaborations, according to a statement.

Lu Production will stage "Birthday Party", a performance combining balloons, magic and storytelling, while Mailantia Dance Company's "Under Mask" examines the identities and personas people adopt in modern society.

Seed Dance Company's "The Wall" explores emotional barriers and interpersonal relationships through contemporary dance, while Lei Dance Theater will present "Proximities", a Taiwan-France collaboration reflecting on isolation, intimacy and community.

The production will be performed at Dance Base in Scotland from Aug 6 to 30, with 22 evening performances scheduled during the festival.

The performances form part of the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2026 initiative, which aims to promote Taiwan's artistic creativity and cultural diversity through international cultural exchanges.

-- BERNAMA