Bitget Launches Industry-First Cross-Asset Unified Account With 100 US Stock Tokens as Margin

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched the industry's first Cross-Asset Unified Account (UTA), bringing more than 370 eligible assets—including 100 US stock tokens (rTokens)—into a single margin pool. The launch extends unified margin beyond crypto, allowing tokenized equities to function alongside digital assets within one account.

As crypto and traditional financial markets become increasingly connected, users expect assets to do more than represent ownership. The next stage of tokenization focuses on utility, allowing assets to support multiple financial activities from a single account. Bitget's Cross-Asset Unified Account advances that shift by integrating tokenized US equities into the same capital framework used for crypto trading.

The Cross-Asset Unified Account represents the third evolution of exchanges’ trading account architecture, with each stage focused on improving capital efficiency. The first generation isolated margin by asset and position, leaving capital fragmented across multiple accounts. The second unified multiple cryptocurrencies into a single margin pool, allowing one pool of collateral to support multiple crypto positions. The latest generation extends that framework beyond cryptocurrencies, bringing tokenized US stocks and other real-world assets into the same unified margin system. By giving RWAs the same status and utility as crypto, the Cross-Asset Unified Account allows eligible assets across different markets to work together within a single capital framework.

“Bringing stocks onchain is the first step but the real breakthrough comes when those assets can work with the same flexibility as crypto,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Capital efficiency is one of the principles behind UEX, and the Cross-Asset UTA puts that idea into practice. A stock position should be able to hold value, support another trade, or unlock liquidity instead of sitting in isolation.”

Eligible rTokens can now serve several purposes simultaneously. Users can maintain exposure to the underlying US equities, receive cash dividend distributions where applicable, use rTokens as margin for futures and margin trading, or pledge them as collateral to borrow stablecoins. The same asset can support multiple portfolio strategies without requiring users to exit their positions.

The initial rollout supports 100 tokenized US equities spanning leading US-listed companies, including rAAPL, rAMZN, rMETA, rTSLA, rGOOGL, rNVDA, rMSFT, rQQQ, rSPY, rJPM, rWMT, rV, and rMSTR, among others. Eligible collateral receives discount rates of up to 95%, subject to asset-specific tiers and holding size. Borrowing rates remain market-based and update hourly according to supply and demand.

The Cross-Asset Unified Account builds on the rapid expansion of Bitget's tokenized equities ecosystem. Since the launch of the licensed RWA protocol Reality, rToken, the RWA asset issued by Reality, has surpassed $100 million in assets under management within its first month, while generating more than $671 million in cumulative trading volume. By bringing tokenized equities into the same capital framework as crypto assets, Bitget is extending their role beyond market access to capital deployment, allowing users to trade, borrow, and manage global assets more efficiently through a single account.

Bitget plans to continue expanding the range of assets supported within the Cross-Asset Unified Account as the Universal Exchange evolves to connect crypto and traditional financial markets through a single trading experience.

For more information, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ 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 such as 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 | X | 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/8016503f-4d8d-4df8-a2b2-ac3e74cbf95e

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.

--BERNAMA

AV ACCESS LAUNCHES ALL-IN-ONE 4K CONFERENCE VIDEO BAR

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- AV Access, a professional audio-visual (Pro AV) provider, has launched the AnyCo V100, an all-in-one 4K conference video bar designed for small meeting rooms and huddle spaces to support hybrid collaboration.

The company said the AnyCo V100 combines video conferencing, presentation functions, a 4K artificial intelligence (AI) camera, speakerphones, laptop charging and network connectivity into a single device.

AV Access chief technology officer, Bill Liao said the AnyCo V100 enables businesses to simplify meeting room deployment by integrating multiple conferencing functions into a single device.

“By consolidating video conferencing, seamless presentations, and essential room hardware into a reliable, one-cable solution, businesses can drastically optimise their workplace AV technology budget and get any meeting space ready in minutes,” he said in a statement.

According to AV Access, users only need to connect a single USB-C cable to their laptop to access video conferencing, screen sharing, internet connectivity and up to 100 watts of charging without requiring additional software or drivers.

The company said the device also features an ultra-wide 4K AI camera with automatic framing, speaker tracking and presenter tracking, as well as XMOS digital signal processing technology for echo cancellation, noise reduction and voice capture.

The product will be showcased at the InfoComm Asia 2026 exhibition in Bangkok from July 15 to 17.

-- BERNAMA

Meltwater Expands MCP Capabilities For AI Assistants

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- Meltwater has expanded its Model Context Protocol (MCP) capabilities by introducing new tools that enable artificial intelligence (AI) assistants to perform actions within the Meltwater platform, including accessing insights, creating reports and tracking alerts in real time.

The company said the expanded MCP allows AI assistants to build on existing projects within the platform, enabling users to generate news summaries, brand health reports and social media trend analyses using Meltwater's licensed media and social intelligence.

Meltwater Chief Product Officer, Chris Hackney said the enhancement allows users across organisations to access trusted intelligence directly through the AI tools they already use.

“Meltwater MCP means the analyst, the executive, and the intern can all ask the same question and get the same quality of answer, grounded in real Meltwater data,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, its Chief Technology Officer, Aditya Jami said the expanded MCP enables teams to use trusted Meltwater intelligence through their preferred AI assistants while allowing them to take action on the information rather than simply retrieve it.

Meltwater said its platform analyses more than 1.3 billion documents daily, providing media, social media and influencer intelligence for public relations, communications and marketing teams.

According to Meltwater, the expanded MCP is now generally available to its customers following more than a year of pilot programmes.

-- BERNAMA

EARTHDAILY CONSTELLATION REACHES SATELLITE MILESTONE FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- EarthDaily, a global Earth observation company, has successfully established initial contact with EDC-08 following its launch aboard SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission on July 7.

The milestone marks Launch III for the EarthDaily Constellation and brings the system to the satellite count required for commercial operations, expected later this year, according to a statement.

“EDC-08 reaching orbit and establishing initial contact is another important step in the disciplined deployment of the EarthDaily Constellation.

“With eight satellites now in orbit, seven progressing through commissioning, and initial imagery returning from the May launch, the system is performing as expected,” said EarthDaily Chief Executive Officer, Don Osborne.

Like each spacecraft in the EarthDaily Constellation, EDC-08 carries 16 imagers collecting data across 22 spectral bands, providing the system with the spectral depth and imaging capacity needed to support consistent and comparable measurements across regions, seasons and time.

The latest launch follows the deployment of EDC-02 to EDC-07 in May, with the satellites now progressing through commissioning and returning initial imagery that provides an early indication of system performance.

Purpose-built for broad-area change detection, the EarthDaily Constellation is designed to deliver globally consistent, calibrated daily measurement of the planet. Its imagery is designed to work with EarthDaily's automated change detection analytics to identify meaningful changes across wide areas.

As additional satellites prepare for launch, the constellation is advancing towards daily global land coverage, providing a continuous measurement layer to monitor changes across sectors, including defence and security, agriculture, natural resources, climate resilience and infrastructure.

-- BERNAMA

Defiance Launches Europe's First Photonics UCITS ETF (PHOT)

• Defiance has expanded its European ETF lineup with the launch of the Defiance Photonics UCITS ETF (ticker: PHOT).
• The ETF seeks to provide exposure to companies developing, manufacturing, and commercialising photonic technologies, the optical hardware that generates, moves, and processes data using light rather than electricity.
• This is Defiance's 5th launch since entering the European UCITS ETF market earlier this year. In that time, Defiance has accumulated $162.57 million in assets under management (AUM) across its UCITS product range.¹
• The ETF is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Borsa Italiana, with Xetra to follow.

MIAMI, July 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Defiance ETFs is excited to announce the launch of the Defiance Photonics UCITS ETF (ticker: PHOT), Europe's first photonics ETF. The Fund seeks to provide exposure to companies developing, manufacturing, and commercialising photonic technologies, the optical hardware that generates, moves, and processes data using light rather than electricity.

Defiance Photonics UCITS ETF
ISIN: IE000W1S2PT6
TER: 0.69%

Exchange Bloomberg Ticker SEDOL Trading Currency
LSE PHOT LN BQS89K8 USD
LSE PH0T LN BQS8NP3 GBP
Borsa Italiana PHOT IM BN6MZN8 USD

The AI capex buildout is becoming one of the largest corporate investment cycles in history. JP Morgan has estimated that global AI and data centre infrastructure spending could reach more than $5 trillion through 2030, with that spending reshaping demand across the technology supply chain, from power and cooling to memory and advanced networking.²

Photonics is emerging as a key part of this infrastructure story. Photonics is the use of light to generate, transmit, and process information. In data centres, this means replacing or complementing electrical connections with optical technologies that can move data between chips, servers, and racks at much higher speeds and with lower energy loss.³

AI systems require huge amounts of data to move continuously between processors, memory, and networking equipment. As AI clusters become larger, and as inference workloads scale, data movement is becoming a critical bottleneck in terms of bandwidth, latency, power consumption, and heat. Optical interconnects can move more data over longer distances than copper, while using less power per bit transmitted.⁴

The opportunity also extends beyond AI. Photonic technologies are increasingly important for cloud data centres, high-performance computing, telecom networks, and next-generation connectivity. As the digital economy requires faster, denser, and more energy-efficient data movement, photonics is becoming a critical enabling layer of the modern technology stack.

The Defiance Photonics UCITS ETF provides targeted exposure across the photonics value chain, including:
Optical components and light sources
Photonic semiconductors and interconnect chips
Optical systems and networking
Photonic foundries and manufacturing infrastructure
Enabling materials
These areas include technologies such as lasers, transceivers, fibre arrays, connectors, photonic integrated circuits, optical interposers, modulators, and other components used in modern optical connectivity.

This is Defiance's 5th launch since entering the European UCITS ETF market earlier this year.⁵


Defiance UCITS Lineup Ticker
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure UCITS ETF AIPO
Defiance Photonics UCITS ETF PHOT
Defiance Memory UCITS ETF DRAM
Defiance Drone UCITS ETF DRON
Defiance Ukraine Reconstruction UCITS ETF UKRN


Sylvia Jablonski, CIO of Defiance ETFs, commented: “Defiance is excited to bring Europe's first photonics ETF to market. AI is generating more data than electrical connections can efficiently move, and photonics, the use of light to transmit and process information, is emerging as the answer. We built PHOT to give investors focused, transparent exposure to the companies across the photonics value chain, rather than a thin slice buried inside a broad tech basket.”

Hector McNeil, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HANetf, commented: “We are delighted that Defiance is expanding its European range with the launch of the first photonics UCITS ETF. As AI and cloud computing continue to drive demand for faster and more efficient data movement, photonics is emerging as an increasingly important layer of the technology infrastructure stack. This launch gives European investors targeted access to companies helping to build the optical backbone needed to support the next phase of AI and digital connectivity.”

For full fund details, including the prospectus and Key Information Document, visit hanetf.com.

About Defiance ETFs
Founded in 2018, Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. The firm manages 75+ ETFs designed to provide targeted exposure to high-growth sectors including AI infrastructure, quantum computing, drones and modern warfare, and other emerging technologies.

About HANetf
HANetf is an independent provider of UCITS ETFs, working with asset management companies to bring differentiated, modern, and innovative exposures to European ETF investors. Via our white-label ETF platform, HANetf provides a complete operational, regulatory, distribution and marketing solution for asset managers to launch and manage UCITS ETFs. www.hanetf.com

Media Contact
Brenda Hentschel | bhentschel@gregoryagency.com | 201.705.3758

For European media enquiries:
Italy: Elena Soffientini, Mymediarelation | soffientini@mymediarelation.it | +39 375 670 62 07
Germany: Caroline Chojnowski, Public Imaging | Caroline.Chojnowski@publicimaging.de | +49 (0)40-401 999 - 23

Important Information

Communications issued in the European Economic Area (“EEA”)
The content in this document is issued and approved by HANetf EU Limited (“HANetf EU”). HANetf EU is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. HANetf EU is registered in Ireland with registration number 728832.

Communications issued in the UK
The content in this document is issued by HANetf Limited (“HANetf”) and approved by Privium Fund Management (UK) Limited (“Privium”). HANetf is an appointed representative of Privium, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The registered office of Privium is The Shard, 24th Floor, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG.

This communication has been prepared for professional investors, but the ETCs and ETFs set out in this communication (“Products”) may be available in some jurisdictions to any investors. Please check with your broker or intermediary that the relevant Product is available in your jurisdiction and suitable for your investment profile.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The price of the Products may vary and they do not offer a fixed income.

This document may contain forward looking statements including statements regarding our belief or current expectations with regards to the performance of certain assets classes. Forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will be accurate and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Therefore, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

The content of this document is for information purposes and for your internal use only, and does not constitute an investment advice, recommendation, investment research or an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any Product or make any investment.

An investment in an exchange traded product is dependent on the performance of the underlying asset class, less costs, but it is not expected to track that performance exactly. The Products involve numerous risks including among others, general market risks relating to underlying adverse price movements in an Index (for ETFs) or underlying asset class and currency, liquidity, operational, legal and regulatory risks. In addition, in relation to Cryptocurrency ETCs, these are highly volatile digital assets and performance is unpredictable.

The information contained on this document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof, where none of the Issuers (as defined below) or their Products are authorised or registered for distribution and where no prospectus of any of the Issuers has been filed with any securities commission or regulatory authority. No document or information on this document should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States. None of the Issuers, nor any securities issued by it, have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 or the Investment Company Act of 1940 or qualified under any applicable state securities statutes.

The Issuers:

1. HANetf ICAV and HANetf ICAV II are open-ended Irish collective asset management vehicles and are the issuers of the ETFs under the terms in the relevant Prospectuses and relevant Supplements for each ETF approved by the Central Bank of Ireland (“CBI”) (each an “ETF Prospectus” and together the “ETF Prospectuses”). Investors should read the current version of the relevant ETF Prospectus before investing and should refer to the section of the relevant ETF Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETFs. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the ETF Prospectuses.

2. HANetf ETC Securities plc, a public limited company incorporated in Ireland, issuing under the terms in the Base Prospectus approved by the Central Bank of Ireland and the final terms of the relevant series (“ETC Securities Documentation”) is the issuer of the precious metals ETCs. Investors should read the latest version of the ETC Securities Documentation before investing and should refer to the section of the Base Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETCs. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the ETC Securities Documentation.

3. Bitwise Europe GmbH, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, issuing under the terms in the Prospectus approved by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (“BaFin”) and the final terms (“Cryptocurrency Prospectus”) is the issuer of the ETCM ETCs. Investors should read the latest version of the Cryptocurrency Prospectus before investing and should refer to the section of the Cryptocurrency Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETCs contained in the Cryptocurrency Prospectus. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the Cryptocurrency Prospectus.

4. HANetf Multi-Asset ETC Issuer plc, a public company incorporated in Jersey, issuing under the terms in the Base Prospectuses approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) (the “SFSA”), the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and the final terms of the relevant series (“Multi-Asset ETC Securities Documentation”) is the issuer of ETCs linked to and secured by various underlying assets. Investors should read the latest version of the ETC Securities Documentation before investing and should refer to the section of the relevant Base Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETCs. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the ETC Securities Documentation.

The relevant ETF Prospectuses, ETC Securities Documentation, Multi-Asset ETC Securities Documentation and Cryptocurrency Prospectus can all be downloaded from www.hanetf.com.

The decision and amount to invest in any Product should take into consideration your specific circumstances after seeking independent investment, tax and legal advice. We do not control and are not responsible for the content of third-party websites.

We believe the information in this document is based on reliable sources, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The views expressed are the views of HANetf at time of publication and may change. Neither Privium nor HANetf is liable for any losses relating to the accuracy, completeness or use of information in this communication, including any consequential loss.

FOR SWISS INVESTORS ONLY: The Fund has appointed as Swiss Representative Waystone Fund Services (Switzerland) SA, Av. Villamont 17, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland, Tel: +41 21 311 17 77, email: switzerland@waystone.com. The Fund’s Swiss paying agent is Helvetische Bank AG. The Prospectus, the Key Investor Information Documents, the Instrument of Incorporation as well as the annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained free of charge from the Swiss Representative in Lausanne. The issue and redemption prices are published at each issue and redemption on www.fundinfo.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70f0dee7-ca38-44e4-96f3-5a5b058fb821

________________________________
¹ Source: HANetf; Bloomberg. Data as at 07/06/2026.
² Source: Data Centre Dynamics, 2025.
³ Source: CNBC, 2026.
⁴ Source: Forbes, 2026.
⁵ Source: HANetf; Bloomberg. Data as at 07/06/2026.

SOURCE: Defiance ETFs

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

Bitget Upgrades Institutional Trading Framework to Power the Next Phase of Multi-Asset Markets

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has introduced an upgraded institutional pricing framework for its PRO and Liquidity Incentive Programs, enhancing trading costs, liquidity incentives, and market structure across crypto and traditional financial markets. Effective June 30, the update introduces a more sophisticated fee model designed to better support institutional traders, market makers, and liquidity providers participating across an increasingly diverse range of assets.

As institutional participation expands beyond major crypto into tokenized real world assets, exchanges are increasingly required to support different liquidity dynamics across different markets. Bitget's latest upgrade reflects this evolution through a more granular pricing structure that aligns incentives with the characteristics of each market while improving execution quality across the platform.

"Markets are becoming increasingly connected, and institutions are adapting to that reality," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. "They're focused on where they can deploy capital most efficiently, not whether an opportunity sits in crypto or traditional finance. Our job is to build the infrastructure that makes moving between those markets feel seamless."

A central feature of the upgrade is a revised market grouping framework. In spot markets, trading pairs are divided into two groups: Group A for top trading pairs such as BTCUSDT, XAUTUSDT, SOLUSDT, and other major assets, and Group B for all other spot trading pairs, including newly listed spot pairs. In futures markets, the structure expands to three groups: Group A for top crypto futures pairs, Group B for other crypto futures pairs and newly listed crypto futures, and Group C for TradFi futures, covering stock, precious metal, commodity, and index futures.

For institutional traders, the update introduces tiered taker pricing within the Bitget PRO program, creating a more transparent cost structure based on trading activity. For liquidity providers, Bitget has strengthened incentives for long-tail markets by increasing spot maker rebates on selected trading pairs from 1.2 basis points to 1.5 basis points, while futures maker rebates on selected long-tail contracts have increased from 0.8 basis points to 1.0 basis point. The platform also maintains its industry-leading 0.65 basis point taker fee for TradFi futures, including tokenized stock, commodity, and precious metal contracts.

Beyond pricing, the revised framework introduces updated market-making assessment methodologies and weighted liquidity metrics that place greater emphasis on supporting emerging markets while maintaining deep liquidity across flagship assets. The result is a more balanced incentive structure that rewards meaningful liquidity contributions across the full breadth of Bitget's multi-asset ecosystem.

The update builds on Bitget's continued investment in institutional infrastructure following recent expansions across tokenized stocks and equity offerings. As the Universal Exchange continues bringing together crypto, tokenized assets, and traditional financial markets within a single trading environment, Bitget is developing the execution, liquidity and pricing infrastructure required to support the next generation of institutional trading.

For more information and the full list of pairs, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ 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 such as 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 | X | 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/3e3be216-3591-4ebf-bae3-a484c5332232 

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.

--BERNAMA

Record Launches "Record Amanah" Sharia-Compliant Investment Platform

LONDON, July 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Record Asset Management GmbH (RAM), subsidiary of London-listed Record plc (Record Financial Group), is pleased to announce the launch of Record Amanah, its dedicated platform for Sharia-compliant investment solutions.

RAM is the European asset management arm of Record Financial Group, the London-listed specialist investment group managing USD 115 billion of assets on behalf of institutional clients worldwide. Record's client base comprises pension funds, foundations, sovereign institutions and other asset managers, with whom the Group has built long-standing relationships through its focus on bespoke investment and risk management solutions. Headquartered in London, Record has offices in Hamburg, Zurich, Zug, New York, and Hong Kong.

The launch follows a series of successful Sharia-compliant transactions completed by Record, most recently for a client in Brunei, and reflects growing demand from institutional investors seeking investment opportunities that combine attractive risk-adjusted returns with adherence to Islamic finance principles.

Record Amanah has been established in partnership with Khalij Group (https://recordfg.com/what-we-do/private-markets/record-amanah/), a London-based team of Islamic finance specialists with extensive experience in structuring and advising on Sharia-compliant investments.

The platform will initially focus on private markets and private equity opportunities, offering investment solutions structured in accordance with established Sharia principles while maintaining the rigorous investment, risk management, and governance standards for which Record is known.

The initiative further expands Record's private markets capabilities and strengthens the Group's ability to serve a broader international investor base, particularly across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where demand for Sharia-compliant investment solutions continues to grow.

Jan Hendrik Witte, CEO of Record Financial Group, commented:

"The launch of Record Amanah represents a natural evolution of our private markets strategy. We have already demonstrated our ability to deliver Sharia-compliant investment solutions for institutional clients, and this platform provides a dedicated framework through which we can expand those capabilities. By combining Record's investment expertise with Khalij's deep knowledge of Islamic finance, we believe we are well positioned to meet the growing demand for high-quality Sharia-compliant private market investments."

Asim Khan, CEO of Khalij Group, commented:

"Islamic finance is founded on principles of partnership, transparency and investment in productive economic activity. Through Record Amanah, we are bringing together these principles with Record's institutional investment expertise and global reach. We believe this partnership will create compelling opportunities for investors seeking access to private markets through structures that are both commercially attractive and fully aligned with Sharia values."

The launch forms part of Record's broader strategy of expanding its private markets offering and creating differentiated investment capabilities for clients globally.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260629448863/en/

Contact

Dr Jan Hendrik Witte
CEO
Record Financial Group
E: reception@recordfg.com
W: www.recordfg.com

Source : Record Financial Group

LYB, MONDELEZ TURN PLASTIC WASTE INTO CHOCOLATE WRAPPERS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- Global chemical company, LyondellBasell (LYB) has introduced an innovative flexible packaging solution for Marabou chocolate bars, developed in collaboration with Mondelez International, Amcor, Taghleef Industries and other industry players.

Using LYB CirculenRevive polymers with 100 per cent attributed recycled content through an ISCC PLUS-certified mass balance approach, Mondelez is now able to offer packaging made from 75 per cent recycled content.

According to LYB in a statement, the solution helps transform hard-to-recycle post-consumer mixed plastic waste into high-quality materials suitable for food packaging.

“Our collaboration with Mondelez illustrates our shared vision for the future and highlights our ability to provide innovative, high-quality circular solutions tailored to demanding specifications.

“We are committed to making circular and low-carbon solutions work for businesses while creating solutions for everyday sustainable living,” said LYB executive vice president, Sustainable Solutions and Technology Business, Yvonne van der Laan.

As part of its circular solutions strategy, LYB plans to supply future polymers for Marabou packaging through MoReTec-1, its first commercial-scale catalytic chemical recycling plant under construction in Wesseling, Germany.

Once operational, the facility will strengthen access to circular feedstock within LYB's integrated ecosystem, connecting advanced sorting and recycling infrastructure with the company's existing crackers and polymerisation assets.

MoReTec-1 is designed to produce 50,000 metric tonnes of feedstock annually for use in LYB's existing production units, enabling the manufacture of recycled polymers.

The collaboration brings together companies across the packaging value chain, with LYB supplying the circular polymers, Taghleef Industries producing the base film, and Amcor converting the material into the final flexible packaging solution for Mondelez.

LYB said the initiative reflects growing demand from brand owners for high-performance circular polymers that support recycled-content targets while meeting the quality requirements for flexible food packaging.

-- BERNAMA

Jeppesen ForeFlight Unveils AI Engine For Aviation Operations

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Jeppesen ForeFlight, a provider of aviation data, software and insights, has unveiled Jeppesen ForeFlight Airflow, an aviation-centric artificial intelligence (AI) engine that forms the foundation of its strategy to bring responsible AI to all sectors of aviation.

Developed over several years, Jeppesen ForeFlight Airflow is backed by decades of domain expertise, industry-leading data, and capabilities spanning crew and fleet planning, day-of-flight operations and flight deck solutions.

“We have helped the industry evolve from paper to digital to mobile, and we are bringing to market a highly differentiated AI offering in Jeppesen ForeFlight Airflow that customers can deploy on their own terms and timelines, at significantly lower IT costs than previous industry transitions,” said Jeppesen ForeFlight Chief Executive Officer, Brad Surak in a statement.

Jeppesen ForeFlight Airflow combines commercially available data, segregated proprietary customer data and extensive domain knowledge, including safety, certification expertise and contextual reasoning across the aviation industry.

Built on an open architecture and designed to be model agnostic, the AI engine gives customers the flexibility to adopt AI by integrating their own agents, leveraging third-party solutions or deploying Jeppesen ForeFlight's native agents.

The company is also previewing its first product for the general aviation market, the ForeFlight AI Connector, an MCP server that connects ForeFlight Mobile to a customer's existing OpenAI ChatGPT environment.

Users can query their personal AI for flight plans and refuelling options or build AI-connected tools and workflows using data in ForeFlight Mobile. The company also plans to expand the feature to other AI applications, including Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude.

Later this year, Jeppesen ForeFlight Airflow will debut its first offerings to the commercial and business aviation segments, followed by military-focused capabilities.

-- BERNAMA

ROYC To Establish Luxembourg Feeder Fund For Slättö

 KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- ROYC, a global structuring and platform provider, has been selected by Slättö, a Nordic private markets real estate firm, to establish and manage a Luxembourg-domiciled feeder fund to efficiently aggregate individual subscriptions from professional investors.

The Luxembourg-domiciled vehicle will be fully structured and administered on ROYC’s proprietary platform, delivering investors a seamless digital experience with real-time portfolio access, automated reporting, and efficient global distribution.

In a statement, ROYC said it streamlines onboarding and governance, standardises legal documentation, and broadens access to capital.

ROYC Founder and President, Mathias Leijon said private markets are undergoing a structural shift as global banks and wealth platforms seek more efficient access to private equity strategies.

“By combining our deep structuring expertise with ROYC’s digital operating infrastructure, we enable leading managers like Slättö to launch investor-ready vehicles rapidly while delivering a seamless and fully transparent experience for investors throughout the entire fund lifecycle,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Slättö Deputy Managing Partner, Jonas Andersson said the firm evaluated several solutions and found ROYC’s platform simplifies investor onboarding, reporting and fund lifecycle management, enabling broader investor access.

The platform offers accelerated time-to-market through templated legal architecture and automated workflows while supporting end-to-end digital lifecycle management benefits investors through Know Your Customer (KYC)/Anti-Money Laundering (AML), digital subscriptions, capital activity tracking and performance dashboards via secure investor portals.

ROYC is a business-to-business financial technology company that provides a digital platform for private equity firms, banks, wealth managers, and multi-family offices to structure, distribute, and manage private market investments more efficiently.

-- BERNAMA

8X8 BAGS 2026 METRISTAR TOP PROVIDER FOR CPAAS BY METRIGY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Global business communications platform provider, 8x8 Inc has been named a 2026 MetriStar Top Provider for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) by Metrigy, an independent research and advisory firm.

The CPaaS recognition is part of a broader result in Metrigy’s 2026 MetriStar Award programme, with 8x8 also receiving the MetriStar Top Provider recognition for Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS).

“Most of the companies we work with are not just looking for a messaging API; they need the whole chain: campaign management, AI, analytics, and a contact centre that talks to all of it.

“This recognition from Metrigy validates our approach helping organisations improve customer satisfaction, drive growth, and simplify operations at scale,” said 8x8 General Manager, CPaaS, Sylvain Chaperon in a statement.

The awards are based on Metrigy’s Customer Experience MetriCast 2026 study, which surveyed 1,437 customer experience (CX) leaders across 10 countries in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

8x8 achieved above-average scores on both business success and customer sentiment, with particular strength in CSAT improvement, revenue growth, platform reliability, and no-code/low-code application quality.

Metrigy highlighted 8x8's integrated communications portfolio as a key differentiator, noting that the company is among a small number of vendors offering CPaaS, CCaaS, and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) within a single platform.

The research also highlighted 8x8's approach to treating CPaaS not as a standalone developer toolkit but as a programmable layer across the CX stack, expanding customer engagement capabilities beyond the contact centre to sales, field service, and frontline teams.

-- BERNAMA

AGC Biologics, Pyramid Pharma Services To Provide Integrated Manufacturing Solution

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- AGC Biologics, a global biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has partnered with Pyramid Pharma Services to provide an integrated United States (US)-based manufacturing solution for drug developers.

The collaboration combines AGC Biologics' expertise in drug substance development and manufacturing with Pyramid's sterile fill-finish capabilities, providing developers with a fully integrated supply chain solution.

“We are always listening to our customers’ needs and responding with solutions that help them meet their goals. With this US-based fill-finish option, our Seattle site is well-positioned for developers that desire or even require end-to-end production in the US,” said AGC Biologics Chief Business Officer, Christoph Winterhalter.

Clients will gain access to comprehensive sterile fill-finish capabilities in the US, including liquid and lyophilised vials, pre-filled syringes and cartridges, as well as device assembly, labelling and secondary packaging services.

By combining AGC Biologics' expertise with Pyramid's experience in sterile drug product manufacturing, the partnership provides a seamless pathway from early development to commercial supply.

According to AGC Biologics in a statement, the integrated offering reduces project complexity and handoffs through centralised project management, enabling faster delivery of therapies to patients.

The new offering complements AGC Biologics' existing European fill-finish capabilities, providing clients with greater geographic flexibility and a robust US-based option to help navigate tariff exposure and strengthen supply chain security.

Pyramid Pharma Services brings nearly four decades of experience in sterile injectable drug product development, including 26 years in good manufacturing practice (GMP) manufacturing and over a decade of commercial supply, supported by a strong track record in quality, reliability and regulatory excellence.

-- BERNAMA

EMGA Closes US$15 Mln Senior Debt Facility For CDB In Sri Lanka

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) has closed a US$15 million senior debt facility for Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), marking a milestone in strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial sector and supporting sustainable growth. (US$1=RM4.06)

The transaction underscores EMGA’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka, while supporting CDB’s efforts to expand access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and advance its green portfolio.

The facility was arranged in collaboration with Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, which plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable economic development across emerging markets, according to EMGA in a statement.

EMGA Head of Investment Banking and Managing Director (MD), Sajeev Chakkalakal said the transaction supports CDB’s growth strategy while expanding Swedfund’s presence in the region.

Meanwhile, CDB MD/Chief Executive Officer, Mahesh Nanayakkara said the financing strengthens the company’s ability to empower SMEs and accelerate green initiatives, ensuring it continues to play a leading role in Sri Lanka’s sustainable financial development.

CDB is a non-bank financial institution listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, focused on SME financing and sustainable finance initiatives.

EMGA, with offices in London and New York, advises financial institutions and corporates on debt and equity capital raising across emerging markets.

-- BERNAMA

2026 "Encounter Qi, Dreamy Zhaoge" Spring Festival Fair Kicks Off

HEBI, China, June 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The millennia-old city of Zhaoge welcomed the Spring Festival with grandeur. Zhaoge Old Street in Qi County, Central China’s Henan Province, blazed with lights and teemed with visitors. Amid thundering drums and leaping lion dances, Qi County announced the official opening of the nearly month-long “Encounter Qi, Dreamy Zhaoge” Spring Festival Fair, inviting residents and tourists alike to embark on a 3,000-year cultural journey.

Zhaoge, located in present-day Qi County, served as the capital for the last four kings of the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) and later as the capital of the Wei State during the Western Zhou period. Today, it stands among Henan Province's first designated historical and cultural cities and is revered as the cradle of Chinese surname culture. 

The highlight came with "Zhaoge: The Enchanted Dance of the Fengshen", a processional immersive performance staged against the backdrop of Zhaoge's storied past. The production recreates the historical moment 3,000 years ago when King Zhou of Shang pacified the Dongyi tribes and unified the Central Plains.

Scattered throughout the street, pop-up performances and NPC character parades animate the ancient thoroughfare, while specialty markets and local delicacies tempt the senses. Visitors can admire murals depicting characters from Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi), decode decorative lanterns featuring Shang Dynasty idioms, and purchase Fengshen-themed cultural creative products — all offering a tangible connection to this legendary heritage. 

Zhaoge Old Street ranks among Henan's first designated historical and cultural blocks. It is also recognized as a leisure tourism district and a nighttime cultural tourism consumption cluster. Situated at the heart of the ancient city, the street emphasizes historical and cultural industries, integrating traditional heritage into modern tourism scenes. Today, it has become a premier nighttime destination for both locals and visitors.

Company: Qi County
Contact Person: Li Mingkun
Email: wuyuekp@163.com
Website: https://www.qxzf.gov.cn/zfxxgk/fdzdgknr/jgjj/gzbm/art/2022/art_7e82d4d0c72e413cb83da10a7830d4b5.html
City: Hebi

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/69fb38b9-248c-4860-af18-a1d8321de22c
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4db0e830-6a5a-4bf5-bfa9-a07f6e785d23

SOURCE: Qi County

--BERNAMA 

PJL Sells First Team In US$50 Mln Deal To McCarthy Jumping Team

 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Premier Jumping League (PJL) announced that seasoned trader, investor, and competitive race car driver Jason McCarthy and McCarthy Jumping League LLC acquired the league’s first team in a landmark US$50 million transaction. (US$1=RM4.06)

The acquisition reflects strong investor confidence in the future of professional showjumping, as the inaugural 2027 PJL season will feature 16 teams competing across 14 international events, according to a statement.

The milestone investment represents a record valuation for a team in a newly established sports competition, underscoring growing investor interest in the league ahead of its April 2027 launch.

McCourt Global Executive Chairman, Frank McCourt said the investment endorses the PJL’s vision and long-term growth potential.

“From the outset, our ambition has been to attract new capital and growth opportunities to the sport. Jason and his family embody the values and ethos we aim to uphold within the League,” he said.

Meanwhile, McCarthy said the PJL has strong potential to expand global interest in showjumping while preserving the sport’s core values.

The acquisition also reflects confidence in McCourt Global’s US$300 million prize money commitment and the league’s long-term business model and financial viability.

-- BERNAMA

ATON LAUNCHES AI-POWERED FAMILY SAFETY PLATFORM AMID BULLYING CONCERNS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- ATON Inc has launched FamGuard, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered family safety platform designed to help parents monitor children's digital activities and identify potential signs of online risks, as concerns over school bullying and cyberbullying continue to grow in Singapore.

The launch comes amid heightened public attention to child safety following the widely reported Sengkang Green Primary School bullying case, which sparked broader discussions on student protection and the early identification of behavioural warning signs.

ATON said FamGuard combines real-time location tracking with AI-powered Conversation Insights and Friend Scoring to help parents better understand changes in their children's communication patterns and social interactions, enabling earlier conversations when unusual behaviour is detected.

“Technology cannot replace parents, but it can help families stay connected earlier and start conversations sooner,” an ATON representative said in a statement.

The platform also offers parental control features, including Screen Time Management, App Usage Monitoring and App Controls, to help families encourage healthier digital habits and oversee smartphone usage.

The company said growing use of messaging applications, social media and online group interactions has broadened expectations for family safety services beyond location tracking to include greater visibility into children's digital environments and behavioural patterns.

The launch follows research indicating that one in four upper primary school students in Singapore has experienced bullying, while many parents remain concerned about children's exposure to cyberbullying and other online risks.

ATON said FamGuard was developed to support families seeking additional tools to strengthen digital safety while complementing parental engagement and communication.

-- BERNAMA

CIRCEUS LAUNCHES WITH EBRD EQUITY INVESTMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Circeus, an artificial intelligence (AI)-native holding company, has launched with an equity investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), alongside participation from other investors.

According to a statement, the launch introduces Circeus as the group's holding company brand, reflecting the broader business-to-business (B2B) software portfolio with AI embedded across its operations.

The investment will help expand its central AI engineering capability and support future acquisitions. The group has completed 18 acquisitions over the past four years and serves more than 200,000 businesses worldwide.

“As AI evolves software from passive tools into systems that act and execute, the addressable market for technology is expanding several-fold. We are building the platform to capture this shift.

“We were not running a fundraising process, as we are profitable and well capitalised, but we chose to make space for EBRD given their institutional standing and to lean further into a market that presents several attractive opportunities,” said Circeus Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Luca Cartechini.

Meanwhile, EBRD investor Bruno Lusic said the bank is backing Circeus as it brings AI to mission-critical software, adding that the company's long-term growth model aligns with the EBRD's investment mandate.

Circeus grows through a repeatable acquisition model, acquiring software businesses and integrating them into a central AI capability that embeds AI into products, automates operations, and reuses infrastructure, data, and insights across its portfolio.

The company said founders who sell their businesses to Circeus retain their brands, teams, and customer relationships while gaining access to the group's AI engineering, growth expertise, and centralised back-office support.

Looking ahead, Circeus aims to accelerate AI adoption by embedding advanced AI capabilities into the mission-critical software used by businesses across multiple industries.

-- BERNAMA

Autheo Introduces the Internet Operating System: A Decentralized Coordination Layer for the Web, Blockchain, and AI

Five years in the making, Autheo is launching its decentralized operating system on Mainnet — after public testnet adoption surpassed 1.8 million wallets, nearly 1 million smart contracts, and 8.8 million transactions

SHERIDAN, Wyo., June 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autheo today launched the Mainnet of its decentralized operating system — a coordination layer enabling the Web, Web3, AI agents, and crypto applications to interoperate natively, with post-quantum security for digital identity, tokens, smart contracts, and agentic AI.

THE COORDINATION LAYER THE INTERNET NEVER HAD

Today’s blockchain landscape is fragmented — Web2, Web3, AI agents, and crypto applications cannot interoperate natively, and cross-chain bridges operate at the bridging layer. Autheo provides a coordination and execution layer where Web services, blockchain networks, and AI agents coordinate natively on a common identity, messaging, and execution surface, anchored by an on-chain, quantum-resistant trust and identity layer for agentic AI.

“We didn’t set out to build just another network,” said Scott Bayless, Managing Director and co-founder of Autheo. “We set out to find the right relation between the ones we already have. A body has many parts. A city is many trades. The Internet today is many systems — each doing its work, none of them moving as one. With Mainnet now live, Autheo is the layer where the web, the chain, and the agent can finally work together.”





FOUNDED BY LONG-TIME COLLABORATORS

Founded in July 2021 by Todd Mortenson and Scott Bayless, Autheo was built around four architectural foundations: TheoID (W3C-compliant DID for users, services, and AI agents); PQCNet (post-quantum framework on NIST standards: ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA); a sovereign Cosmos SDK Layer 0 with native IBC interoperability; and an integrated EVM-compatible Layer 1 execution environment, operating as a Proof-of-Stake with delegated staking and licensed validators, secured by block finality through CometBFT consensus (“Proof of Autheo”). Engineering is led by CEngO Kenneth Harper, with contributors across MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech. Audits: Halborn (testnet) and CertiK (Mainnet). Partners include Zeeve, InfStones, Hydrex, Halborn, CertiK, TrustSwap, Team.Finance, and Utila.

TESTNET ADOPTION HAS COMPOUNDED

Autheo’s public testnet went live in 2025 and attracted 350,000 wallets and 60,000 smart contracts over its first twelve months. Following the May 12, 2026 Mainnet Phase 1 announcement, adoption accelerated: wallet addresses grew more than 5x and smart contracts more than 15x in the 45 days since. Cumulative totals:
1,812,088 wallet addresses
968,502 smart contracts

(Figures per Autheo network data, June 24, 2026. Independently verifiable on the public testnet explorer: testnet-explorer.autheo.com · verified contracts.)


“Mainnet is live,” said Todd Mortenson, Managing Director and co-founder of Autheo. “The industry will be racing to retrofit post-quantum security ahead of NIST’s timeline — our developers won’t have to. We built PQC in from the ground up. One interface for Web services, on-chain protocols, and AI agents. One million human developers on-chain within three years. And the AI agents building alongside them? Orders of magnitude more. The coordination layer for that future is live today.”


WHAT’S NEXT

Developer access (Mainnet, live today):Docs: docs.autheo.com
Mainnet block explorer: evm-explorer.autheo.com
Chain ID: 2127 (0x84f)
Public RPC endpoints: rpc1.autheo.com · rpc2.autheo.com · rpc3.autheo.com
Testnet explorer (with verified-contract source): testnet-explorer.autheo.com

The THEO token is anticipated to list on Hydrex.fi in early July 2026. Core Node, Prime Node, and Sovereign Validator (399 NFT-licensed; 275 subscribed) programs at commerce.autheo.com.

The complete press release with extended technical detail is available at autheo.com/press.

ABOUT AUTHEO

Autheo is building the Internet operating system: a decentralized coordination layer for Web, blockchain, and AI agents, anchored by PQCNet (NIST post-quantum cryptography) and W3C DIDs. Addresses the convergence of AI, blockchain, and crypto — supporting agentic AI, tokenomics, enterprise blockchain, and on-chain digital sovereignty against quantum computing. autheo.com · @Autheo_Network.

MEDIA CONTACT

Ryan Teigen, Director of Product Marketing
Email: ryan@autheo.com · press@autheo.com · Phone: 608-713-1028
autheo.com · X: @Autheo_Network

Forward-looking statements: Certain statements in this release, including statements regarding anticipated network growth, partnerships, and roadmap, are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ. Autheo undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

A video accompanying this release is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99a95dde-f8e8-42d6-8e59-72d34724b7f9

SOURCE: Autheo LLC

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

HI3D INTRODUCES AI-POWERED END-TO-END 3D PRINTING WORKFLOW

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- Hi3D, an all-in-one artificial intelligence (AI) 3D maker platform, has introduced an end-to-end AI manufacturing workflow for 3D printing that automates tasks previously handled by professional modellers and experienced makers.

Using a Blokees-style mecha as an example, users enter a character concept and visual description, and Hi3D's Nano-Banana 2 image engine generates concept artwork optimised for 3D reconstruction, supporting consistent multi-view generation.

According to Hi3D in a statement, once the artwork is approved, its Sparc3D high-precision generation engine reconstructs a complete 3D model in approximately two minutes.

Hi3D generates watertight meshes optimised for physical manufacturing, unlike AI 3D tools that focus mainly on visualisation. Structural integrity, topology continuity, and printability are handled automatically, reducing cleanup work that previously took hours to minutes.

For large mecha models, print preparation is often more complex than creation, as models must typically be split into components to fit desktop printer build volumes, a process that traditionally requires manual work in software such as Blender or CAD.

However, Hi3D’s intelligent segmentation system automatically analyses models, separates them into printable components, and generates matching connector structures, including mortise-and-tenon joints and ball-joint assemblies.

Combined with Hi3D’s Press-Fit Tolerance system, which calculates assembly clearances based on printer specifications, nozzle size and material characteristics, printed parts can be assembled directly without extensive trial-and-error adjustments.

After model preparation, Hi3D enters the print setup stage. Its smart build plate optimisation system adjusts orientation and support strategies, prioritising surface quality for character figures while reducing support material and print time for mechanical components.

The final output is an enhanced 3MF file compatible with major slicing ecosystems. Using this workflow, the time required to transform an original Blokees-style mecha from a text prompt into a printable file can be reduced to around five minutes.

-- BERNAMA

MAVENIR WINS DEUTSCHE TELEKOM'S PARTNER AWARD FOR NETWORK INNOVATION

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- Mavenir, the software company building cloud-native, artificial intelligence (AI)-by-design mobile networks, has won the Deutsche Telekom Partner of the Year Award for Best Network Innovation.

The recognition underscores Mavenir’s pivotal role in the Most Energy Efficient Core (MeeC) initiative, a flagship collaboration with Deutsche Telekom built on its Horizontal TelCo Cloud, the company’s own cloud architecture and a blueprint for the telecommunications industry.

According to Mavenir in a statement, MeeC has redefined energy efficiency in 5G Core networks, delivering up to a 65 per cent reduction in energy consumption during low-traffic periods while maintaining uncompromised performance and service quality.

“Winning Deutsche Telekom's Partner Award is a tremendous honour for the entire Mavenir team. MeeC is a compelling demonstration of what becomes possible when cloud-native architecture, AI-driven automation, and genuine partnership combine.

“Sustainable networks are not a future ambition - they are an operational reality, and we are proud to have helped Deutsche Telekom prove that at scale,” said Mavenir Chief Executive Officer, Pardeep Kohli.

Launched in 2025, MeeC applies advanced AI-driven traffic analysis and predictive workload optimisation to identify and eliminate energy waste across 5G Core functions without compromising network performance or service quality.

The project demonstrated that significant energy reductions are achievable at a commercial scale in live network environments. Its key achievements include AI-powered traffic prediction and real-time scaling, dynamic workload consolidation across cloud-native functions, and proven deployment in a live Tier-1 production network.

Presented by Deutsche Telekom's senior leadership at the Telekom Campus Fair 2026, the Telekom Partner Awards recognise outstanding contributions by the company's partners in network technology, operations and sustainability.

-- BERNAMA

COOCON TO LAUNCH MCP-BASED DATA BUSINESS FOR AI AGENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- COOCON, a South Korean business data platform company, planned to launch Model Context Protocol (MCP)-based data services as it expands into the artificial intelligence (AI) agent market.

The company said it aims to become a "dedicated data hub for AI agents" by converting its existing data into MCP format, enabling AI systems to directly access information across finance, the public sector, logistics and telecommunications.

COOCON chief executive officer, Kim Jong-hyun said enabling AI agents to access trustworthy data would be key to the AI era.

“We aim to evolve from providing application programming interfaces (APIs) for human users to delivering data directly for AI agents.

“COOCON’s distinctive business structure, built on the MCP open standard, will serve as a gateway to the global AI agent ecosystem," he said in a statement.

According to the company, it will launch a "Dedicated AI-Ready Data Zone" on its COOCON.NET platform in July, initially offering about 30 MCP-based products before expanding the catalogue to more than 100 products by the end of the year and its full portfolio by 2027.

COOCON said the platform is designed to enable companies to integrate external data for AI agents through standardised interfaces, reducing the need for manual system integration while supporting organisations adopting AI technologies.

The company also joined the Linux Foundation's Agentic AI Foundation in June and will participate in the MCP Working Group alongside technology companies including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Circle, Tron and Stripe to help develop global MCP standards.

COOCON said it expects the MCP-based business to strengthen revenue growth by increasing AI-driven data requests while expanding AI-compatible payment services alongside its existing data business.

-- BERNAMA

The new geography of business travel: where professionals are heading this summer, according to Holafly for Business

DUBLIN, June 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For years, the world's business travel map was largely defined by financial centres and corporate headquarters. Today, professionals are increasingly drawn to destinations that combine economic relevance with lifestyle appeal. New research from Holafly for Business reveals that Spain, Japan and the United States are the destinations attracting the highest number of business travellers this summer, reflecting a broader evolution in how and why people travel for work.

According to Holafly’s Summer Travel & eSIM Report 2026, Spain is the leading destination for business travellers this summer, reinforcing its position as one of the few countries capable of attracting both corporate and leisure travel at scale. Japan ranks second, followed by the United States and France, highlighting the continued importance of markets that combine strong business ecosystems with global accessibility.

Japan's position near the top of the ranking reflects its growing importance within the global business landscape, particularly as companies strengthen commercial ties across Asia-Pacific, one of the fastest-growing regions for business travel.

The United States remains one of the world's most important destinations for corporate mobility, supported by its concentration of technology, finance and multinational headquarters. France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany continue to attract strong business travel demand, while the United Arab Emirates stands out as one of the few destinations whose appeal appears driven primarily by business activity. Despite its limited presence in broader leisure rankings, the UAE has continued to strengthen its position as a global hub for finance, technology, trade and international events, particularly through cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Business travel today is about much more than attending meetings,” said Alex Bryzowski, VP of Holafly for Business. “The destinations leading our ranking combine economic relevance with the infrastructure, accessibility and international appeal that modern professionals increasingly expect.”

The business travel map is no longer defined solely by where companies operate, but increasingly by where professionals want to spend their time. As work becomes more flexible and travel becomes more integrated into everyday life, solutions such as Holafly for Business are key to remain connected, productive and secure wherever work happens.

Top 10 Business Travel Destinations for Summer 2026
 

1.  Spain
2.  Japan
3.  United States
4.  France
5.  Italy
6.  United Kingdom
7.  Canada
8.  Germany
9.  United Arab Emirates
10.  Greece

Media contact: press@holafly.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e6d65bc-1f14-4208-ac31-4c2a3bb7112a 

SOURCE: Holafly

--BERNAMA 

Guest Supply To Distribute RODA Skincare Products Across APAC Hotels

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Guest Supply, part of Sysco Corporation, has inked a licensing agreement with RODA to manufacture and distribute RODA-branded skincare and personal care products across the Asia Pacific (APAC) for the hotel sector.

According to a statement, the agreement combines Guest Supply’s hospitality manufacturing, distribution and service capabilities with RODA’s clinically formulated approach to skin and hair care.

“RODA brings a distinctive, clinically formulated skincare proposition grounded in innovation, which will resonate with hotels looking to elevate the in-room experience,” said Guest Supply senior vice president, EMEA and APAC regions, Gustaf Lantz.

Under the agreement, Guest Supply will align RODA collections to hospitality operating requirements while maintaining brand standards, including quality assurance, scalable supply and simplified ordering for hotel partners via its established supply chain.

Created in Barcelona, RODA develops products for sensitive skin and formulates them to suit all skin types. The brand combines natural active ingredients with advanced research, technology and a sustainability-led approach.

Its development model draws on ingredient analysis, scientific literature and product review insights, supporting exclusive formulations developed in-house with pharmacists and dermatological experts.

RODA is selectively distributed globally through dermatology clinics, concept stores and selected hotels. Through the APAC licensing partnership, Guest Supply will expand the brand’s availability to hospitality customers across the region.

-- BERNAMA

PerkyPet AI Strengthens AI Leadership With Jamal Jackson Appointment

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- PerkyPet AI, the veterinary-built artificial intelligence (AI) platform for proactive pet health, has appointed veteran technology leader Jamal Jackson as Global Head of Applied AI.

Jackson will lead the development and scaling of the company’s AI capabilities, advancing its mission to support more informed preventive care for pets and their owners through everyday health monitoring, according to a statement.

PerkyPet AI co-founder and chief executive officer, Tim Maliyil said pet parents trust the company with decisions that impact the wellbeing of a member of their family.

Maliyil added that Jackson understands that trust, safety and clinical rigour are requirements for useful innovation, not constraints, and brings the technical depth, operational discipline and judgement needed as the company continues building PerkyPet AI.

Meanwhile, Jackson said: “What drew me to PerkyPet AI is that we are building a clinically grounded system that helps pet parents understand their pet’s health over time, rather than just another chatbot that returns answers without context.

“My focus is ensuring our AI continues to meet the highest standards for safety, accuracy, and reliability while helping families move from reactive to proactive pet care,” he added.

Jackson brings more than 15 years of experience building and scaling technology products across enterprise organisations, emerging AI companies and startups backed by reputable venture capitalists, including Sequoia Capital, Founders Fund and Techstars.

At PerkyPet AI, Jackson’s work will focus on strengthening AI systems that analyse daily health data, highlight important changes over time and keep recommendations and guidance within clear safety guardrails.

-- BERNAMA