Tuesday, December 2, 2025

SINTX Technologies Signs Supply Agreement with EVONIK to Manufacture Silicon Nitride–PEEK Compound for AI-Assisted, 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Implants


Milestone enables immediate production of SiN/PEEK custom devices


SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT) (“SINTX” or the “Company”), an advanced ceramics and biomaterials company, today announced that it has signed a supply agreement with Evonik Corporation (“EVONIK”), a global leader in high‑performance polymers, to manufacture the Company’s proprietary silicon nitride–PEEK compound (SiN/PEEK) (U.S. Patent No. 10,806,831) engineered for AI‑assisted additive manufacturing of patient‑specific implants that will be produced using equipment already in place at SINTX’s U.S.-based production facility.

Under the agreement, EVONIK will produce SiN/PEEK compound leveraging its commercial-scale capability to SINTX’s specifications, enabling the Company to immediately begin manufacturing AI‑designed, 3D‑printed, patient‑specific implants. SINTX has already received physician requests to provide humanitarian‑use vertebral body replacement (VBR) implants for orthopedic and neurosurgical oncology patients following tumor resections in the spine. In addition, the Company intends to use the SiN/PEEK compound to support regulatory clearances of patient matched and traditional subtractive manufactured implantable devices.

Eric K. Olson, Chairman, President & CEO of SINTX, said, “This agreement with EVONIK is another pivotal moment for SINTX and for the field of patient‑specific implants. By combining EVONIK’s industrial‑scale PEEK polymer manufacturing expertise with SINTX’s silicon nitride biomaterial manufacturing capabilities, we can deliver next‑generation implants that address critical needs in trauma, spine, oncology, and beyond. We believe SiN/PEEK offers compelling advantages over standard PEEK, including antipathogenic surface characteristics, osteogenic potential, and improved visualization—features that matter in complex, high‑risk procedures.”

Marc Knebel, head of EVONIK’s Medical Devices & Systems market segment, said, “We are excited to support SINTX in bringing a high‑performance SiN/PEEK composite filament to market for additive and subtractive manufacturing of regulated medical devices. This is another example of enabling innovation that EVONIK has delivered to improve medical outcomes. Our collaboration is designed to provide consistent quality, supply reliability, and scalability—foundational elements for our continued broader collaboration and data generation to support future medical device market work.”

Why SiN/PEEK for Patient-Specific Implants

SINTX’s silicon nitride has been studied for its antipathogenic behavior and osteogenic properties, while PEEK composites are valued for radiolucency and mechanical tunability. The SiN/PEEK combination aims to deliver:
  • Antipathogenic surface behavior to help reduce microbial adherence on implant surfaces.
  • Osteogenic support to promote bone on-growth and integration.
  • Improved visualization vs. standard PEEK for intra-operative and post-operative imaging.
  • Design freedom via AI-assisted, additive manufacturing for patient-specific geometries.
  • Scalable, consistent filament to support high-mix, low-volume production typical of patient-specific workflows.
     
With today’s supply agreement, the parties envision making SiN/PEEK compound available to other qualified manufacturers for complex implant indications where silicon nitride’s attributes may add clinical and economic value.

SINTX’s near‑term humanitarian efforts are focused on trauma and oncology indications for post‑tumor resection cases, where surgeons face challenging anatomy and infection risk, and where patient‑specific designs may facilitate better fit, fixation and overall clinical outcomes, stated Dr. Ryan Bock, SINTX Chief Technology Officer. “We’re responding to real‑world surgeon requests in oncology‑related care. Our immediate focus is on humanitarian‑use cases while we build the quality systems, regulatory files, and production capacity to expand into additional indications through appropriate FDA pathways.”

For more information on SINTX Technologies or its materials platform, visit www.sintx.com.

About EVONIK

EVONIK Business High Performance Polymers, including its affiliate Evonik Operations GmbH, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals companies and active in over 100 countries. EVONIK has more than 30 major production sites in the U.S. and Canada, as well as numerous offices, labs, warehouses and distribution centers, employing about 5,000 people in North America. In 2024, the North America region generated 24% of global sales, amounting to €3.7 billion. EVONIK goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers.

About SINTX

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT) is an advanced ceramics company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes silicon nitride biomaterials, composites, devices, and related technologies for medical and other high-value applications. With thousands of medical devices implanted since 2008 and nearly two decades of peer-reviewed research, SINTX has established itself as a leader in high-performance biomaterials that enhance clinical outcomes and patient safety. Supported by a strong patent portfolio, U.S.-based manufacturing, and strategic industry partnerships, the company continues to expand its technology platform through innovation and market diversification, including the recently FDA-cleared SINAPTIC® Foot & Ankle Implant System for reconstructive surgery.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the Company’s ability to manufacture SiN/PEEK composite materials and patient-specific implants; the timing, scope, and expected benefits of the Company’s supply agreement with Evonik; anticipated product performance attributes of the SiN/PEEK compound and related additive-manufacturing workflows; the Company’s plans to pursue regulatory clearances for patient-specific and traditionally manufactured implantable devices; expectations regarding humanitarian-use vertebral body replacement implants; the potential availability of SiN/PEEK materials to additional manufacturers; the projected clinical, operational, or economic advantages of SiN/PEEK compared with standard PEEK; and the Company’s expectations concerning quality-system development, production scale-up, broader market opportunities, and future indications. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and are often identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” and similar expressions. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including risks related to manufacturing readiness, quality-system development, supply-chain reliability, EVONIK’s third-party performance, regulatory requirements and the timing or outcome of FDA submissions, clinical adoption of patient-specific implants, surgeon training and utilization, competitive technologies, intellectual-property protection, market acceptance, pricing and reimbursement dynamics, and macroeconomic or industry-specific conditions. Statements regarding potential antipathogenic or osteogenic attributes of silicon nitride refer to general material-level research and do not imply regulatory clearance or clinical benefit for any specific device or indication. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in SINTX’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, available at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and SINTX undertakes no obligation to update them, except as required by law.

SINTX Contacts:

Jack Perkins or Maria Hocut
KCSA Strategic Communications
Sintx@kcsa.com

SINTX Technologies, Inc.
801.839.3502
IR@sintx.com 


SOURCE: SiNtx Technologies, Inc.

Monday, December 1, 2025

ATPI Singapore conferred prestigious Global Travel Management Company of the Year award

Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director, ATPI - Asia Pacific (far right) and Kelly Jones, Managing Director, ATPI - Southeast Asia & China (far left), receiving the award for Global Travel Management Company of the Year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards in Singapore


Company recognised for commitment to excellence and innovative, industry-leading solutions and services

SINGAPORE, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- ATPI Singapore has been recognised as the Global Travel Management Company of the Year at the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Asia 2025. The acknowledgment underlines the company’s commitment to travel management excellence and its industry-leading solutions and service levels that address industry-specific challenges and requirements.

ATPI Singapore took home top honours in a category that awards the travel management company offering seamless, scalable travel solutions for multinational corporations and global enterprises. The award winner provides integrated travel services across multiple regions and manages intricate travel needs while ensuring cost efficiency, security and an outstanding experience for business travellers worldwide.

The inaugural TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Asia 2025 programme acknowledges the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry and spotlights key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences. It honours industry leaders who push boundaries through groundbreaking technologies, sustainable practices and unparalleled service.

The win reinforces ATPI’s standing as a long-time global leader in corporate and specialist travel management. The company was acquired by Direct Travel in September 2025, creating a powerhouse that combines worldwide strength with personal service and bringing unmatched expertise and a client-first culture across 100 countries that drive over USD 6 billion in annual travel volume.

“This award reflects our continuous commitment to delivering leading-class travel management services with a deep emphasis on innovation, personalised services and an unerring adaptability to evolving industry trends,” said Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director, ATPI Asia. “We focus on excellence at every touchpoint via award-winning account management that builds lasting partnerships, industry-leading solutions and service levels and unmatched content provisions that empower smarter decision-making.”

Accomplishments that redefine business travel
ATPI specialises in delivering innovative, highly bespoke solutions across various industries, including corporate, marine, energy, sports, group travel and event management. Its service philosophy of “big enough to matter, small enough to care” sets new benchmarks in consistency and service.

The company’s Net Promoter Score of 53.67, exceptional SLA response times within 90 minutes for email requests and a 14-second average phone pick-up outperform the industry standard. These components are supported by a high staff retention of 98%, which preserves long-standing expertise.

Innovation at ATPI is not an add-on but a strategic backbone, designed to reimagine how global enterprises manage travel at scale. These purpose-built solutions, utilising technology that is integrated, intuitive and aligned to how organisations operate, address the most persistent pain points in business travel - complexity, risk management, sustainability and user adoption.

These include Avenir: Travel Edition, the industry’s first truly open, all-in-one SaaS booking platform transforming global travel management from the ground up. The platform’s impact has been recognised across the industry, landing it on Business Travel Magazine’s 2025 Tech Hotlist, standing out among 15 recipients as a travel tech innovation genuinely shaking up the sector.

Other specialised proprietary platform ecosystems include ATPI TravelHub, a single global gateway to unify all aspects of travel management; CrewHub and CrewLink for seamless, end-to-end crew travel management; and ATPI Traveller Tracking System, which anticipates disruptions before they escalate by overlaying location data with geopolitical, weather and transport intelligence.

The industry’s most accurate travel carbon calculator, ATPI Halo, meanwhile, keeps sustainability front and centre by using actual flight data rather than carbon impact estimates at the point of booking to allow for more responsible choices before tickets are purchased.

ATPI’s philosophy towards innovation is proactive rather than reactive, where challenges are anticipated, disruptions prevented and strategic priorities embedded into everyday travel. This combination of technology, responsibility and traveller wellbeing is where the company sets industry milestones.

During regional unrest in Asia, for instance, their Traveller Tracking System proactively identified at-risk travellers, rerouted them and informed client teams before the crisis escalated, turning what could have been a major disruption into a minor itinerary adjustment.

The Global Travel Management Company of the Year award is a testament to ATPI Singapore’s ability to manage global programmes while emphasising the individuals behind every booking. This deep-seated commitment to operational excellence, customer experience and traveller wellbeing enables the company to provide global services with seamless consistency across borders and deliver the responsiveness and local knowledge that complex operations demand.

For image, please click here

About ATPI
ATPI is a global leader in travel and event management, renowned for delivering innovative and highly tailored solutions across various industries including corporate, marine, mining, energy, sports, and group travel as well as event management services. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Manchester, UK, ATPI employs approximately 2,500 people and has an operations network that spans across 100+ locations on six continents. Their robust global footprint, combined with deep local expertise, allows them to meet the unique and complex needs of a diverse clientele.
In September 2025, ATPI was acquired by longstanding partner Direct Travel to create a global Travel Management powerhouse.

About Direct Travel, Inc.
Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, groundbreaking solutions to every client and traveller. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service, and expert insights to drive tangible value and meaningful savings—offering solutions across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, and Meetings & Events.

Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travellers and simplifies programme management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology: an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.
For more information, visit www.dt.com.

SOURCE: ATPI

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
PR Agency: Ab & Artho
Name: Cindy Yoong
Email: cindy.yoong@abartho.com
Tel: +6016 207 9961

Name: Selena Oh
Email: selena@abartho.com
Tel: +65 9622 4890

--BERNAMA

Saturday, November 29, 2025

TAKAFUL INDUSTRY ACTIVATES NATIONWIDE FLOOD SUPPORT

Coordinated Industry Response Activated to Support Flood-Affected Participants

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Nov (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) expresses its deep concern and heartfelt empathy for families across several states who are facing hardship due to the worsening monsoon floods. The industry stands in solidarity with all individuals affected by disruptions, property damage, and the emotional stress brought by rising floodwaters.

Recognising the potential for conditions to worsen in the coming days, the Takaful industry has elevated its nationwide state of readiness to ensure participants receive timely assistance, clear guidance, and uninterrupted access to support channels when they need it most.

As part of this strengthened response, Takaful operators have activated a coordinated assistance framework that includes:

• Expedited claims guidance for flood-related losses;
• Dedicated 24/7 contact channels across all participating operators;
• Flexibility in selected documentation requirements to ease claims submission;
• Continuous public updates on safety reminders and protection benefits.
• Dedicated adjusters across the various regions to attend to flood claims

MTA has also activated the Takaful4All Cares Team as part of its industry-wide readiness initiatives. The team stands ready to be deployed in areas where conditions allow and where their support can add meaningful value to local recovery efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with every family impacted by the floods. During these difficult moments, we want participants to know that the Takaful industry is ready to help, ready to guide, and ready to support recovery efforts,” said Mohd Radzuan Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Takaful Association.

In view of the increasingly unpredictable and severe monsoon patterns driven by changing climate conditions, MTA urges the public to stay alert and take proactive steps to safeguard their safety, property, and important documents. The recent shifts in weather patterns have resulted in heavier rainfall, higher flood risks, and more widespread impact, reinforcing the need for stronger community preparedness.

Given the heightened storm intensity in recent years, MTA reminds the public to observe the following essential safety measures:

• Prioritise personal safety; avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
• Monitor official weather forecasts and heed district-level warnings.
• Protect important documents by keeping them in waterproof, accessible storage.
• Do not start flood damaged vehicles and document all damage before cleaning.
• Prepare a family emergency plan, including key contacts and safe evacuation routes.
• Review Takaful coverage to ensure awareness of protection benefits, especially for weather-related risks. Thus, call the respective Takaful operators for clarification.

These measures are vital to help families reduce risks and recover more effectively during and after the monsoon period.

Actions to Be Taken by Affected Participants
Affected individuals should prioritise safety and return home only when authorities confirm it is safe. They are encouraged to:
• Record and photograph all damage to homes, belongings, and vehicles.
• Keep essential documents ready for reference.
• Contact their respective Takaful operator promptly for claims assistance.

Key assistance contacts include:
• Takaful Ikhlas General Berhad – e-Claim Portal:
https://go.takafulikhlas.com.my/eclaim/general/
• Etiqa General Takaful Berhad – 03-2296 8600
• Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad Roadside Assistance (24 hours) – 1-300-88- 5566
• Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad Support – 1-300-888-622
• Takaful Malaysia Am Berhad (STMAB) – csu@takaful-malaysia.com.my
• Tele Bantuan (24 hours) – 1-800-888-788

Participants may also refer to the Flood Claims FAQ for process on next steps. For more update, visit social media page MTA:
Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianTakafulAssociation
IG : https://www.instagram.com/malaysiantakafulassociation?igsh=NHF6eXIzZGd5aXds

ABOUT MALAYSIAN TAKAFUL ASSOCIATION (MTA)

Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) was established on November 2002 under the Societies Act 1966. It is a trade association representing all 19 licensed Takaful and Retakaful operators in the country. The objectives and the powers of MTA are to promote the interests of its members and to inculcate the implementation of self-regulation within the Takaful industry. More information on MTA can be obtained from its website: www.takaful4all.org

SOURCE: Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Puan Siti Nor Kamariah Ishak
Head, Corporate Communications
Tel: 01137475361
Email: mtasecretariat@malaysiantakaful.com.my

--BERNAMA

Friday, November 28, 2025

CIMB records PBT of RM8.12 billion with 11.3% ROE for 9M25

Declares special dividends of up to RM760.2 million as part of an up to RM2 billion capital return to shareholders over the next 2 years

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) delivered a resilient financial performance for the nine months ended 30 September 2025 (“9M25”) with profit before tax (“PBT”) of RM8.12 billion and an annualised return on average equity (“ROE”) of 11.3%, driven by disciplined execution of its Forward30 strategy, notwithstanding macroeconomic headwinds and persistent rate cuts. Earnings per share (“EPS”) was 55.3 sen.

Robust Third Quarter
Underpinned by a strong 3Q25 with solid growth across key metrics, PBT grew by 7.3% to RM2.84 billion, while net profit rose 10% to RM2.08 billion, lifting the Group’s nine- month net profit to RM5.94 billion.

Operating income grew by 6.2% QoQ, underpinned by strong non-interest income (“NOII”) of RM2.13 billion, up 20.3% QoQ. Net interest income (“NII”) remained stable at RM3.82 billion despite a series of rate cuts in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Group net interest margin (“NIM”) was resilient at 2.08% driven by strategic repricing and proactive capital management from previous quarters which mitigated the impact of persistent rate cuts.

Capital Strength
Capital remained healthy with Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) ratio improving about 10bps QoQ to 14.8% as at end Sep-25, well within the Group’s FY25 target. Given CIMB’s strengthened capital position, the Group has announced an intention of returning up to RM2 billion of capital to shareholders by end-2027, which will be executed via special dividends and/or share buybacks subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals. As part of the capital return, the Group is announcing special dividends of up to RM760.2 million, or 7.0 sen per share which will be disbursed to shareholders on 24 December 2025. This will be on top of the regular dividends paid by the Group.

Strong CASA and Asset Growth
On a constant currency basis, total deposits and current account saving account (“CASA”) balances grew by 9.1% to RM518.1 billion and 15.3% YoY respectively increasing the Group’s CASA ratio to 44.1% as at Sep-25. This is attributable to the Group’s Forward30 cash strategy which successfully cushioned NIM compression this year as a result of the persistent rate cuts. Gross loans expanded 3.3% YoY to RM448.2 billion and assets grew 5.1% YoY to RM778.5 billion.

Operational Discipline
For 9M25, operating expenses grew at a disciplined 1.6% YoY which led to a cost-to- income ratio (“CIR”) of 46.5% but not at the expense of investments in technology and operational resilience. Pre-provisioning operating profit (“PPOP”) remained stable YoY at RM9.13 billion.

Stable Asset Quality
Asset quality remained stable, supported by continued corporate recoveries in 3Q25 as total provisions declined to RM330 million, reflecting stable credit performance across key portfolios. Loan loss charge (“LLC”) normalised to 33bps, within the Group’s full-year guidance. Gross impaired loans (“GIL”) ratio improved to 1.9% and allowance coverage improved to 102.8% as at Sep-25.

Advancing Forward30 Strategic Plan
The resilient financial performance reflects the Group’s continued commitment to execute its Forward30 strategy, focused on the 4Cs of Capital, Cash, Cross-sell and Capabilities. In 3Q25, the Group accelerated several bold digital-first initiatives, including CIMB OCTO Biz to empower SMEs to accelerate business expansion, and the management of the BUDI95 system through TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, reinforcing the Group’s role as a responsible financial intermediary that expands economic participation and impact.

CIMB also entered the Panda Bond market with a landmark RMB3 billion 3-year issuance, making it the largest single tranche issuance by a Malaysian institution and the second largest from an ASEAN issuer. This milestone further strengthens the Group’s role as a bridge between China and ASEAN, adding momentum to its effort in accelerating financial integration and promote cross-border investment and trade.

Improved MSCI ESG Rating
On the sustainability front, the Group’s MSCI ESG Rating was upgraded from AA to AAA, contributed by stronger disclosure in consumer protection and workforce management practices. The Group has also improved its S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025 score from 78 to 82. CIMB is ranked number 1 out of 400 financial institutions globally in the World Benchmarking Alliance 2025 Financial System Benchmark and number 2 globally in Inclusive Finance.

Outlook
Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group said, “This capital return forms part of our Forward30 strategy to always be disciplined with capital and reflects the Group’s confidence in the long-term performance trajectory. With this, we are able to return capital to shareholders in a measured and responsible manner; while ensuring we remain well-positioned for future growth.”

“We continue to serve all customer segments from the individuals to MSMEs, to large corporates and governments across ASEAN. Our resilient performance this quarter underscores the strength of our diversified franchise, the trust of our customers, and the impact of our digital and operational enhancements driven under our Forward30 strategy. The momentum will carry through to anchor our ability to navigate a challenging macroeconomic landscape.”

“As we head into the final quarter of 2025, we remain optimistic in closing the year on a strong footing and meeting all our targets. Our diversified portfolio and disciplined execution will continue to ensure we remain resilient despite the macroeconomic headwinds and challenges. While it may take some time for the dust to settle with the new world order, we expect NIMs to stabilise and we will continue investing for long-term growth,” Novan concluded.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM79.0 billion as at 30 September 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 571 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 30 September 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award- winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

SOURCE : ​CIMB Group Holdings Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude MuthuGroup Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA

HKTDC LAUNCHES ASIAIPEX CREATIVE HUB FOR GLOBAL IP

Visit AsiaIPEX Creative Hub to explore and connect with creative IPs from characters and design, filming and television, and publishing industries.


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has developed the Asia IP Exchange (AsiaIPEX), a free online platform and database showcasing intellectual properties (IPs) around the world.

The platform, designed to facilitate international IP trade and connections for global IP players, consists of Creative Hub and Tech Hub sections, highlighting creative IPs from the publishing, film, as well as character and design licensing industries.

Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Creative Hub allows IP providers to connect with potential users and service providers while offering information on IP regulations, market news, knowledge resources, and success stories to support business development.

To showcase how Hong Kong brands leverage creative IP for business transformation, a Display Area will be set up at the 15th Business of IP Asia Forum (BIP Asia) from Dec 4 to 5 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, according to HKTDC in a statement.

The forum will feature over 100 speakers exploring IP’s role in corporate development and financing under the theme "Leverage IP to Finance Business Growth".

In the breakout session "IP-driven Transformation of Hong Kong Brands", speakers will examine how local brands use IP to transform business models, strengthen brand identity, improve market penetration, and diversify into new business streams.

The "IP Economy" session will feature Libertas Brands Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Mark Kingston, and Ocean Park Executive Director of Strategic Development and Commercial Operations, Perry Chung, sharing strategies on using online-to-offline IP closed loops to boost revenue and expand customer reach.

On the forum’s second day, the session "Cross-border Transactions in Digital Culture and Protection of Intellectual Property" will feature Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group discussing how mainland Chinese policies and regulations support the protection and operation of digital cultural IP.

-- BERNAMA

Monday, November 24, 2025

FALCON EXECUTIVE AVIATION UNVEILS DUBAI’S FIRST INTEGRATED PRIVATE JET, HELICOPTER AND EVTOL TERMINAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Falcon Executive Aviation, part of Alex Group Investment, announced at the Dubai Airshow the development of a fully private, multi-modal Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) terminal designed to become Dubai’s primary hub for helicopter services and future electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) operations.

The project positions Falcon as the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) first operator to fully integrate private jet, helicopter, and eVTOL services within a single private aviation gateway, ushering in a new era of urban air mobility for Dubai.

“This terminal marks a decisive shift in Dubai’s aviation future. Private jet operations, helicopter services, and next-generation eVTOL mobility will operate under one fully private gateway.

“We are building the largest helipad facility in the UAE as a foundation for the region’s future air mobility network,” said Alex Group Investment Founder & Chairman, Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene in a statement.

Constructed on a 6,380-square-metre plot, the terminal is engineered as an ultra-private facility with direct helipad and vertiport access, enabling immediate helicopter and eVTOL arrivals, departures, and inter-emirate transfers.

Designed for speed and convenience, travellers can land by private jet, clear customs privately, and continue their journey via helicopter or transition directly to future eVTOL services for fast point-to-point travel across Dubai.

The development will also include luxury amenities such as high-end retail, private banking, commercial spaces, and VIP lounges, supporting a premium vertical-mobility ecosystem.

The terminal is designed to serve as a central hub for Dubai’s urban air mobility, offering seamless connections across the city and beyond, while supporting the growth of next-generation aviation technologies.

Falcon Executive Aviation’s development reflects Dubai’s ambitions to lead in innovative, integrated private and urban air travel solutions.

-- BERNAMA

Sunday, November 23, 2025

DigitalBridge Closes US$11.7 Bln Digital Infrastructure Fund

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- DigitalBridge Group Inc (DigitalBridge) announced the successful close of DigitalBridge Partners III (DBP III), its third value-added digital infrastructure fund, securing US$11.7 billion in total capital commitments. (US$1=RM4.14)

The close includes over US$7.2 billion in fund commitments and US$4.5 billion in limited partner (LP) co-investment commitments, highlighting strong investor confidence in the firm’s digital infrastructure strategy and differentiated operating model.

More than 65 per cent of the fund commitments came from existing investors in the DigitalBridge Partners fund series, alongside new LPs from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and North America. The robust co-investment participation underscores DigitalBridge’s ability to partner closely with investors to scale capital into high-quality opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscale data centres.

DigitalBridge Chief Executive Officer, Marc Ganzi in a statement said the fund represents the next stage in the company’s evolution as a leading digital infrastructure investment platform.

“With strong fund commitments and meaningful co-investment from our LPs, this capital formation milestone positions us to scale into the opportunities we have been building toward—in hyperscale data centres, AI-enabling infrastructure, and the power and connectivity assets that underpin them,” he said.

Meanwhile, DigitalBridge Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Kevin Smithen added: “The fund is already deploying capital into next-generation platforms where we identified growth potential ahead of the market, including hyperscale data centres, fibre, and tower infrastructure.

“DigitalBridge is continuing to focus on what we do best: delivering value for our investors through proprietary sourcing, operator-driven value creation, and disciplined execution at scale.”

DBP III has already built a well-diversified portfolio that includes Vantage Data Centers North America, Yondr Group, Orange Barrel Media, FiberNow, and JTOWER.

These initial investments reflect the firm’s disciplined execution and alignment with the fund’s high-conviction strategy—investing at scale in proprietary opportunities where DigitalBridge has deep domain expertise and the ability to unlock value through active ownership and strategic growth.

-- BERNAMA