MON TAKANAWA MUSEUM OPENS IN TOKYO, SHOWCASES FUTURE OF CULTURE

Opening March 28, 2026, MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives is a new cultural hub in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY. (Photo: Yasuyuki TAKAKI)

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The East Japan Railway Foundation for Cultural Innovation has opened MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, a new cultural hub featuring a striking exterior designed by KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES.

Located within Takanawa Gateway City near Shinagawa Station, the museum is operated by the foundation established by East Japan Railway Company, according to a statement.

The Takanawa area carries an innovative legacy as the birthplace of Japan’s first railway in 1872. The preserved Takanawa Embankment reflects this heritage and aligns with the museum’s mission of “transporting culture to the next hundred years”.

As an “Experimental Museum”, MoN Takanawa presents cross-disciplinary programmes spanning traditional arts, technology, science, and entertainment under a shared “Season Theme”, developed in collaboration with partners in Japan and internationally.

“MoN”, meaning “gate” and “question” in Japanese, reflects the museum’s concept of being “a gateway for all, a narrative for everyone”, bringing together diverse people, objects and ideas to shape new cultural narratives.

The museum offers a range of spaces designed for various cultural programmes, including 1,500 square metres of exhibition space, a full-stage LED theatre and a 100-mat tatami hall, along with public amenities such as terraces, restaurants, a café and a museum shop.

Visitors can also experience upcycled furniture, including pieces made from railway forest wood and items repurposed from Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

From March to September 2026, MoN Takanawa will present nine programmes under its opening season theme, “Life as Culture”, featuring an exhibition that explore human creativity across art, science, technology and traditional culture, and a performance which brings Osamu Tezuka’s manga masterpiece to life through a monumental, immersive live experience.

-- BERNAMA

HOLAFLY REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY GAP IN TRAVEL DECISIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The Holafly eSIM & Travel Report revealed that 42 per cent of travellers actively take steps to travel more responsibly, highlighting a growing awareness of environmental impact among global explorers.

However, only 22.5 per cent rank sustainability among their top priorities when planning a trip, indicating that price, convenience, and other practical factors often outweigh environmental considerations.

“The message from travellers is clear: people want to make responsible choices, but those choices need to be simple and accessible. Sustainability will only scale when responsible options are seamlessly integrated into the travel experience,” said Holafly Brand Director, Daniela Prado.

In the report, Holafly, an eSIM provider, revealed new insights into how sustainability is shaping travel decisions worldwide with a clear hierarchy between intention and decision-making.

This gap between values and practical choices reflects a broader trend across the travel industry as travellers widely support sustainable tourism in principle, but translating those intentions into booking decisions remains complex.

In addition, Holafly stated in a statement that many travellers express the desire to reduce their environmental footprint, yet affordability, accessibility and overall travel experience still tend to shape final choices.

Holafly’s eSIM products contribute to more responsible travel by replacing traditional SIM cards, reducing emissions linked to production, packaging, and global distribution.

The company estimates that each eSIM prevents approximately 114.7 grammes of carbon dioxide (CO₂), with over 15 million eSIMs sold worldwide avoiding more than 1,700 tonnes of CO₂.

As the travel sector faces growing climate awareness, the challenge remains turning environmental values into practical, seamless choices that travellers can adopt without friction.

-- BERNAMA

CONGRESS ON LUOBING THEORY SHOWCASES ADVANCES IN TCM

"The Compendium of Luobing Theory" debuted at the opening ceremony of the congress.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The 22nd International Congress on Luobing Theory, held recently in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, brought together experts, scholars, and industry leaders worldwide to share the latest research achievements in the innovative application of Luobing theory.

Under the theme of "Inheritance, Openness, Innovation, and Integration", participants discussed the role of Luobing theory in preventing and treating major diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, diabetes, and cancer.

At the opening ceremony, "The Compendium of Luobing Theory", compiled by Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Wu Yiling and his team, was unveiled. The four-volume work integrates recent research and clinical insights, representing a landmark contribution to the modernisation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and expanding its clinical application value.

In addition, Wu, along with Jia Zhenhua, professor at the Hebei Academy of Innovative Medicine for Luobing Theory, presented reports highlighting the importance of collateral-dredging medications in managing respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular as well as other major diseases.

According to a statement, the congress also featured multiple sub-forums covering coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, urological conditions, and cancer.

Luobing theory continues to gain global attention as an integral part of TCM, with the Overseas Forum of the 22nd International Congress on Luobing Theory scheduled to take place in Singapore in autumn 2026.

-- BERNAMA

UNIPART POSTS GBP991.6 MLN TURNOVER, STRONG 2025 RESULTS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Unipart, the supply chain performance improvement partner, has reported a group turnover of GBP991.6 million and an underlying profit before interest and tax of GBP27.9 million in its full-year financial results for 2025. (GBP1 = RM5.31)

The company in a statement said it ended the year with a net cash surplus of GBP9.4 million, demonstrating robust operational efficiency and disciplined capital management.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Darren Leigh highlighted that the company strengthened its order book, achieved solid earnings and cash performance, and made significant progress executing The Unipart Way Forward strategy.

“In 2026, our focus on organic expansion, strategic partnerships, and ongoing investment in our people and technology, combined with our continued diversification, gives me confidence that we can navigate ongoing global supply chain instability and challenges.

“We are fully committed to delivering more efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chains for our customers, and long-term sustainable value for our shareholders,” he added.

The 2025 financial year marked a period of strategic transition and expansion under The Unipart Way Forward strategy, supported by customer growth, digital transformation investments, and a commitment to colleagues and sustainability.

Amid global supply chain challenges, Unipart leveraged its breadth of expertise to increase visibility, predictability, and mitigate disruption for its customers. The company expanded its services with existing clients, welcomed new customers, launched new solutions, and formed key industry partnerships.

Unipart reaffirmed its commitment to people, health, safety, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, receiving five stars in the British Safety Council audit for the 15th consecutive year, achieving upper quartile employee engagement, and hosting the Big Charity Challenge, which raised over GBP62,000 for more than 30 charities.

-- BERNAMA

SBC MEDICAL Q4 2025 REVENUE FALLS, NET INCOME SURGES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated (SBC Medical) reported an 11 per cent year-on-year decline in fourth-quarter (Q4) revenue to US$40 million for the three months ended Dec 31, 2025, following restructuring and changes to its franchise model. (US$1=RM4.01)

However, the company’s net income for the quarter rose 117 per cent to US$14 million, reflecting improved profitability despite weaker top-line performance.

In a statement, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Yoshiyuki Aikawa said the results reflect a business in transition, citing restructuring in 2024 and revised franchise fee arrangements implemented in April 2025 as key drivers of the revenue decline.

Earnings per share increased 133 per cent to US$0.14, although earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) declined 35 per cent to US$14 million, with margins narrowing to 34 per cent.

Operational indicators showed resilience, with average revenue per customer recovered to US$316, an 11 per cent increase year-over-year—a meaningful inflection after a period of gradual decline and one that reflects the early impact of its pricing and customer engagement initiatives.

The company ended the year with 283 franchise locations and 6.6 million customers over the past 12 months, both higher than a year earlier.

Looking ahead, SBC Medical plans to expand its dermatology-focused multi-brand strategy, grow its non-aesthetic healthcare segment and strengthen its international footprint.

-- BERNAMA

Abaxx Futures Now Live On TMX Trayport’s Joule Platform

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Abaxx Technologies Inc (Abaxx), a financial software and market infrastructure company, and TMX Trayport announced that Abaxx futures are now available for trading via TMX Trayport’s Joule platform.

According to Abaxx in a statement, TMX Trayport’s Joule platform provides front-end access to Abaxx futures, enabling traders to view markets and execute orders directly within their existing trading environment.

“Abaxx futures support price discovery and risk management. Availability within TMX Trayport’s Joule platform positions those contracts alongside other benchmarks where cross-market risk is actively managed,” said Abaxx Exchange Chief Markets Officer, Shanmei Lim.

Meanwhile, TMX Global Insights (Trayport, Datalinx, VettaFi) Chief Executive Officer, Peter Conroy said the integration expands tools available to customers managing risk.

“At a time of so much volatility and geopolitical uncertainty within energy markets like LNG, providing clients with more ways to manage their exposure alongside the existing venues, demonstrates how Trayport supports customers through the power of aggregation,” added Conroy.

Used by more than 9,800 traders globally across energy, commodities, and environmental markets, Joule integrates Abaxx futures alongside existing gas, power, and environmental contracts, supporting cross-market trading and hedging strategies within a single platform.

Headquartered in London and owned by TMX Group, TMX Trayport is a global software provider for the energy trading market, developing electronic platforms used by traders, brokers, and exchanges to facilitate the buying and selling of commodities.

Abaxx is the majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd, the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing), and the producer of the SmarterMarkets Podcast.

-- BERNAMA

Jumio Completes Malaysian eKYC Assessment with Zero Findings

Jumio Completes Malaysian eKYC Assessment with Zero Findings 

Achievement demonstrates company’s ongoing, global commitment to helping customers meet regulatory compliance requirements
 

SINGAPORE, March 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Jumio, the leading provider of AI-powered identity intelligence anchored in biometric authentication, automation, and data-driven insights, today announced that it has successfully completed the Independent eKYC Breakthrough Assessment required by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) with zero findings.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260324415645/en/

 

BNM has stringent requirements for eKYC vendors across three core pillars:

• ID Verification: Identifying fake and manipulated instances of the MyKad (Malaysian National ID).
• Facial Recognition: Matching user selfies against ID photos.
• Liveness Detection: Ensuring the user is a real person and preventing spoofing/deepfake attempts.

Jumio worked with independent auditor LGMS, a leading cybersecurity and assessment firm in Malaysia with extensive experience conducting the BNM assessment. The final report declares Jumio’s eKYC solution passed 100% of the criteria with zero findings.

Since establishing a presence in Asia Pacific in 2018, Jumio has helped organisations across the region meet stringent identity verification and compliance standards. This latest achievement reflects Jumio’s experience supporting regulated banks and fintechs throughout Asia Pacific and globally.

“Passing the BNM independent assessment with zero findings is a major milestone and a strong validation of our identity verification, facial recognition, and liveness capabilities,” said Ee Khoon Oon, Jumio VP and managing director, APAC. “Banks and fintechs in Malaysia who choose Jumio as their eKYC solution can onboard customers faster, meet or exceed AML expectations, and operate confidently under Malaysia’s evolving digital ID framework.”

To learn more about Jumio’s security certifications and support for regulatory compliance, visit jumio.com.

About Jumio

Jumio helps organizations to know and trust their customers online. From account opening to ongoing monitoring, the Jumio Platform provides AI-powered identity intelligence anchored in biometric authentication, automation and data-driven insights to accurately establish, maintain and reassert trust.

Leveraging powerful automated technology including biometric screening, AI/machine learning, liveness detection and no-code orchestration with hundreds of data sources, Jumio helps to fight fraud and financial crime, onboard customers faster and meet regulatory compliance including KYC and AML. Jumio has processed more than 1 billion transactions spanning over 200 countries and territories from real-time web and mobile transactions.

Based in Sunnyvale, California, Jumio operates globally with offices and representation in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, and has been the recipient of numerous awards for innovation. Jumio is backed by Centana Growth Partners, Great Hill Partners and Millennium Technology Value Partners.

For more information, please visit www.jumio.com.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260324415645/en/ 


Contact 

Media Contact
Luke Nazir
FINN Partners
Luke.Nazir@finnpartners.com
+65 8139 2504 

Source : Jumio 

--BERNAMA 

Clinical Study Provides Evidence for the Use of Arla Foods Ingredients’ Lacprodan® IF-3070 in Infant Formula

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A clinical study published in Nutrients has shown that infant formula containing Arla Foods Ingredients’ Lacprodan® IF-3070 was well tolerated in infants, with growth and development indicators remaining within an appropriate range.1 The findings provide scientific evidence for formula development in early life nutrition.

Lacprodan® IF-3070 is a partially hydrolysed whey protein ingredient specially designed to support gastrointestinal comfort in healthy infants.

The study, which focused on safety and growth outcomes, recruited 251 newborns under 14 days old from six Chinese hospitals. They were randomised to receive either a standard formula based on intact protein, or one containing both intact protein and Lacprodan® IF-3070 (approximately 40%). Breastfed infants were included as a reference.

After six months, the difference in mean daily weight gain between the Lacprodan® IF-3070 group and the breastfed group was found to be only 0.4g per day. The difference between the standard formula group and the breastfed group was 1.1 g per day, indicating that growth trajectories in infants receiving the Lacprodan® IF-3070 formula were closer to those of the breastfed reference group.

In terms of tolerance, there were no significant differences in adverse event incidence (gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting or refusal, respiratory diseases such as coughs, or general disorders such as fevers) between the Lacprodan® IF-3070 group and the breastfed group. By contrast, the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders was significantly higher in the standard formula group than in the breastfed group.

Lotte Neergaard Jacobsen, Chief Scientist, Early Life Nutrition, at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Healthy growth is a key factor in infant formula purchases. At Arla Foods Ingredients, we have decades of experience developing high-quality milk protein hydrolysates for infant formulas, and we are delighted that the first clinical study on Lacprodan® IF-3070 has confirmed that it supports healthy growth.”

Lacprodan® IF-3070 is part of Arla Foods Ingredients’ hydrolysate portfolio and can be used in China and the US. In 2024, the FDA approved the use of whey protein hydrolysates in infant formula.

Full research

1 Shen Q, Jiang H, Mao S, Luo S, Hao Y, Liang W, He T, Jacobsen LN, Sheng N, Yin J, et al. An Infant Formula with Partially Hydrolyzed Whey and Intact Protein Demonstrates Adequate Growth and Safety: A 6-Month Randomized, Triple-Blind, Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2026; 18(5):770.

Photo: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35f801d3-580c-4fd5-af90-384d88666096

Media Contact: Helence Zhang | Email: hz@ispiderpr.com 

SOURCE: Arla Foods Ingredients

--BERNAMA 

PDI Technologies Targets EMEA Retailers With AI Solutions At UNITI Expo 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- PDI Technologies, a global leader enabling smarter operations across the convenience retail and energy sectors, announced its return to UNITI Expo 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany, as a Cooperation Partner.

The company is set to demonstrate its connected ecosystem of solutions, emphasising the role of trusted operational data and practical artificial intelligence (AI) applications in driving smarter business decisions for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) retailers.

In a statement, PDI Technologies executive vice president and general manager, International, Dawn Desai stated that retailers require tools to react faster and operate with greater accuracy.

Desai highlighted that PDI’s advantage stems from the quality of its operational data, which supports proven innovations for customers to act with confidence, whether through automation, enhanced visibility, or AI capabilities.

UNITI expo, Europe’s premier trade fair for the service station and car wash industries, will convene top decision-makers from over 100 countries from May 19 to 21. The event will feature innovations across key areas, including Technology, Payment & Logistics, and Shop & Convenience.

Visitors to Hall 5, Stand 5B21 will observe how PDI assists fuel and convenience retailers in streamlining their operations. The featured solutions include Orbis Web for real-time back and head office visibility, improved logistics control for deliveries and fleets, and enhanced security and point of sale (POS) execution.

The ecosystem also provides tools for increased profitability, including advanced loyalty programmes designed to drive repeat visits and larger basket sizes, and data-driven, AI-supported dynamic pricing strategies.

PDI will further contribute to the event's educational agenda through the UNITI “International Forum”. Its vice president, Fuel Pricing & Logistics, Mark Evans, will lead a session titled “Three Forces Shaping the Future of Global Roadside Retail”.

The presentation will address shifts in the global energy landscape affecting fuel supply and pricing, the integration of AI in operational decision-making, and the evolving expectations surrounding sustainability across the sector.

-- BERNAMA

​1,790 athletes to compete in Sanya Asian Beach Games

2026 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures (Sanya) & A Test Event for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya held in Sanya, Hainan from March 5th to March 8th.

SANYA, China, March 25, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

With 30 days to go until the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, the organizing committee announced on Monday that a total of 1,790 athletes have been confirmed to take part.

According to the organizers, national and regional Olympic committees from 45 countries and regions have signed up for the event. Following qualification reviews, the number of registered athletes stood at 1,790 as of March 20.

The Games will feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events. The women's beach football event has been canceled due to an insufficient number of teams, while all other events will go ahead as planned.

The top five sports by number of participants are beach handball, dragon boat, beach athletics, ju-jitsu and beach volleyball. Beach handball has attracted the largest number of athletes, with 237.

In terms of delegation size, the top five participating teams are Thailand, China, the Philippines, India and Hong Kong, China.

Li Haigang, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, said the overall competition schedule and event timetables have been optimized and will be released soon.

"The detailed timing of events will be clarified to help media and spectators better plan their viewing schedules," he added.

Meanwhile, operational teams at all competition venues have completed multiple rounds of training, tabletop exercises and test events.

"In 30 days, athletes, coaches and officials from across Asia will gather in Sanya to compete amid its blue seas and sandy beaches," Li said. "We will spare no effort in our preparations to provide a high-quality competition environment and deliver splendid Games."

The Games will be held from April 22 to 30.

SOURCE: The 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Organizing Committee

--BERNAMA 

CARTA EXPANDS ASIA NETWORK WITH NEW HONG KONG HUB

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Carta, the world’s first fully interconnected system for private capital, has announced the opening of its Hong Kong office.

The new office anchors a dual-hub network in Asia—alongside the existing Singapore regional headquarters—to modernise Hong Kong’s US$240 billion private markets ecosystem. (US$1=RM3.95)

“For years, we have watched the Hong Kong-Singapore corridor emerge as the primary route for private capital in Asia,” said Carta Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, Bhavik Vashi in a statement.

Vashi added that the Hong Kong hub will meet fund managers where they are, providing the modern infrastructure needed to manage the next generation of Asian capital with confidence.

This expansion establishes a seamless operating corridor for fund managers across Asia’s most dynamic capital centres. While Singapore anchors activity across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, the Hong Kong office is strategically positioned to provide infrastructure for general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs) operating across the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The timing aligns with Hong Kong’s return as a capital hub. As the region’s second-largest private markets hub, Hong Kong’s return to the #1 spot for initial public offering (IPO) activity has generated a significant wave of liquidity, driving strong demand for modern infrastructure across the private capital ecosystem.

The Hong Kong office launches with a team of professionals specialising in sales, marketing, customer experience, and fund administration. The team will provide end-to-end investment lifecycle services, including fund formation, capital calls, and automated waterfall modelling, all tailored to the local market, with support available in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.

This expansion formalises Carta’s long-standing involvement in the city’s institutional ecosystem. Having participated in major industry forums like the HKVCA’s Asia Private Equity Forum (APEF) and the Asia Venture Capital Journal (AVCJ) Private Equity Forum, Carta is transitioning from an ecosystem participant to a permanent local partner for firms in the GBA.

Hong Kong marks Carta’s 15th office worldwide, further cementing its commitment to serving the full spectrum of private capital participants—from emerging managers to established multi-billion dollar platforms—across its network, which also includes Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Sydney.

-- BERNAMA

FOREMAY LAUNCHES RADIATION-HARDENED SPACE-GRADE SSD

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Foremay Inc, a global leader in space-grade and military-grade solid-state drives (SSD), announced the launch of its groundbreaking InterStellar series, a full line of radiation-hardened SSD drives.

This next-generation product is the industry's first NVMe and SATA Rad-Hard SSD engineered for missions from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to deep space exploration.

Engineered for both military and commercial applications, the InterStellar series is designed to deliver unprecedented operational life in the harshest radiation environments, and it has been adopted by leading space-qualified system manufacturers.

“The InterStellar is not just a storage device; it is a digital ark for the next century of space exploration,” said Foremay chief technology officer, Dr Jack Winters in a statement.

He emphasised that the combination of physical interception, chemical neutron capture, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven self-healing provides the space and defence industries with a standard-sized solution that can survive the journey to the stars.

The drive is designed to mitigate the triple threat of Total Ionising Dose (TID), Single Event Effects (SEE), and Internal Electrostatic Discharge (IESD), conditions under which standard industrial SSDs often fail within months of orbital exposure.

Foremay utilises a proprietary Graded-Z shielding architecture, which combines patent-pending and proprietary technologies. This innovation effectively reduces raw 10,000 krad exposure to a manageable 500 krad threshold, ensuring hardware integrity across extreme environments like the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA).

Beyond physical shielding, the InterStellar features Foremay’s Interstellar AI-Driven Block Management (IABM). This AI-at-the-Edge firmware uses machine learning to create a real-time "Radiation Risk Map". By monitoring predictive sensor data and Bit Error Rate (BER), the SSD proactively migrates mission-critical data away from "hot zones" struck by high-energy heavy ions.

The architecture, coupled with Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) and a radiation-hardened controller, maintains Single Event Latch-up immunity (SEL), establishing a level of Single Event Effects (SEE) mitigation previously unavailable in the SSD industry.

-- BERNAMA

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad appoints Soo Wai Har as Chief Executive Officer

Berjaya Sompo welcomes Soo Wai Har as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”) today announced the appointment of Ms Soo Wai Har as new Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), effective 1 April 2026.

Ms Soo succeeds Mr Tan Sek Kee, who is retiring. Mr Tan has been CEO of Berjaya Sompo since 2017 and was instrumental in strengthening Sompo’s Malaysia business over the last nine years. He will remain with Berjaya Sompo until June 2026 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition with Ms Soo.

Ms Soo brings with her more than 30 years of comprehensive industry experience and relationships from global insurance companies. In her new role, Ms Soo will be responsible for driving Berjaya Sompo’s sustainable profitability, scale and capabilities as a key market within Asia Pacific (APAC), while supporting the region’s growth and operational excellence. She will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will report to Kenneth Reilly, CEO, Insurance, APAC.

Mr Reilly said: “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Sek Kee for his years of outstanding leadership and significant contributions to Sompo. We wish him the very best in his retirement. I am also excited to welcome Wai Har to the Malaysia and Asia Pacific leadership teams. With her wealth of experience and technical expertise from both consulting and insurance industry perspectives, I am confident Wai Har will lead the high performing team in Berjaya Sompo to oversee and execute our strategic plans in this key market for our insurance business.”

Ms Soo is a Chartered Accountant from the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

About Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”) is the Malaysian operating entity of the Sompo Holdings, Inc. As one of Malaysia’s leading general insurers, the company employs approximately 570 dedicated professionals and operates through an expanding nationwide network of 15 offices and more than 2,500 agents.

Berjaya Sompo offers a comprehensive portfolio of general insurance solutions for both individuals and corporations, delivering protection backed by global expertise and local market insights.

For more information, connect with us on LinkedIn or via berjayasompo.com.my.

About Sompo

We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 137 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 10,000 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.

“Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

To learn more, please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-intl.com.

SOURCE: Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Daniel Soon
PR and Communications
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad
Tel: +6010 – 279 9775
Email: wjsoon@bsompo.com.my

Name: Rachel Loke
Head of Brand, Marketing & Communications
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad
Tel: +6019 - 2782740
Email: rachel@bsompo.com.my

--BERNAMA

POLYPLASTICS’ DURACON POM POWERS INNOVATIVE CRAWLER TRANSPORT SYSTEM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Polyplastics Co Ltd announced its DURACON polyoxymethylene (POM) resin has been selected for use in a unique crawler track transport system developed by Tokyo-based CuboRex Co Ltd, a supplier of innovative mobility solutions.

The unique transport system, which significantly improves work efficiency at factory and construction sites compared to conventional caster-equipped carts, includes a structural crawler covering made of DURACON POM.

In a statement, Polyplastics said the material was chosen for its high load-bearing capacity, excellent friction properties, durability, and reliability in harsh field conditions.

CuboRex’s trolley crawlers can be installed on existing trolleys, reducing ground pressure, friction, and the force needed for operation, enabling smooth travel over uneven terrain and steps.

Improved turning performance and better coordination with tow trucks and automated guided vehicles reduce operator strain and operational delays.

As demand for material handling is growing, the introduction of crawlers for carts eliminates the need to purchase new dedicated transport carts, enabling a dramatic improvement in operational efficiency while utilising existing equipment.

The solution leverages existing equipment to boost efficiency, enhance safety, and lower costs, with potential applications across logistics, manufacturing, and construction markets worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

SBC MEDICAL LAUNCHES WELLNESS PLATFORM TARGETING LONGEVITY MARKET

​
SBC Medical Announces Next-Generation Wellness Strategy “SBC Wellness 2.0”

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated (SBC Medical) has launched “SBC Wellness 2.0”, a new wellness and longevity platform that integrates aesthetic healthcare, preventive care, and data-driven health management.

“Through aesthetic healthcare, we have helped many people build confidence in their appearance. What we have come to realise is that those who seek a youthful look are equally attuned to the signs of internal physical decline. SBC Wellness 2.0 was born from this insight.

“We are confident that only SBC Medical can deliver a standard of care that allows individuals to pursue ‘their best-ever self’, across both appearance and physical function. We will first become the game changer in Japan’s domestic longevity market and then set our sights on the world,” said its chief executive officer, Yoshiyuki Aikawa.

The initiative positions the company to tap into the rapidly growing global longevity market, projected to reach approximately US$800 billion in 2025 and expand to about US$2 trillion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 10 per cent from 2026 to 2035. (US$1=RM3.95)

According to SBC Medical in a statement, the strategy builds on its core presence in Japan’s US$4 billion aesthetic healthcare market while leveraging its extensive clinic network and customer base to develop recurring revenue streams and a differentiated, data-driven platform.

SBC Wellness 2.0 focuses on prevention, physical performance, and overall health span rather than disease treatment. It uses blood biomarkers, imaging, and artificial intelligence tools to assess individual health conditions and recommend personalised programmes that may include medical procedures, supplements, and lifestyle interventions.

By integrating “youthful appearance” and “physical optimisation”, SBC Medical establishes a new “performance medicine” category that goes beyond non-medical approaches such as fitness and general supplements.

SBC Medical plans to commercialise Wellness 2.0 through a mix of bundled programmes sold to corporations as employee‑wellness benefits and higher‑value, self‑pay medical and aesthetic healthcare services sold directly to customers.

-- BERNAMA

SWITZERLAND TOPS HENLEY OPPORTUNITY INDEX 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Switzerland has been ranked the top destination in the newly released Henley Opportunity Index 2026, which evaluates how access to leading economies amplifies the long-term value of a top-tier education.

The index, published as part of the Henley Education Report 2026, measures jurisdictions based on earning potential, career prospects, education quality, economic mobility, and liveability, according to a statement.

Henley & Partners Group Head of Private Clients, Dominic Volek said the index identifies where “academic credentials and ambition translate most effectively into sustained career success and long-term economic advantage”.

Switzerland leads the 2026 ranking with a score of 86 out of 100, supported by its stable economy, world-class education system, and strong professional ecosystems in cities such as Zurich and Geneva.

Singapore ranks second with a score of 81, benefiting from its role as a global hub for trade, finance, and innovation, followed by Australia in third place with 80, driven by strong universities and high quality of life.

The United Kingdom and United States share fourth place with scores of 79, reflecting their concentration of top universities and global financial centres, while Canada ranks fifth with 78 due to its international labour market and respected education system.

Other jurisdictions in the top 15 include Austria, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, and Greece, each offering varying combinations of economic opportunity, mobility, and quality of life.

It ranks countries where residence or citizenship pathways—through investment or merit—enable graduates to convert academic credentials into sustained career success.

The report underscores that while degrees from leading institutions remain valuable, long-term outcomes depend heavily on graduates’ ability to live and work in top economies, positioning residence and citizenship planning as a strategic factor in education and career decisions.

-- BERNAMA

​Denodo Joins Snowflake and Industry Leaders to Advance Data and AI Interoperability through the Open Semantic Interchange

 

The Open Semantic Interchange creates an open, vendor-neutral framework for exchanging business meaning and semantics across data and AI platforms

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denodo, a global leader in data management, powering trustworthy AI agents and applications, today announced that it is joining the Open Semantic Interchange (OSI), an open source initiative that creates a universal specification for all companies to standardize their fragmented data definitions with an open, vendor-neutral semantic model specification. OSI aims to enhance interoperability across various tools and platforms, offering enterprises a vendor-neutral specification that provides consistent metrics and definitions across dashboards, notebooks, and machine learning models.

OSI is an open source initiative led by Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, and ecosystem partners across multiple domains and industries, including business intelligence (BI), data governance, data engineering, AI, financial services, and manufacturing. Its goal is to create a common, vendor-agnostic specification that defines semantic metadata in a standard, open format. By facilitating seamless semantic metadata exchange, the initiative will accelerate the adoption of AI and BI tools to streamline operations and reduce complexity. This, in turn, enables organizations to unify their data definitions, leading to more comprehensive, accurate data analysis and data product sharing to fuel AI innovation.

“A universal, vendor-neutral semantic standard is critical for enterprises to accelerate innovation and unlock greater business value from AI and analytics,” said Kijoon Lee, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Denodo. “We’re excited to join the Open Semantic Interchange and collaborate with Snowflake and other industry leaders to define the next-generation semantic standard. Through OSI, Denodo will enable interoperability between our semantic layer—which delivers trusted business context and live access to operational data across hybrid, multi-cloud, and sovereign environments—and other semantic technologies, helping customers drive measurable business outcomes.”

As a member of OSI, Denodo is helping to build a transparent and community-driven standard for semantic model sharing, ensuring that business metrics and definitions remain consistent and interoperable.

“Unlocking the full potential of data and AI requires a common foundation, and the Open Semantic Interchange is the critical step in building that bedrock,” said Josh Klahr, Director of Analytics Product Management at Snowflake. “Our collaboration with partners like Denodo establishes a unified, vendor-neutral standard for semantic data, ensuring clarity and consistency across the entire ecosystem. This initiative is essential for simplifying data operations, fostering innovation, and preparing organizations to build the next generation of AI applications.” 

OSI is poised to revolutionize interoperability within the data and AI ecosystem by providing a transparent, community-driven standard. This collaborative effort simplifies data operations, unlocks new possibilities for innovation, and gives organizations the flexibility and efficiency they need to build a future-ready data infrastructure. 

To learn more about the Open Semantic Interchange visit Snowflake’s blog here. 

About Denodo 
Denodo is a global leader in data management, enabling trustworthy agentic AI, applications, and analytics at scale. The Denodo Platform, an award-winning logical data management solution, provides a governed, AI-ready semantic layer with live access to operational and analytical data across on-premises, multi-cloud, and sovereign environments. As a Snowflake Premier partner, Denodo integrates with the Snowflake AI Data Cloud to help organizations leverage their full data estate to power modern AI and analytics. For more information, visit denodo.com. 

Media Contacts
pr@denodo.com 

SOURCE: Denodo Technologies Inc. (“Denodo”)

CGTN: XIONGAN EMERGES AS MODEL FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- China Global Television Network Corporation (CGTN) has published an article on the transformation of Xiongan New Area into a modern urban model, driven by the orderly relocation of Beijing’s non-capital functions and supported by large-scale investment and policy integration.

The article highlights how human-centric planning has reshaped daily life, with residents benefiting from a "15-minute life circle" that integrates healthcare, education, retail, and recreation. Infrastructure upgrades, including the restoration of waterways and community services, underscore efforts to create a liveable urban environment.

Momentum for development was reinforced by a recent visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who called for Xiongan to evolve into a national innovation hub and a model for high-quality growth, according to CGTN in a statement.

Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Xiongan recorded cumulative investment exceeding one trillion Chinese yuan (US$145.5 billion), alongside average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 17.1 per cent. The area has developed nearly 215 square kilometres and constructed more than 5,300 buildings, reflecting rapid urbanisation. (US$1=RM3.94)

Relocation remains central to its strategy, with major state-backed enterprises, including China Huaneng Group, successfully transitioning operations to the area. Policy frameworks ensure relocated entities and personnel maintain comparable living standards and access to public services.

Social infrastructure has also advanced, exemplified by the Xiongan campus of Beijing No. 4 High School, part of a broader initiative to replicate Beijing’s education and healthcare standards in the new area.

Looking ahead, Xiongan is accelerating innovation-driven growth through initiatives such as the Zhongguancun Science Park, development of data models, and expansion of cross-sector digital infrastructure. These efforts aim to cultivate “new quality productive forces” and strengthen the region’s role within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic cluster.

According to CGTN, Xiongan’s integrated approach—combining policy support, technological innovation, and liveability—positions it as a demonstration zone for balanced, high-quality development under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

-- BERNAMA

STRAY KIDS PREMIERE BIORÉ UV GLOBAL ANTHEM FILM

"YOUR ONE AND ONLY. Biore Global Brand Event" Held in Seongsu, South Korea

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Kao Corporation’s sunscreen brand, Bioré UV, hosted its “YOUR ONE AND ONLY. Bioré Global Brand Event”, unveiling its global campaign “SUNLIGHT IS YOUR SPOTLIGHT.” with a first-ever anthem film premiere featuring Stray Kids.

The event marked the global debut of the anthem film for “Endless Sun”, a track written, composed, and produced by Stray Kids. All eight members appeared on stage, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and engaging with fans during a live talk session.

The campaign underscores Bioré UV’s strategy to position sunlight as a source of empowerment while reinforcing its core value of high ultraviolet (UV) protection with everyday comfort. As part of its global expansion, Kao highlighted South Korea as a key strategic market, announcing a full-scale market entry for the brand.

Kao Vice President of the Skincare (Bioré) Business Division, Emi Kobayashi in a statement said South Korea represents a critical hub in the company’s global strategy, citing its advanced and competitive skincare market as a key growth driver.

The event also featured appearances by Natsuki Deguchi, the actress featured in Bioré UV’s Japanese commercials, who demonstrated the newly launched Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence in South Korea, highlighting its lightweight texture and finish.

During the anthem film segment, Stray Kids shared production anecdotes, including filming in Australia and creative elements behind key scenes. Members also discussed the message behind “Endless Sun”, describing sunlight as a “spotlight” symbolising confidence and individuality.

Interactive demonstrations using UV imaging showcased the effectiveness of Bioré UV products, while members engaged in light-hearted activities on stage, further energising the audience.

Closing the event, the group expressed appreciation to fans and reiterated the campaign’s message of confidence and self-expression, encouraging audiences to “shine under the sun” alongside Bioré UV.

-- BERNAMA

Cummins Unveils K50 Marine Engine For Asia Pacific Market

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Cummins Asia Pacific announced it will showcase its new K50 marine engine at the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026 exhibition, underscoring its focus on delivering power solutions engineered for the operating conditions and customer needs across the region.

The K50 engine is designed and optimised to help commercial marine customers across Asia Pacific meet real-world duty cycles and environmental conditions. The platform is configured with options aligned to regional operating profiles, emphasising proven technology and serviceability.

Cummins director of engines, Asia Pacific, Tim Worme noted that the strategy is to engineer solutions for the specific markets served without compromising the global Cummins standards our customers expect.

“Marine operators in Asia Pacific face unique environmental and commercial pressures, from high humidity and heat to demanding duty cycles and tight project timelines,” he said in a statement.

The engineering and validation of the K50 adhere to Cummins global standards for durability, performance, and reliability in demanding marine environments.

The engine on display at APM 2026 is one of 12 units recently ordered by a local customer, reflecting strong regional demand and the product’s transition from availability to in-service deployment.

As marine continues to be a growth sector globally and across the Asia Pacific, Cummins provides scalable solutions for both propulsion and auxiliary power.

Customers gain access to the confidence of the Cummins brand, including factory warranty coverage, genuine parts, and support from a global service network exceeding 7,200 locations. Additionally, regional manufacturing and streamlined supply chains allow Cummins to offer competitive lead times, helping customers reduce project delays.

Through its Destination Zero strategy and investment in fuel-agnostic platforms, Cummins aims to support customers as they navigate the industry's energy transition.

The K50 will be displayed at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore for APM 2026 from March 25 to 27.

-- BERNAMA

CLOUDERA EVOLVE26: AI INNOVATION MEETS DATA ANYWHERE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Cloudera, a leader in delivering AI to data anywhere, announced the registration opening for its annual global data and artificial intelligence (AI) conference, EVOLVE26.

The event will showcase practical strategies for enterprises to unlock AI innovation and achieve real-world business impact by ensuring access to data across hybrid cloud environments, according to Cloudera in a statement.

Cloudera chief executive officer, Charles Sansbury highlighted the strategic importance of the event, stating that AI is only as powerful as the data strategy behind it and noting EVOLVE26 is focused on helping enterprises move from experimentation to real results, unlocking the value of AI, no matter where the data lives, without compromise.

EVOLVE26 will convene industry visionaries, customers, and partners in four global technology hubs: Singapore on Aug 20, Sao Paulo on Sept 10, New York on Oct 14, and Dubai on Nov 5.

The conference will focus on leveraging AI with a consistent cloud experience that enables organisations to run applications across public clouds, on-prem data centres, and the edge.

Core discussions will address critical business objectives, including reducing risk, strengthening security and governance, controlling costs, and driving measurable outcomes, particularly for regulated industries.

Attendees can expect actionable insights through visionary keynotes, hands-on labs, and exclusive "Meet the Experts" sessions. Breakout sessions are structured around three core themes: Operationalising AI Across Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments; Building Enterprise Expertise and Ecosystem Advantage; and Designing High-Performance Data Strategies for Measurable Impact.

The event will also feature an expo zone showcasing groundbreaking solutions for scalable and secure data management. Cloudera will announce the winners of its Data Impact Awards, which recognise outstanding data-driven projects that have delivered significant business impact globally.

-- BERNAMA

Update of North Atlantic Energies’ 2026 financial calendar – Timetable of the simplified tender offer on North Atlantic Energies shares

Nanterre, March 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  NORTH ATLANTIC ENERGIES 

Nanterre, March 19, 2026 – North Atlantic Energies indicates today that the publication of its 2025 annual results has been postponed to April 22, 2026. This decision is due to the additional time required for year-end closing work after the implementation of new accounting and reporting systems since November 28, 2025.

The updated financial calendar is available on the website of North Atlantic Energies:

• Publication of the 2025 annual results: April 22, 2026
• Publication of the annual financial report: April 29, 2026
• Shareholders’ annual general meeting: June 24, 2026

North Atlantic France has taken note of this information and reminds that, in accordance with the press release issued on January 30, 2026, the simplified tender offer for the remaining North Atlantic Energies shares not already held by North Atlantic France (the “Offer”), will be filed with the Autorité des marchés financiers (the “AMF”) after the publication of North Atlantic Energies’ 2025 annual results and once the independent expert's work has been finalised. The filing is therefore expected to take place during the second quarter of 2026. The offer documentation will be submitted to the AMF for review, and the Offer will only open once the AMF has issued its compliance decision.

It is recalled that North Atlantic France announced on November 28, 2025 (i) the acquisition from ExxonMobil France Holding SAS (“ExxonMobil”) of ExxonMobil’s entire stake in North Atlantic Energies, representing 82.89% of North Atlantic Energies’ share capital and voting rights and (ii) that it would file the Offer at a price of €28.93 per share with the intention to request the implementation following the Offer of a squeeze-out procedure if the required conditions are met. It is also recalled that the board of directors of North Atlantic Energies has appointed Ledouble SAS, represented by Ms. Agnès Piniot and Mr. Romain Delafont, as an independent expert to issue a fairness opinion on the financial terms of the Offer.

MEDIA CONTACTS NORTH ATLANTIC FRANCE

France: Brunswick Group – northatlantic@brunswickgroup.com
Hugues Boëton: +33 6 79 99 27 15
Paul Priam: +33 6 84 39 09 89

Canada: Mark Duggan – markduggan@northatlantic.ca
+1-709-687-3136

NORTH ATLANTIC ENERGIES CONTACTS

INVESTORS RELATIONSHIP CONTACT Gildas Guillosseau gildas.guillosseau@northatlantic.fr   +33 1 70 48 73 40

MEDIA CONTACT Catherine Brun catherine.brun@northatlantic.fr   +33 1 70 48 72 81

All information for shareholders is available in the section Actionnaires North Atlantic Energies - Northatlantic   

ABOUT NORTH ATLANTIC

For nearly four decades, North Atlantic has been a market leader in the retail gas and convenience sector, as well as the residential, commercial, and wholesale fuel industries in Newfoundland and Labrador. Recently, through a joint venture with Suncor Energy, North Atlantic expanded its retail division into Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, through North Sun Energy. As managing partner, North Atlantic operates 110 fuel retail sites across all three provinces. North Atlantic has ambitious plans for future growth and development in strategic locations across the region.

Known for its expertise in acquiring and delivering exceptional products, North Atlantic caters to both domestic and industrial sectors while also serving global clients through their marine bunkering distribution channels.

North Atlantic is committed to strategic growth to deliver innovative and green energy solutions aligned with evolving global needs. By driving industry progress, North Atlantic is supporting new skills and new jobs for this dynamic landscape. North Atlantic remains committed to providing exceptional energy, fuel and convenience retail initiatives that enhance customer experience while fostering economic growth in the communities they serve in Canada and beyond.

ABOUT NORTH ATLANTIC ENERGIES

North Atlantic Energies is a key player in France’s energy landscape, supporting the country’s security of supply while contributing to the ongoing transformation of the sector.

Representing 20% of France’s refining capacity, the company plays a vital role in the economy and in its regions.

North Atlantic Energies supplies the products essential to modern life and places its customers at the center of its priorities.

MEDIA CONTACTS NORTH ATLANTIC FRANCE

France: Brunswick Group – northatlantic@brunswickgroup.com
Hugues Boëton: +33 6 79 99 27 15
Paul Priam: +33 6 84 39 09 89

Canada: Mark Duggan – markduggan@northatlantic.ca
+1-709-687-3136

NORTH ATLANTIC ENERGIES CONTACTS

INVESTORS RELATIONSHIP CONTACT

Gildas Guillosseau gildas.guillosseau@northatlantic.fr 

+33 1 70 48 73 40 

MEDIA CONTACT

Catherine Brun catherine.brun@northatlantic.fr  

+33 1 70 48 72 81  

SOURCE: North Atlantic

--BERNAMA 

Akur8 Acquires Slope Software, Enters L&A Market

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Akur8, the global actuarial artificial intelligence (AI) platform, has entered the life and annuity (L&A) insurance market with the acquisition of Slope Software, expanding its capabilities beyond property and casualty (P&C) offerings.

The transaction marks a strategic milestone for Akur8 as it broadens its product suite to serve actuaries cross multiple insurance lines with advanced AI-driven tools.

Akur8 Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Falmagne said Slope Software’s platform aligns closely with Akur8’s vision of equipping actuaries with modern, intuitive solutions.

“Bringing SLOPE into the Akur8 family expands our reach into life insurance, and together we will accelerate innovation and deliver even greater value to actuaries worldwide,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Slope Software Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Andy Smith said the combined resources would enable the delivery of a best-in-class actuarial platform, strengthening Akur8’s position in the market.

Built for total transparency and auditability, SLOPE is a cloud-native, fully hosted cash-flow modelling solution designed to support projections across the policy lifecycle, including pricing, valuation and forecasting.

The combined offering is expected to provide a unified solution for multi-line insurers, providing a one-stop solution that supports both P&C and L&A actuarial needs.

Following the acquisition, SLOPE will be integrated as Akur8 Life and will benefit from Akur8’s research and development capabilities to accelerate innovation and product development.

-- BERNAMA

ROYAL MOROCCAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION ACKNOWLEDGES CAF APPEALS RULING, CLARIFIES APPEAL POSITION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has formally acknowledged the decision rendered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee.

In a statement, the federation stressed that its initial appeal was strictly intended to ensure the proper enforcement of competition regulations, emphasising it was never aimed at contesting the sporting merit or performance of the teams involved in the tournament.

The FRMF reaffirms its commitment to respecting the regulations, ensuring the clarity of the competitive framework and maintaining the stability of African football competitions.

The federation also commended all participating nations in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which served as a significant moment for African football.

The FRMF announced plans to issue a more comprehensive official statement in the coming days following a scheduled meeting of its governing bodies.

-- BERNAMA

Accountancy Talent Pipeline Strengthens as Profession Evolves to Meet Digital and Sustainability Demands, says Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

MIA Logo

 KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- As businesses accelerate their digital transformation and momentum towards sustainable practices, the role of accountants is rapidly expanding beyond traditional boundaries—driving a renewed demand for future-ready talent in Malaysia.

“The accountancy profession has always been agile in adapting to remain resilient and future-ready,” said MIA President Puan Saniza Said. “At the same time, we continue to uphold ethics, financial acumen and professional judgement—the enduring foundations of the profession.”

As the regulator and developer of the profession in Malaysia, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) works strategically to strengthen the capacity and capabilities of accountancy talent.

“A key priority is to clearly communicate the profession’s value proposition to attract and retain talent, while ensuring professionals remain relevant to market needs. “Building a strong talent pipeline is also critical to addressing concerns over the supply of accountancy professionals required to meet market demand,” said MIA Chief Executive Officer G. Shanmugam.

This focus is consistent with broader global trends. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is highlighting the evolving role of professional accountants in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability reporting and assurance. At the regional level, the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) has similarly underscored the need to strengthen the accountancy talent pipeline to support sustainable economic growth.

Strengthening the profession’s appeal requires a coordinated, end-to-end approach across the talent development pipeline—from early education to professional qualification and career progression

A key focus is engaging students early at both school and university levels through initiatives such as career talks, student conferences and accounting competitions. This includes preparing them for a workplace shaped by digital transformation, where skills in analytics and artificial intelligence support informed decision-making across organisations. It also involves building capabilities in sustainability, particularly in areas such as reporting and assurance, which are critical to maintaining trust in an increasingly climate-conscious environment.

In this regard, MIA advocates for curriculum enhancements aligned with industry needs and supports academicians through initiatives such as Train the Trainer programmes in digital transformation and sustainability.

The Chartered Accountant (C.A.(M)) designation remains a hallmark of professionalism, reflecting MIA’s commitment to developing competent, ethical and globally recognised accountancy professionals. From 2023 to 2025, MIA has recorded an average annual membership growth of approximately 2.6%. Total membership currently stands at close to 42,000, reflecting sustained growth momentum.

Addressing retention, Puan Saniza highlighted that the versatility of an accountancy qualification equips professionals for diverse roles across the economy, both locally and internationally.

“Today, accountants have opportunities beyond traditional roles in audit, public practice and finance. Many are moving into C-suite positions, fintech and emerging areas such as sustainability, including climate measurement, reporting and assurance, carbon taxation and green finance—areas that align well with their core competencies”, she said.

To address capacity constraints in audit and finance functions, MIA also advocates for organisations to adopt digital solutions and automate routine processes across finance, accounting and treasury.

“This enables accountants to focus on higher-value work requiring professional judgement, data interpretation and risk management, strengthening decision-making, value creation and trust,” concluded G. Shanmugam."

For more information, please visit www.mia.org.my

About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulate, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the profession in Malaysia. MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Working closely alongside businesses, MIA connects its membership to a wide range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are close to 42,000 members making their strides in businesses across all industries in Malaysia and around the world.

MIA’s international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organisations such as the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA). For more information on MIA, visit www.mia.org.my

SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIA STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & BRANDING
E-mail: communications@mia.org.my

Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN
Tel: +6012 248 9534

Name: MOHD FAIZ OTHMAN
Tel: +6012 622 5027

--BERNAMA

MENLO LAUNCHES FIRST BROWSER SECURITY PLATFORM FOR AI AGENT-DRIVEN ENTERPRISES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Menlo Security, the leader in human and agentic Browser Security, has unveiled the first Browser Security Platform purpose-built to secure the agentic enterprise, where autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agents will outnumber human employees and the browser has become the operating system for both.

Menlo in a statement said the platform provides the first unified control plane that applies machine-speed governance and threat prevention to both human and AI actors, deployed globally on Menlo’s elastic cloud infrastructure.

“By moving protection directly into the browser session, we are enabling organisations to deploy AI agents that work at a scale and speed impossible for humans without opening the door to catastrophic prompt injection or data exfiltration.

“Without this protection, a single compromised AI agent can move laterally across enterprise systems, exfiltrate data, or execute fraudulent transactions at machine speed, with no human in the loop,” said Menlo Security Chief Executive Officer, Bill Robbins.

This launch follows a record fiscal year for Menlo, which surpassed US$140 million in annual recurring revenue with net retention exceeding 120 per cent, alongside a strategic partnership with Google to provide least-privileged remote access to desktop applications and data via the browser for both humans and AI agents. (US$1=RM3.93)

The Menlo Browser Security Platform provides Menlo AI Agent Security that enforces instruction-data separation to ensure agents never mistake malicious data for legitimate commands and are unable to exfiltrate sensitive data.

It also facilitates secure access to applications and data, sanitising inputs so agents can safely replicate human workflows. With least-privileged agent governance, the platform enforces granular controls to prevent autonomous agents from moving laterally or accessing unauthorised data.

By embedding security directly into the browser session, it creates “Architectural Immunity”, neutralising evasive threats before they reach AI agents or human endpoints and providing a unified trust layer for the enterprise.

-- BERNAMA