CYBLE TO ENHANCE AI-POWERED THREAT INTELLIGENCE SOLUTIONS VIA US$24 MLN FUNDING

Beenu Arora (CEO and Co-Founder, Cyble) with Manish Chachada (COO & Co-Founder, Cyble) (Graphic: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Cyble, the fastest-growing threat intelligence provider has announced a US$24 million injection of capital via Series B funding, co-led by Blackbird Ventures and King River Capital with participation from Spider Capital, January Capital, and Summit Peak Ventures, among others. (US$1=RM4.53)

According to a statement, the funding round will fuel Cyble's technical roadmap, particularly in enhancing its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven security solutions and furthering its global expansion.

Cyble Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Beenu Arora said this investment was a testament to the hard work the company’s team has been investing to execute toward its vision.

“At Cyble, we are committed to providing businesses and individuals with the most advanced insights and AI tools needed to secure their digital territories,” he added.

Meanwhile, its Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Manish Chachada said: “A surge in global cyber warfare has underscored the crucial need for companies to heighten their security measures and monitor dark web activities. Threat Intelligence has never been more important.”

Cyble has been steadily gaining recognition as the favoured solution for Dark Web and Threat Intelligence among cybersecurity specialists, solidifying its position as the champion of a secure digital future with advanced AI technologies.

With employees based in 11 countries, Cyble's global influence extends across developed and emerging markets, and has built customised threat intelligence solutions for everything from government entities to Fortune 50 companies to agile startups.

-- BERNAMA

INFARE ACQUISITION ADDS AIRFARE DATA TO OAG’S MARKET-LEADING INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- OAG, the data platform for the global travel industry has acquired Infare, the provider of competitor air travel data, from Ventiga Capital in a deal valuing the combined entity at over US$500 million. (US$1=RM4.55)

Together, OAG and Infare are embarking on an exciting journey to leverage a truly market-leading end-to-end data platform to serve mission-critical air travel intelligence needs worldwide.

According to a statement, through the acquisition, OAG now grows to over 300 employees globally across 10 offices.

“The acquisition of Infare strengthens our ability to deliver consistent and accurate information across the wider supply and demand value chain.

“Together, we are enabling new and existing customers to thrive and innovate ahead of their counterparts. I am excited to welcome Infare colleagues to the OAG family,” said OAG Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Phil Callow.

Meanwhile, Infare CEO, Nils Gelbjerg-Hansen said: “Our technology platform, data sets and intelligence software complement OAG’s and will greatly benefit our customers worldwide.

“We see this as a unique opportunity to expand our services and introduce new innovative products for our customers, we are excited about the journey ahead together.”

With renowned industry heritage, both businesses share a deep passion for quality, accuracy and customer-centricity. OAG and Infare have a significant opportunity to better serve airline partners and the wider travel ecosystem with high-quality data and innovative solutions.

Combining OAG’s existing data solutions with airfare data creates a compelling proposition for customers who can get a broader picture of supply and demand, enabling customers to forecast resource, evaluate travel demand and competition, and build more complex and innovative models to drive revenue and profitable growth.

-- BERNAMA

WATKINS WELLNESS EXPANDS INTO SAUNA CATEGORY THROUGH THE ACQUISITION OF SAUNA360

Vista, California, Aug 1 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Watkins Wellness, a leader in hot tubs and aquatic fitness systems, today announced the expansion of its portfolio of personal well-being products and entry into the sauna category as a result of the pending acquisition of Sauna360 Group Oy (“Sauna360”) by Watkins Wellness’ parent company, Masco Corporation. Sauna360 is a leading global manufacturer of sauna solutions, and its portfolio of products includes traditional, infrared, and wood-burning saunas as well as steam showers, rooms and generators. These products are sold primarily in the United States, Europe and throughout the rest of the world under the Tylö, Helo, Kastor, Finnleo, and Amerec brands. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to regulatory approval.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sauna360 to our organization and to expand our portfolio of industry-leading products aimed at promoting wellness and helping our customers feel good and live well!” said Vijaikrishna (VJ) Teenarsipur, President of Watkins Wellness. “Sauna360 brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to our business. We look forward to leveraging the synergies between our businesses, which will allow us to better serve our dealer partners, consumers and, ultimately, the growing wellness market.”

“I am very pleased for Sauna360 to become part of Watkins Wellness. Sauna360’s business has grown in recent years, and becoming part of Watkins Wellness will further strengthen our capability and ambition to be a leading sauna player. The dealer distribution strategy, common focus on wellness and similar company cultures make this a true strategic fit,” said Pekka Lettijeff, President & CEO of Sauna360 Group.

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ZEGOCLOUD To Unveil Real-time Interaction, Virtual Avatar At World CX Summit Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- ZEGOCLOUD, a global cloud communication service provider, will showcase its Virtual Avatar and Digital Human solutions as well as its high-quality, low-latency real-time audio and video chat technologies, at the World CX Summit Singapore on Aug 2 and 3.

Equipped with a text-to-speech (TTS) feature, the ZEGO Avatar SDK’s embedded artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm can recognise written text and make the Avatar display the corresponding mouth shape and speaking manner while utilising the ability of text-to-speech to play the corresponding audio.

In a statement, ZEGOCLOUD said by integrating TTS avatars with customer experience (CX), businesses can deliver consistent customer service across all communication channels 24/7 and simulate human-like responses.

In addition, using the TTS avatar can lower business costs, enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, increase sales and revenue, and improve a company's brand image.

The summit brings together leaders in CX, marketing, and tech experts to explore how insights and innovations can transform CX strategies.

The summit addresses various topics, including how AI can enhance CX, the future of CX in the metaverse, hyper-personalisation and omnichannel customer engagement.

ZEGOCLOUD's participation in the World CX Summit Singapore underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in cloud communication and CX.

-- BERNAMA

CBL International Reaches Milestones Accomplishing Sustainable Development

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- CBL International Limited has reached a few milestones since the beginning of this year, which not only demonstrated the company’s ability to ramp up its capacity but also its commitments to sustainable development.

In a statement, CBL said in the second quarter, the company extended its footholds in Antwerp (Belgium), Istanbul (Turkey), and Yokkaichi (Japan), bringing CBL’s services to over 40 ports and opening up the European market, which provided flexibility to its customers.

This is in line with CBL’s expansion plan, as outlined in the prospectus, which aims to increase its presence in the international markets with the objective of maximising its scale of operations and profitability.

Its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, William Chia said: “We take immense pride in our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and our efforts to make a positive impact on the shipping industry in Hong Kong.

“As part of our ESG initiatives, we are steadfastly devoted to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the IMO's targets and have implemented in-house GHG management measures.”

Its accomplishments include notable sustainable initiatives in which the company collaborated with its business partners to deliver its very first B24 biofuel bunkering order in Hong Kong, in the third quarter.

This was a significant step towards achieving the 2023 IMO Strategy, which was adopted at the Maritime Environment Protection (MEPC 80) conference.

To further promote clean energy technology, CBL has obtained ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certificates from Bureau Veritas, which certify its compliance with all necessary requirements and authorise the company to trade biofuel within the supply chain.

Through these efforts, the company will continue its commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the marine industry as a key player in the sector.

Established in 2015, CBL is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, an established marine fuel logistics company in Asia Pacific providing customers with one stop solution for vessel refuelling.

-- BERNAMA

ASEAN, Greater Bay Area Delegates Explore New Opportunities At Qianhai Forum

 KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- More than 500 political and business representatives from ASEAN countries and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area attended the 2023 ASEAN-China Greater Bay Area Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum in Qianhai, Shenzhen from July 29 to 30. 

Six enterprises under the chambers of commerce from the Greater Bay Area reached investment and cooperation agreements with ASEAN, with the intended investment signed amounting to 3.5 billion Chinese yuan, bringing about a bilateral trade volume of seven billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM62.95)

According to a statement, significant announcements were made at the forum, including the establishment of the Greater Bay Area-ASEAN Association of Chambers of Commerce and the ASEAN-China Think Tank Cooperation Partnership, and the ASEAN-Greater Bay Area Economic Cooperation Initiative.

The Initiative proposed to establish a dialogue platform for economic cooperation, strengthen industrial and investment cooperation, promote cooperation in scientific and technological innovation and transformation of technological achievements, strengthen exchange and cooperation between the business associations in the region, and encourage talent and cultural exchanges between the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN.

Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Vice Mayor, Wang Shourui said this forum would help build a broader and more efficient platform for economic cooperation and exchanges between ASEAN and the Greater Bay Area, and further strengthen dialogues and cooperation.

Ambassadors and government representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines delivered keynote speeches, affirming that Qianhai, where the forum was held, would provide a broad market and unlimited opportunities for enterprises.

Qianhai will make full use of the opportunities brought by organising this forum, to build a gateway hub for opening up to the world, actively build platforms for economic cooperation and dialogues, deepen industrial and investment cooperation, as well as promote the transformation of technological achievements, among others.

-- BERNAMA

AKWEL Records Revenue Of €545.8 Mln In First Half, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- AKWEL, the automotive and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) equipment and systems manufacturer, has posted consolidated revenue of €545.8 million in the first half of 2023, an increase of 11.8 per cent from the same period last year. (€1=RM5.01)

With the global automotive market once again experiencing growth, AKWEL recorded an 11.9 per cent increase in reported revenue in the second quarter of this year and a 17.7 per cent increase comparing like-for-like figures.

According to a statement, the group posted a fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.

The consolidated net cash position excluding lease obligations and after the dividend payout progressed to €101.1 million at June 30, with €23.8 million in investments made over the half-year period.

Given the performance achieved in the first half of the year and the more favourable business outlook for the automotive and HGV sector worldwide, AKWEL expects around 10 per cent revenue growth in the 2023 financial year.

In connection with the implementation of the share buyback programme, authorised by the General Meeting of May 25, AKWEL has signed a share buyback agreement. The purpose of the programme is to cancel the shares thus redeemed, under the conditions provided for by law.

-- BERNAMA