Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Bitget Launches New Pre-IPO Product With SpaceX as First Listing


VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched IPO Prime, introducing a new market structure that enables users to access and trade pre-IPO exposure to global unicorn companies such as SpaceX.

Powered by Republic, the launch marks an expansion beyond traditional secondary market trading, enabling participation in value creation before companies enter public markets, a phase historically limited to institutional investors and private capital networks. Through IPO Prime, Bitget extends its Universal Exchange framework into primary market access, bridging a long-standing gap between private and public market participation.

IPO Prime operates through a subscription-based model, where eligible users can apply for allocations in tokenized offerings tied to specific companies. Allocation limits are determined based on user tier, with higher participation thresholds available to elevated VIP levels. Following the subscription phase, these digital assets transition into an over-the-counter market on Bitget, enabling continuous pricing, trading and circulation within a structured environment.

The first offering under IPO Prime is preSPAX, a digital asset designed to mirror the economic performance of SpaceX following its potential public listing. As one of the most closely watched private companies globally, SpaceX represents the type of high-growth opportunity that has traditionally remained inaccessible to retail investors.

“Since the beginning of financial markets, access to pre-IPO opportunities has been defined by exclusivity,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “IPO Prime allows users to participate earlier in a company’s growth cycle, with the flexibility of continuous trading. This shifts how and when investors can engage with emerging companies, which gives retailers and new investors a chance to buy-in early. This is part of our greater shift towards building an UEX, democratizing access to financial equality.”

To mark the launch, Bitget will introduce two rounds of preSPAX token airdrops for eligible VIP users, on April 13, 2026 at 10:00 (UTC), providing early participants with additional exposure as the platform begins onboarding its first offering. The official preSPAX token launches on April 21, 2026 at 12:00 (UTC), with the commitment period starting April 18, 2026, 18:00 and ending April 21, 2026, 18:00 (UTC). Distribution period runs from April 21, 2026 18:00 till April 21, 2026, 22:00 (UTC).

The introduction of IPO Prime is a new route to traditional financial opportunities being structured and accessed. As boundaries between asset classes continue to blur, platforms are expanding beyond traditional and crypto trading to include early-stage market participation. Within Bitget’s Universal Exchange model, IPO Prime moves towards integrating diverse financial opportunities into a single, unified environment.

To find out more about IPO Prime and further details on preSPAX, visit here.

Disclaimer: This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any assets. This product may not be suitable for your jurisdiction. This product represents only a mirrored economic interest in the potential upside of SpaceX upon a qualifying event, and does not constitute a direct investment in SpaceX. SpaceX has not endorsed, approved, or authorized this Product in any capacity. Digital asset trading involves significant risks and price fluctuations, and you may lose all investment principal without any guarantee of return. Please ensure compliance with local laws and regulations and seek independent professional advice before investing.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry’s lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

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

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

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe5569d2-32ba-4335-aa3b-ee2d9cdac48b 


SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

Friday, April 10, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Allianz Malaysia continues to champion grassroots badminton with AJBC 2026



KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- The Allianz Junior Badminton Championship (AJBC) is gearing up for its fifth edition in 2026, marking its return to inspire, develop and celebrate young badminton talents across Malaysia.

Organised by Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), the AJBC has grown to become a highly- anticipated grassroots badminton tournament, fostering the development of future badminton champions.

“We are committed to supporting the dreams of young athletes and contributing to the growth of badminton in Malaysia. The AJBC is more than just a tournament; it is a stepping stone for young players to achieve their aspirations and reach new heights in the sport,” said Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang.

A highlight of the AJBC in 2025 was the selection of 10 players from the Qualifying Rounds to participate in the prestigious Talent Identification Programme organised by Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), under the purview of the Badminton Association of Malaysia. This programme serves as a gateway for players to potentially enter ABM as well as gain access to other opportunities to advance their badminton careers.

Over 3,000 players took part in the AJBC last year, showcasing the depth of talent and passion for the sport among Malaysian youth. The championship is expected to attract a similar level of enthusiasm in 2026, with 10 Qualifying Rounds set to take place nationwide.

This year, on top of the cash prizes, 12 winners will also be chosen to participate in an exclusive international training camp, where they will have the opportunity to train with world-class coaches and experience a competitive global environment.

The aim of the AJBC is to provide a platform for young badminton talents to pursue their passion, develop their skills and gain exposure to competitive play. By investing in grassroots development, Allianz Malaysia hopes to inspire the next generation of badminton champions and contribute to Malaysia’s legacy in the sport.

The first Qualifying Round will take place in Ipoh, Perak from 24 to 26 April 2026, with further rounds to follow in various locations across the country including Putrajaya, Johor, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Kedah and Penang.

The AJBC Grand Finals, featuring U-13 and U-15 finalists from all the Qualifying Rounds, will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 2 to 7 December 2026. Each round will see 24 players qualifying for the finals. The U-11 players will not advance to the Grand Finals.

Like previous years, players participating in the AJBC Qualifying Rounds do not have to pay any entrance fees. The top three winners of the Qualifying Rounds for all age categories will take home RM500, RM300 and RM150 (singles) and RM600, RM400 and RM200 (doubles).

Players finishing in the top three at the Grand Finals will pocket RM1,000, RM600 and RM300 (singles) and RM1,200, RM800 and RM400 (doubles). And as mentioned, 12 winners will also have the chance to join an exclusive international training camp.

The AJBC is supported by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia.

Registration for Qualifying Round 1 in Ipoh opens on 6 April 2026. For more information and for those who are keen to participate in the AJBC, please visit www.allianz.com.my/ajbc.

SOURCE: Allianz Malaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shamala Gopalan
Group Head
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 016.285.0685
Email: shamala.gopalan@allianz.com.my

Name: Gary Mark Nagan
Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 012.367.1450
Email: gary.nagan@allianz.com.my

--BERNAMA

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

MEIJI PHARMA ASIA BEGINS OPERATIONS IN SINGAPORE TO STRENGTHEN ASEAN PRESENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Meiji Seika Pharma Co Ltd has announced that its subsidiary, Meiji Pharma Asia Pte Ltd, commenced operations in Singapore on April 1, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the ASEAN region.

In a statement, the company said the Singapore-based subsidiary will support the commercialisation, marketing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, across the region.

Meiji Seika Pharma aims to become “a leading company in Asia in the field of infectious diseases” under its “Meiji Group 2026 Vision”, leveraging nearly half a century of experience in manufacturing and marketing pharmaceuticals in Thailand and Indonesia.

Singapore will serve as a regional hub for the company’s business and commercial strategies, aimed at enhancing its influence and accelerating growth across ASEAN markets.

Established on Dec 10, 2025, Meiji Pharma Asia will focus on pharmaceuticals for infectious diseases, haematologic cancers and lifestyle-related diseases, with the aim of ensuring reliable supply and contributing to public health in the region.

-- BERNAMA

MIA AFT 2026 REFRAMES ACCOUNTANTS AS “FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS”, LAUNCHES SECOND MIA DIGITAL TECH AWARD


MIA President Saniza Said (centre), together with MIA Vice President Ahmad Syahazan Yaacob (left), MIA CEO G Shanmugam (right), Dr Nurmazilah Dato' Mahzan, Chair of MIA Digital Tech Award Task Force (left) and Rasmimi Ramli, MIA Executive Director of Sustainability, Digital Economy & Services (right) at the launch of the MIA Accounting & Financial Technology Showcase (MIA AFT) 2026 and MIA Digital Tech Award.


KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Now in its third edition, the MIA Accounting & Financial Technology Showcase (MIA AFT) 2026, organised by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), advocates the adoption of digital technologies by the accountancy profession, supporting the profession’s evolution as financial architects of impact in the digital economy.

“Our goal is to enhance productivity, strengthen resilience, and future-proof the profession in an era of rapid technological change. Guided by the MIA Digital Technology Blueprint, MIA AFT serves as a one-stop platform for professionals and organisations to discover cutting-edge digital solutions that address evolving business and regulatory needs,” said MIA President Puan Saniza Said.

Themed “Financial Architects of Impact: Humanising Digital Intelligence,” MIA AFT 2026 showcases how accountants are evolving from adopting technology to adapting with it for optimised performance and value creation. As organisations increasingly rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and advanced analytics, accountants play a critical role in translating vast amounts of complex data into actionable insights that drive better decisions and organisational resilience.

To encourage greater adoption and highlight the profession’s role models for transformation, MIA also launched the second edition of the MIA Digital Tech Award at the MIA AFT 2026. First introduced in 2023 as the Digital Technology Adoption Award (DTAA), the award has since been rebranded as the MIA Digital Tech Award to better reflect its broader focus on digital transformation. The award recognises outstanding digital transformation initiatives across public practice, commerce and industry, and the public sector. Applications are open until 9 July 2026, with a new category introduced for Institutions of Higher Learning to support the development of future-ready talent.

Supporting the theme of humanising digital intelligence, MIA AFT delegates explored emerging technologies and solutions encompassing AI, automation, data analytics, blockchain and cloud computing across three content theatres and a curated exhibition featuring live demonstrations. Participants gained practical insights into how these innovations are reshaping finance functions and enabling value creation.

In line with the theme “Financial Architects of Impact: Humanising Digital Intelligence,” MIA AFT 2026 also highlighted responsible innovation premised on the profession’s core pillars of ethics, professional judgement and accountability to deliver trusted and sustainable outcomes. True to MIA’s strategic collaborative leadership approach, MIA AFT gathered close to 2,000 delegates from finance and industry and 30 technology providers at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

“MIA AFT continues to play a vital role in supporting accountancy professionals as they navigate the evolving digital economy. Through platforms like this, we aim to ensure our members remain futureready, relevant and resilient,” said MIA Chief Executive Officer Mr G Shanmugam.

“Amid challenging times, our profession must look ahead while safeguarding trust, integrity and professionalism as our tools, technologies and business models continue to evolve. As accountants, we are architects of impact, helping to shape sustainable and resilient futures for our businesses, our communities and our nation,” he added.

About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulates, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, reputation and interests of the profession in Malaysia, for the public interest. MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Powered by collaborative leadership, MIA connects its membership to a wide range of information resources, strategic platforms, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are more than 41,000 members making an impact in organisations locally, regionally and globally.

Recognised as the voice of the profession, 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 STRATEGY COMMUNICATIONS & BRANDING
Email: communications@mia.org.my

Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN
Tel: +60122489534

Name: MOHD FAIZ OTHMAN
Tel: +60126225027

--BERNAMA

APO Report Highlights Role Of Energy Efficiency In Boosting Productivity

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has released the APO Productivity Outlook 2026, examining the relationship between energy efficiency and productivity performance, as well as its implications for sustainable development across its 21 member economies in the Asia-Pacific region.

In a statement, APO Secretary-General, Dr Indra Pradana Singawinata said energy efficiency must be viewed as a core component of productivity strategy.

“As highlighted in the APO Productivity Outlook 2026, improving how energy is used allows economies to achieve more with less while advancing both economic performance and environmental sustainability. This is essential for building resilient and future-ready productivity systems across the region,” he said.

The report highlights that improving energy efficiency enables economies to produce more output with less energy input, positioning it as a key driver of both economic performance and environmental sustainability.

As energy demand rises and climate challenges intensify, strengthening energy efficiency has become increasingly important to maintain competitiveness and resilience.

Based on cross-economy analysis, the report finds that the impact of energy efficiency on productivity varies across income levels and sectors, highlighting the need for tailored policy approaches that reflect each economy’s structural conditions and stage of development.

In addition, it also highlights institutional practices from the Republic of Korea and Japan, demonstrating how strong energy data systems and indicator frameworks can support reliable measurement and benchmarking, evidence-based policymaking, and regional comparisons. 

The report also outlines key policy directions to support productivity-enhancing energy transitions, including promoting technological innovation, strengthening institutional coordination, advancing digitalisation, and expanding green finance and incentive mechanisms.

APO also recommends that member economies integrate energy efficiency into productivity strategies under the Green Productivity framework.

-- BERNAMA

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

 

Saudi Fund for Development Signs USD 15 Million Agreement with the Republic of Palau to Drive Local Economic Growth (Photo: AETOSWire)


KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed a US$15 million development loan agreement with the Republic of Palau, marking its inaugural development partnership in the Pacific island nation. (US$1=RM3.99)

The agreement was signed by SFD Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and Republic of Palau President, Surangel S. Whipps Jr during a ceremony in Palau’s capital, Ngerulmud.

The loan will be channelled through the National Development Bank of Palau to support local economic development, including projects led by businesses and entrepreneurs.

“We are proud to launch our first collaboration with the Republic of Palau. By expanding access to vital funding, we aim to uplift local entrepreneurs and help secure a resilient future for the Palauan people.

“This agreement embodies our broader mission to foster prosperity across island nations,” said Sultan Abdulrahman.

Meanwhile, Whipps Jr said the agreement will help strengthen the Palauan economy by enabling local players to drive projects that create jobs and attract investment.

He added that prioritising affordable, climate-resilient housing would help build stronger communities and support long-term economic resilience.

According to SFD in a statement, the financing aligns with Palau’s national priorities and is expected to support high-impact initiatives and sustainable grassroots economic growth.

The agreement reflects SFD’s continued commitment to Small Island Developing States, having supported development projects in 18 island nations across the Caribbean and Pacific regions, contributing to economic resilience, improved access to essential services and sustainable development.

-- BERNAMA