Wednesday, 30 September 2026

YYFORCE SUBSIDIARY WINS SG$15.96 MLN FACILITY SERVICES CONTRACTS IN SINGAPORE

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- YYForce Inc (YYForce) announced that its Singapore subsidiary, Hong Ye Group Pte Ltd (Hong Ye Group), has been awarded multiple new commercial cleaning and related facility services contracts in Singapore with an aggregate contract value of approximately SG$15.96 million, or around US$12.5 million. (US$1 = RM4.07)

YYForce Chief Executive Officer, Mike Fu said the new multi-year contract awards expand the company’s commercial services business in Singapore and strengthen Hong Ye Group’s contracted business visibility ahead of the October commencement.

The company in a statement said the newly awarded contracts cover multiple properties in Singapore and are scheduled to commence across October 2026, with varying service periods and principal contracts extending for approximately three years.

Based on current contractual schedules, aggregate contract values are expected to be approximately SG$5.57 million in the first year, SG$5.55 million in the second year and SG$4.84 million in the third year.

In the first half of 2026, YYForce’s integrated facility management (IFM) revenue increased 11.1 per cent year over year to approximately US$16.06 million, supported by new contract wins, renewals of existing projects and full-period contributions from subsidiaries acquired in 2025.

The new awards expand Hong Ye Group’s portfolio of contracted commercial cleaning and facility services work in Singapore and provide YYForce with additional multi-year contracted business visibility, following its recently reported first-half 2026 results.

Hong Ye Group is an important component of YYForce’s IFM operations in Singapore, with the company’s strategy focused on combining established frontline facility services with technology-enabled workforce management and, over time, increasing levels of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and robotics.

YYForce said it believes this model can support improved workforce deployment, service consistency, operating efficiency and scalability.

The newly awarded contracts provide an expanded operating base through which the company can continue developing and deploying technology-enabled solutions within its facility services operations.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST ASSIGNS B++ FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATING TO BEIBU GULF INSURANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has assigned a financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and a long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb+” (Good) to Beibu Gulf Property & Casualty Insurance Company Ltd (Beibu Gulf Insurance).

The outlook assigned to these credit ratings (ratings) is stable, reflecting the company’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Headquartered in Guangxi province, China, Beibu Gulf Insurance was established in 2013 through a joint partnership comprising 10 state-owned enterprise shareholders and three private sector investors, according to AM Best in a statement.

Its ultimate controlling shareholder, Guangxi Investment Group Co Ltd, a provincial-level state-owned capital investment company in Guangxi, holds a 29.73 per cent equity stake through its subsidiaries.

Despite being a small-to-medium-sized non-life insurer in China, Beibu Gulf Insurance holds a prominent position in Guangxi province, capturing nine per cent of the local market share by premium income in 2025. It maintains a diversified product mix, with motor insurance making up nearly half of its gross written premiums.

Leveraging strong relationships between its shareholders and local governments, Beibu Gulf Insurance gains access to business opportunities in policy-driven agricultural insurance and has continued to expand its liability lines in recent years.

Beibu Gulf Insurance’s strong balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalisation as at year-end 2025, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, supported by organic capital accumulation and controlled expansion in underwriting and investment risks.

After posting two years of net losses, Beibu Gulf Insurance returned to profitability in 2023 and sustained momentum to deliver mid-single-digit return on equity in both 2024 and 2025.

AM Best said the company maintains a well-diversified and liquid investment book, dominated by bonds, fixed-income wealth management instruments and cash. The investment portfolio generated a low single-digit investment return, which was above the average level of the domestic non-life industry in 2025.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Alpaca Secures MAS In-Principle Approval to Launch Brokerage Services in Singapore

 

NEW YORK & SINGAPORE, Sept 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alpaca, a global leader in agent-first brokerage and clearing infrastructure, today announced that its Southeast Asian headquarters, Alpaca Securities Pte. Ltd. (“Alpaca Singapore”), has received in-principle approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Capital Markets Services (CMS) license, marking another milestone in Alpaca’s global expansion.

The IPA advances Alpaca’s strategy to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia and support financial institutions across the region through a locally regulated Singapore entity. Once licensed, Alpaca Singapore plans to provide brokerage and custodial services and serve as a local counterparty to prospective partners.

“As financial institutions across Southeast Asia look to meet growing customer demand for international investing, Singapore is a natural hub for connecting the region’s investors to global markets,” said Rohit Mulani, President of Alpaca Southeast Asia. “This milestone strengthens our ability to support institutions locally with global brokerage infrastructure, regional expertise, and a strong regulatory foundation. We’re excited to help our partners expand the markets and investment products available to their customers and shape the next era of investing across Southeast Asia.”

Singapore is a strategic hub for Alpaca’s operations and continued growth across Southeast Asia, supported by an established local team led by industry veteran, David Grant, CEO of Alpaca Singapore.

Alpaca’s expansion in Singapore is grounded in the same commitment to regulatory compliance that underpins its infrastructure globally and builds on its broad regulatory footprint, which spans the U.S., U.K., 30 countries across the European Economic Area (EEA), Japan, India, and The Bahamas. Across these markets, Alpaca supports fintechs and financial institutions with locally regulated access to its brokerage infrastructure. Today, Alpaca serves partners in more than 50 countries worldwide.

About Alpaca

Alpaca is a global agent-first brokerage and clearing infrastructure that powers access to traditional and on-chain asset classes. Today, Alpaca supports over 10 million brokerage accounts across hundreds of fintechs and institutions in more than 50 countries, backed by $400 million in funding.

An in-principle approval (IPA) reflects MAS' view that a licence may be issued to the applicant upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. An IPA does not constitute a licence for Alpaca Securities Pte. Ltd. to provide brokerage and custodial services at this juncture. MAS reserves the right to rescind the IPA in circumstances where it considers appropriate.

This is not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities or open a brokerage account in any jurisdiction where Alpaca is not registered or licensed, as applicable.

All investments involve risk; for more information, please see our Disclosure Library.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260928293053/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Lavinia Chirico
press@alpaca.markets

Source : Alpaca 

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.

Monday, 28 September 2026

VOCALBEATS.AI REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO AI INNOVATION AT FCGF 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based artificial intelligence (AI) innovation company, continued its support for the FutureChina Global Forum 2026 (FCGF 2026), reinforcing its commitment to practical AI innovation and Singapore’s AI ecosystem.

Organised by Business China, the two-day FCGF 2026 was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from Sept 24 to 25 under the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Rebuilding Trust”. The forum’s guests of honour included the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Health Tan Kiat How.

“We are pleased to support the FutureChina Global Forum and contribute to the wider discussion on how AI can be applied responsibly and translated into real-world value,” said Vocalbeats.AI Chief Executive Officer, Marco Lai Jinnan in a statement.

The forum featured a dedicated AI Track for the first time, highlighting the growing importance of AI in business and society, with discussions exploring AI deployment to improve productivity and deliver tangible business and societal value, drawing on applications ranging from enterprise software to robotics.

As AI systems become more capable and widely adopted, speakers also highlighted the importance of workforce skills, workflow redesign and viable business models, alongside safety, accountability and trust.

Vocalbeats.AI said these discussions reflect its belief that the next stage of AI development will be defined by its ability to address real-world needs and deliver tangible value to users.

The company develops AI-powered applications for productivity and communication, including Owll, an AI note-taking and productivity app, and Owll Translator, an AI-powered real-time translation app.

Vocalbeats.AI’s support for the forum forms part of its broader engagement with Singapore’s AI and technology ecosystem. Over the past year, the company has expanded its collaborations with universities, public-sector organisations and AI communities.

Its initiatives include the Vocalbeats.AI Scholarship at the National University of Singapore, the Vocalbeats.AI–Turing AI Scholarship at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; internship opportunities for students; and AI learning workshops for children and youth in local communities.

-- BERNAMA

GTCFX Marks a Successful Presence at Forex Expo Dubai 2026


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GTCFX successfully concluded its participation in Forex Expo Dubai 2026, held on September 22 and 23 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Throughout the two-day event, visitors met the GTCFX team at Hall 2, Booth 54 to learn more about the company’s multi-regulated trading solutions, mobile trading capabilities and commitment to client education.

Alt: GTCFX at Forex Expo Dubai 2026

A highlight of the event was GTCFX receiving the Best Forex Mobile Application award. The achievement complemented the company’s presentation of the GTC Go App at the exhibition and reflected its continued focus on providing traders with convenient access to global financial markets.

GTCFX also contributed to the expo’s educational programme through public presentations delivered by Jameel Ahmed, Chief Analyst at GTCFX. During the session titled “Trading Themes to Watch Out for: Q4 2026,” Ahmed examined several developments influencing global markets. The presentation covered geopolitical risk, inflation expectations and the changing interest-rate outlook, together with their potential implications for oil, the US dollar, gold and USD/JPY.

A further presentation introduced the GTC brand and highlighted the importance of investor education in a market environment increasingly shaped by political developments and fast-moving news. It also presented GTCFX’s growing presence in Dubai, including the development of GTC Tower as the company’s global headquarters.

Forex Expo Dubai 2026 gave GTCFX an opportunity to connect face-to-face with traders, partners and industry professionals while sharing its latest market perspectives and digital trading solutions.

Following a successful two days in Dubai, GTCFX looks forward to building on the relationships established at the expo and continuing to support its global community through market education, technology and accessible trading solutions.

About GTCFX:

GTCFX is a global financial services provider offering access to a wide range of financial markets through advanced trading technology and client-focused solutions. Since 2012, GTCFX has served clients across more than 100 countries and regions, with a continued focus on transparency, innovation, and responsible trading.

Media Contact

Email: marketing@gtcfx.com

Website: https://www.gtcfx.com/

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0227dad-9245-4a1b-9aa8-252e9c4d1c34

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7985ff7-eba5-43f8-99b8-ef478d8e5e2d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1301a426-6841-4364-8c92-1bcd29d500c0

SOURCE: GTC Global Trade Capital Co. 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.

--BERNAMA

Sunday, 27 September 2026

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Samsung Property & Casualty Insurance Company (China), Ltd.

HONG KONG, Sept 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent) of Samsung Property & Casualty Insurance Company (China), Ltd. (Samsung P/C China). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings of Samsung P/C China reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Samsung P/C China is a non-life insurance company in China. The company is jointly owned by Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co. Ltd. (SFM), Shenzhen Tencent Domain Computer Network Company Limited (Tencent Domain), and four minority shareholders. Samsung P/C China continues to receive explicit and implicit support from SFM, including stable business relationships with affiliated Samsung entities and Korean Interests Abroad (KIA) clients, strong brand recognition, reinsurance support and underwriting know-how. The company also benefits from the distribution capabilities and extensive market outreach of Tencent Domain’s affiliated online platforms and overall management oversight.

AM Best assesses Samsung P/C China’s risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), supplemented by its substantial capital buffer following the capital injection received in 2022, together with conservative investment strategy and relatively low level of underwriting leverage. The company holds a conservative investment appetite weighted towards fixed deposits and high-quality fixed-income products. AM Best views SFM and the parent group of Tencent Domain as being equipped with superior credit fundamentals. These shareholders also are expected to continue to provide financial and non-financial support to Samsung P/C China over the intermediate term.

Samsung P/C China has been one of the fastest growing non-life insurers despite having a market share of less than 1%. The company has built a stable commercial book and a growing personal line portfolio with the support of its two major shareholders. The company offers a wide range of insurance products including commercial property, liability, engineering, accident and health (A&H) and shipping return insurance. Samsung-affiliated businesses and KIA clients are primarily managed by Samsung P/C China’s direct channel, with client management, pricing and underwriting guidance supported by SFM. The company leverages on Tencent Domain’s affiliated platforms to acquire shipping return business and distribute A&H products, while continuing to diversify its third-party business sources by partnering with brokers, agents and external platforms. AM Best also views Samsung P/C China’s overall risk management practices as appropriate for its risk profile.

Samsung P/C China has delivered improved operating results despite a low single-digit return-on-equity in 2025. Group-related commercial business from the affiliated Samsung entities and KIA has been profitable and stabilises the company’s underwriting profitability. Shipping return and health insurance recorded double-digit premium growth and are expected to deliver gradually improving underwriting profits as Samsung P/C China continues to build scale and expand its customer base. Investment returns have been consistently positive, supported by a steady stream of interest income sourced from deposits and fixed-income investments.

Negative rating actions could occur if Samsung P/C China’s balance sheet strength materially deteriorates, due to a significantly reduced level of support from major shareholders, including financial flexibility and reinsurance. Negative rating actions could also arise if there is a reduced level of business and distribution support from major shareholders, which negatively impacts Samsung P/C China’s business profile assessment. While deemed unlikely over the intermediate term, positive rating actions may occur if the company demonstrates sustained and favourable operating performance with no material deterioration in its current balance sheet strength assessment.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260923330983/en/ 

Contact

Madison Fan
Senior Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3416
madison.fan@ambest.com

James Chan
Director, Analytics
+852 2827 3418
james.chan@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com 

Source : AM Best

--BERNAMA 

Friday, 25 September 2026

TEMPO SOFTWARE CPO HIGHLIGHTS AI SPENDING ACCOUNTABILITY AT REUTERS CONFERENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Tempo Software Chief Product Officer (CPO), Kevin Nanney highlighted the growing need for enterprises to connect artificial intelligence (AI) spending with measurable business outcomes at the Reuters Momentum AI Conference in Austin, Texas.

Nanney discussed how enterprises can manage AI adoption while tracking its costs, outcomes and alignment with strategic priorities. He also shared examples from his experience at Tempo, including how competing initiatives can reveal underlying efficiency issues and how changes in measurement can help guide resource-allocation decisions.

In his keynote, titled “Spend Is Tracked. Outcomes Are Not. The AI Accountability Distance Nobody Has Closed”, Nanney outlined three areas for enterprise leaders: tracking the cost and contribution of AI agents, establishing a governed operating model for human and AI work, and adopting more adaptive planning to identify and address strategic drift.

Tempo’s 2026 State of AI in Portfolio Management report found that 91 per cent of surveyed organisations are piloting or actively using AI in project delivery, while 26 per cent use AI to prioritise or reprioritise work.

In a statement, Tempo said the findings highlight a gap between AI adoption and AI-informed decision-making, reinforcing the need to align strategy, investment and execution across human and AI workforces.

Nanney’s presentation followed Tempo’s launch of Loop, an AI-native Intelligent Portfolio Orchestration platform designed to provide enterprises with a continuously updated view of time, capacity, cost and execution across existing work systems.

The company also recently launched Workforce Intelligence, which attributes AI activity to Jira work items, epics and initiatives.

Tempo said these capabilities are designed to help enterprises coordinate human and AI work while improving visibility into portfolio execution and resource allocation.

The 2026 Reuters Momentum AI Conference, held in Austin from Sept 24 to 26, brought together enterprise leaders focused on AI implementation, business value and investment returns. More than 500 senior executives were expected to attend.

-- BERNAMA