Friday, April 26, 2024

BANLE GROUP HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH STRATEGIES AT INVESTOR WEBINAR

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistics company in the Asia Pacific region, hosted an Investor Webinar, on April 23.

Its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Teck Lim Chia, along with Chief Financial Officer, Raymond Chiu, discussed the group’s business strategies to sustain its leading position in the Asia Pacific market and further expand into the European market.

They also shared the healthy and highly liquid nature of its capital structure, as well as its initiatives in exploring the supply of alternative fuels.

Chia said the group has seen continual growth over the years thanks to its niche position in the bunkering industry, agile operation, prudent financial management as well as its industry reputation and knowledge.

“Going forward, further expansion of service network in both the Asia Pacific and Europe will give impetus to our sustainable growth. We will also take proactive steps in exploring alternative fuel options so as to swiftly respond to market demand changes.

“My ultimate goal is to lead the group to new heights and create greater value for our shareholders,” he said in a statement.

Banle Group is dedicated to delivering exceptional bunkering services that cater to the evolving needs of the maritime industry. As the group focuses on expanding its operations in Europe, it continues to forge strategic partnerships and explore new opportunities to provide efficient and reliable solutions.

Established in 2015, CBL International Limited is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, which is actively promoting the use of alternative fuels.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Fusion Of Arts & Cultures: Discover China's Changjiang Via Fashion Show

 

"Rendezvous with Changjiang", the fashion show at the Fashion Week of the 2024 China International Consumer Products Expo

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- A fashion show, "Rendezvous with Changjiang" produced by Changjiang Li Autonomous County of Hainan Province and esteemed designers, showcased the beauty of Changjiang, Hainan and China to the world, recently.

Held at the closing ceremony of the Fashion Week of the 2024 China International Consumer Products Expo, the show featured a runway decorated with elements such as Changjiang red silk-cotton tree and bamboo rafts; Li brocade and pottery, immersing the audience in the unique natural beauty and cultural richness of Changjiang.

Fashion designers also creatively incorporated Changjiang's cultural elements into their designs, blending traditional aesthetics with modern design art to produce a series of national specialty fashions, offering a vivid illustration of its cultural excellence.

As the largest high-quality consumer products exhibition in the Asia Pacific region, the expo provided a platform for more than 4,000 brands from 71 countries and regions this year, which has deepened exchanges and cooperation in economics, trade, and culture.

According to officials from the Convergence Media Center of Changjiang in a statement, the county has been collaborating with Expo's Fashion Week for the third consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to showcasing Changjiang's culture globally.

Moreover, in March this year, "cowhide stool", Changjiang's provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, was exhibited at the "Bonjour Chine, Soleil Hainan" International Image Exhibition and Hainan Tourism and Cultural Promotion Event in Paris, France, and has attracted significant attention from French audiences and international media.

--  BERNAMA


Wednesday, April 24, 2024

UAE’S ASPIRE REDEFINES EXTREME AUTONOMOUS SPORTS WITH MAIDEN A2RL

Making History: ASPIRE to Launch Inaugural ‘Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League’ Redefining Future of Extreme Sport on April 27 (Photo: AETOSWire)



KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Abu Dhabi will host a groundbreaking event, welcoming 10,000 spectators to witness the inaugural ASPIRE Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, on April 27.

This brand-new autonomous racing competition marks a significant milestone in motorsport history, billed as the largest league of its kind globally, according to a statement.

For the first time, the race format is poised to feature four autonomous cars driving on the racetrack simultaneously, with eight international teams competing for US$2.25 million prize pool. (US$1=RM4.77)

“A2RL is more than just a race, it is a platform for testing and optimising autonomous vehicle technologies, enhancing safety and reliability on public roads. With the support of local and international partners, we are bringing the mobility future, closer,” said A2RL Organiser, ASPIRE Chief Executive Officer, Stephane Timpano.

Meanwhile, ASPIRE’s parent entity Advanced Technology Research Council, Secretary General, and Advisor to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, Faisal Al Bannai said this reimagined racing paradigm harnessed the pinnacle of coding skills, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and software development prowess, the very skill sets of the future.

The inaugural race has attracted a diverse array of sponsors, each contributing their expertise and resources to ensure the success of the development of the cutting-edge autonomised cars. ADNOC has come on board as title sponsor, providing crucial support, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for advancing autonomous racing technology.

Additionally, an AI versus human car race will unfold, with Technology Innovation Institute (TII) embracing the electrifying challenge of pitting their autonomous car against former Formula 1 driver, Daniil Kvyat, in which TII will aim to get as close as possible to the human lap time and will also demonstrate the autonomous car’s ability to drive without global positioning system (GPS) assistance.

The Race Day will be accessible via various live streaming channels, including A2RL’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, motorsport.tv and the A2RL app.

-- BERNAMA

Monday, April 22, 2024

PLUXEE RAISES OUTLOOK ON SOLID H1 FY 2024 RESULTS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- Pluxee has posted a net profit of 68 million euros in the first half fiscal 2024 (H1 FY 2024), compared to 92 million euros, same period last year, primarily resulting from the one-off increase in other operating expenses and higher net financial expenses in relation to the new capital structure. (1 euro = RM5.09)

Within this, net profit attributable to equity shareholders was 66 million euros and earnings per share (EPS) attributable to equity shareholders was 0.45 euros in H1 FY 2024 based on the basic weighted average number of shares of 146.890457 million as of Feb 29.

Meanwhile, revenue jumped 21.5 per cent to 593 million euros in H1 FY 2024, while organic growth was also up 24.0 per cent, for the same period.

Pluxee Chief Executive Officer, Aurélien Sonet said its first results as a standalone listed company demonstrated good progress in delivering the group strategic growth plan as well as on its financial objectives.

“Our recent successful listing and inaugural bond issue have enabled Pluxee to take a significant step towards realising our long-standing vision of being a leading global pure player in Employee Benefits & Engagement.

“Given our strong start to the year, we are raising our fiscal 2024 organic growth and EBITDA margin objectives while reiterating our mid-term targets, reflecting our confidence in the second half of fiscal 2024 and beyond,” he added in a statement.

A global player in employee benefits and engagement operating in 31 countries, Pluxee successfully completed its spin-off and listing on Euronext Paris with a technical reference price of 26 euros per share on Feb 1, while recurring earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) reached 201 million euros in H1 FY 2024, up 23 per cent year-on-year and 28 per cent organically.

In addition, recurring cash conversion rate was 113 per cent in H1 FY 2024 compared to 163 per cent, same period last year excluding the prior transfer of receivables, and net financial cash position strengthened at 1,065 million euros versus 859 million euros at Aug 31, 2023, reflecting strong cash flow generation.

During its Capital Markets Day, the group set out fiscal 2024 and 2026 financial objectives focusing on delivering sustainable organic revenue growth, improving recurring EBITDA margin and maintaining strong cash conversion.

Based on the strong financial performance delivered in H1 FY 2024, Pluxee is raising its financial objectives for fiscal 2024, targeting a 15 per cent to 17 per cent increase in organic revenue growth, and recurring EBITDA margin expected to reach at least 35 per cent.

-- BERNAMA

Sunday, April 21, 2024

HORIZON QUANTUM COMPUTING TO ESTABLISH FIRST-OF-A-KIND HARDWARE TESTBED

 

Illustration of Triple Alpha web-based IDE and compiler suite from Horizon Quantum Computing, along with backend server, integrated with a Novera™ quantum processor from Rigetti Computing and OPX1000, the processor-based quantum controller from Quantum Machines (Graphic: Business Wire)

·  Horizon to create testbed to integrate its software stack Triple Alpha with quantum computing hardware
·  Testbed will have capacity for multiple quantum computers, with Rigetti Computing and Quantum Machines selected to supply components for first system
·  Horizon to become one of the first pure-play quantum software companies operating their own quantum computers
 
SINGAPORE, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Quantum Computing, a company building software development tools for quantum computers, today announced that it is establishing a first-of-a-kind testbed for integrating quantum computing hardware with its software stack, Triple Alpha. The testbed, which will be set up at Horizon’s Singapore headquarters, will have the capacity to host multiple quantum computers. By acquiring its own hardware, Horizon gains full control over both hardware and software stacks, allowing it to push the frontiers of quantum computing.
 
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240418068549/en/

A key aspect of Horizon’s quantum computing testbed is its modular multi-vendor approach. Rather than utilising a single-vendor solution, the company has purposely selected best-in-class components from different providers. This modularity allows Horizon to integrate its software stack with different hardware configurations and upgrade the system over time.

The first system will be based on a Novera™ quantum processor from Rigetti Computing and OPX1000, the processor-based quantum controller from Quantum Machines. The integrated system is expected to be installed by early 2025.

“Recent progress on quantum processors and error correction has underscored the rapid pace of progress in the field. We are taking the step of creating this testbed because we believe that tight integration between hardware and software is the shortest path to truly useful quantum computing,” said Dr Joe Fitzsimons, Founder & CEO at Horizon Quantum Computing. “We are delighted to work with Rigetti Computing and Quantum Machines on our first system.”

“We are thrilled that Horizon has selected the Novera QPU for their first quantum computing system. Establishing high performing on-premise quantum computing capabilities is key for working towards useful quantum computing,” said Dr Subodh Kulkarni, CEO at Rigetti Computing. “We can’t wait to witness what the Horizon team accomplishes with a quantum computing system powered by the Novera QPU and Quantum Machines’ control system.”

“We’re excited to partner with Horizon Quantum Computing and Rigetti Computing in this pioneering initiative. Our approach has always emphasized scalability, interoperability and modularity, principles that resonate with Horizon’s Triple Alpha,” said Dr Itamar Sivan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Machines. “This collaboration with industry pioneers like Horizon and Rigetti not only showcases the adaptability and effectiveness of our processor-based OPX1000 controller in diverse setups, but also marks a significant step forward in the collective journey towards useful quantum computers.”

Friday, April 19, 2024

CHEAH CHYUAN YONG LEADS ISI IN LAUNCHING INITIATIVES TO BOOST MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES GLOBALLY

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 19 (Bernama-PRNewswire) -- Cheah Chyuan Yong, Chairman of the International Strategy Institute (ISI) is set to unveil a series of initiatives to strengthen global economic ties and elevate Malaysian businesses on the international stage. ISI is poised to foster unparalleled international collaborations and ethical business practices, building on the success of pivotal forums such as the Inter-Regional Business Forum (IRBF), the World Anti-Corruption Conference (WACC) and the World Chinese Economic Forum (WCEF).

With a distinguished track record of facilitating meaningful dialogues and partnerships across continents, ISI, under Cheah Chyuan Yong's guidance, is dedicated to bridging the gap between Malaysian enterprises and potential global markets. This initiative underscores Malaysia's growing global economic influence and commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices.

The forthcoming phase of ISI's journey includes an expanded roster of international forums designed to address critical global economic challenges while unlocking new opportunities for Malaysian businesses. These forums will catalyze innovation, trade, and investment and connect Malaysian entrepreneurs with a network of international partners and resources.

"As we look ahead to 2024, the forecast for Malaysia's economy is encouraging, with anticipated GDP growth driven by robust domestic demand and strategic national infrastructure projects. This positive outlook is further bolstered by the expected recovery in our exports, particularly in high-demand sectors like technology, which is crucial for our nation's economic resilience. ISI is committed to leveraging these opportunities to support Malaysian entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where they can thrive and contribute to our country's prosperous future", said Cheah Chyuan Yong.

As ISI continues to expand its reach and impact, Cheah Chyuan Yong invites businesses, governments, and civil society organizations to join this transformative journey, forging a future of innovation, collaboration, and shared prosperity.

About the International Strategy Institute (ISI):

The International Strategy Institute (ISI) is a distinguished not-for-profit organization headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. ISI serves as a vital conduit, seamlessly connecting governments and businesses across Asia and beyond. Our ethos is rooted in core ethical business principles, championing equality, transparency, fair trade, and sustainable development. Beyond fostering international ties, ISI emerges as a hub for strategic studies, providing an unmatched platform for capital raising and investment initiatives in Asia.

For a more comprehensive insight into our endeavours, kindly visit www.istrategyglobal.org.

Source: International Strategy Institute (ISI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Lily Chin
Email: lily@istrategyglobal.org.

--BERNAMA

BGLC: RM1.2 MLN INVESTMENT IN AISB TO ADVANCE AI ADOPTION, REVOLUTIONISING HEALTHCARE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- BioNexus Gene Lab Corporation (BGLC) has announced a strategic investment by its wholly owned subsidiary, MRNA Scientific Sdn Bhd, in Ascension Innovation Sdn Bhd (AISB), a privately held Malaysian company.

According to a statement, this investment underscores BGLC’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions through cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics.

“Our investment in AISB reflects our belief in their transformative healthcare solutions. Together, we aim to revolutionise patient care through predictive and generative AI,” said BGLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sam Tan.

Meanwhile, AISB CEO, Andrew Teng said: “We welcome MRNA Scientific’s support and looked forward to leveraging their expertise. The future of healthcare lies in predictive analytics and personalised solutions.”

MRNA Scientific’s investment of RM1.2 million (approximately US$250,000) will occur in two tranches and it has made an initial payment of approximately RM100,000 to be followed by a final payment of RM1.1 million, subject to a formal agreement.

The investment in AISB signifies a strategic move to accelerate healthcare innovation and is expected to constitute an indicative equity of approximately 10 per cent of the ordinary shares in AISB upon completion.

The infusion of capital will further AISB’s development and accelerate its AI rollout including AI Assistance in the clinic and on-app as well as predictive analytics and personalised solutions.

MRNA Scientific and BGLC believe that this strategic investment will allow BGLC’s Blood-based Genomic Screening liquid biopsies and other diagnostic services to be better marketed and accessible to a wider range of customers and healthcare providers.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of BGLC, MRNA Scientific specialises in blood-based genomic screening and dynamic genome profiling in which its innovative techniques enable early disease detection, personalised health management, as well as AI-driven insights.

-- BERNAMA