KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Itron Inc, an intelligent infrastructure provider for modern energy and water management, has announced the availability of its grid edge portfolio, including Itron Riva S and Itron Riva T IEC electricity meters, for utilities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
As the first Itron Gen6 network platform devices available in APAC, the launch marks a significant milestone in its expansion of Grid Edge Intelligence in the region, according to the company in a statement.
Itron senior vice president of Networked Solutions, John Marcolini said the launch was an important step in helping utilities translate awareness into action, with an interoperable and modular architecture designed to preserve technology choice and expand value over time.
The Itron Riva meters provide utilities with a practical starting point to improve visibility across the low-voltage network and respond to the growing impact of distributed energy resources (DERs) with advanced intelligence over time.
Serving as both grid sensors and DER control points, the meters provide utilities with real-time visibility into grid conditions, enabling earlier identification of emerging network faults and constraints, proactive management of growing DERs across the low-voltage network, and optimisation of operational and capital budget allocation.
By extending sensing and intelligence to the grid edge, the Itron Riva meters allow utilities to begin with advanced metering and localised grid awareness and seamlessly expand to distributed intelligence (DI) applications as operational needs evolve, improving grid reliability, resilience and efficiency.
The meters also extend visibility beyond energy consumption data, helping utilities detect voltage fluctuations, transformer loading issues, emerging faults and other network conditions through high-frequency sensing and edge computing capabilities.
Built on open DLMS/COSEM standards and designed to meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) requirements, the meters help utilities modernise their infrastructure while maintaining flexibility to integrate with existing and future technologies.
The Itron Riva IEC electricity meter is initially available in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and is expected to expand to additional APAC countries, helping utilities modernise grid operations and respond to growing network complexity across the region.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Saturday, 19 September 2026
RobotPlusPlus Raises Series C to Scale Working-at-Height Robots
BEIJING, Sept 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RobotPlusPlus (ROBOT++) has closed a Series C round worth hundreds of millions of RMB (tens of millions of USD) to accelerate global expansion and embodied AI development.
Qianggang Capital Fund led the round, joined by GIG Capital Group, Sealand Innovation, and Juntong Capital. Fosun RZ Capital increased its stake.
"The true value of industrial robotics lies in real-world execution," said Dr. Hua-Yang Xu, Founder and CEO of RobotPlusPlus. "Over ten years, we have built special-purpose robots that are genuinely deployable at scale, and this round lets us bring those solutions to more industrial sites around the world."
Taking humans out of dangerous work
Across shipyards, oil-and-gas facilities, wind farms, and building façades, maintenance still puts skilled workers on scaffolding and other hazardous structures. RobotPlusPlus builds robots to handle these dangerous tasks, improving safety and efficiency while allowing professionals to focus on supervision and decision-making.
Its hull derusting robots have been deployed at more than 100 shipyards, with market share above 70%, and have worked on over 10,000 cargo vessels. They improve efficiency five to six times and reduce overall costs by 30% to 50% compared with manual methods.
"The endgame for embodied AI in industry is not the laboratory; it is the most demanding worksites," said Zhang Zhenming, General Manager of Qianggang Capital Fund. "RobotPlusPlus has brought robot fleets to commercial scale and expanded from ship-hull derusting into other demanding industrial applications. We see the potential for a global platform in autonomous industrial operations."
Global Scale, Deep R&D and data advantage
RobotPlusPlus operates across more than 18 countries, with customers and partners including NOSCO Shipyard, Drydocks World, ST Engineering Marine, Saudi Aramco and Vopak.
More than 60% of its workforce is in R&D, with R&D investment above 20% of revenue for three consecutive years. Its robots have accumulated over 2 million operating hours, generating real-world data to strengthen vertical AI models for complex industrial environments.
"We first invested in 2022 and have continued to increase our commitment," said Jin Hualong, chairman of Fosun RZ Capital. "RobotPlusPlus has built deep expertise in special-purpose robotics and marine applications. Its move from individual robots to industrial-grade embodied intelligence and complete system solutions creates strong technical barriers for high-risk industrial environments."
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/431809ea-215c-4d91-8b7c-316755da10a2
Contact RobotPlusPlus: sales@robotplusplus.com
SOURCE: Robot PlusPlus
--BERNAMA
Qianggang Capital Fund led the round, joined by GIG Capital Group, Sealand Innovation, and Juntong Capital. Fosun RZ Capital increased its stake.
"The true value of industrial robotics lies in real-world execution," said Dr. Hua-Yang Xu, Founder and CEO of RobotPlusPlus. "Over ten years, we have built special-purpose robots that are genuinely deployable at scale, and this round lets us bring those solutions to more industrial sites around the world."
Taking humans out of dangerous work
Across shipyards, oil-and-gas facilities, wind farms, and building façades, maintenance still puts skilled workers on scaffolding and other hazardous structures. RobotPlusPlus builds robots to handle these dangerous tasks, improving safety and efficiency while allowing professionals to focus on supervision and decision-making.
Its hull derusting robots have been deployed at more than 100 shipyards, with market share above 70%, and have worked on over 10,000 cargo vessels. They improve efficiency five to six times and reduce overall costs by 30% to 50% compared with manual methods.
"The endgame for embodied AI in industry is not the laboratory; it is the most demanding worksites," said Zhang Zhenming, General Manager of Qianggang Capital Fund. "RobotPlusPlus has brought robot fleets to commercial scale and expanded from ship-hull derusting into other demanding industrial applications. We see the potential for a global platform in autonomous industrial operations."
Global Scale, Deep R&D and data advantage
RobotPlusPlus operates across more than 18 countries, with customers and partners including NOSCO Shipyard, Drydocks World, ST Engineering Marine, Saudi Aramco and Vopak.
More than 60% of its workforce is in R&D, with R&D investment above 20% of revenue for three consecutive years. Its robots have accumulated over 2 million operating hours, generating real-world data to strengthen vertical AI models for complex industrial environments.
"We first invested in 2022 and have continued to increase our commitment," said Jin Hualong, chairman of Fosun RZ Capital. "RobotPlusPlus has built deep expertise in special-purpose robotics and marine applications. Its move from individual robots to industrial-grade embodied intelligence and complete system solutions creates strong technical barriers for high-risk industrial environments."
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/431809ea-215c-4d91-8b7c-316755da10a2
Contact RobotPlusPlus: sales@robotplusplus.com
SOURCE: Robot PlusPlus
--BERNAMA
Thursday, 17 September 2026
LRN LAUNCHES COMPLIANCE POLICY MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- LRN Corporation, a global provider of ethics and compliance solutions, has launched Catalyst Policy, a compliance policy management solution integrated into LRN Catalyst platform.
In a statement, the company said Catalyst Policy enables organisations to manage policy creation, communication and adoption across geographies, languages and regulatory requirements, as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes governance, risk and compliance requirements.
The solution was developed based on LRN’s work with clients managing global policy governance, including collaboration with Howden Group, a global insurance intermediary. The partnership drew on Howden’s experience in building compliance programmes and ethical cultures.
LRN Chief Executive Officer, Bob Lemmond said Howden’s experience had helped shape Catalyst Policy around the needs of global ethics and compliance teams.
Meanwhile, Howden Group Head of Compliance, Ian Jacob said effective policy lifecycle management was essential to reducing risk, meeting regulatory obligations and ensuring employees understood workplace conduct expectations.
LRN said organisations face growing policy complexity as regulatory requirements, business risks and the deployment of AI-related policies and governance continue to expand, increasing the need for clear oversight, accountability and audit readiness.
Catalyst Policy enables organisations to manage policies through a centralised model, replacing fragmented repositories and manual review and translation processes. Its features include in-platform redlining and track changes such as AI-assisted translations with human review; scoped access for external auditors and reviewers; and evergreen links and an immutable repository.
The solution also connects policy governance with attestations, training, policy access, analytics and behavioural insights within the LRN Catalyst platform.
LRN said its research on ethics and compliance programme effectiveness shows that high-impact programmes integrate data and analytics across ethics and compliance initiatives into day-to-day management. Catalyst Policy forms part of the company’s broader approach to connected governance, behavioural insights and data-driven compliance management.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, the company said Catalyst Policy enables organisations to manage policy creation, communication and adoption across geographies, languages and regulatory requirements, as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes governance, risk and compliance requirements.
The solution was developed based on LRN’s work with clients managing global policy governance, including collaboration with Howden Group, a global insurance intermediary. The partnership drew on Howden’s experience in building compliance programmes and ethical cultures.
LRN Chief Executive Officer, Bob Lemmond said Howden’s experience had helped shape Catalyst Policy around the needs of global ethics and compliance teams.
Meanwhile, Howden Group Head of Compliance, Ian Jacob said effective policy lifecycle management was essential to reducing risk, meeting regulatory obligations and ensuring employees understood workplace conduct expectations.
LRN said organisations face growing policy complexity as regulatory requirements, business risks and the deployment of AI-related policies and governance continue to expand, increasing the need for clear oversight, accountability and audit readiness.
Catalyst Policy enables organisations to manage policies through a centralised model, replacing fragmented repositories and manual review and translation processes. Its features include in-platform redlining and track changes such as AI-assisted translations with human review; scoped access for external auditors and reviewers; and evergreen links and an immutable repository.
The solution also connects policy governance with attestations, training, policy access, analytics and behavioural insights within the LRN Catalyst platform.
LRN said its research on ethics and compliance programme effectiveness shows that high-impact programmes integrate data and analytics across ethics and compliance initiatives into day-to-day management. Catalyst Policy forms part of the company’s broader approach to connected governance, behavioural insights and data-driven compliance management.
-- BERNAMA
UNIVAR SOLUTIONS LISTED IN TIME’S BEST COMPANIES FOR FUTURE LEADERS 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Univar Solutions LLC (Univar Solutions), a global solutions provider to users of speciality ingredients and chemicals, has been recognised on TIME’s distinguished list of Best Companies for Future Leaders 2026.
Presented in partnership with Statista, an industry data and rankings provider, TIME’s Best Companies for Future Leaders ranking highlights businesses and organisations across the United States that have contributed meaningfully to the journeys of the country's most influential leaders.
Univar Solutions Chief Legal and Administrative Officer Alexandra Colin said the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to building a culture where people can grow, contribute and lead.
“Our success is driven by talented employees who are empowered to make an impact for our customers, communities, and industry, and we are proud to invest in programmes and opportunities that enable our people to develop their careers while advancing our purpose of helping keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe,” added Colin in a statement.
Meanwhile, Univar Solutions Chief Human Resources Officer, Ingredients + Specialties, Lamiya Mammadova said the recognition highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to cultivating talent, fostering innovation and creating an environment where people can thrive and achieve their full potential.
This year’s ranking is the result of an extensive analysis of approximately 4,900 leaders from a wide array of fields, including business, government, science, arts and activism. Organisations were recognised for the unique opportunities and impactful professional experiences they provide.
-- BERNAMA
Presented in partnership with Statista, an industry data and rankings provider, TIME’s Best Companies for Future Leaders ranking highlights businesses and organisations across the United States that have contributed meaningfully to the journeys of the country's most influential leaders.
Univar Solutions Chief Legal and Administrative Officer Alexandra Colin said the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to building a culture where people can grow, contribute and lead.
“Our success is driven by talented employees who are empowered to make an impact for our customers, communities, and industry, and we are proud to invest in programmes and opportunities that enable our people to develop their careers while advancing our purpose of helping keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe,” added Colin in a statement.
Meanwhile, Univar Solutions Chief Human Resources Officer, Ingredients + Specialties, Lamiya Mammadova said the recognition highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to cultivating talent, fostering innovation and creating an environment where people can thrive and achieve their full potential.
This year’s ranking is the result of an extensive analysis of approximately 4,900 leaders from a wide array of fields, including business, government, science, arts and activism. Organisations were recognised for the unique opportunities and impactful professional experiences they provide.
-- BERNAMA
D-WAVE TO HOST QUBITS ASIA 2026 IN SEOUL ON OCT 28
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- D-Wave Quantum Inc (D-Wave), a quantum computing company providing both annealing and gate-model systems, software and services, will host Qubits Asia 2026: Quantum Realized, a full-day quantum computing user conference, on Oct 28 in Seoul.
Focused on the growing impact of quantum computing across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the event will spotlight production applications addressing complex business challenges and research advancing scientific discovery, as well as the latest developments in D-Wave’s annealing and gate-model technologies.
D-Wave in a statement said the conference will bring together its executives, customers, researchers and industry leaders to share lessons from real-world implementations, exchange best practices and explore opportunities to accelerate quantum computing adoption across APAC.
“Countries including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are moving decisively to establish global leadership in quantum computing, and D-Wave is helping turn that ambition into measurable results today.
“Qubits Asia will demonstrate what leadership looks like in practice by bringing together customers, researchers and industry leaders to accelerate commercial adoption, advance scientific discovery and expand the impact of quantum computing across the region,” said D-Wave Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Alan Baratz.
Qubits Asia 2026 comes amid continued momentum for D-Wave across APAC, marked by growing customer adoption, strategic collaborations and commercial and research initiatives spanning network optimisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, materials science, and semiconductor manufacturing as well as port operations.
Conference highlights include D-Wave CEO Dr Baratz and Chief Development Officer Dr Trevor Lanting sharing updates on the company’s annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies, commercial applications and advances in quantum AI.
In addition, NTT DOCOMO researcher Shuichi Fukuda will discuss the Japanese mobile operator’s two D-Wave-powered quantum computing applications now operating in production and the resulting improvements in network efficiency and performance, while LG CNS Consulting Manager Wanki Cho will discuss the use of D-Wave technology to enhance 3D CT imaging for manufacturing inspections.
-- BERNAMA
Focused on the growing impact of quantum computing across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the event will spotlight production applications addressing complex business challenges and research advancing scientific discovery, as well as the latest developments in D-Wave’s annealing and gate-model technologies.
D-Wave in a statement said the conference will bring together its executives, customers, researchers and industry leaders to share lessons from real-world implementations, exchange best practices and explore opportunities to accelerate quantum computing adoption across APAC.
“Countries including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are moving decisively to establish global leadership in quantum computing, and D-Wave is helping turn that ambition into measurable results today.
“Qubits Asia will demonstrate what leadership looks like in practice by bringing together customers, researchers and industry leaders to accelerate commercial adoption, advance scientific discovery and expand the impact of quantum computing across the region,” said D-Wave Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Alan Baratz.
Qubits Asia 2026 comes amid continued momentum for D-Wave across APAC, marked by growing customer adoption, strategic collaborations and commercial and research initiatives spanning network optimisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, materials science, and semiconductor manufacturing as well as port operations.
Conference highlights include D-Wave CEO Dr Baratz and Chief Development Officer Dr Trevor Lanting sharing updates on the company’s annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies, commercial applications and advances in quantum AI.
In addition, NTT DOCOMO researcher Shuichi Fukuda will discuss the Japanese mobile operator’s two D-Wave-powered quantum computing applications now operating in production and the resulting improvements in network efficiency and performance, while LG CNS Consulting Manager Wanki Cho will discuss the use of D-Wave technology to enhance 3D CT imaging for manufacturing inspections.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 14 September 2026
MONEYHERO REPORTS US$15.8 MLN Q2 REVENUE
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- MoneyHero Limited (MoneyHero), a technology- and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, reported revenue of US$15.8 million in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, down 13 per cent year-over-year (YoY). (US$1=RM4.06)
The company posted a net loss of US$1.2 million for Q2, compared with a net profit of US$0.2 million a year earlier, mainly due to foreign exchange (FX) differences, which swung from a US$3.0 million gain to a US$0.1 million loss.
In a statement, the company said adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) loss narrowed 17 per cent YoY to US$1.6 million.
MoneyHero said total transaction value remained flat YoY at US$20.9 million in Q2, while cash rewards provided to platform users increased by 77 per cent YoY to US$5.1 million. The increase in cash rewards formed part of its strategy to attract higher-intent customers, with Hong Kong and Singapore remaining its core markets.
Revenue from higher-margin Wealth and Insurance products rose to US$4.7 million in Q2, accounting for 30 per cent of total revenue, compared with 27 per cent in the same quarter last year. Revenue from Credit Cards declined 18 per cent YoY to US$8.9 million.
Cost of revenue fell 17 per cent YoY to US$7.6 million in Q2, accounting for 48 per cent of revenue, while combined cost of revenue, advertising and marketing, technology, employee benefit, and general administrative and other operating expenses declined 12 per cent to US$18.2 million.
Technology costs fell 50 per cent YoY to US$0.5 million, which MoneyHero attributed to continued platform consolidation and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automation of engineering and operational workflows.
During Q2, MoneyHero advanced several partner-led initiatives and broadened its product offerings. In Singapore, it secured exclusive partnerships with two of the country’s largest retail banks, while in Taiwan it launched a KOL pilot with a local bank to test a more targeted, partner-led customer acquisition model. In Hong Kong, it is broadening its online life insurance offering to include critical illness coverage.
MoneyHero ended the quarter with a healthy, debt-free balance sheet, with US$28.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and US$32.6 million in net current assets as at June 30. Its MoneyHero Group Members base also grew 17 per cent YoY to 10.1 million.
Looking ahead, MoneyHero said it remains focused on converting structural efficiency gains into full-year adjusted EBITDA improvement while advancing product expansion, AI initiatives and other strategic growth programmes.
-- BERNAMA
The company posted a net loss of US$1.2 million for Q2, compared with a net profit of US$0.2 million a year earlier, mainly due to foreign exchange (FX) differences, which swung from a US$3.0 million gain to a US$0.1 million loss.
In a statement, the company said adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) loss narrowed 17 per cent YoY to US$1.6 million.
MoneyHero said total transaction value remained flat YoY at US$20.9 million in Q2, while cash rewards provided to platform users increased by 77 per cent YoY to US$5.1 million. The increase in cash rewards formed part of its strategy to attract higher-intent customers, with Hong Kong and Singapore remaining its core markets.
Revenue from higher-margin Wealth and Insurance products rose to US$4.7 million in Q2, accounting for 30 per cent of total revenue, compared with 27 per cent in the same quarter last year. Revenue from Credit Cards declined 18 per cent YoY to US$8.9 million.
Cost of revenue fell 17 per cent YoY to US$7.6 million in Q2, accounting for 48 per cent of revenue, while combined cost of revenue, advertising and marketing, technology, employee benefit, and general administrative and other operating expenses declined 12 per cent to US$18.2 million.
Technology costs fell 50 per cent YoY to US$0.5 million, which MoneyHero attributed to continued platform consolidation and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automation of engineering and operational workflows.
During Q2, MoneyHero advanced several partner-led initiatives and broadened its product offerings. In Singapore, it secured exclusive partnerships with two of the country’s largest retail banks, while in Taiwan it launched a KOL pilot with a local bank to test a more targeted, partner-led customer acquisition model. In Hong Kong, it is broadening its online life insurance offering to include critical illness coverage.
MoneyHero ended the quarter with a healthy, debt-free balance sheet, with US$28.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and US$32.6 million in net current assets as at June 30. Its MoneyHero Group Members base also grew 17 per cent YoY to 10.1 million.
Looking ahead, MoneyHero said it remains focused on converting structural efficiency gains into full-year adjusted EBITDA improvement while advancing product expansion, AI initiatives and other strategic growth programmes.
-- BERNAMA
Sunday, 13 September 2026
Alderbuck Energy Expands Leadership Team
Former EPRI engineer Sunil Chhaya, PhD, joins as Vice President of Market Development & Applications Engineering
SAN DIEGO, Sept 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alderbuck Energy, a San Diego-based power infrastructure company building solid-state systems for AI data centers, today announced that Sunil Chhaya, PhD, has joined the company as Vice President of Market Development & Applications Engineering.
Chhaya joins Alderbuck from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), where he spent nearly two decades leading work on grid modernization, distributed energy resource integration, managed charging, vehicle-to-grid, and cybersecurity.
At Alderbuck, Chhaya will lead market development and applications engineering for the company’s integrated power platform, the Nexus Power Unit™ medium-voltage solid-state transformer and the PowerVector AI™ software layer, including predictive diagnostics, distributed energy resource management, and grid-aware orchestration.
"I'm thrilled to be back at the intersection of agentic AI and power electronics, doing what I did thirty years ago in my PhD program, before anyone called it that,” said Chhaya. “I joined Alderbuck because it has a team that has previously commercialized advanced hardware, and because the company understands that power electronics and the intelligence layer must be systemized together. It’s not often a career comes full circle this precisely, and Alderbuck is exactly where I’m excited to close that loop.”
The appointment comes as Alderbuck moves its platform from design into the field. A planned Nexus Power Unit pilot at the San Diego Supercomputer Center at UC San Diego, funded through a California Energy Commission initiative with San Diego Gas & Electric, EmeraldAI, and the Good For Others Foundation, is meant to show how medium-voltage solid-state conversion can cut footprint, installation time, and energy losses for high-density AI loads.
As power demand grows more intense and dynamic with AI compute, transport electrification, and distributed resources, Chhaya will help position Alderbuck as the platform that treats power electronics, grid interoperability, and site economics as one system.
About Alderbuck Energy
Founded in 2024 and headquartered in San Diego, with engineering and manufacturing in Dearborn, Michigan, Alderbuck Energy develops solid-state, isolated, bidirectional power control systems that streamline the connection of AI data centers while improving energy efficiency and reducing cost. Its Nexus Power Unit (NPU)™ replaces multiple pieces of conventional electrical equipment, transformers, rectifiers, and inverters with a single, software-enabled platform that converts medium-voltage AC directly into high-voltage DC, reducing footprint, installation time, and energy losses. Companion software PowerVector AI™ monitors and manages energy flows between utilities, batteries, renewables, and customer loads in real time, using AI to optimize performance and flag equipment issues before failures occur. The platform helps customers overcome grid constraints so data center developers do not have to wait years for a utility connection.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260909893501/en/
Contact
MEDIA CONTACT
Tucker Slosburg
Lyceus Group
tslosburg@lyceusgroup.com
206.635.4196
Source : Alderbuck Energy
--BERNAMA
Chhaya joins Alderbuck from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), where he spent nearly two decades leading work on grid modernization, distributed energy resource integration, managed charging, vehicle-to-grid, and cybersecurity.
At Alderbuck, Chhaya will lead market development and applications engineering for the company’s integrated power platform, the Nexus Power Unit™ medium-voltage solid-state transformer and the PowerVector AI™ software layer, including predictive diagnostics, distributed energy resource management, and grid-aware orchestration.
"I'm thrilled to be back at the intersection of agentic AI and power electronics, doing what I did thirty years ago in my PhD program, before anyone called it that,” said Chhaya. “I joined Alderbuck because it has a team that has previously commercialized advanced hardware, and because the company understands that power electronics and the intelligence layer must be systemized together. It’s not often a career comes full circle this precisely, and Alderbuck is exactly where I’m excited to close that loop.”
The appointment comes as Alderbuck moves its platform from design into the field. A planned Nexus Power Unit pilot at the San Diego Supercomputer Center at UC San Diego, funded through a California Energy Commission initiative with San Diego Gas & Electric, EmeraldAI, and the Good For Others Foundation, is meant to show how medium-voltage solid-state conversion can cut footprint, installation time, and energy losses for high-density AI loads.
As power demand grows more intense and dynamic with AI compute, transport electrification, and distributed resources, Chhaya will help position Alderbuck as the platform that treats power electronics, grid interoperability, and site economics as one system.
About Alderbuck Energy
Founded in 2024 and headquartered in San Diego, with engineering and manufacturing in Dearborn, Michigan, Alderbuck Energy develops solid-state, isolated, bidirectional power control systems that streamline the connection of AI data centers while improving energy efficiency and reducing cost. Its Nexus Power Unit (NPU)™ replaces multiple pieces of conventional electrical equipment, transformers, rectifiers, and inverters with a single, software-enabled platform that converts medium-voltage AC directly into high-voltage DC, reducing footprint, installation time, and energy losses. Companion software PowerVector AI™ monitors and manages energy flows between utilities, batteries, renewables, and customer loads in real time, using AI to optimize performance and flag equipment issues before failures occur. The platform helps customers overcome grid constraints so data center developers do not have to wait years for a utility connection.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260909893501/en/
Contact
MEDIA CONTACT
Tucker Slosburg
Lyceus Group
tslosburg@lyceusgroup.com
206.635.4196
Source : Alderbuck Energy
--BERNAMA
Thursday, 10 September 2026
COMMAND ALKON TO SHOWCASE CLOUD, AI SOLUTIONS AT REGIONAL EVENTS
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Command Alkon, a software and solutions provider for the heavy building materials industry, will showcase its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions at two industry conferences in Australia and New Zealand in October.
In a statement, the company said it will participate in the 2026 IQA National Conference on the Gold Coast, Australia, from Oct 6 to 8, followed by the Concrete NZ Conference 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand, from Oct 21 to 23.
Command Alkon Vice President of Marketing, Lori Allen said the events provide an opportunity to demonstrate how production, dispatch and fleet operations can run on a connected platform, while showcasing the potential of Command Intelligence to support decision-making.
At the IQA National Conference, Command Alkon will highlight its Command Cloud platform, including Dispatch & Scale Ticketing for scheduling and ticketing, TrackIt for vehicle management, and Command Intelligence, its agentic AI offering that enables producers to query operational data and automate defined tasks.
Meanwhile, at the Concrete NZ Conference, the company will showcase Command Cloud's capabilities for concrete producers, including Batch for plant operations, Dispatch for sales, scheduling, delivery and billing, TrackIt for fleet management and Command Intelligence for AI-powered operational insights and task execution.
Command Alkon said the two events will bring together industry participants from the quarrying, concrete, building and construction sectors, providing opportunities to demonstrate its latest technology and engage with customers across the region.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, the company said it will participate in the 2026 IQA National Conference on the Gold Coast, Australia, from Oct 6 to 8, followed by the Concrete NZ Conference 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand, from Oct 21 to 23.
Command Alkon Vice President of Marketing, Lori Allen said the events provide an opportunity to demonstrate how production, dispatch and fleet operations can run on a connected platform, while showcasing the potential of Command Intelligence to support decision-making.
At the IQA National Conference, Command Alkon will highlight its Command Cloud platform, including Dispatch & Scale Ticketing for scheduling and ticketing, TrackIt for vehicle management, and Command Intelligence, its agentic AI offering that enables producers to query operational data and automate defined tasks.
Meanwhile, at the Concrete NZ Conference, the company will showcase Command Cloud's capabilities for concrete producers, including Batch for plant operations, Dispatch for sales, scheduling, delivery and billing, TrackIt for fleet management and Command Intelligence for AI-powered operational insights and task execution.
Command Alkon said the two events will bring together industry participants from the quarrying, concrete, building and construction sectors, providing opportunities to demonstrate its latest technology and engage with customers across the region.
-- BERNAMA
GENERAL ROBOTICS ADVANCES ROBOT DEPLOYMENT WITH SELF-ENGINEERING GRID PLATFORM
 |
GRID, the robot intelligence platform from General Robotics, auto‑engineers the full lifecycle of a complex pouring skill — from creation and testing to deployment and real‑world evaluation in a biolab. |
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- General Robotics, a company developing an intelligence layer for physical artificial intelligence (AI), has advanced its GRID robot intelligence platform to automate key stages of robot deployment, reducing the time and specialised expertise needed to bring robots into production.
The company in a statement said GRID can now use AI to automate processes ranging from robot onboarding and AI model integration to the creation and deployment of new robotic skills.
General Robotics founder and chief executive officer, Ashish Kapoor said the platform brings robotics knowledge spanning research, software, AI models, simulations, data and hardware into a single agent-first system, enabling intelligence to compound with each deployment.
The latest development has reduced robot onboarding time from one month to as little as two hours, while model ingestion has been cut from three days to as little as 20 minutes. Skill transfer across different robot form factors now takes as little as 1.5 hours, while new skill creation and deployment can be completed in as little as two days.
General Robotics said GRID uses knowledge graphs to convert each deployment, task, model and failure into structured, reusable intelligence while protecting customer data and intellectual property.
The platform supports robots from different manufacturers and form factors, allowing customers to select systems suited to specific tasks. Its growing ecosystem includes industrial robotics maker FANUC and bimanual mobile manipulation company Galaxea Dynamics.
The company said GRID customers include global companies in automotive manufacturing, port operations, energy generation and food and beverage production, as well as government agencies.
General Robotics said the robotics industry faces shortages of specialised talent and a fragmented development stack that requires bespoke integration of software, communications protocols and programming systems, limiting the transition from pilot projects to production-scale deployments.
GRID is designed to address these constraints through a modular library of robotic skills, foundation models and classical techniques that can be used across different robot types and applications.
The latest version of GRID can determine the skills required for a task, select and combine relevant models and approaches, create and run simulations, and deploy and monitor AI skills. The platform then uses real-world performance and failures to determine further refinements, creating a continuous development loop across connected robots and tasks.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
SMARTSHEET EXPANDS APAC, JAPAN OPERATIONS WITH NEW LEADERSHIP
 |
| Smartsheet names new leaders across APAC and Japan for its next era of regional growth |
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Smartsheet has expanded its operations across Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Japan with new leadership appointments, as the enterprise software company seeks to accelerate customer adoption and organisation-wide artificial intelligence (AI) transformation in the region.Smartsheet has promoted Jarrod Kinchington to Vice President and General Manager of APAC, covering Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and India, and appointed Takeshi Osawa as President of Japan.
The appointments come as Smartsheet expands its regional footprint, following the opening of offices in Sydney in 2020, Tokyo in 2023, and Singapore and India earlier this year.
“Customer demand continues to accelerate across APAC, fueling strong growth and reinforcing the region’s importance to our global strategy,” said Kinchington in a statement.
He said Smartsheet provides the visibility and governance needed to connect fragmented workflows across enterprises and scale AI responsibly, particularly amid stringent compliance requirements in the region.
Osawa brings more than 25 years of enterprise technology experience from Autodesk, SAP Fieldglass and Cloudera. Since establishing its Tokyo office, Smartsheet has grown to serve over 400 customers in Japan, with its business increasing by about 400 per cent.
Customer adoption has also accelerated across key APAC and Japan sectors, including technology, manufacturing and professional services, with the company reporting double-digit growth across its fastest-growing sectors over the past year.
Smartsheet said adoption of its Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server across the region has grown by more than 500 per cent since its launch in March 2026. Customers have also executed over 600,000 AI actions through integrations with AI tools, including Claude, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Google Cloud Gemini Enterprise.
The company said its platform is being used by organisations to centralise operations, automate processes and improve visibility, including EmberPoint, which has automated 70 per cent of its business process steps using Smartsheet, and Zalaris Consulting, which reported approximately 67 per cent productivity gains.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 7 September 2026
ResourceWise Launches Compass, Its New Market Intelligence Platform
 |
| ResourceWise Compass platform vision: connecting ResourceWise Intelligence™ across markets through a modern, unified delivery experience. |
CHARLOTTE, N.C., USA, Sep.07, 2026/Agility PR - AsiaNet/
New platform brings together pricing, market fundamentals, trade and plant data, analyst expertise, and AI-assisted discovery in a modern, connected experience.
ResourceWise today announced the launch of ResourceWise Compass™, its new market intelligence platform, together with ResourceWise IQ™, that enables users to explore ResourceWise intelligence through natural language questions.
Compass launches first with ResourceWise’s chemicals market intelligence, bringing together the deep expertise and market intelligence of Tecnon OrbiChem and Chemical Intelligence, previously delivered through OrbiChem360® and ChemEdge360®. The platform builds on that foundation, enhancing the way customers explore pricing, market fundamentals, trade, plant data, expert analysis, and market developments.
The platform is designed to make it easier and faster for chemical market professionals to explore related market signals, investigate changing conditions, and access the data, analysis, and expert insight relevant to their decisions.
“Our customers need immediate access to high-quality data to make critical business decisions,” said Pete Stewart, President and CEO of ResourceWise. “Compass brings together world-class human-driven intelligence carefully contextualized across dynamic global market. With connected supply, demand, production, trade, and pricing data, Compass gives customers a clearer view of what is shaping market direction and business risk, so they can make more informed commercial and strategic decisions.”
The launch marks the next stage in ResourceWise's broader strategy to modernize the delivery of its market intelligence. Compass is being built as a common platform for ResourceWise intelligence across the markets it serves, beginning with chemicals and expanding over time across the company's other verticals.
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ResourceWise Compass brings chemical pricing, market trends, expert intelligence, and AI-assisted discovery together in a modern, interactive platform. |
Understand What Is Driving the Market
Price movement is only one signal. To fully understand market direction, chemical market professionals need visibility into production, capacity, demand, trade, and the developments influencing those fundamentals.
Compass gives users a faster way to investigate those factors, add expert insights, and build a clearer view of current and emerging market conditions.
Users can explore the market from multiple angles, including:
• Track pricing and market direction with chemical pricing intelligence, historical trends, forecasts, analyst commentary, and filterable, exportable data views
• Understand the production landscape with plant-level information, global capacity, producer trends, and announced projects
• Follow global trade patterns through import and export flows, trading partners, historical trends, and geographic flow visualization
• Evaluate supply-demand fundamentals using demand trends, production, capacity, utilization, supply balances, and trade positions
• Add expert market context through analysis and commentary from ResourceWise chemical industry experts
• Explore intelligence more intuitively with ResourceWise IQ™ using natural-language questions to surface relevant ResourceWise data and analysis
“ResourceWise has built deep proprietary datasets and industry expertise across the markets we serve,” said Peter Coutu, Chief Operating Officer at ResourceWise. “Compass gives us a modern foundation for delivering that market intelligence and insight in a way that is easier to navigate, analyze, and apply. It also gives us a scalable platform for expanding both the depth of our market coverage and the ways customers can use ResourceWise Intelligence over time.”
Following the initial chemical market launch, ResourceWise plans to bring additional ResourceWise markets onto Compass, including forest products, pulp and paper, and low-carbon fuels as development progresses.
To learn more about ResourceWise Compass, visit www.resourcewise.com/platforms/compass .
About ResourceWise
ResourceWise provides price reporting, market intelligence, analytics, and strategic consulting across the chemicals, forest products, pulp and paper, and low-carbon fuels industries. The company combines proprietary data, industry expertise, and analytical tools to help customers understand complex, changing markets and make better-informed business decisions.
For more information, visit www.resourcewise.com .
Media Inquiries
Angela Rockwell
Director of Marketing
info@resourcewise.com
+1 (704) 540–1440
SOURCE: ResourceWise
--BERNAMA
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Fortrea to Acquire Clinical Pharmacology Unit and Bioanalytical Laboratory Operations from Worldwide Clinical Trials
Adds dedicated bioanalytical capabilities and expanded capacity to Fortrea’s early clinical development network as Worldwide advances its strategy to scale clinical development, therapeutic leadership and high-growth markets
Highlights
- Fortrea enters into a definitive agreement to acquire the Early Phase Services division of Worldwide Clinical Trials
- Includes a 60,000 sq. ft. GLP bioanalytical lab in Austin; a 200-bed GCP-compliant clinical pharmacology unit in San Antonio; and a biospecimen storage facility in Pflugerville, Texas
- Enables integrated execution of early-phase studies with large and small molecule bioanalytical capabilities, enhancing Fortrea’s ability to deliver faster, more integrated early clinical development solutions for simple and complex clinical studies
- Strengthens Fortrea’s end-to-end clinical development platform, supporting customers from first-in-human studies through Phase IV and post-approval evidence generation
- Supports Fortrea’s growth strategy through expanded scientific capabilities, increased early clinical development capacity and enhanced ability to create long-term value for shareholders
- Supports Worldwide Clinical Trials’ existing rapid global growth across oncology, neuroscience, internal medicine, and rare disease
- Provides continuity of operations, study delivery and customer support throughout the transition through a strategic alliance agreement between the companies
DURHAM, N.C. and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept 3 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) and Worldwide Clinical Trials (“Worldwide”), leading global contract research organizations (CROs), today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement under which Fortrea will acquire Worldwide’s Early Phase Services division (“Early Phase”), consisting of its Clinical Pharmacology Unit (CPU) and Bioanalytical Laboratory operations. The acquisition further enhances Fortrea’s position as a leading global clinical development partner, strengthening the front end of its development platform supporting customers across Phases I-IV. Worldwide will continue to support existing and future Phase I studies through its broader clinical development capabilities.
The Early Phase business provides integrated early-phase clinical development and bioanalytical services supporting drug candidates from early development through later-stage clinical research. The business includes a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant bioanalytical laboratory in Austin, Texas; a 200-bed Good Clinical Practice (GCP)-compliant clinical pharmacology unit in San Antonio, Texas; and a biospecimen storage facility in Pflugerville, Texas—enabling coordinated execution of complex early-phase studies with operational delivery services and reducing operational handoffs between clinical and bioanalytical functions, providing customers with a more streamlined path from first-in-human through proof-of-concept studies.
The acquisition complements Fortrea’s Clinical Pharmacology Services business and existing early phase capabilities by adding in-house large and small molecule bioanalytical capabilities and expanding its North American clinical research unit footprint. The addition of dedicated bioanalytical capabilities will enable Fortrea to improve turnaround times and deliver both simple and complex, integrated clinical development solutions. The combined platform will offer customers greater flexibility for complex and larger participant studies, broader access to distinct volunteer populations and expanded bedspace capacity across Fortrea’s early development network.
The agreement enables Worldwide to continue to provide core healthy volunteer study capabilities globally through its external site network, ensuring sponsors have access to the expertise and services needed across all phases of development, while accelerating investment within its rapidly growing late-stage business across therapeutic expertise, technology, geographic expansion and long-term growth initiatives.
Together, the transaction positions both organizations to build on their respective strengths while continuing to support sponsors across the drug development lifecycle.
“Fortrea is making an important investment in early clinical development as part of our end-to-end clinical development platform supporting customers from first-in-human studies through Phase IV and post-approval evidence generation. We believe this acquisition strengthens our ability to create long-term value for shareholders while expanding the capabilities and capacity we provide to customers, volunteers and the patients we ultimately serve,” said Anshul Thakral, CEO of Fortrea. “By bringing together complementary bioanalytical and clinical research offerings, we will enable a more seamless development experience for customers, broaden our scientific and operational capabilities and support studies of greater scale, complexity and scientific sophistication across a wider range of therapeutic needs. While these capabilities strengthen our integrated early development offering, they also enhance our ability to provide a more connected development experience to help sponsors advance their assets from early development through pivotal studies into post-approval evidence generation, bringing life-changing treatments to patients faster.”
"Worldwide has built a respected Early Phase business, supported by a strong team and a reputation for scientific and operational excellence,” said Alistair Macdonald, CEO of Worldwide. “This transaction allows us to focus our investments and support on our rapidly growing late-stage business across the oncology, neuroscience, internal medicine, and rare disease therapeutic areas. We are grateful for all that the Early Phase organization has accomplished and confident this creates new opportunities for our employees while enhancing our ability to invest in our long-term growth strategy—ensuring we continue delivering exceptional value to customers and patients around the world."
Fortrea and Worldwide intend to enter into a series of agreements to support continuity for customers, employees and ongoing programs. These agreements are intended to maintain project momentum, preserve specialized capabilities and provide a seamless customer experience during and after the transition.
Pursuant to a definitive agreement, Fortrea will acquire the Early Phase Services business from Worldwide in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $45M. The transaction is expected to close pending approval of necessary regulatory and license requirements, as well as the parties entering into certain services agreements. Once the transaction is complete, Early Phase Services will become part of Fortrea's Clinical Pharmacology Services business unit. Both companies remain committed to providing a seamless transition for employees, customers, and volunteers.
Advisors
Barclays is serving as financial advisor to Fortrea, and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. is serving as its legal counsel. BroadOak Partners is serving as Worldwide’s financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig, LLP is serving as its legal counsel.
About Fortrea
Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology and consulting services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team working in 100 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to clients globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is streamlining drug development at Fortrea.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky.
About Worldwide Clinical Trials
Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide) is a global CRO serving development-driven biopharmaceutical companies, with more than 4,500 full-time professionals operating across more than 70 countries. The company delivers therapeutically dedicated expertise in neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and internal medicine, with comprehensive support across every development phase—from early-stage and first-in-human studies through Phase III registration trials.
The company's flexible service model—spanning full-service trial management to functional service partnerships through Worldwide Flex—is powered by a people-first, partnership-driven outsourcing approach that strengthens collaboration, enhances data transparency, and supports more informed decision-making. This provides sponsors with tailored, adaptable solutions that keep pace with the evolving demands of clinical research. Learn more at www.worldwide.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the anticipated benefits of the transaction, including future financial and operating performance, and the anticipated timing for completing the transaction. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “guidance,” “expect,” “assume,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “target,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results could differ materially from these forward looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: satisfaction of the conditions precedent to consummation of the proposed acquisition of Early Phase Services from Worldwide Clinical Trials, including the ability to secure regulatory approvals, and the Company’s ability to complete the transaction in a timely manner or at all; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the parties’ ability to meet expectations regarding the accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transaction; and other factors described from time to time in documents that the Company files with the SEC. For a further discussion of the risks relating to the Company’s business, see the “Risk Factors” Section of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as such factors may be amended or updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent periodic and other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this report and in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this report and the Company does not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.
Fortrea Contacts:
Galen Wilson (Media) – 703-298-0802, media@fortrea.com
Kate Dillon (Media) – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com
Tracy Krumme (Investors) – 984-385-6707, Tracy.Krumme@fortrea.com
Worldwide Clinical Trials Contact:
Jill Shahravar – 919-389-9253, jill.shahravar@worldwide.com
SOURCE: Fortrea Holdings Inc
--BERNAMA
The Early Phase business provides integrated early-phase clinical development and bioanalytical services supporting drug candidates from early development through later-stage clinical research. The business includes a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant bioanalytical laboratory in Austin, Texas; a 200-bed Good Clinical Practice (GCP)-compliant clinical pharmacology unit in San Antonio, Texas; and a biospecimen storage facility in Pflugerville, Texas—enabling coordinated execution of complex early-phase studies with operational delivery services and reducing operational handoffs between clinical and bioanalytical functions, providing customers with a more streamlined path from first-in-human through proof-of-concept studies.
The acquisition complements Fortrea’s Clinical Pharmacology Services business and existing early phase capabilities by adding in-house large and small molecule bioanalytical capabilities and expanding its North American clinical research unit footprint. The addition of dedicated bioanalytical capabilities will enable Fortrea to improve turnaround times and deliver both simple and complex, integrated clinical development solutions. The combined platform will offer customers greater flexibility for complex and larger participant studies, broader access to distinct volunteer populations and expanded bedspace capacity across Fortrea’s early development network.
The agreement enables Worldwide to continue to provide core healthy volunteer study capabilities globally through its external site network, ensuring sponsors have access to the expertise and services needed across all phases of development, while accelerating investment within its rapidly growing late-stage business across therapeutic expertise, technology, geographic expansion and long-term growth initiatives.
Together, the transaction positions both organizations to build on their respective strengths while continuing to support sponsors across the drug development lifecycle.
“Fortrea is making an important investment in early clinical development as part of our end-to-end clinical development platform supporting customers from first-in-human studies through Phase IV and post-approval evidence generation. We believe this acquisition strengthens our ability to create long-term value for shareholders while expanding the capabilities and capacity we provide to customers, volunteers and the patients we ultimately serve,” said Anshul Thakral, CEO of Fortrea. “By bringing together complementary bioanalytical and clinical research offerings, we will enable a more seamless development experience for customers, broaden our scientific and operational capabilities and support studies of greater scale, complexity and scientific sophistication across a wider range of therapeutic needs. While these capabilities strengthen our integrated early development offering, they also enhance our ability to provide a more connected development experience to help sponsors advance their assets from early development through pivotal studies into post-approval evidence generation, bringing life-changing treatments to patients faster.”
"Worldwide has built a respected Early Phase business, supported by a strong team and a reputation for scientific and operational excellence,” said Alistair Macdonald, CEO of Worldwide. “This transaction allows us to focus our investments and support on our rapidly growing late-stage business across the oncology, neuroscience, internal medicine, and rare disease therapeutic areas. We are grateful for all that the Early Phase organization has accomplished and confident this creates new opportunities for our employees while enhancing our ability to invest in our long-term growth strategy—ensuring we continue delivering exceptional value to customers and patients around the world."
Fortrea and Worldwide intend to enter into a series of agreements to support continuity for customers, employees and ongoing programs. These agreements are intended to maintain project momentum, preserve specialized capabilities and provide a seamless customer experience during and after the transition.
Pursuant to a definitive agreement, Fortrea will acquire the Early Phase Services business from Worldwide in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $45M. The transaction is expected to close pending approval of necessary regulatory and license requirements, as well as the parties entering into certain services agreements. Once the transaction is complete, Early Phase Services will become part of Fortrea's Clinical Pharmacology Services business unit. Both companies remain committed to providing a seamless transition for employees, customers, and volunteers.
Advisors
Barclays is serving as financial advisor to Fortrea, and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. is serving as its legal counsel. BroadOak Partners is serving as Worldwide’s financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig, LLP is serving as its legal counsel.
About Fortrea
Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology and consulting services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team working in 100 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to clients globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is streamlining drug development at Fortrea.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky.
About Worldwide Clinical Trials
Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide) is a global CRO serving development-driven biopharmaceutical companies, with more than 4,500 full-time professionals operating across more than 70 countries. The company delivers therapeutically dedicated expertise in neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and internal medicine, with comprehensive support across every development phase—from early-stage and first-in-human studies through Phase III registration trials.
The company's flexible service model—spanning full-service trial management to functional service partnerships through Worldwide Flex—is powered by a people-first, partnership-driven outsourcing approach that strengthens collaboration, enhances data transparency, and supports more informed decision-making. This provides sponsors with tailored, adaptable solutions that keep pace with the evolving demands of clinical research. Learn more at www.worldwide.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the anticipated benefits of the transaction, including future financial and operating performance, and the anticipated timing for completing the transaction. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “guidance,” “expect,” “assume,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “target,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results could differ materially from these forward looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: satisfaction of the conditions precedent to consummation of the proposed acquisition of Early Phase Services from Worldwide Clinical Trials, including the ability to secure regulatory approvals, and the Company’s ability to complete the transaction in a timely manner or at all; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the parties’ ability to meet expectations regarding the accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transaction; and other factors described from time to time in documents that the Company files with the SEC. For a further discussion of the risks relating to the Company’s business, see the “Risk Factors” Section of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as such factors may be amended or updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent periodic and other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this report and in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this report and the Company does not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.
Fortrea Contacts:
Galen Wilson (Media) – 703-298-0802, media@fortrea.com
Kate Dillon (Media) – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com
Tracy Krumme (Investors) – 984-385-6707, Tracy.Krumme@fortrea.com
Worldwide Clinical Trials Contact:
Jill Shahravar – 919-389-9253, jill.shahravar@worldwide.com
SOURCE: Fortrea Holdings Inc
--BERNAMA
Friday, 4 September 2026
PU Prime Mobilises Earthquake Relief Efforts for Affected Community in Chocó, Colombia
- PU Prime responds to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake with emergency relief support in Chocó.
- 34 families receive essential supplies, including support for 14 families with babies.
- The initiative is delivered through the PU Prime Dream Fund and ABACO.
BOGOTÁ, Colombia, Sept 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia, PU Prime has mobilised emergency relief supplies for affected communities in Chocó, where access to assistance remains challenging.
Through the PU Prime Dream Fund, the company's Colombia team sourced and prepared essential supplies, including baby care products, hygiene items, and sleeping materials. The contribution was handed over through ABACO – Asociación de Bancos de Alimentos de Colombia for onward delivery to the Wounaan community of Pichimá, in the municipality of Litoral del San Juan.
The relief effort began on 19 August, with the PU Prime team sourcing essential items across Bogotá to address immediate needs identified in the affected community. This initiative supplies essential items to 34 families, including 14 with babies.
“People had lost their homes, and some families were spending the night outdoors, so we focused on items that could be used immediately—a sleeping mat, a blanket, hygiene essentials, and supplies for babies,” said Ms. Doris Rodríguez, Corporate Relations Manager at Banco de Alimentos de Bogotá ABACO. “This was a modest contribution in the context of a much larger emergency, but everyone involved wanted to make sure the supplies were prepared properly and placed in the hands of a partner that could take them where they were needed.”
From Bogotá, ABACO coordinated the onward movement of the supplies to Quibdó, where they are currently awaiting the final leg of the journey to Pichimá, Litoral de San Juan. With access to the remote community dependent on limited local transport connections, arrangements for the final leg are currently underway.
The Wounaan community of Pichimá is located in a remote area of Chocó that can only be reached through a combination of land and river transport. The impact of the earthquake is not always immediately visible from a distance, as wooden homes can appear structurally intact while closer inspection reveals missing roofs, damaged supports, and interiors exposed to the elements.
PU Prime would like to express its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the earthquake and stands with the people of Colombia during this difficult time. Through the PU Prime Dream Fund, the company supports community initiatives that create meaningful opportunities and provide practical support where it is needed. In Colombia, this response reflects that commitment by helping address immediate needs following the earthquake.
About PU Prime
Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company and trusted CFD broker. Today, it offers regulated financial products across forex, commodities, indices, shares, and bonds. Operating in over 190 countries with more than 40 million app downloads, PU Prime provides innovative trading platforms and an integrated copy trading feature, empowering traders worldwide to achieve financial success with confidence.
About ABACO
ABACO - Asociación de Bancos de Alimentos de Colombia is the national association of Colombia's food banks, bringing together a network of 26 food banks across the country. ABACO works to strengthen food security and nutrition for vulnerable communities by coordinating resources, partnerships and donations through its network of food banks.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/484ced00-3f02-4ecd-8293-623f1deaa31e
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af935ffe-d487-4088-9ec6-55b85f459b64
For media enquiries, please contact: media@puprime.com
SOURCE: Pacific Union Seychelles 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
Thursday, 3 September 2026
AM BEST RETAINS STABLE OUTLOOK FOR TAIWAN NON-LIFE INSURANCE
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has maintained a stable outlook on Taiwan’s non-life insurance segment amid the implementation of Taiwan Insurance Solvency (TIS), IFRS 17, and consistent premium expansion across retail and commercial lines.
Also underpinning the stable outlook are non-life insurers’ conservative asset allocation and moderate equity exposure, which should help protect their overall profitability in the event domestic stock market volatility impacts the segment’s investment results.
According to the Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Taiwan Non-Life Insurance”, implementation of TIS and IFRS 17 enhances cross-market comparability and elevates the strategic importance of capital management and earnings volatility analysis.
In a statement, AM Best said TIS has had a limited impact on the segment’s overall capitalisation, although market-risk capital requirements have increased moderately.
Meanwhile, the transition to IFRS 17 has been favourable to the segment’s reported capital position, with industry-wide reported shareholders’ equity increasing by approximately 10 per cent at year-end 2025.
Taiwan’s non-life insurance market remains mature and competitive, with demand for commercial lines coverage growing, supported by investments in high-technology manufacturing plants, renewable energy projects, and major infrastructure development.
The credit rating agency added that Taiwan’s non-life insurers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to streamline underwriting, automate claims processing and detect fraud.
“AI adoption among Taiwan’s non-life insurers is likely to remain gradual and tightly controlled, with insurers prioritising internal operational and risk management tasks while maintaining continued oversight over customer-facing decisions,” said AM Best director of analytics, James Chan.
These changes should enhance operating efficiency, refine risk selection and help insurers better manage losses over time.
-- BERNAMA
Also underpinning the stable outlook are non-life insurers’ conservative asset allocation and moderate equity exposure, which should help protect their overall profitability in the event domestic stock market volatility impacts the segment’s investment results.
According to the Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Taiwan Non-Life Insurance”, implementation of TIS and IFRS 17 enhances cross-market comparability and elevates the strategic importance of capital management and earnings volatility analysis.
In a statement, AM Best said TIS has had a limited impact on the segment’s overall capitalisation, although market-risk capital requirements have increased moderately.
Meanwhile, the transition to IFRS 17 has been favourable to the segment’s reported capital position, with industry-wide reported shareholders’ equity increasing by approximately 10 per cent at year-end 2025.
Taiwan’s non-life insurance market remains mature and competitive, with demand for commercial lines coverage growing, supported by investments in high-technology manufacturing plants, renewable energy projects, and major infrastructure development.
The credit rating agency added that Taiwan’s non-life insurers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to streamline underwriting, automate claims processing and detect fraud.
“AI adoption among Taiwan’s non-life insurers is likely to remain gradual and tightly controlled, with insurers prioritising internal operational and risk management tasks while maintaining continued oversight over customer-facing decisions,” said AM Best director of analytics, James Chan.
These changes should enhance operating efficiency, refine risk selection and help insurers better manage losses over time.
-- BERNAMA
PU Prime Launches Australian Operations under ASIC Licence
- PU Prime officially launches operations in Australia through its ASIC-regulated local entity, PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd.
- With ASIC regulation and local operations in place, PU Prime is strengthening its presence and commitment to the Australian market.
SYDNEY, Australia, Sept 3 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PU Prime, a global multi-licensed online brokerage, today announced the official launch of its operations in Australia through its local entity, PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd, regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd holds Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) No. 410681
After obtaining its ASIC licence, PU Prime invested in the resources and infrastructure needed to support Australian clients, including local operations, a dedicated customer support team, and systems aligned with regulatory requirements. The launch reflects the company's commitment to delivering a seamless and compliant trading experience in the Australian market.
“This launch marks the beginning of our long-term commitment to the Australian market. We will meet our obligations under the ASIC framework and deliver transparent and regulated services to our Australian clients,” says Mr Cristian Moreno, Director at PU Prime.
With the launch, Australian clients can now onboard directly through PU Prime's ASIC-regulated entity, reinforcing the company's commitment to operating within established regulatory frameworks while expanding access to its trading products and services. The milestone further strengthens PU Prime's global regulatory footprint and long-term growth strategy.
Important Notice: Trading derivatives carries significant high risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a wholesales client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When trading CFDs, you do not own the underlying assets and have no rights to them. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. Before acquiring any financial products, please ensure that you read the relevant legal documents and are fully aware of the associated risks.
About PU Prime
Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company and trusted CFD broker. Today, it offers regulated financial products across forex, commodities, indices, shares, and bonds. Operating in over 190 countries with more than 40 million app downloads, PU Prime provides innovative trading platforms to support traders worldwide in accessing global financial markets.
PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 410681), is a separate legal entity incorporated in Australia and regulated by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd is the issuer of CFD products to Australian residents only. Any information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.
The ASIC license held by PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd does not apply to, extent to, or cover any products or services offered by other PU Prime entities. References to PU Prime's global brand, group presence or international operations are for general information only and should not be taken as an offer, invitation or recommendation by any offshore entity to provide financial products or services in Australia.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b40cdf76-3349-4456-b6fc-f605f85fdd3e
For media enquiries, please contact: media@puprime.com
SOURCE: Pacific Union Seychelles 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
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