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Wednesday, 15 April 2026
HIGH AI ADOPTION, BUT DATA READINESS GAP PERSISTS - CLOUDERA SURVEY
The findings highlight that while 96 per cent of organisations report integrating AI into core business processes and 85 per cent say they have a clear data strategy, nearly four out of five (around 80 per cent) admit their AI and data initiatives are still constrained by limited data access across environments.
This gap highlights an emerging “AI readiness illusion” — the belief that organisations are prepared to scale AI even as critical data challenges remain unresolved, according to Cloudera in a statement.
With AI now embedded across the enterprise, achieving consistent returns on investment remains difficult. Respondents cited data quality (22 per cent), cost overruns (16 per cent), and poor integration into existing workflows (15 per cent) as key challenges, highlighting the complexity of translating AI investments into measurable business outcomes.
Infrastructure limitations further compound the issue, with nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of respondents reporting that performance constraints have hindered operational initiatives, reflecting the difficulty of scaling AI across fragmented environments.
According to the survey, 84 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the accuracy, completeness, and alignment of their organisation’s data. However, this optimism often masks deeper issues, including persistent silos, inconsistent data quality, and limited accessibility.
The landscape of data readiness also varies across industries. For instance, 54 per cent of telecommunications respondents reported full visibility into where their data resides, compared to 30 per cent in financial services and 31 per cent in the public sector.
As enterprise AI shifts from experimentation to execution, data readiness is emerging as the defining factor separating leaders from laggards. Organisations that can fully access and govern their data are far better positioned to deliver trusted, scalable AI.
Unlocking AI’s full value will require more than ambition — it demands genuine data readiness. Enterprises that can close this gap will be best positioned to drive lasting impact and lead the next era of intelligent business, according to the survey.
The survey, commissioned by Cloudera and conducted by Researchscape, gathered responses from 1,270 information technology leaders across the Americas (North America and South America), Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions at companies with more than 1,000 employees between Jan 22 and March 3.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Dive Into the Beat of Songkran: Where Music, Water, and Global Culture Collide
BANGKOK, April 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There is a moment each April when Bangkok comes alive in a way that nowhere else on earth can match. Streets flood with colour and water. Music thunders through open-air stages. Strangers become friends in seconds. That moment is Songkran and this year, EBC Financial Group (“EBC”) is proud to celebrate it as an official sponsor of the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2026.
The sponsorship reflects EBC’s long-standing commitment to supporting vibrant cultural traditions in the communities where it operates. One of Asia’s most celebrated water-and-music festivals, S2O has grown into a global symbol of Thai cultural identity – a fusion of centuries-old tradition and world-class contemporary entertainment that draws thousands of international and local attendees each year.
A Broker That Shows Up Where Its Community Lives
As the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, EBC stands alongside one of the world’s most iconic sporting institutions. It connects with millions of football fans across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa through a shared belief in teamwork, ambition, and excellence. Through its ongoing collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics, this World’s Best Brokerage, according to World Finance in 2023-2025, helps bring world-class economic thinking to a global audience, making financial and economic literacy more accessible and inclusive. And as a partner of the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign, now in its second year, EBC invests in the health and equity of the communities it serves – because a broker’s responsibility does not end at the trading screen.
Supporting S2O is the natural next chapter in that story. Where FC Barcelona channels the thrill of competition, Oxford sharpens the mind, and the UN Foundation protects the most vulnerable, S2O celebrates culture, joy, and the spirit of coming together. For a broker that has always believed in showing up meaningfully in the communities it serves, Songkran is the perfect stage.
Celebrating Thai Culture on a Global Stage
Songkran is more than a holiday. It is a living expression of Thai generosity, renewal, and togetherness: values that resonate far beyond Thailand’s borders. The S2O Songkran Music Festival has become a powerful ambassador for that spirit, introducing the world to a celebration that is joyful, inclusive, and unmistakably Thai.
For EBC, the opportunity to be part of that story is significant. Thailand’s cultural richness and creative energy have long made it one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic societies. By supporting a festival that amplifies Thai traditions for a global audience, EBC honours the culture of a country that holds an important place in its regional presence – and reinforces its belief that the communities it operates in deserve to be celebrated, not just served.
Beyond the Screen, Into the Moment
At its core, this sponsorship reflects what kind of broker EBC chooses to be – one that deeply connects with the people in every region it serves, shares their passions, supports what they love, and encourages them to live fully. Songkran, with its energy, its warmth, and its tradition of bringing people together, is the perfect expression of that ambition.
As the countdown to Songkran begins, EBC looks forward to standing alongside the thousands of festival-goers who will gather at S2O Land Bangkok this April, not as a brand on a billboard, but as part of the celebration itself. Some of the best partnerships, after all, are built not in boardrooms but in the moments people remember.
For more analysis from EBC, visit: www.ebc.com.
Disclaimer: This material is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation or advice from EBC Financial Group and all its entities ("EBC"). Trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Before trading, you should carefully consider your trading objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and consult an independent financial advisor if necessary. Statistics or past investment performance are not a guarantee of future performance. EBC is not liable for any damages arising from reliance on this information.
About EBC Financial Group
Founded in London, EBC Financial Group (“EBC”) is a global brand known for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. Through its regulated entities operating across major financial jurisdictions—including the UK, Australia, the Cayman Islands, Mauritius, South Africa and others—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, CFDs and more.
Trusted by investors in over 100 countries and honoured with global awards including multiple year recognition from World Finance, EBC is widely regarded as one of the world’s best brokers with titles including Best Trading Platform and Most Trusted Broker. With its strong regulatory standing and commitment to transparency, EBC has also been consistently ranked among the top brokers—trusted for its ability to deliver secure, innovative, and client-first trading solutions across competitive international markets.
EBC’s subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC); EBC Financial Group SA (Pty) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
EBC is a proud official foreign exchange partner of FC Barcelona and continues to drive impactful partnerships to empower communities – namely through the UN Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria initiative, Department of Economics at the University of Oxford, and a diverse range of partners to champion initiatives in global health, economics, education, and sustainability.
https://www.ebc.com/
Media Contact:
Ginny Dang
Public Relations Executive
Ginny.dang@ebc.com
Aldric Tinker
Global Public Relations Lead
aldric.tinker@ebc.com
SOURCE: EBC Tech Limited
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--BERNAMA
Friday, 10 April 2026
ICHAM LAUNCHES OPEN-ENDED VCC FUND FOCUSES ON AUTOCALL STRUCTURED PRODUCTS
In a statement, ICHAM said the fund offers access to a professionally managed portfolio of structured products in a fund format, providing a simplified, institutional approach while complementing diversified equity portfolios with equity-like return characteristics and a focus on lower volatility.
ICHAM Chief Executive Officer, Archan Chamapun said the fund provides accredited and institutional investors with access to a professionally managed portfolio of autocall structured products, which have traditionally been distributed by private banks as individual investments that may involve concentrated exposures and less transparent fee structures.
Meanwhile, lead Portfolio Manager of the fund, Felix Chew said the strategy is designed to complement diversified portfolios by providing access to structured product investments through a professionally managed approach.
The fund adopts an institutional approach with a focus on risk management, ongoing oversight, and a transparent, investor-aligned fee structure, aiming to complement broader investment portfolios through a diversified pool of such investments.
ICHAM is recognised for its expertise in alternative asset classes and structured products, having served accredited and institutional investors with tailored investment solutions since 2019, supported by a team with extensive experience in Asian financial markets.
The firm is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and focuses on delivering institutional-grade investment solutions with transparent fee structures and disciplined risk management.
-- BERNAMA
Magna AI and Corvit Networks Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Pakistan’s National AI Development

Magna AI and Corvit Networks Sign MoU to Accelerate Pakistan’s Sovereign AI Development (Photo: AETOSWire)
The partnership aims to design, build, and operate sovereign AI infrastructure, platforms, and workforce capabilities across Pakistan's government, enterprise, and academic sectors.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Magna AI, Inc., the global integrated‑value‑chain sovereign AI transformation leader established through a partnership between Trend Micro and Wistron Digital Technology Holding Company (WDH) in strategic collaboration with NVIDIA, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Corvit Networks (Pvt.) Ltd., a leading technology training and digital services organization in Pakistan. The agreement establishes a strategic collaboration framework to advance sovereign AI infrastructure, platforms, and workforce capabilities aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s national AI transformation.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260409643672/en/
The partnership combines Magna’s expertise in AI engineering, infrastructure, and governance, with Corvit’s extensive nationwide reach across Pakistan’s government, enterprise, and academic ecosystems. Together, the organizations aim to support the development of scalable and secure AI capabilities designed to enable organizations across Pakistan to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) at national and enterprise scale.
This strategic initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence is emerging as a critical driver of economic growth. According to a PwC report cited by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, AI could contribute up to 5.6% of GDP in economies comparable to Pakistan, potentially generating an AI-driven economic impact of $10–20 billion within Pakistan's projected $60 billion digital economy by 2030. Globally, annual investment in AI-dedicated infrastructure is projected to reach $400 billion by 2030, underscoring the growing strategic importance of national AI infrastructure for economic competitiveness.
The collaboration will focus on developing the foundational building blocks required to support Pakistan’s AI ecosystem. This includes the joint development of sovereign AI data centers and AI factories designed to support government, public-sector, and enterprise workloads while meeting national data residency and regulatory requirements. Building on this foundation, the partnership will support the creation of next-generation AI applications tailored to priority sectors, including predictive intelligence, agentic AI systems, digital twins, and advanced operational analytics. Security and governance will remain central to the initiative, with enterprise-grade capabilities such as model protection, threat analytics, and AI-driven security operations aligned with national cybersecurity frameworks. Both organizations will also provide end-to-end AI transformation services to help institutions transition from readiness assessments to full-scale AI deployment, while investing in workforce development through AI academies, professional certification programs, and executive education initiatives designed to prepare Pakistan’s talent ecosystem for the AI economy.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming foundational to economic competitiveness and national innovation,” said Dr. Moataz BinAli, CEO, Magna AI. “Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. Through this partnership with Corvit Networks, Magna aims to support the development of sovereign AI infrastructure, platforms, and talent capabilities that can help organizations across the country unlock the full potential of AI.”
“Corvit Networks has spent decades building trusted relationships across Pakistan’s technology ecosystem,” said Kashif Ul Haq, CEO, Corvit Networks (Pvt.) Ltd. “Combining our nationwide reach in enterprise enablement and technology education with Magna AI’s global expertise in AI infrastructure and transformation, we are committed to helping strengthen Pakistan’s digital capabilities and prepare the next generation of AI-ready talent.”
About Magna AI
Magna AI is a global AI transformation company operating across the full integrated value chain, architecting the future of sovereign intelligence. Through a unified operating model spanning strategy, engineering, integration, and operations, Magna AI designs and delivers secure AI infrastructure, applications, and services that enable measurable, scalable, and long-term transformation. Powered by strategic industry collaborations and next generation technologies from NVIDIA, Wistron, and Trend Micro, Magna AI helps enterprises and governments evolve into intelligent, adaptive, and future ready organizations.
www.magnaai.com
About Corvit Networks
Corvit Networks is Pakistan's leading ICT solutions and services company, architecting secure and resilient digital infrastructure for enterprises across industries. Through a comprehensive model spanning IT, OT, and telecom infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud, and managed services, Corvit empowers organizations to operate with agility and confidence. Backed by 26 years of experience and partnerships with global technology leaders, Corvit Networks enables enterprises to build future-ready, intelligent, and connected operations.
www.corvit.com/networks
*Source: AETOSWire
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260409643672/en/
Contact
Lisiane Lenz
lisiane_lenz@magnaai.com
Source : Magna AI, Inc.
Thursday, 9 April 2026
REGASK PARTNERS VEEVA TO BRING AI-DRIVEN REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE TO RIM
Through the collaboration, organisations can translate regulatory changes into structured assessments, prioritised actions and documented compliance decisions within existing systems of record.
According to a statement, the integration combines Veeva’s unified regulatory platform with RegASK’s AI-driven intelligence layer to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
“Through our partnership with Veeva, joint customers gain RegASK’s intelligence and predictive layer to help stay ahead of regulatory change.
“Through our integration with Veeva RIM, teams can connect that intelligence directly to their compliance workflows, enabling faster and more confident regulatory decisions,” said RegASK Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Shleifer.
RegASK’s platform continuously monitors regulatory developments across more than 160 markets, leveraging large language models and a global network of subject matter experts to convert updates into actionable compliance steps.
The solution is built to enterprise-grade security standards, with multiple certifications, including ISO/IEC 42001 for AI management systems.
The partnership reflects a broader shift in the life sciences sector, where regulatory intelligence is becoming a strategic capability. By embedding AI-driven insights into compliance systems, RegASK and Veeva aim to help organisations respond more proactively to global regulatory changes and accelerate time to market.
-- BERNAMA
DORSETT TO OPEN FIRST DAO BY DORSETT HOTEL IN MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- Dorsett Hospitality International (DHI), a subsidiary of Far East Consortium International Limited (FEC), will open Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove on May 15, marking the brand’s debut in Malaysia.
“With Dao by Dorsett Puteri Cove, we are thrilled to introduce a new standard of hospitality to Puteri Harbour’s marina front.
“This opening reflects our continued expansion across key global markets and our commitment to meeting evolving guest needs,” said FEC Executive Director and Joint Managing Director and DHI Chairman, President & Executive Director, Winnie Chiu in a statement.
Located in Iskandar Puteri’s waterfront, the 32-storey property features 213 suites across four categories, each designed for extended stays with fully equipped kitchenettes, laundry facilities and modern living spaces. Guests also have access to amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, meeting facilities and spa.
Strategically positioned at Puteri Harbour, the hotel offers close proximity to dining and retail outlets, as well as key attractions such as LEGOLAND Malaysia. It also provides connectivity to regional transport hubs, including the Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal and major airports in Malaysia and Singapore.
The property is aimed at both leisure and business travellers, with access to nearby commercial centres, healthcare facilities and international schools, supporting demand from corporate and long-stay guests.
The launch marks the fourth Dao by Dorsett property globally, as the group continues to expand its hospitality portfolio across Asia and Europe.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Kingdom Energy Storage Platform Backed by Stonepeak Executes First Project Financing Facility
Kingdom owns and manages nine BESS projects in Japan that have each secured a 20-year revenue capacity market contract, which were won in the first two rounds of Japan’s Long-term Decarbonization Auction. The nine projects total 479MW of gross capacity. The Mimasaka project is the first of these projects to execute project financing.
"Kingdom is firmly committed to supporting Japan in meeting its energy transition goals," said Jay Guo, Chief Executive Officer at Kingdom. "We are extremely excited to embark on this cooperation with CATL and MUFG, whilst continuing to swiftly progress the development of the remainder of our BESS portfolio."
“We are delighted to have reached this landmark transaction, which anchors Kingdom’s position as a key player in Japan's energy storage market,” added Ryan Chua, Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak. “We look forward to bringing more of our projects to financial close and into construction in support of Japan’s energy transition targets.”
About Kingdom
Kingdom is a BESS project development company, headquartered in Singapore with offices in Tokyo and Chengdu. Kingdom works across the full project life cycle to build, hold, and operate BESS assets in Japan and other markets, with the aim of advancing energy transition, and facilitating modern power grid system resiliency.
About Stonepeak
Stonepeak is a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximately $84 billion of assets under management. Through its investment in defensive, hard-asset businesses globally, Stonepeak aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies, with a focus on downside protection and strong risk-adjusted returns. Stonepeak, as sponsor of private equity and credit investment vehicles, provides capital, operational support, and committed partnership to grow investments in its target sectors, which include transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, energy and energy transition, and real estate. Stonepeak is headquartered in New York with offices in Houston, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. For more information, please visit www.stonepeak.com.
Contacts
Kingdom
Jay Guo / Tian Kai (TK) Ling
corporatecomms@kingdom-bess.com
Stonepeak
Kate Beers / Maya Brounstein
corporatecomms@stonepeak.com
+1 (212) 907-5100
SOURCE: Kingdom BESS Development Pte Limited