Tuesday, April 21, 2026
MATRADE UNVEILS STRATEGIC MITIGATION PLAN TO DEFEND MALAYSIA’S TRADE MOMENTUM AMID GLOBAL VOLATILITY
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) today announced a comprehensive Strategic Mitigation Plan titled "Resilience through Intelligence" to shield Malaysian exporters from the impacts of escalating global trade friction and geopolitical uncertainty.
The announcement comes as Malaysia records a steady growth of first-quarter trade performance, with exports climbing 12.7% to RM426.53 billion and a trade surplus of RM63.22 billion, marking a 54% surge compared to the same period of last year. Despite this growth, MATRADE’s internal monitoring and industry data indicate that 90.5% of manufacturers are currently affected by global disruptions, specifically through rising logistics costs and raw material shortages and MATRADE anticipates the adverse effects can only be felt from second quarter onwards.
Chairman of MATRADE, YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican stated, "Our goal is to move the national conversation from simply acknowledging 'crisis impact' to a stance of 'proactive facilitation'. Through intelligence, digital innovation and targeted government support, we will ensure Malaysian exporters remain shielded from global shocks and continue to defend our nation's trade momentum to minimise the impact of the disruptions."
"We are intensifying our monitoring by leveraging our 47 overseas offices as 'Frontline Intelligence Hubs' to provide exporters with real-time data on port connectivity and tactical routing. By evolving the role of our Trade Commissioners (TCs) to identify the supply gaps arising from geopolitical tension and sourcing of alternative materials, we are keeping Malaysian industries running even when traditional supply lines are under strain", he added.
A core pillar of the Mitigation Plan is the transformation of MATRADE’s global network to monitor and facilitate trade flows daily. MATRADE overseas offices are actively facilitating tactical rerouting solutions and market access complexities for exporters, such as diverting cargo to stable regional hubs and ports like Sohar and Salalah, as well as exploring alternative land or railway routes to bypass maritime chokepoints.
To provide 24/7 support for exporters, MATRADE officially launched the MATRADE Interactive Virtual Assistant (MIVA) on the Madani Digital Trade Platform (MDTP). This AI-driven tool provides instant, real-time assistance for crisis-related queries, ensuring that SMEs have a digital shield to navigate trade challenges at any hour.
MATRADE’s Internal Taskforce continues to meet weekly to refine these strategies, ensuring all global offices are aligned with ministerial directives to provide a unified national response. In addition, MATRADE has also formed the Trade Resilience Taskforce – Middle East Conflict, comprising members from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (NCCIM), Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC) and logistic service providers to discuss industry responses and strategic recommendations in addressing the impacts on exports arising from the conflict.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on 1 March 1993 as the national trade promotional arm under Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). MATRADE's primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia's commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation's trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
SOURCE: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mdm. Aninawati Saleh
Head of Corporate Communication
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Tel (Direct) : 03 – 6207 7077 (7826)
Email : communication@matrade.gov.my
--BERNAMA
GECS Q1 2026: Malaysia’s finance professionals highlight rising geopolitical risks alongside economic concerns
ACCA-IMA survey records near-pandemic-low confidence as Middle East conflict drives energy costs and supply chain stress
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The ACCA and IMA Q1 2026 Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), conducted between 3 and 19 March, coincided with the outbreak of war in the Middle East, weighing heavily on global business sentiment.
For Malaysia, the implications are significant. As a key semiconductor hub, the country may experience some upward pressure on input costs due to disruptions in petrochemicals and other critical materials. As a net energy importer, it could also be affected by higher oil and gas prices. In addition, a stronger US dollar may place some pressure on the ringgit, potentially increasing import costs and foreign currency exposures.
Regionally, 33% of Asia Pacific respondents ranked geopolitical instability as their top risk priority in Q1 2026, above the global average of 25%. Cybersecurity risk ranked second globally at 17%, a concern that is relevant in Malaysia’s fast-digitalising economy.
Andrew Lim, Head of Maritime SEA, ACCA, said: “The Q1 2026 GECS findings are a sobering reminder of how deeply interconnected Malaysia’s economy is with global trade and geopolitical dynamics. Our position at the heart of Southeast Asia means that supply chain disruption, energy price volatility, and currency pressures hit us at multiple pressure points simultaneously. Finance professionals in Malaysia must now navigate an environment where the risks are not only economic but deeply geopolitical – and the two are increasingly inseparable.”
The survey showed a sharp decline in confidence, close to the series lows recorded at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, as firms grapple with the fourth major global shock this decade. Confidence also fell sharply among chief financial officers.
While an April ceasefire brought some market relief, uncertainty remain high, and energy and other commodity prices look set to remain elevated. Rising cost pressures were evident in Q1, with reports of increased operating costs at their highest since Q3 2022. With energy prices rising and supply chains under strain, pressures are expected to intensify.
Some indicators were more encouraging though. The Global New Orders Index registered a solid increase and is now at its historical average level. Meanwhile, the Global Employment Index, which captures the hiring and firing decisions of firms, also saw slight improvement, although it remains below its historical average.
Read GECS Q1 2026 here.
Source: ACCA
FOR MORE INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:
Email: newsroom@accaglobal.com
--BERNAMA
QINGYANG LEVERAGES AI, COMPUTING POWER TO TRANSFORM RURAL E-COMMERCE
 |
| A public welfare lecture about AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce. |
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Qingyang is advancing its digital transformation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and "computing power" into rural e-commerce, enabling farmers and homemakers to become livestream sellers, or "Code Farmers".
At the Qingyang Electronic Commerce Association, training programmes on AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce are equipping participants with practical skills—from product selection and content planning to virtual human streaming—reshaping how local communities engage in online commerce.
The initiative is supported by the Qingyang National Computing Hub under China’s Eastern Data and Western Computing Project, which provides low-cost, low-latency computing resources, according to a statement.
This enables the use of AI tools such as virtual streamers, creating a development model that combines local computing power, AI applications and talent training to boost operational efficiency.
The results have been significant. Qingyang recorded total e-commerce sales of 6.91 billion Chinese yuan in 2025, with online retail contributing 3.27 billion Chinese yuan, up 12.7 per cent year-on-year. (100 Chinese yuan = RM 58.01)
Since 2023, more than 2,000 people have received hands-on e-commerce training, strengthening the region’s digital talent base.
As a result, local residents are shifting from traditional agriculture to digital entrepreneurship, using AI-powered platforms to market regional products nationwide. This transformation highlights how digital infrastructure and emerging technologies are driving new economic opportunities in rural China.
-- BERNAMA
Kioxia Unveils Value-Oriented QLC-based KIOXIA EG7 Series SSDs for PC OEMs
KIOXIA EG7 Series Client SSD
New Client SSD Lineup Provides Affordable Solution for PC Applications
TOKYO, April 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kioxia Corporation today announced KIOXIA EG7 Series solid state drives (SSDs), the first client solution to adopt Kioxia’s BiCS FLASH™ generation 8 4-bit-per-cell, quadruple-level cell (QLC) technology. The QLC-based KIOXIA EG7 Series delivers equivalent performance as TLC-based solutions(1), enabling better total cost of ownership (TCO) for value-oriented slim laptops, as well as commercial and consumer notebooks and desktops.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260420977735/en/
KIOXIA EG7 Series SSDs bring the performance and power efficiency advantages of KIOXIA BiCS FLASH™ generation 8 QLC 3D flash memory to common computing workloads for PC OEMs. The new drives deliver random read and write performance of up to 1,000 KIOPS, sequential read speed of up to 7,000 MB/s, and sequential write speed of up to 6,200 MB/s.
The KIOXIA EG7 Series incorporates NVMe™ 2.0d support, giving PC OEMs greater flexibility in system design and device management. The drives are offered in M.2 Type 2230, Type 2242, and Type 2280 form factors, enabling broader compatibility across diverse system configurations and space constraints.
Positioned within Kioxia’s value-oriented client SSD portfolio, the DRAM-less KIOXIA EG7 Series leverages mature Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, utilizing a portion of system memory to help improve TCO and power consumption while maintaining responsive performance.
Additional features include:
- PCIe® 4.0 specification compliant
- Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) support based on TCG Opal version 2.02
- Capacities of 512 GB, 1024 GB, and 2048 GB
The KIOXIA EG7 Series is currently sampling to select PC OEM customers, with PC shipments equipped with the SSD expected to begin from the second quarter of 2026 onwards.
Notes:
(1) Compared to KIOXIA BG7 Series SSDs
- Definition of SSD capacity: Kioxia Corporation defines a kilobyte (KB) as 1,000 bytes, a megabyte (MB) as 1,000,000 bytes, a gigabyte (GB) as 1,000,000,000 bytes, a terabyte (TB) as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, and a kibibyte (KiB) is 1,024 bytes. A computer operating system, however, reports storage capacity using powers of 2 for the definition of 1GB = 2^30 bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes and 1TB = 2^40 bytes = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes and therefore shows less storage capacity. Available storage capacity (including examples of various media files) will vary based on file size, formatting, settings, software and operating system, and/or pre-installed software applications, or media content. Actual formatted capacity may vary.
- Read and write speed may vary depending on the host device, read and write conditions, and file size.
- IOPS: Input Output Per Second (or the number of I/O operations per second)
- Availability of the SED model lineup may vary by region
- NVMe is a registered or unregistered mark of NVM Express, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
- PCIe is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG.
- Other company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.
About Kioxia
Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with “memory” by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, data centers and generative AI systems.
*Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.
Customer Inquiries:
Global Sales Offices
https://www.kioxia.com/en-jp/business/buy/global-sales.html
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260420977735/en/
Contact
Media Inquiries:
Kioxia Corporation
Promotion Management Division
Satoshi Shindo
Tel: +81-3-6478-2404
Source : Kioxia Corporation
BODOR LASER RETAINS GLOBAL NO.1 IN LASER CUTTING MACHINE SALES FOR SEVENTH YEAR
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Bodor Laser has ranked No. 1 globally in sales of laser cutting machines (1,000 watts and above) for the seventh consecutive year, according to data released by Qianzhan Industry Research Institute in March 2026.
The company also surpassed 10,000 units in annual sales in 2025, remaining the only manufacturer to achieve this milestone. The recognition was announced at ITES 2026 in Shenzhen, where Bodor Laser highlighted advances in manufacturing, innovation and global expansion.
“A seventh consecutive No. 1 ranking is not the end but a new starting point,” said Bodor Laser Senior Vice President, Zhan Zhihao, noting the company’s continued focus on innovation and support for global manufacturing.
At the event, the company said its DreamSpace super factory delivered more than 10,000 machines over the past year, while its South China headquarters in Shenzhen has commenced operations, strengthening its production and operational capabilities.
In a statement, Bodor Laser said it attributed its sustained leadership to continued investment in research and development, with tens of millions of United States (US) dollars invested over the past five years.
The company has built in-house capabilities across core components and developed a substantial patent portfolio, with products receiving international recognition, including Red Dot and iF Design Awards.
In 2025, the company expanded its portfolio with high-speed, high-precision systems and intelligent production solutions, enhancing efficiency in applications such as automotive parts manufacturing and sheet metal processing.
Bodor Laser has also strengthened its global footprint, with manufacturing bases in China and Thailand, more than 10 overseas subsidiaries and service centres, and operations spanning over 180 countries and regions with more than 3,500 employees worldwide.
-- BERNAMA
The company also surpassed 10,000 units in annual sales in 2025, remaining the only manufacturer to achieve this milestone. The recognition was announced at ITES 2026 in Shenzhen, where Bodor Laser highlighted advances in manufacturing, innovation and global expansion.
“A seventh consecutive No. 1 ranking is not the end but a new starting point,” said Bodor Laser Senior Vice President, Zhan Zhihao, noting the company’s continued focus on innovation and support for global manufacturing.
At the event, the company said its DreamSpace super factory delivered more than 10,000 machines over the past year, while its South China headquarters in Shenzhen has commenced operations, strengthening its production and operational capabilities.
In a statement, Bodor Laser said it attributed its sustained leadership to continued investment in research and development, with tens of millions of United States (US) dollars invested over the past five years.
The company has built in-house capabilities across core components and developed a substantial patent portfolio, with products receiving international recognition, including Red Dot and iF Design Awards.
In 2025, the company expanded its portfolio with high-speed, high-precision systems and intelligent production solutions, enhancing efficiency in applications such as automotive parts manufacturing and sheet metal processing.
Bodor Laser has also strengthened its global footprint, with manufacturing bases in China and Thailand, more than 10 overseas subsidiaries and service centres, and operations spanning over 180 countries and regions with more than 3,500 employees worldwide.
-- BERNAMA
PETRONAS inks MoU with Terengganu to Explore Nature-based Solutions Projects
.jpg) |
| Dato' Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham, Terengganu State Secretary (Centre) signs the MoU together with (Left to Right); Datuk Razali Idris, Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change; Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit; Gulia Sartori, Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS; Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Khairuddin Jaafar, Senior General Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Group Strategic Relations and Communications. |
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and the Terengganu State Government, through the Terengganu Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the state.
Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify and assess potential sites across Terengganu for Nature-based carbon projects that meet internationally recognised certification standards. These projects are intended to generate high-quality carbon credits while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and supporting environmental conservation.
The MoU was signed by PETRONAS Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, Giulia Sartori and Terengganu State Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham. The signing was also witnessed by Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit.
Commenting on the collaboration, Giulia Sartori said PETRONAS looks forward to working closely with the state to advance climate-positive initiatives that create shared value.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the state of Terengganu in advancing nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, enhance biodiversity and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities. This collaboration builds on PETRONAS’ long-standing presence in the state, and we look forward to delivering value for the state and supporting Malaysia’s overall climate ambitions together,” she said
Dato’ Mohd Azmi welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the role of Terengganu’s natural ecosystems and their potential to contribute to climate change mitigation.
“Terengganu is blessed with diverse natural ecosystems that hold significant potential for nature-based solutions. Through this collaboration with PETRONAS, we aim to contribute to Malaysia’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring environmental conservation brings lasting benefits to the people of Terengganu,” he said.
NbS comprises actions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions through conserving, protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems. Carbon credits generated through NbS are integral for PETRONAS in addressing residual and hard-to-abate emissions, complementing its Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Pathway.
Issued by
Channels & Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS
SOURCE: PETRONAS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Aisyah Mustapha
Tel: +6012 3818 790
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com
--BERNAMA
Monday, April 20, 2026
HKTB SHOWCASES HONG KONG AS ‘EVENTS CAPITAL OF ASIA’ AT HONG KONG SEVENS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is promoting Hong Kong’s position as the “Events Capital of Asia” by leveraging the 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens under its “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign.
In a statement, HKTB said the globally renowned rugby tournament serves as a key platform to attract international visitors, highlighting the city’s ability to host world-class events that combine sports, culture and innovation.
Adding a technological dimension to the celebrations, China-made robots previously featured on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala performed at the opening ceremony, delivering a dynamic showcase alongside traditional elements such as a dragon dance and cheerleading routines.
HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam said the Hong Kong Sevens has evolved into a major international sporting event over the past five decades, drawing global attention and reinforcing the city’s appeal as a premier destination for large-scale events.
Blending tradition with innovative elements, the opening performance of the 50th edition was packed with highlights. Following a dragon dance, 10 robots teamed up seamlessly with a cheerleading squad, kicking off the event with dynamic choreography and precise coordination.
After the cheerleading performance, lasers danced across the Main Stadium pitch and displayed the participating nations over the years, the names of legendary Sevens players, and the effect of twin dragons soaring over Hong Kong, celebrating 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens development.
The closing ceremony also featured a spectacular pyrotechnic display launched from the stadium roof, bringing the three-day tournament to a dazzling finale.
Beyond the stadium, HKTB extended promotional efforts by featuring the robots at iconic locations including the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point, creating content to boost Hong Kong’s global visibility.
To further strengthen outreach, HKTB collaborated with Hong Kong China Rugby to host international key opinion leaders (KOLs), alongside representatives from the travel trade, MICE and cruise sectors, offering firsthand experience of the event and the city’s tourism offerings.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, HKTB said the globally renowned rugby tournament serves as a key platform to attract international visitors, highlighting the city’s ability to host world-class events that combine sports, culture and innovation.
Adding a technological dimension to the celebrations, China-made robots previously featured on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala performed at the opening ceremony, delivering a dynamic showcase alongside traditional elements such as a dragon dance and cheerleading routines.
HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam said the Hong Kong Sevens has evolved into a major international sporting event over the past five decades, drawing global attention and reinforcing the city’s appeal as a premier destination for large-scale events.
Blending tradition with innovative elements, the opening performance of the 50th edition was packed with highlights. Following a dragon dance, 10 robots teamed up seamlessly with a cheerleading squad, kicking off the event with dynamic choreography and precise coordination.
After the cheerleading performance, lasers danced across the Main Stadium pitch and displayed the participating nations over the years, the names of legendary Sevens players, and the effect of twin dragons soaring over Hong Kong, celebrating 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens development.
The closing ceremony also featured a spectacular pyrotechnic display launched from the stadium roof, bringing the three-day tournament to a dazzling finale.
Beyond the stadium, HKTB extended promotional efforts by featuring the robots at iconic locations including the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point, creating content to boost Hong Kong’s global visibility.
To further strengthen outreach, HKTB collaborated with Hong Kong China Rugby to host international key opinion leaders (KOLs), alongside representatives from the travel trade, MICE and cruise sectors, offering firsthand experience of the event and the city’s tourism offerings.
-- BERNAMA
POWERWELL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF EMPOWERING POSSIBILITIES, HONOURING PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF ITS GROWTH
.jpg) |
| Photo Caption (from left to right): • Mr. Tan Yee Sin, Chief Financial Officer; • Ms. Tee Joe Ee, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director; • Ms. Wong Yoke Yen, Managing Director; • Mr. Tang Yuen Kin, Independent Non-Executive Chairman; • Mr. Chong Guang Wei, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director; • Mr. Soh Wei Wei, Executive Director. |
.jpg) |
Sin, Chief Financial Officer (right), presenting the grand prize, a Proton e.MAS vehicle, to the lucky draw winner, a Powerwell employee, in a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening and a fitting reminder that the heart of the company has always been its people.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- Leading homegrown power distribution specialist manufacturing low voltage (“LV”) and medium voltage electrical distribution equipment, Powerwell Holdings Berhad (“Powerwell” or the “Group”) (“ ä½³ 电 控 è‚¡ ”), has marked its 40th anniversary, also known as its Ruby Anniversary, with a celebratory event held on the evening of 17 April 2026, commemorating four decades of steady growth, industry relevance, and operational resilience.
Reaching its Ruby Anniversary is a meaningful milestone for Powerwell. Since its establishment, the Group has grown alongside Malaysia’s industrial development, building a strong presence across key sectors while adapting to evolving market dynamics. Today, Powerwell is well positioned within highgrowth segments such as data centres, renewable energy, semiconductors, and the infrastructure space, where demand for reliable and efficient power infrastructure continues to expand.
At the heart of this journey is the Group’s continued emphasis on people. Powerwell has increasingly placed importance on fostering a culture that recognises and rewards employees, while strengthening its ability to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Initiatives such as its talent retention programmes and Employee Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”) support alignment with the Group’s long-term growth, while providing opportunities for meaningful participation in value creation.
Concurrently, Powerwell continues to build its pipeline of talent to support highvalue and high-tech industries. As the Group moves forward, it remains guided by its purpose of empowering possibilities for its customers, employees and partners. As Powerwell marks this milestone, the Group remains guided by its tagline of ‘Empowering Possibilities’, as the Group continues to build on its established foundation and capture the exciting opportunities ahead to deliver sustainable growth in the years to come.
The anniversary celebration brought together employees, management, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders in a night of appreciation and camaraderie. In a reflection of the Group’s shared pride and journey, a Proton e.MAS vehicle took centre stage as the grand prize of the night’s lucky draw. The choice of a homegrown brand mirrors Powerwell’s own journey as a Malaysian company that has grown and established itself over the decades.
SOURCE: Capital Front Plt
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Huan-Kind Khoo (Kai)
Capital Front Investor Relations
Tel: +6 (012) 3357148
Email : kai@capitalfront.biz
--BERNAMA
Reaching its Ruby Anniversary is a meaningful milestone for Powerwell. Since its establishment, the Group has grown alongside Malaysia’s industrial development, building a strong presence across key sectors while adapting to evolving market dynamics. Today, Powerwell is well positioned within highgrowth segments such as data centres, renewable energy, semiconductors, and the infrastructure space, where demand for reliable and efficient power infrastructure continues to expand.
At the heart of this journey is the Group’s continued emphasis on people. Powerwell has increasingly placed importance on fostering a culture that recognises and rewards employees, while strengthening its ability to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Initiatives such as its talent retention programmes and Employee Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”) support alignment with the Group’s long-term growth, while providing opportunities for meaningful participation in value creation.
Concurrently, Powerwell continues to build its pipeline of talent to support highvalue and high-tech industries. As the Group moves forward, it remains guided by its purpose of empowering possibilities for its customers, employees and partners. As Powerwell marks this milestone, the Group remains guided by its tagline of ‘Empowering Possibilities’, as the Group continues to build on its established foundation and capture the exciting opportunities ahead to deliver sustainable growth in the years to come.
The anniversary celebration brought together employees, management, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders in a night of appreciation and camaraderie. In a reflection of the Group’s shared pride and journey, a Proton e.MAS vehicle took centre stage as the grand prize of the night’s lucky draw. The choice of a homegrown brand mirrors Powerwell’s own journey as a Malaysian company that has grown and established itself over the decades.
SOURCE: Capital Front Plt
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Huan-Kind Khoo (Kai)
Capital Front Investor Relations
Tel: +6 (012) 3357148
Email : kai@capitalfront.biz
--BERNAMA
MULTI-COLOR CORPORATION CONFIRMS REORGANISATION PLAN
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), a leader in prime label solutions, has confirmed its prepackaged plan of reorganisation and expects to emerge from prepackaged Chapter 11 in the coming weeks.
MCC President and Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Rmaile said with the support of financial stakeholders, MCC will emerge with a significantly deleveraged balance sheet and liquidity to support operations, invest in innovation, and continue delivering label solutions for its customers.
“I am grateful to our teammates, customers, and suppliers for their steadfast commitment and support throughout this process, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead,” he said in a statement.
Under the terms of the plan, MCC will complete a comprehensive restructuring transaction that significantly deleverages its balance sheet and recapitalises the business.
The restructuring reduces net debt by approximately US$3.8 billion, lowers annualised cash interest expense by more than US$330 million, and extends long-term debt maturities to 2033. (US$1 = RM3.95)
In addition, MCC will receive a US$889 million investment from CD&R and a group of existing secured lenders, and is expected to hold more than US$500 million in available liquidity post-emergence to support long-term growth and investment.
Plan confirmation follows a successful mediation and global settlement among all major constituencies in MCC’s prepackaged Chapter 11 cases, with more than 99 per cent of voting stakeholders approving the restructuring plan.
With approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, MCC expects to receive proceeds from the new equity investment and complete its financial restructuring in the coming weeks.
-- BERNAMA
MCC President and Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Rmaile said with the support of financial stakeholders, MCC will emerge with a significantly deleveraged balance sheet and liquidity to support operations, invest in innovation, and continue delivering label solutions for its customers.
“I am grateful to our teammates, customers, and suppliers for their steadfast commitment and support throughout this process, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead,” he said in a statement.
Under the terms of the plan, MCC will complete a comprehensive restructuring transaction that significantly deleverages its balance sheet and recapitalises the business.
The restructuring reduces net debt by approximately US$3.8 billion, lowers annualised cash interest expense by more than US$330 million, and extends long-term debt maturities to 2033. (US$1 = RM3.95)
In addition, MCC will receive a US$889 million investment from CD&R and a group of existing secured lenders, and is expected to hold more than US$500 million in available liquidity post-emergence to support long-term growth and investment.
Plan confirmation follows a successful mediation and global settlement among all major constituencies in MCC’s prepackaged Chapter 11 cases, with more than 99 per cent of voting stakeholders approving the restructuring plan.
With approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, MCC expects to receive proceeds from the new equity investment and complete its financial restructuring in the coming weeks.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Horizon Quantum and AQT to Advance Real-World Quantum Applications with Strategic Hardware–Software Collaboration
By integrating Horizon’s software infrastructure with AQT’s trapped-ion quantum computing systems, this collaboration helps accelerate progress towards real-world quantum applications.
SINGAPORE & INNSBRUCK, Austria, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: HQ “Horizon Quantum”), a pioneer of software infrastructure for quantum applications, and AQT (Alpine Quantum Technologies), a leading European provider of trapped-ion quantum computers, today announced a strategic collaboration to advance the development of real-world quantum computing applications via increased hardware-software integration. By combining advanced hardware capabilities with scalable software infrastructure, the two companies aim to accelerate users’ ability to build real-world quantum applications.
The integration of Triple Alpha—Horizon Quantum's integrated development environment—with AQT's trapped-ion quantum processors—a leading modality known for high gate fidelity and low error rates—is intended to enable developers with and without specialised hardware expertise to harness the power of AQT’s systems at various levels of abstraction. Using Triple Alpha, developers can write, compile, and deploy quantum programs directly onto AQT’s processors, accessing the hardware via the cloud.
“AQT’s trapped ion systems provide low error rates and long coherence times, potentially increasing the scalability and reliability of quantum computing,” said Horizon Quantum CEO Dr Joe Fitzsimons. “Through this collaboration, Triple Alpha users will gain access to AQT’s processors, expanding their options for cutting-edge hardware designed to solve difficult computational problems.”
Horizon Quantum and AQT will engage customers as equals, working together to solve computational problems and achieve joint technical firsts in the fields of quantum computing and software development.
“The Triple Alpha software development environment navigates the diversity and complexity of today’s quantum stack, providing developers with access at multiple levels of abstraction to deliver both programming freedom and fine-grained precision,” said Dr Thomas Monz, CEO of AQT. “The collaboration with Horizon Quantum provides broad and easy access to AQT’s hardware and leverages synergies between the two companies, which share the common goal of advancing quantum computing in practice."
Horizon Quantum’s objective is to build the most capable hardware-agnostic software infrastructure. Horizon Quantum believes the collaboration with AQT is an important step towards further broadening the range of hardware architectures supported in Triple Alpha. To accelerate its research and development efforts and further advance Triple Alpha, Horizon Quantum recently listed on Nasdaq under the ticker HQ.
About Horizon Quantum
Horizon Quantum [NASDAQ: HQ] is on a mission to unlock broad quantum advantage by building the software infrastructure that empowers developers to use quantum computing to solve the world’s toughest computational problems.
Founded in 2018 by Dr Joe Fitzsimons, a leading researcher and former professor with more than two decades of experience in quantum computing, the company is bridging the gap between today’s hardware and tomorrow’s applications through the creation of advanced quantum software development tools. Its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha, enables developers to write sophisticated, hardware-agnostic quantum programs at different levels of abstraction. Learn more at www.horizonquantum.com.
About AQT
Building on decades of experience in experimental and theoretical quantum information processing in Innsbruck (Austria), AQT develops and builds quantum computers. The company offers ion trap-based quantum computers that fit seamlessly into conventional IT infrastructure and can be operated from any PC or laptop, regardless of location. AQT enables its customers to install quantum computers on site or to explore use-cases via a convenient cloud solution. Researchers and developers are supported by both quantum hardware components as well as complete systems that significantly accelerate the development of quantum solutions. Learn more at www.aqt.eu.
Note to Investors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements. The expectations, estimates, and projections of the businesses of Horizon Quantum may differ from its actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “plan” “enable,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Horizon Quantum therefore cautions against placing undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside of the control of Horizon Quantum and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the strategic collaboration with AQT; (3) the outcome of any efforts to integrate Horizon Quantum and AQT’s trapped-ion processor technology with Horizon Quantum’s software infrastructure; (4) Horizon Quantum’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of Horizon Quantum; (5) the cash position of Horizon Quantum; (6) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the recently completed business combination with dMY Squared Technology Group, Inc., which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Horizon Quantum to grow and manage growth profitably and source and retain its key employees; (7) costs, if any, related to the strategic collaboration with AQT; (8) changes in applicable laws and regulations or political and economic developments; (9) the possibility that Horizon Quantum may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (10) Horizon Quantum’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (11) difficulties operating Horizon Quantum’s quantum processors and the possibility that the quantum processors do not provide the advantages that Horizon Quantum expects; (12) the ability of Horizon Quantum to integrate access to its quantum computing test bed, including AQT’s technology, within its Triple Alpha platform; (13) the ability of Horizon Quantum’s coding languages to provide additional abstraction when compared to other quantum computing solutions; (14) the ability to maintain the listing of Horizon Quantum’s Class A ordinary shares and warrants on Nasdaq; and (15) other risks and uncertainties included in the “Risk Factors” sections of the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed by Horizon Quantum in connection with the Business Combination, other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Horizon Quantum. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risks, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Horizon Quantum does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415917591/en/
Contact
Media Contact
Horizon Quantum media contact
Yanina Blaclard
media@horizonquantum.com
AQT media contact
Franz Domig
franz.domig@aqt.eu
Investor Contact
Horizon Quantum investor contact
Katherine Bailon
investors@horizonquantum.com
Source : Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd.
SINGAPORE & INNSBRUCK, Austria, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: HQ “Horizon Quantum”), a pioneer of software infrastructure for quantum applications, and AQT (Alpine Quantum Technologies), a leading European provider of trapped-ion quantum computers, today announced a strategic collaboration to advance the development of real-world quantum computing applications via increased hardware-software integration. By combining advanced hardware capabilities with scalable software infrastructure, the two companies aim to accelerate users’ ability to build real-world quantum applications.
The integration of Triple Alpha—Horizon Quantum's integrated development environment—with AQT's trapped-ion quantum processors—a leading modality known for high gate fidelity and low error rates—is intended to enable developers with and without specialised hardware expertise to harness the power of AQT’s systems at various levels of abstraction. Using Triple Alpha, developers can write, compile, and deploy quantum programs directly onto AQT’s processors, accessing the hardware via the cloud.
“AQT’s trapped ion systems provide low error rates and long coherence times, potentially increasing the scalability and reliability of quantum computing,” said Horizon Quantum CEO Dr Joe Fitzsimons. “Through this collaboration, Triple Alpha users will gain access to AQT’s processors, expanding their options for cutting-edge hardware designed to solve difficult computational problems.”
Horizon Quantum and AQT will engage customers as equals, working together to solve computational problems and achieve joint technical firsts in the fields of quantum computing and software development.
“The Triple Alpha software development environment navigates the diversity and complexity of today’s quantum stack, providing developers with access at multiple levels of abstraction to deliver both programming freedom and fine-grained precision,” said Dr Thomas Monz, CEO of AQT. “The collaboration with Horizon Quantum provides broad and easy access to AQT’s hardware and leverages synergies between the two companies, which share the common goal of advancing quantum computing in practice."
Horizon Quantum’s objective is to build the most capable hardware-agnostic software infrastructure. Horizon Quantum believes the collaboration with AQT is an important step towards further broadening the range of hardware architectures supported in Triple Alpha. To accelerate its research and development efforts and further advance Triple Alpha, Horizon Quantum recently listed on Nasdaq under the ticker HQ.
About Horizon Quantum
Horizon Quantum [NASDAQ: HQ] is on a mission to unlock broad quantum advantage by building the software infrastructure that empowers developers to use quantum computing to solve the world’s toughest computational problems.
Founded in 2018 by Dr Joe Fitzsimons, a leading researcher and former professor with more than two decades of experience in quantum computing, the company is bridging the gap between today’s hardware and tomorrow’s applications through the creation of advanced quantum software development tools. Its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha, enables developers to write sophisticated, hardware-agnostic quantum programs at different levels of abstraction. Learn more at www.horizonquantum.com.
About AQT
Building on decades of experience in experimental and theoretical quantum information processing in Innsbruck (Austria), AQT develops and builds quantum computers. The company offers ion trap-based quantum computers that fit seamlessly into conventional IT infrastructure and can be operated from any PC or laptop, regardless of location. AQT enables its customers to install quantum computers on site or to explore use-cases via a convenient cloud solution. Researchers and developers are supported by both quantum hardware components as well as complete systems that significantly accelerate the development of quantum solutions. Learn more at www.aqt.eu.
Note to Investors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements. The expectations, estimates, and projections of the businesses of Horizon Quantum may differ from its actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “plan” “enable,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Horizon Quantum therefore cautions against placing undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside of the control of Horizon Quantum and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the strategic collaboration with AQT; (3) the outcome of any efforts to integrate Horizon Quantum and AQT’s trapped-ion processor technology with Horizon Quantum’s software infrastructure; (4) Horizon Quantum’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of Horizon Quantum; (5) the cash position of Horizon Quantum; (6) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the recently completed business combination with dMY Squared Technology Group, Inc., which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Horizon Quantum to grow and manage growth profitably and source and retain its key employees; (7) costs, if any, related to the strategic collaboration with AQT; (8) changes in applicable laws and regulations or political and economic developments; (9) the possibility that Horizon Quantum may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (10) Horizon Quantum’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (11) difficulties operating Horizon Quantum’s quantum processors and the possibility that the quantum processors do not provide the advantages that Horizon Quantum expects; (12) the ability of Horizon Quantum to integrate access to its quantum computing test bed, including AQT’s technology, within its Triple Alpha platform; (13) the ability of Horizon Quantum’s coding languages to provide additional abstraction when compared to other quantum computing solutions; (14) the ability to maintain the listing of Horizon Quantum’s Class A ordinary shares and warrants on Nasdaq; and (15) other risks and uncertainties included in the “Risk Factors” sections of the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed by Horizon Quantum in connection with the Business Combination, other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Horizon Quantum. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risks, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Horizon Quantum does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415917591/en/
Contact
Media Contact
Horizon Quantum media contact
Yanina Blaclard
media@horizonquantum.com
AQT media contact
Franz Domig
franz.domig@aqt.eu
Investor Contact
Horizon Quantum investor contact
Katherine Bailon
investors@horizonquantum.com
Source : Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd.
DENODO REPORT HIGHLIGHTS "TRUST GAP" IN AGENTIC AI ADOPTION
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Denodo, a leader in data management, has released The AI Trust Gap Report, a global study revealing that the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI)—agentic AI—is facing significant trust challenges driven by data-related issues.
“AI is rapidly shifting from systems that merely answer questions to systems that take autonomous action, and this transition changes the data requirement entirely,” said Denodo vice president of Product Marketing, Dominic Sartorio, noting that real-time, governed and contextually relevant data is critical for scaling agentic AI with confidence.
The report finds that 63 per cent of organisations struggle to locate relevant, context-specific data, while 66 per cent say real-time data access is essential for AI to be considered trustworthy.
At the same time, 67 per cent face difficulties maintaining consistent security and access controls, adding to the complexity of deploying autonomous AI systems safely, according to a statement.
Data scale is also a growing concern, with enterprise AI initiatives drawing from an average of over 400 data sources and 20 per cent of organisations managing more than 1,000 sources.
Nearly 60 per cent of respondents report performance challenges in handling the intensive workloads required for large-scale AI.
The report concludes that the "trust gap" stems not from AI models themselves, but from fragmented and outdated data architectures. Bridging this gap will be essential for organisations seeking to transition from experimental AI use cases to fully automated, enterprise-scale deployments.
-- BERNAMA
“AI is rapidly shifting from systems that merely answer questions to systems that take autonomous action, and this transition changes the data requirement entirely,” said Denodo vice president of Product Marketing, Dominic Sartorio, noting that real-time, governed and contextually relevant data is critical for scaling agentic AI with confidence.
The report finds that 63 per cent of organisations struggle to locate relevant, context-specific data, while 66 per cent say real-time data access is essential for AI to be considered trustworthy.
At the same time, 67 per cent face difficulties maintaining consistent security and access controls, adding to the complexity of deploying autonomous AI systems safely, according to a statement.
Data scale is also a growing concern, with enterprise AI initiatives drawing from an average of over 400 data sources and 20 per cent of organisations managing more than 1,000 sources.
Nearly 60 per cent of respondents report performance challenges in handling the intensive workloads required for large-scale AI.
The report concludes that the "trust gap" stems not from AI models themselves, but from fragmented and outdated data architectures. Bridging this gap will be essential for organisations seeking to transition from experimental AI use cases to fully automated, enterprise-scale deployments.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
MTDC UNVEILS SEMICONSTART MALAYSIA, A NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR INCUBATION PROGRAMME TO BUILD MALAYSIA’S IC DESIGN AND DEEP-TECH PIPELINE
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its position in the global semiconductor value chain through SemiconStart Malaysia, a national semiconductor incubation programme led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC). The programme was unveiled today at a pre-launch event attended by stakeholders from government, industry, research institutions and universities, and is designed to support the development of globally competitive companies in areas such as integrated circuit (IC) design, photonics, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and quantum technologies.
The initiative is developed and led by MTDC in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, one of the world’s leading semiconductor incubators and accelerators, with a strong track record of supporting hundreds of chip companies in scaling and growth. The programme combines early-stage funding managed by MTDC with access to advanced design tools, global industry mentorship, strategic partners and international investor networks through Silicon Catalyst’s ecosystem.
“Malaysia’s global reputation in semiconductor manufacturing is firmly established. The next step is to build Malaysian companies that do not merely participate in the industry, but lead in innovation, technology development and value creation. SemiconStart Malaysia reflects MTDC’s role in building this pipeline, by translating technology into ventures, and ventures into globally competitive companies, while strengthening Malaysia’s long-term strategic position across semiconductor value chain,” said Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani Hj. Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer of MTDC.
SemiconStart Malaysia is developed in alignment with Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and Budget 2026 commitments, which earmarked RM7.9 billion to upskill the nation's electrical and electronics (E&E) workforce and build strategic depth in the sector. MTDC has been mandated to implement the SemiconStart Malaysia programme, including managing the selection process and disbursement of grants of up to RM1 million per company, as well as overseeing the programme in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst through a structured 260-day incubation track.
Apart from funding, companies will undergo rigorous technical and commercial assessments coordinated by Silicon Catalyst’s UK and US teams. Focus areas include IC design, sensor technologies, photonics, MEMS, quantum technologies and advanced semiconductor materials, all of which have been identified as strategic, highvalue segments under the NSS.
Companies will also be assessed based on their commitment to value creation in Malaysia, including the registration of intellectual property in Malaysia and the development of local technical talent. Foreign participation is allowed under the programme, subject to clear local capability-building and ecosystem contribution .
Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignment and intensifying competition for critical technologies, Malaysia must continue strengthening its own technology ecosystem to build greater resilience and reduce long-term dependence in strategic areas. This requires stronger domestic capabilities in semiconductor innovation, intellectual property, talent development and venture creation, enabling Malaysian companies to compete more effectively in higher-value segments of the industry. SemiconStart Malaysia is intended to support this shift and reinforce Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness in the global semiconductor value chain.
Silicon Catalyst brings to the partnership a global network of industry advisors, investors and technology partners, as well as experience from similar programmes such as ChipStart UK, a UK Government-backed semiconductor incubator programme. The initiative is led by Sean Redmond, a semiconductor veteran who previously held leadership roles at Cadence, ARM-affiliated Verisity Design, and ARC, together with Dr. Ross Addinall, who brings decades of IC design and EDA experience to Malaysia’s startup pipeline.
The full launch of SemiconStart Malaysia is expected to take place later this year, with applications opening in April. The programme represents a strategic step in strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in semiconductor design and deep technology, and reflects the broader national effort to move Malaysia further up the global semiconductor value chain through innovation, talent development and technology commercialisation.
Prepared by:
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
15 April 2026
About Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)
Established in March 1992, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MTDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). MTDC plays a strategic role in strengthening Malaysia’s deep technology ecosystem by supporting the progression of technology companies from development to adoption and scale.
As a technology investor and ecosystem enabler, MTDC provides developmental and growth funding through initiatives such as the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), Halal Technology Development Fund (HTDF), Dana Uji Beli MySTI, Dana Mudahcara MySTI, Business Start-up Fund (BSF), Business Growth Fund (BGF) and the MTDC–Tradeview Quantum Fund, a public–private investment initiative to accelerate the growth of high-potential Malaysian technology companies.
MTDC also strengthens companies through capability development and technology adoption platforms including the Centre of 9 Pillars® (Co9P®), Technopreneur Training Academy (TENTRA), and the MySTI ecosystem, facilitating market access and technology adoption across both public and private sectors.
Over more than three decades, MTDC has supported Malaysian technology companies across key sectors including Electrical & Electronics and Semiconductor, Industry 4.0, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Food Security, Green Economy, and Aerospace and Mobility.
Issued by MTDC Corporate Communications Department
SOURCE: Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Munirah Abdullah Sani
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +6019-2687887
Email: munirah@mtdc.com.my
--BERNAMA
The initiative is developed and led by MTDC in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, one of the world’s leading semiconductor incubators and accelerators, with a strong track record of supporting hundreds of chip companies in scaling and growth. The programme combines early-stage funding managed by MTDC with access to advanced design tools, global industry mentorship, strategic partners and international investor networks through Silicon Catalyst’s ecosystem.
“Malaysia’s global reputation in semiconductor manufacturing is firmly established. The next step is to build Malaysian companies that do not merely participate in the industry, but lead in innovation, technology development and value creation. SemiconStart Malaysia reflects MTDC’s role in building this pipeline, by translating technology into ventures, and ventures into globally competitive companies, while strengthening Malaysia’s long-term strategic position across semiconductor value chain,” said Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani Hj. Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer of MTDC.
SemiconStart Malaysia is developed in alignment with Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and Budget 2026 commitments, which earmarked RM7.9 billion to upskill the nation's electrical and electronics (E&E) workforce and build strategic depth in the sector. MTDC has been mandated to implement the SemiconStart Malaysia programme, including managing the selection process and disbursement of grants of up to RM1 million per company, as well as overseeing the programme in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst through a structured 260-day incubation track.
Apart from funding, companies will undergo rigorous technical and commercial assessments coordinated by Silicon Catalyst’s UK and US teams. Focus areas include IC design, sensor technologies, photonics, MEMS, quantum technologies and advanced semiconductor materials, all of which have been identified as strategic, highvalue segments under the NSS.
Companies will also be assessed based on their commitment to value creation in Malaysia, including the registration of intellectual property in Malaysia and the development of local technical talent. Foreign participation is allowed under the programme, subject to clear local capability-building and ecosystem contribution .
Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignment and intensifying competition for critical technologies, Malaysia must continue strengthening its own technology ecosystem to build greater resilience and reduce long-term dependence in strategic areas. This requires stronger domestic capabilities in semiconductor innovation, intellectual property, talent development and venture creation, enabling Malaysian companies to compete more effectively in higher-value segments of the industry. SemiconStart Malaysia is intended to support this shift and reinforce Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness in the global semiconductor value chain.
Silicon Catalyst brings to the partnership a global network of industry advisors, investors and technology partners, as well as experience from similar programmes such as ChipStart UK, a UK Government-backed semiconductor incubator programme. The initiative is led by Sean Redmond, a semiconductor veteran who previously held leadership roles at Cadence, ARM-affiliated Verisity Design, and ARC, together with Dr. Ross Addinall, who brings decades of IC design and EDA experience to Malaysia’s startup pipeline.
The full launch of SemiconStart Malaysia is expected to take place later this year, with applications opening in April. The programme represents a strategic step in strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in semiconductor design and deep technology, and reflects the broader national effort to move Malaysia further up the global semiconductor value chain through innovation, talent development and technology commercialisation.
Prepared by:
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
15 April 2026
About Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)
Established in March 1992, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MTDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). MTDC plays a strategic role in strengthening Malaysia’s deep technology ecosystem by supporting the progression of technology companies from development to adoption and scale.
As a technology investor and ecosystem enabler, MTDC provides developmental and growth funding through initiatives such as the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), Halal Technology Development Fund (HTDF), Dana Uji Beli MySTI, Dana Mudahcara MySTI, Business Start-up Fund (BSF), Business Growth Fund (BGF) and the MTDC–Tradeview Quantum Fund, a public–private investment initiative to accelerate the growth of high-potential Malaysian technology companies.
MTDC also strengthens companies through capability development and technology adoption platforms including the Centre of 9 Pillars® (Co9P®), Technopreneur Training Academy (TENTRA), and the MySTI ecosystem, facilitating market access and technology adoption across both public and private sectors.
Over more than three decades, MTDC has supported Malaysian technology companies across key sectors including Electrical & Electronics and Semiconductor, Industry 4.0, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Food Security, Green Economy, and Aerospace and Mobility.
Issued by MTDC Corporate Communications Department
SOURCE: Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Munirah Abdullah Sani
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +6019-2687887
Email: munirah@mtdc.com.my
--BERNAMA
ARLA FOODS INGREDIENTS TO SHOWCASE NUTRITION SOLUTIONS AT VITAFOODS EUROPE 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Arla Foods Ingredients has announced it will showcase high-protein, nutrient-dense application concepts for users of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications at Vitafoods Europe, taking place in Barcelona from May 5 to 7.
Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have reshaped the weight management market, the company said in a statement.
In 2025, 11 per cent of consumers globally and 18 per cent in the United States (US) who were actively trying to lose weight reported using them, with uptake expected to rise as availability expands, tablet formats emerge and prices fall.
However, GLP-1 use is associated with side effects. Lean muscle loss may account for up to 40 per cent of total weight lost, compared with around 25 per cent for traditional interventions, while up to 76 per cent of users report gastric discomfort and reduced appetite.
To help address these challenges, Arla Foods Ingredients has developed high-protein concepts using Nutrilac and Lacprodan BLG-100, delivering essential amino acids for muscle health in nutrient-dense formats, alongside probiotics and cultures from Novonesis to support digestive well-being.
Arla Foods Ingredients Chief Commercial Officer, Anne Widart said nutrition for GLP-1 users is a growing category, creating opportunities for dairy manufacturers.
“There is increasing demand for nutrient-dense, high-protein products in formats suited to smaller appetites. Our concepts are designed to help manufacturers respond to these evolving needs,” she added.
The company said the range includes formats tailored for reduced appetites, such as a fermented high-protein shot offering 10 grammes (g) of protein per 70 millilitres (ml) serving, which is low fat, lactose-reduced and contains no added sugar.
Other concepts include a fermented high-protein drinking yoghurt providing 20g of protein per 200ml serving, and a high-protein water-based shot for ambient storage delivering 21g of protein per 100ml serving.
Arla Foods Ingredients will also showcase two additional concepts at Vitafoods Europe, namely an aerated protein bar solution and ready-to-stir medical nutrition powder solutions.
-- BERNAMA
Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have reshaped the weight management market, the company said in a statement.
In 2025, 11 per cent of consumers globally and 18 per cent in the United States (US) who were actively trying to lose weight reported using them, with uptake expected to rise as availability expands, tablet formats emerge and prices fall.
However, GLP-1 use is associated with side effects. Lean muscle loss may account for up to 40 per cent of total weight lost, compared with around 25 per cent for traditional interventions, while up to 76 per cent of users report gastric discomfort and reduced appetite.
To help address these challenges, Arla Foods Ingredients has developed high-protein concepts using Nutrilac and Lacprodan BLG-100, delivering essential amino acids for muscle health in nutrient-dense formats, alongside probiotics and cultures from Novonesis to support digestive well-being.
Arla Foods Ingredients Chief Commercial Officer, Anne Widart said nutrition for GLP-1 users is a growing category, creating opportunities for dairy manufacturers.
“There is increasing demand for nutrient-dense, high-protein products in formats suited to smaller appetites. Our concepts are designed to help manufacturers respond to these evolving needs,” she added.
The company said the range includes formats tailored for reduced appetites, such as a fermented high-protein shot offering 10 grammes (g) of protein per 70 millilitres (ml) serving, which is low fat, lactose-reduced and contains no added sugar.
Other concepts include a fermented high-protein drinking yoghurt providing 20g of protein per 200ml serving, and a high-protein water-based shot for ambient storage delivering 21g of protein per 100ml serving.
Arla Foods Ingredients will also showcase two additional concepts at Vitafoods Europe, namely an aerated protein bar solution and ready-to-stir medical nutrition powder solutions.
-- BERNAMA
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.
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.
VEYDOOMAX PREVIEWS X6 RIDE SERIES MODEL AHEAD OF JULY LAUNCH
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- VeydooMax, an outdoor lifestyle brand under Shenzhen Weidu Electronics Co Ltd, has previewed the upcoming X6 from its VeydooMax Ride series, following its appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show, with a launch planned for July.
The X6 will carry forward the brand’s “Smarter Ride, Tougher Build” philosophy while delivering refinements in areas riders prioritise, the company said in a statement.
Within VeydooMax’s broader outdoor positioning, the Ride series focuses on products designed for real riding use, including commuting, weekend rides, group travel, and longer journeys across varying road and weather conditions.
The new model is being developed with enhanced outdoor visibility, improved smart connectivity, practical ride-recording capabilities, and rider-assistance functions tailored for real-world use.
For daily commuters, the X6 is designed to offer a cleaner and more stable cockpit experience. For leisure and group riders, it aims to support better navigation, communication, ride capture, and overall riding confidence.
Compared with the previous generation, the X6 focuses on delivering a more integrated user experience by combining display, connectivity, imaging, alerts, and remote capabilities into a unified interface.
According to VeydooMax, the model is also designed to reduce rider distraction, improve access to key information, and provide added support in scenarios such as parking, remote monitoring, and unexpected situations.
Additional details about the X6 will be released closer to launch.
-- BERNAMA
The X6 will carry forward the brand’s “Smarter Ride, Tougher Build” philosophy while delivering refinements in areas riders prioritise, the company said in a statement.
Within VeydooMax’s broader outdoor positioning, the Ride series focuses on products designed for real riding use, including commuting, weekend rides, group travel, and longer journeys across varying road and weather conditions.
The new model is being developed with enhanced outdoor visibility, improved smart connectivity, practical ride-recording capabilities, and rider-assistance functions tailored for real-world use.
For daily commuters, the X6 is designed to offer a cleaner and more stable cockpit experience. For leisure and group riders, it aims to support better navigation, communication, ride capture, and overall riding confidence.
Compared with the previous generation, the X6 focuses on delivering a more integrated user experience by combining display, connectivity, imaging, alerts, and remote capabilities into a unified interface.
According to VeydooMax, the model is also designed to reduce rider distraction, improve access to key information, and provide added support in scenarios such as parking, remote monitoring, and unexpected situations.
Additional details about the X6 will be released closer to launch.
-- BERNAMA
HEZE PEONY FORUM PROMOTES CULTURAL EXCHANGE, GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Heze Peony International Communication Forum was held recently in Heze, east China's Shandong Province, bringing together diplomats, scholars and artists to explore how the city's iconic flower can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Themed "Blooming Across the World, Cultivating Shared Beauty", this year’s forum focuses on the connotations and contemporary significance of peony culture. It forms part of the 2026 World Peony Conference, a month-long event that kicked off earlier.
The event was jointly organised by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, China International Communications Group (CICG), and the Publicity Department of the CPC Heze Municipal Committee.
According to a statement, the forum featured a thematic short film tracing the peony’s millennia-old cultural journey, video greetings from participants worldwide, and a fusion performance blending guzheng and violin.
Participants also exchanged peony-themed cultural creations, promoted the "Five Continents in Bloom" Chinese Classical Garden, and launched initiatives such as "The Peony's Voice from Space", highlighting the flower's enduring appeal.
In Chinese culture, the peony symbolises prosperity, vitality and aspirations for a better life. Participants said these meanings can resonate across borders, offering a shared language of beauty and emotion.
During a roundtable discussion, experts explored how to reinterpret peony symbolism for global communication.
With a cultivation history spanning over 1,500 years, Heze — known as China’s "peony capital" with 1,308 varieties — attracted 9.92 million visitors during its peony festival last year, while related products are exported to more than 30 countries and regions.
-- BERNAMA
Themed "Blooming Across the World, Cultivating Shared Beauty", this year’s forum focuses on the connotations and contemporary significance of peony culture. It forms part of the 2026 World Peony Conference, a month-long event that kicked off earlier.
The event was jointly organised by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, China International Communications Group (CICG), and the Publicity Department of the CPC Heze Municipal Committee.
According to a statement, the forum featured a thematic short film tracing the peony’s millennia-old cultural journey, video greetings from participants worldwide, and a fusion performance blending guzheng and violin.
Participants also exchanged peony-themed cultural creations, promoted the "Five Continents in Bloom" Chinese Classical Garden, and launched initiatives such as "The Peony's Voice from Space", highlighting the flower's enduring appeal.
In Chinese culture, the peony symbolises prosperity, vitality and aspirations for a better life. Participants said these meanings can resonate across borders, offering a shared language of beauty and emotion.
During a roundtable discussion, experts explored how to reinterpret peony symbolism for global communication.
With a cultivation history spanning over 1,500 years, Heze — known as China’s "peony capital" with 1,308 varieties — attracted 9.92 million visitors during its peony festival last year, while related products are exported to more than 30 countries and regions.
-- BERNAMA
CUKTECH LAUNCHES 6-IN-1 CHARGING STATION IN MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- CUKTECH, a global leader in intelligent power solutions, has announced the official Malaysian launch of its flagship CUKTECH 15 Charging Station, featuring smart capabilities and high-efficiency performance.
Positioned as the ultimate "Desktop Power Hub", the device is designed to address common user pain points such as cable clutter and fast-charging incompatibility while redefining the minimalist digital workspace, according to a statement.
Built on a "6-in-1" concept, the CUKTECH 15 can power up to six devices simultaneously. Its configuration includes dual Type-C ports, a USB-A port, dual wireless charging zones, and an integrated retractable cable system supporting 120 watts (W) MAX fast charging.
For Malaysian professionals managing home offices, mobile work, or multi-device setups, the high-power multi-port design reduces desktop clutter and eliminates the need for multiple adapters.
The front of the charging station features a 1.83-inch TFT display, providing real-time visualisation of total power, individual port output status, and charging protocols. This "Visual Charging" function supports efficient device management, making it suitable for creative studios, shared workspaces, and modern households.
The device also supports PD 3.1, Xiaomi 120W, and ADC 2.0 fast-charging protocols, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Android smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks across different brands.
Engineered for tropical climates, the CUKTECH 15 is equipped with the proprietary Cool+ cooling system, ensuring stable operation under full load while enhancing battery protection and charging safety.
The CUKTECH 15 Charging Station is now available across major e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, including CUKTECH official stores on Shopee and Lazada.
-- BERNAMA
Positioned as the ultimate "Desktop Power Hub", the device is designed to address common user pain points such as cable clutter and fast-charging incompatibility while redefining the minimalist digital workspace, according to a statement.
Built on a "6-in-1" concept, the CUKTECH 15 can power up to six devices simultaneously. Its configuration includes dual Type-C ports, a USB-A port, dual wireless charging zones, and an integrated retractable cable system supporting 120 watts (W) MAX fast charging.
For Malaysian professionals managing home offices, mobile work, or multi-device setups, the high-power multi-port design reduces desktop clutter and eliminates the need for multiple adapters.
The front of the charging station features a 1.83-inch TFT display, providing real-time visualisation of total power, individual port output status, and charging protocols. This "Visual Charging" function supports efficient device management, making it suitable for creative studios, shared workspaces, and modern households.
The device also supports PD 3.1, Xiaomi 120W, and ADC 2.0 fast-charging protocols, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Android smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks across different brands.
Engineered for tropical climates, the CUKTECH 15 is equipped with the proprietary Cool+ cooling system, ensuring stable operation under full load while enhancing battery protection and charging safety.
The CUKTECH 15 Charging Station is now available across major e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, including CUKTECH official stores on Shopee and Lazada.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, April 13, 2026
Vistra appoints Chief AI & Digital Officer to strengthen client experience and global connectivity
SINGAPORE, April 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vistra today announced the appointment of Damian Leach as its Chief AI & Digital Officer. This is a new leadership role focused on accelerating the group’s capabilities as an industry-leading, digitally enabled and AI-powered professional services organisation, to strengthen its clients’ experience, connectivity and operational consistency.
Damian joins Vistra at a pivotal moment for the global corporate services industry as clients face increasing regulatory complexity, and as artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes services and experiences. His appointment reflects Vistra’s continued investment in how it supports clients worldwide. With coverage across nearly all jurisdictions globally, and a deep bench of industry professionals powered by advanced digital and AI capabilities, Vistra provides clients with the assurance to grow their businesses confidently in both local and international markets.
Kim Jenkins, CEO of Vistra, said: “Clients today want confidence, clarity and trusted expertise as they navigate an increasingly complex global environment. The appointment of Damian as our Chief AI & Digital Officer marks the next major step in our strategy. Over the past year, we have advanced the foundations of our global digital platform to better connect clients with their portfolios of legal entities, accounting, tax and people services.
“These investments form the digital backbone of a globally harmonised operating model. They enable our people to serve clients more effectively and will give clients the ability to interact with us anytime, anywhere through a single ‘pane of glass’ that lets them view and manage their portfolio of legal entities, financial accounting and tax requirements, and to manage their people and payrolls. This is about delivering the best possible client experience and enabling clients to focus on their strategic priorities.”
Damian brings extensive experience leading large-scale technology and digital change in highly regulated, global organisations. During Damian’s 20+ year career, he has spent 13 years in global banking technology roles, leading global teams, and worked as the CTO of a global fortune 500 SaaS provider. Most recently, Damian served as Global CIO at Seaco which later merged with Textainer to become the world’s largest and most diversified container leasing company. At Seaco, Damian led the modernisation and scaling of enterprise technology capabilities winning industry innovation awards.
Damian Leach said: “Vistra is uniquely positioned with global reach, deep regulatory professional service expertise and long-standing client trust. I’m very excited to join the group at a time when there is a clear opportunity to use modern digital technologies, automation and AI-infused services to connect clients securely to the data and expertise they need fast. My focus will be to build high performance strategic services, harmonise our global operations and build global platforms that elevate the customer journey to unlock business value for our clients and investors across the group.”
Damian is proudly Singaporean and will be based in Singapore, Vistra’s global headquarters, reflecting the region’s central role in the group’s global operations and future market growth.
For further information, please contact:
Ellie King
media.enquiries@vistra.com
About Vistra
Vistra is a leading provider of essential business services to help companies and private capital funds grow across the entire business and investment lifecycle.
Here at Vistra, our purpose is progress. As a close ally to our clients, our role is to remove the friction that comes from the complexity of global business. We partner with companies and private capital managers along the corporate and private capital lifecycle. From global payroll & HR to tax & accounting, and from legal entity management to regulatory compliance, we quietly fix the operational and administrative frustrations that hamper business growth. With over 9,000 experts in more than 50 markets, we can accelerate progress, improve processes, and reduce risk, wherever your ambition takes you.
For more information about Vistra, visit vistra.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df628561-c6fb-4938-8ddf-b3f273dd8878
SOURCE: Vistra
--BERNAMA
Kim Jenkins, CEO of Vistra, said: “Clients today want confidence, clarity and trusted expertise as they navigate an increasingly complex global environment. The appointment of Damian as our Chief AI & Digital Officer marks the next major step in our strategy. Over the past year, we have advanced the foundations of our global digital platform to better connect clients with their portfolios of legal entities, accounting, tax and people services.
“These investments form the digital backbone of a globally harmonised operating model. They enable our people to serve clients more effectively and will give clients the ability to interact with us anytime, anywhere through a single ‘pane of glass’ that lets them view and manage their portfolio of legal entities, financial accounting and tax requirements, and to manage their people and payrolls. This is about delivering the best possible client experience and enabling clients to focus on their strategic priorities.”
Damian brings extensive experience leading large-scale technology and digital change in highly regulated, global organisations. During Damian’s 20+ year career, he has spent 13 years in global banking technology roles, leading global teams, and worked as the CTO of a global fortune 500 SaaS provider. Most recently, Damian served as Global CIO at Seaco which later merged with Textainer to become the world’s largest and most diversified container leasing company. At Seaco, Damian led the modernisation and scaling of enterprise technology capabilities winning industry innovation awards.
Damian Leach said: “Vistra is uniquely positioned with global reach, deep regulatory professional service expertise and long-standing client trust. I’m very excited to join the group at a time when there is a clear opportunity to use modern digital technologies, automation and AI-infused services to connect clients securely to the data and expertise they need fast. My focus will be to build high performance strategic services, harmonise our global operations and build global platforms that elevate the customer journey to unlock business value for our clients and investors across the group.”
Damian is proudly Singaporean and will be based in Singapore, Vistra’s global headquarters, reflecting the region’s central role in the group’s global operations and future market growth.
For further information, please contact:
Ellie King
media.enquiries@vistra.com
About Vistra
Vistra is a leading provider of essential business services to help companies and private capital funds grow across the entire business and investment lifecycle.
Here at Vistra, our purpose is progress. As a close ally to our clients, our role is to remove the friction that comes from the complexity of global business. We partner with companies and private capital managers along the corporate and private capital lifecycle. From global payroll & HR to tax & accounting, and from legal entity management to regulatory compliance, we quietly fix the operational and administrative frustrations that hamper business growth. With over 9,000 experts in more than 50 markets, we can accelerate progress, improve processes, and reduce risk, wherever your ambition takes you.
For more information about Vistra, visit vistra.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df628561-c6fb-4938-8ddf-b3f273dd8878
SOURCE: Vistra
--BERNAMA
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Xora Appoints Eric Rosenblum as General Partner to Expand U.S. Presence and Deepen AI Investments
Xora appoints Eric Rosenblum as General Partner.
SINGAPORE & SAN FRANCISCO, April 9 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xora Innovation (“Xora”), the early-stage AI and deep tech venture firm backed by Temasek, today announced the appointment of Eric Rosenblum as General Partner. Based in Silicon Valley, Rosenblum will focus on expanding Xora’s presence in the U.S., and accelerate the firm’s investments in category-defining companies across AI infrastructure, Applied AI, and Deep Tech.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260408066663/en/
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260408066663/en/
The appointment follows a period of strong momentum for Xora’s portfolio, including the acquisition of Celestial AI by Marvell Technology, as well as investments in high-velocity companies such as Amperesand, Bedrock Robotics, Rhoda AI, Upscale AI, and Vinci.
Rosenblum joins from Foothill Ventures, where he built the firm as a leading early-stage deep tech investor as its Managing Partner. He has led investments across semiconductors, energy systems, and industrial automation including Amperesand, HyperLight, Aether Fuels, Quintessent, Coreshell, and AM Batteries. A seasoned operator, Rosenblum’s career spans product leadership roles at Google and Palantir, as well as scaling startups as COO of Drawbridge (acquired by LinkedIn) and CEO of Smartpay (acquired by Ping An Group).
Strengthening Leadership to Capture New Wave of AI Innovation
“Eric has a rare full stack background, where he’s built software at top global AI and tech companies, founded and successfully exited startups, and then proved that he can hunt and win as an investor,” said Phil Inagaki, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Xora. “Most importantly, he has earned deep trust from founders through relentless and authentic support. This, combined with his domain understanding of both the AI software and hardware layers, makes him a huge asset for our founders and a formidable addition to our investment team.”
“We’re in the middle of one of the most significant innovation cycles in decades, driven by how AI is being built and deployed,” said Eric Rosenblum, General Partner, Xora. “Through our co-investments, I’ve seen how Xora works closely with founders to scale companies in complex, high-stakes sectors. Their level of commitment and operational capabilities as former entrepreneurs go far beyond capital, and that’s what it takes to build enduring companies in this moment.”
About Xora Innovation
Xora provides capital and commitment to AI and deep tech entrepreneurs transforming essential industries. The firm invests across three key sectors: AI Infrastructure, Applied AI, and Deep Tech. Xora supports its portfolio companies for the long term through its expertise and by leveraging the extensive network of its anchor LP, Temasek. For more information, visit xora.vc.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260408066663/en/
Contact
Grace Chiang
Head of Marketing & Communications, Xora
grace@xora.com
Source : Xora Innovation
--BERNAMA
Strengthening Leadership to Capture New Wave of AI Innovation
“Eric has a rare full stack background, where he’s built software at top global AI and tech companies, founded and successfully exited startups, and then proved that he can hunt and win as an investor,” said Phil Inagaki, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Xora. “Most importantly, he has earned deep trust from founders through relentless and authentic support. This, combined with his domain understanding of both the AI software and hardware layers, makes him a huge asset for our founders and a formidable addition to our investment team.”
“We’re in the middle of one of the most significant innovation cycles in decades, driven by how AI is being built and deployed,” said Eric Rosenblum, General Partner, Xora. “Through our co-investments, I’ve seen how Xora works closely with founders to scale companies in complex, high-stakes sectors. Their level of commitment and operational capabilities as former entrepreneurs go far beyond capital, and that’s what it takes to build enduring companies in this moment.”
About Xora Innovation
Xora provides capital and commitment to AI and deep tech entrepreneurs transforming essential industries. The firm invests across three key sectors: AI Infrastructure, Applied AI, and Deep Tech. Xora supports its portfolio companies for the long term through its expertise and by leveraging the extensive network of its anchor LP, Temasek. For more information, visit xora.vc.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260408066663/en/
Contact
Grace Chiang
Head of Marketing & Communications, Xora
grace@xora.com
Source : Xora Innovation
--BERNAMA
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