BEACON ACCELERATES AI DEPLOYMENT WITH HAIZE LABS ACQUISITION

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Beacon Software (Beacon), the first centralised artificial intelligence (AI) holding company, has acquired Haize Labs, an AI reliability company testing and safeguarding AI agents for real-world deployment.

The Haize Labs team will join Beacon to form its Applied AI Research Group, with its co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Leonard Tang, joining as vice president of AI Research to lead the AI operating system deployed across Beacon’s companies.

“Haize Labs brings exceptional engineers to Beacon who know how to find where AI fails and make it better. Together, we will build AI our customers can count on, in the software they already use and trust,” said Beacon founder and CEO, Nilam Ganenthiran in a statement.

Meanwhile, Tang said: “Haize Labs was founded with the mission of building AI that any business can depend on. Now, our work will be put directly to use for Beacon’s broad and growing portfolio of essential businesses.”

Beacon said it believes that the fastest way to bring AI to the traditional economy is through the software businesses that essential industries already use and trust, equipping them with AI infrastructure.

The company acquires these businesses for long-term growth and connects them to a centralised AI operating system that compounds with each additional acquisition and industry.

The addition of the Haize Labs team will strengthen this centralised technology platform, which provides shared engineering, AI, product and go-to-market capabilities to Beacon’s portfolio of 45 software companies with customers across recreation, utilities, education, government, manufacturing and other essential industries.

Key focuses for Beacon’s new Applied AI Research Group include creating reusable AI infrastructure that compounds across its portfolio without erasing the local context of each company and translating domain expertise into evaluation and feedback systems that define what good looks like in each business.

In addition, the group will build continuous testing, red teaming and observability for AI agents before and after deployment, as well as develop AI products that reduce administrative burden, improve customer service and help portfolio businesses grow.

-- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TOPS ASIA IN GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY - OAG

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) ranked fourth globally and first among all Asian airports in OAG’s Megahubs 2026 ranking, with connections to 154 destinations, while also topping the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Megahubs index with nearly 15,000 possible low-cost connections.

OAG, the intelligence partner for global travel, said its annual ranking of global airport connectivity showed Asia Pacific (APAC) dominating the index, with eight airports in the global top 20.

According to OAG in a statement, AirAsia operates 34 per cent of total flights at KUL, while Seoul Incheon ranked second in the LCC rankings with connectivity reaching 198 destinations.

The recovery of Chinese airports was another standout feature in APAC, with Shanghai Pudong rising from 19th to 14th globally, Guangzhou Baiyun International from 36th to 19th, and Hong Kong returning to the global top 20 at 20th. Tokyo Haneda also improved, rising from ninth to eighth globally.

“The Asia Pacific numbers tell two stories this year. The first is the completion of Chinese aviation's post-pandemic recovery; these airports are back in the top 20, and the data shows it.

“The second is how low-cost carriers have reshaped Southeast Asian connectivity, with 51 per cent of all seats in the region now operated by LCCs, well above the global average,” said OAG Head of APAC, Mayur Patel.

OAG added that Singapore Changi climbed significantly in the LCC rankings, from 10th to fifth, reflecting growth in destinations served and potential low-cost connections, while Fukuoka rose from 13th to eighth in the LCC index.

The average dominant carrier share at APAC’s top 10 airports is 33 per cent, lower than in most other regions, reflecting the diverse mix of full-service and low-cost carriers serving different traveller segments across Southeast and Northeast Asia.

-- BERNAMA

Univar Solutions Named to TIME’s Best Companies for Future Leaders 2026 List

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Univar Solutions LLC (“Univar Solutions” or “the Company”), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, today announced it has been recognized on TIME’s distinguished list of Best Companies for Future Leaders 2026. This honor is presented in partnership with Statista, a leading provider of industry data and rankings. The full list is available at TIME.com.

TIME’s Best Companies for Future Leaders ranking highlights businesses and organizations across the United States that have contributed meaningfully to the journeys of the country's most influential leaders. Reviewing the backgrounds of America’s top leaders reveals how critical formative experiences at organizations are in shaping tomorrow’s visionaries.

"Being named to TIME's Best Companies for Future Leaders list is an honor that reflects Univar Solutions' commitment to building a culture where people can grow, contribute, and lead,” said Alexandra Colin, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, Univar Solutions. “Our success is driven by talented employees who are empowered to make an impact for our customers, communities, and industry, and we are proud to invest in programs and opportunities that enable our people to develop their careers while advancing our purpose of helping keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe."

This year’s ranking is the result of an extensive analysis of approximately 4,900 leaders from a wide array of fields, including business, government, science, arts, activism, and more. Organizations were recognized for the unique opportunities and impactful professional experiences they provide.

"At Univar Solutions, developing future leaders is a strategic priority and through learning and development programs such as the Univar Solutions Academy, we provide employees with resources and experiences that support growth at every stage of their careers,” said Lamiya Mammadova, Chief Human Resources Officer, Ingredients + Specialties, Univar Solutions. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to cultivating talent, fostering innovation, and creating an environment where people can thrive and achieve their full potential."

Univar Solutions is proud to join the TIME Best Companies for Future Leaders 2026, thanks to the dedication and talent of its team. This recognition helps highlight how leadership goes beyond boardroom decisions as it influences the workplace and communities, as well as countless professional paths.

View the full list at: https://time.com/7333715/best-companies-future-leaders-2026/

About Univar Solutions
Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world’s leading producers. With one of the industry’s largest private transportation fleets and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at univarsolutions.com.

About Statista

Statista delivers hundreds of global business rankings and company listings in collaboration with prominent media brands. Its platform, Statista.com, offers comprehensive statistics, business intelligence, and market analysis for professionals worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” under applicable law regarding financial and operating items relating to the Company’s business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “believes,” "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or other comparable terms. All forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by this cautionary language.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control, that could result in expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, we caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this communication is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this communication. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other financial reports, including the information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors." Any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of the date of this communication and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any subsequent date, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update any forward-looking statement.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Media Relations
Dwayne Roark
+1 331-777-6031
mediarelations@univarsolutions.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9bb69247-439b-4039-8240-10ee6adde944

SOURCE: Univar Solutions LLC

--BERNAMA

ARTERIS EXPANDS MULTI-DIE PORTFOLIO FOR AI, HPC CHIP DESIGNS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Arteris Inc, a provider of semiconductor technology for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has expanded its multi-die portfolio to help semiconductor companies transition from monolithic system-on-chip (SoC) designs to chiplet-based architectures for AI, high-performance computing (HPC) and consumer electronics.

The company said its new FlexGen Multi-Die product extends network-on-chip (NoC) connectivity and data movement across die-to-die links, allowing multiple dies to operate as a unified architecture without requiring engineering teams to redesign how data moves through the system.

Arteris president and chief executive officer, K Charles Janac said multi-die architectures are becoming increasingly important as semiconductor systems expand beyond the boundaries of a single die.

According to the company in a statement, the new FlexGen Multi-Die product is designed for non-coherent AI and HPC architectures and complements Ncore Multi-Die, which supports cache-coherent systems.

FlexGen Multi-Die supports bidirectional transactions over a single Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) physical layer (PHY), reducing PHY area, power and input/output requirements by up to 50 per cent, the company said.

It also supports virtual channel link technology to improve utilisation of chiplet input/output resources and quality-of-service mechanisms to maintain throughput for high-priority traffic across shared die-to-die links.

Arteris said its broader multi-die portfolio also includes Magillem integration automation, which helps automate chiplet and multi-die integration, and Cycuity hardware security assurance for identifying vulnerabilities and verifying security requirements.

The company said the expanded portfolio provides semiconductor engineering teams with technologies covering data movement, system integration and security as they develop increasingly complex multi-die designs.

Arteris said the solutions are being used by customers transitioning existing architectures from single-die implementations to multi-die products, while the expanded portfolio is available to early access partners and strategic customers.

-- BERNAMA

Masan High-Tech Materials: How a Vietnamese Company Is Building a Role in Global Strategic Materials Supply Chains

^{Masan High-Tech Materials’ (MSR) responsible production approach spans the value chain, from diverse raw-material sources to processing and product quality.} 


THAI NGUYEN, Vietnam, Sept 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- As global strategic-minerals supply chains are reshaped, competitive advantage is no longer defined by resource ownership alone. The ability to combine long-life resources with advanced processing capabilities and an international partner network is becoming increasingly important. Against this backdrop, Masan High-Tech Materials (UPCoM: MSR), a publicly traded Vietnamese strategic materials company, is expanding beyond its mining roots by connecting resources, processing capabilities and international partnerships across the global tungsten value chain.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260910612111/en/ 

When Supply-Chain Capabilities Become a Strategic Advantage

Tungsten is increasingly viewed as a strategic material rather than simply an industrial metal. It is used across a range of advanced technology and industrial applications, including semiconductors, AI infrastructure, batteries, additive manufacturing and defense systems. While demand continues to expand, supply remains highly concentrated, with China accounting for approximately 82% of global tungsten production.

This concentration is changing how competitive advantage is assessed across the industry. Owning a large mine remains important, but it is no longer sufficient on its own. As global supply chains are reconfigured, the ability to connect resources with processing capabilities and end markets is becoming an increasingly important differentiator.

In Vietnam, MSR owns the Nui Phao polymetallic mine, one of the largest operating tungsten mines outside China. Alongside its mining operations, the Company has spent more than a decade building tungsten chemical processing capabilities through Masan Tungsten Chemicals (MTC), with annual capacity of approximately 9,345 tonnes.

This integrated system enables MSR to participate across the value chain, from mining and concentrate production to tungsten chemicals including ammonium paratungstate (APT), yellow tungsten oxide (YTO) and blue tungsten oxide (BTO), serving a range of industrial and technology applications globally.

The distinction, therefore, lies not only in the scale of MSR’s resources, but also in its ability to convert those resources into higher-value products.

Moving Beyond a Single Mine

A key development in MSR’s strategy is the expansion of its growth potential beyond current production from Nui Phao.

On the resource side, MSR is advancing the potential addition of approximately 115 million tonnes of polymetallic tungsten resources at the Nui Phao Expansion and Nui Chiem areas. Subject to completion of the necessary procedures, these resources could provide the basis for extending mining and processing operations by approximately 20–30 years.

On the processing side, MSR is expanding access to external feedstock to improve utilization of its installed processing capacity. This is strategically significant because the scale of the Company’s processing operations does not necessarily need to remain constrained by production from a single mine.

MSR’s long-term commercial partnership with South Korea’s GB Innovation (GBI) provides an example of how this model can scale. GBI owns tungsten resources in South Korea but has selected MSR as its processing partner in Vietnam. The partnership illustrates how MSR’s value proposition can extend beyond its own ore resources, through the processing of third-party feedstock into higher-value tungsten products. It also supports plans to increase tungsten oxide production capacity to more than 8,000 tonnes of WO₃ per year.

Taken together, these developments provide a clearer view of MSR’s longer-term strategy: expanding its domestic resource base while simultaneously broadening access to external feedstock and international partnerships. In doing so, the Company is progressively extending its growth potential beyond production from Nui Phao alone.

Alongside internally sourced resources and third-party feedstock, MSR is also pursuing recycling and circular-economy initiatives as part of its strategy to further diversify raw-material inputs. Over time, the ability to combine internally mined ore, external concentrates and secondary materials could allow the Company to utilize its installed processing capabilities more effectively.

From an Integrated Tungsten Business to a Global Strategic Materials Platform

The economic value of this integrated model is also beginning to become more visible in MSR’s financial performance.

In the first six months of 2026, the Company recorded VND2,202 billion in NPAT Pre-MI, a significant turnaround from a loss of VND216 billion in the same period a year earlier. Net Debt/EBITDA also declined to 2.1x at the end of the second quarter of 2026.

These results came against a supportive tungsten market backdrop, alongside improvements in operating performance and feedstock availability. They provide an early indication that resources and processing capabilities built over many years are increasingly translating into earnings and cash flow.

According to the Company, MSR today operates one of the largest integrated tungsten platforms outside China, accounting for approximately 21% of tungsten supply outside China. More than US$700 million has been invested in its mining and processing infrastructure.

The combination of long-life resources in Vietnam, more than a decade of investment in advanced processing capabilities, and increasingly diversified feedstock from international partners means that MSR’s value proposition is no longer determined solely by the production profile of a single mine. The Company can participate across more stages of the value chain and serve a market increasingly focused on supply security and diversification beyond China.

The potential addition of 115 million tonnes of resources provides greater visibility over the long-term life of the operation. Advanced processing capabilities create opportunities to capture more value from raw materials. Meanwhile, partnerships such as GBI illustrate how MSR’s processing capabilities in Vietnam can connect with resource owners internationally.

Together, these three pillars — resources, advanced processing and international partnerships — are expanding MSR beyond the traditional mining model and shaping a Vietnam-based strategic materials platform connected to global supply chains.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260910612111/en/

Contact

An Nguyen, PR Manager
Masan Group
+84 28 6256 3862
pr@msn.masangroup.com

Source : Masan High-Tech Materials

Univar Solutions, LANXESS Enter Distribution Agreement In Mexico

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Univar Solutions México, a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC (Univar Solutions), has entered into a distribution agreement with speciality chemicals company LANXESS to distribute its lubricant and metalworking fluid additives in Mexico.

In a statement, Univar Solutions said the agreement covers LANXESS’ portfolio of detergents, corrosion inhibitors, antiwear additives, sulphur-based extreme-pressure additives, antioxidants, yellow metal inhibitors and additive packages.

Univar Solutions president of Latin America, Jorge Buckup said the partnership would strengthen the company’s speciality chemicals portfolio and expand its ability to provide lubricant and metalworking fluid solutions to customers in Mexico.

“By combining LANXESS’s distinguished additive technologies with Univar Solutions’ robust global distribution network, diverse customer base and strong local presence, we are well positioned to offer customers high-performance solutions,” he said.

Univar Solutions said its Ingredients + Specialties division offers chemicals used in metalworking fluids, coolants, industrial lubricants and greases, including base stocks and performance additives from various suppliers.

Meanwhile, LANXESS head of sales, lubricant additives business – LATAM, Rafael H. Nicolas said the collaboration would enable the company to better support speciality customers in Mexico and enhance its service capabilities.

Customers and suppliers in Mexico will also have access to Univar Solutions’ Solution Centers, including its regional flagship facility in Mexico City, where technical teams develop formulation solutions and provide product development and supply chain support.

Univar Solutions said the agreement would help customers address evolving performance and regulatory requirements across lubricant and metalworking fluid applications.

-- BERNAMA

EIG Closes Senior Infrastructure Debt Fund VI At US$1.9 Bln

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- EIG, an institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, announced the final close of EIG Senior Infrastructure Debt Fund VI (SIDF VI) at US$1.9 billion, nearly double the size of its predecessor fund. (US$1 = RM4.06)

Together with US$2.1 billion committed to single-investor vehicles, the fundraising exceeded the strategy’s original US$3 billion target, reflecting demand from investors seeking customised and evergreen exposure to senior infrastructure debt.

EIG Chief Executive Officer, R. Blair Thomas said the strong support for SIDF VI reflected investors’ recognition of the role private capital can play in financing energy, power and infrastructure systems underpinning modern economies.

In a statement, EIG said SIDF VI had committed approximately US$1 billion across 16 investments since its launch in July 2024, supported by its proprietary origination capabilities.

The fund targets directly originated, senior secured debt investments across sectors including power generation, renewable energy, energy transition infrastructure, midstream and other critical infrastructure, with a primary focus on opportunities in the United States and Europe.

The strategy draws on EIG's longstanding relationships with sponsors, developers, infrastructure operators, and corporate counterparties to source and structure investment opportunities globally.

The Direct Lending platform received support from existing and new investors across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Investors include public and corporate pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, financial institutions, asset managers, endowments, foundations and other institutional investors.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel to EIG, while Campbell Lutyens served as placement agent and Scotiabank as structuring agent for the rated note feeder in connection with the fund’s formation and fundraising.

-- BERNAMA