BIDGELY EMPOWER AI 2026 TO SPOTLIGHT SCALABLE UTILITY AI

This year's EmPOWER AI conference will demonstrate how utilities move from AI experimentation to enterprise-wide scalability with Bidgely's UtilityAI.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Bidgely's premier energy intelligence conference, EmPOWER AI, will be held May 12 to 14 in New York City to unite utility leaders, energy researchers and technology experts around artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector.

Hosted by OG&E, the conference will focus on how utilities are moving beyond AI experimentation toward enterprise-wide deployment, with participation from major industry players, including Alabama Power, Eversource, NV Energy, PSEG Long Island, and Xcel Energy.

In a statement, Bidgely chief executive officer, Abhay Gupta said the company’s technologies have been developed in collaboration with utilities, with active deployments demonstrating that enterprise-wide AI can be both secure and scalable as grid pressures intensify.

Each year, Bidgely unveils the latest advancements in its AI and machine learning platform technology. The event will showcase new agentic AI capabilities designed to turn smart meter signals into personalised customer interactions at scale.

Conference sessions will examine practical deployment strategies, operational trade-offs and the requirements for scaling AI within regulated utility environments, covering topics such as affordability, grid intelligence, electrification planning and enterprise AI integration.

Speakers from utilities and research organisations, including International Data Corporation, will share insights on breaking down data silos, advancing data-driven innovation and building more resilient energy infrastructure.

According to Bidgely, the event reflects growing momentum behind purpose-built AI solutions as utilities address rising costs, regulatory complexity and energy transition demands.

-- BERNAMA

JBL Celebrates 80 Years of Powering Voices

 

^{JBL Brand Ambassador Benson Boone reflects the brand’s continued commitment to the artists shaping today’s music and culture while honoring 80 years of audio innovation.} 


LOS ANGELES, April 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- JBL, the iconic audio brand from HARMAN, is celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of delivering sound that moves generations.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260423455760/en/ 

A legacy of leadership

Since its founding by visionary engineer James B. Lansing in 1946, JBL has set the standard for audio innovation. From professional recording studios and home entertainment to powering legendary cultural moments like Woodstock and Tomorrowland, JBL has always been committed to delivering authentic, unfiltered sound.

Today, JBL’s influence is unparalleled. It stands as a global leader in personal audio, with hundreds of millions listening to the music they love through JBL portable speakers and headphones. And JBL Professional continues to power over 40% of the world’s cinemas, while serving stadiums, recording studios, music venues and more, ensuring high-quality sound is accessible to listeners everywhere...even in your car.

“For 80 years, JBL’s engineering legacy has been the benchmark for high-fidelity audio, and that standard lives in every JBL product made today. As we celebrate this milestone, JBL remains committed to carrying this standard forward in the technologies that will power the next generation of sound and culture,” said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division.

Eight decades of innovation
For more than eight decades, JBL engineers have pioneered technologies that have transformed how sound is created and experienced, from groundbreaking loudspeaker designs to award-winning smart audio solutions for professional, luxury, portable, and car audio. This relentless pursuit of excellence has earned JBL some of the industry’s highest honours, including Academy Awards for achievements in sound engineering, and a Grammy Award for its “continual mastery and innovation in concert, studio, cinema and broadcast sound and monitors to ensure exacting standards for the most accurate sonic experience.”

Looking ahead, JBL is shaping the future of sound with investments in breakthrough technologies such as spatial audio, adaptive soundscapes, and immersive listening experiences that seamlessly integrate audio into everyday life. Sustainability is also a critical frontier for JBL, guiding product design and production toward a more responsible future for audio innovation.

Amplifying the future
JBL’s commitment to innovation extends beyond breakthrough products. Through community-driven initiatives like the JBL Music Academy, the JBL Campus Program, and partnerships with organizations such as Girls Make Beats, JBL is bringing together emerging artists and the broader industry to break down barriers and amplify the diverse voices that will define the future of audio.

“Authenticity in music is everything. JBL has always been, and will always be, about ensuring artists’ voices are heard, and audiences experience their vision unfiltered, whether on the move, at home, or at a live event. JBL brings the world together through the power of sound.” – Martin Garrix, JBL Global Ambassador.

Anniversary highlights
JBL will mark its 80th anniversary with a series of global initiatives, including the JBL Playback Gallery— showcasing eight decades of iconic JBL products with expert commentary and technical demonstrations. The tour will visit landmark cities throughout 2026, including Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Tokyo, and Vienna.

Other projects include a special digital magazine available for a limited time here, and a full-season takeover of HARMAN’s Audio Talks podcast series. This podcast includes conversations with engineers, designers, and musicians who have influenced JBL’s sound. The celebrations also come to life through a commemorative anniversary video.

With 80 years of audio excellence behind it and a bold vision for the future, JBL stays committed to powering voices that move, connect, and inspire people across the globe.

Learn more about JBL’s 80^th anniversary here: https://www.jbl.com/our-story.html

About JBL
For 80 years, JBL has shaped life’s most memorable moments at the intersection of music, lifestyle, gaming and sports. JBL elevates listening experiences with superior audio quality and product designs that encourage individuality and self-expression. With unmatched professional credentials and industry-leading innovation, JBL is a trailblazer in the audio industry because of passionate and talented engineers and designers around the globe. JBL Pro Sound is the foremost technology pushing culture forward through major pop culture events and partnerships with the world’s top talent across music, sports and esports.

About HARMAN
HARMAN is a global leader in Lifestyle Audio and Automotive technology. We create intelligent experiences that enrich people’s lives on the road, in their homes, on the stage, and everywhere in between. Our iconic audio brands — including JBL^®, Harman Kardon^®, AKG^®, Bowers & Wilkins^®, Denon^®, and Marantz^® — bring premium sound to consumers and audio/visual professionals worldwide. More than 50 million vehicles globally rely on HARMAN’s technologies to deliver safer, smarter, and more intuitive in-cabin experiences. HARMAN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and has approximately 26,000 employees around the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260423455760/en/

Contact

HARMAN Lifestyle Communications
Lifestyle.communications@harman.com 

Source : HARMAN

MELTWATER, YOUGOV REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SHIFTING CONSUMER TRUST IN AI-GENERATED CONTENT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Meltwater and YouGov have released Trust in the Age of Generative AI, a new report exploring how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video, audio, images and text is shaping consumer trust in brands and content.

Drawing insights from nearly 10,000 consumers across seven global markets, the study examines attitudes toward generative AI (GenAI) and the media environments that influence these perceptions. The findings offer key insights for brands navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

Meltwater Chief Product Officer, Chris Hackney in a statement said GenAI provides brands with a powerful new way to connect with audiences, but success depends on how transparently and thoughtfully it is used, and brands that lead with clarity and accountability have a real opportunity to build deeper trust.

As GenAI becomes more integrated into marketing and communications, the report reveals a pivotal moment for brands, not only in how they adopt AI, but also in how they redefine trust-building with audiences.

The findings also point to a meaningful opportunity, in which consumers want brands to be transparent, intentional, and audience-first in their use of AI, and those that are could differentiate themselves and build stronger, more trusted relationships with their audiences.

The report finds that transparency is a critical factor, with 86 per cent of consumers saying AI-generated content should be disclosed, presenting a clear opportunity for brands to build trust.

At the same time, perceptions remain mixed, as 32 per cent of respondents say they would trust brands less if content is AI-generated, compared with 15 per cent who would trust them more, underscoring the importance of how AI is applied and communicated.

Consumer sentiment toward AI also reflects a degree of caution, with 39 per cent expressing excitement while a larger 51 per cent remain unconvinced. Awareness is increasing, as 58 per cent of consumers believe they can identify AI-generated content, while online discussions have grown by 53 per cent, with media contributing 34 per cent of overall coverage.

Concerns over misinformation remain high, with 73 per cent of respondents highlighting it as a key issue, creating an opening for brands to position themselves as reliable and trustworthy sources. Acceptance of AI varies by context, with higher levels seen in entertainment and advertising, but significantly lower trust in news and influencer content.

“These insights show that trust is not being lost; it is being redefined,” added Hackney.

-- BERNAMA

Accertify Launches Global Air Travel Fraud Report Revealing Where Booking-Stage Pressure Is Most Concentrated

Q1 2026 analysis shows significant variation in prevented fraud rates by origin city, with higher concentrations across parts of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and South & Southeast Asia


ITASCA, Ill., April 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Accertify, a leading unified risk decisioning platform provider, today announced the release of its Global Air Travel Fraud Report: Q1 2026, a quarterly analysis examining how fraud risk in airline bookings varies by route origin across global markets.

Based on more than 180 million airline booking transactions processed between January and March 2026, the report analyzes fraud rates by departure city as a proxy for route origin, offering airlines a practical view of where fraud prevention systems are intervening most frequently at the point of booking.

The Q1 2026 findings show that fraud risk in airline bookings is unevenly distributed across markets, with meaningful differences emerging by region and by origin city. Routes originating in North America and Australia continue to exhibit consistently low fraud rates, generally remaining below one percent even among high‑volume departure cities. By contrast, several regions - including Latin America, parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia - show materially higher concentrations of prevented fraud, with certain origin cities recording fraud rates multiple times higher.

Importantly, the fraud rates presented in the report represent prevented fraud, or transactions that were denied for a fraud reason before travel occurred. As a result, the rankings highlight where fraud prevention systems are most actively intervening, rather than where fraud losses ultimately materialized.

Key findings from the Accertify Q1 2026 Global Air Travel Fraud Report include:

• Routes originating in North America and Australia remain among the lowest‑risk globally, reflecting stable booking behavior and more mature fraud prevention environments.
• Latin America and the Caribbean show some of the highest concentrations of prevented fraud, particularly across several Brazilian and Colombian origin cities.
• Fraud exposure across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa varies significantly by origin city, underscoring that regional averages can mask localized risk concentration.
• Fraud trends across Asia are mixed, with East Asia maintaining relatively low and improving fraud rates, while parts of South and Southeast Asia exhibit higher and more uneven fraud pressure.

“Understanding where fraud is being actively prevented gives airlines a clearer picture of today’s booking‑stage risk landscape,” said Theodore Esser, Director, Strategic Risk Services at Accertify. “By looking at fraud rates by route origin, airlines can better see where controls are intervening most often, and how fraud prevention maturity differs across markets.”

The report underscores that lower fraud rates are not accidental, but tend to emerge in markets where airlines have invested in layered, consistently applied fraud controls over time. Conversely, higher observed fraud rates reflect environments where booking‑stage fraud pressure remains more concentrated and requires more frequent system intervention.

The Q1 2026 Global Air Travel Fraud Report is accessible here.

About Accertify

Accertify, Inc., is a leading unified risk decisioning platform provider, spanning fraud prevention, chargeback management, account protection, abuse prevention, and payment optimization solutions to clients spanning diverse industries worldwide. Accertify’s platform protects digital commerce, helping clients grow their business by driving down fraud-related losses, simplifying business processes, all while upholding the consumer experience. To learn more about Accertify, visit www.accertify.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260422627118/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Tylor Tourville
T2 PR
tylor@t2pr.agency

Source : Accertify, Inc.

MELTWATER, YOUGOV REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SHIFTING CONSUMER TRUST IN AI-GENERATED CONTENT

EZE Cloud Goes Live on Workday.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Meltwater and YouGov have released Trust in the Age of Generative AI, a new report exploring how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video, audio, images and text is shaping consumer trust in brands and content.

Drawing insights from nearly 10,000 consumers across seven global markets, the study examines attitudes toward generative AI (GenAI) and the media environments that influence these perceptions. The findings offer key insights for brands navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

Meltwater Chief Product Officer, Chris Hackney in a statement said GenAI provides brands with a powerful new way to connect with audiences, but success depends on how transparently and thoughtfully it is used, and brands that lead with clarity and accountability have a real opportunity to build deeper trust.

As GenAI becomes more integrated into marketing and communications, the report reveals a pivotal moment for brands, not only in how they adopt AI, but also in how they redefine trust-building with audiences.

The findings also point to a meaningful opportunity, in which consumers want brands to be transparent, intentional, and audience-first in their use of AI, and those that are could differentiate themselves and build stronger, more trusted relationships with their audiences.

The report finds that transparency is a critical factor, with 86 per cent of consumers saying AI-generated content should be disclosed, presenting a clear opportunity for brands to build trust.

At the same time, perceptions remain mixed, as 32 per cent of respondents say they would trust brands less if content is AI-generated, compared with 15 per cent who would trust them more, underscoring the importance of how AI is applied and communicated.

Consumer sentiment toward AI also reflects a degree of caution, with 39 per cent expressing excitement while a larger 51 per cent remain unconvinced. Awareness is increasing, as 58 per cent of consumers believe they can identify AI-generated content, while online discussions have grown by 53 per cent, with media contributing 34 per cent of overall coverage.

Concerns over misinformation remain high, with 73 per cent of respondents highlighting it as a key issue, creating an opening for brands to position themselves as reliable and trustworthy sources. Acceptance of AI varies by context, with higher levels seen in entertainment and advertising, but significantly lower trust in news and influencer content.

“These insights show that trust is not being lost; it is being redefined,” added Hackney.

-- BERNAMA

MONGOLIAN MINING CORPORATION POSTS HIGHER COAL OUTPUT FOR QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- Mongolian Mining Corporation reported a mixed but generally stronger operational performance for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, according to data released by the company.

The group (Mongolian Mining Corporation and its subsidiaries) recorded 4,846 kilotonnes (kt) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal mined, representing a 22 per cent increase quarter-on-quarter and 32 per cent year-on-year.

In a statement, the group said washed coking coal production stood at 2,276.9 kt, down three per cent quarter-on-quarter but up eight per cent compared to the same period last year.

Coal sales rose significantly on an annual basis, with 2,558.4 kt sold, marking a 60 per cent year-on-year increase, although marginally lower quarter-on-quarter.

In its gold and metals segment, the group reported gold sales of 8,527 ounces (oz), up 20 per cent from the previous quarter, supported by stronger pricing conditions. The average gold price increased 17 per cent to US$4,872 per oz, reflecting firmer market conditions during the period.

The group remains the largest producer and exporter of washed coking coal in Mongolia, with operations spanning multiple subsidiaries engaged in coal, gold, and other metals production.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS NEW ZEALAND’S PINNACLE LIFE CREDIT RATINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb-” (Good) of New Zealand’s Pinnacle Life Limited (Pinnacle Life), with a stable outlook.

The credit ratings (ratings) reflect Pinnacle Life’s adequate balance sheet strength, operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM), alongside a neutral impact from its parent, Greenstone Holdco Pty Limited (Greenstone).

In a statement, AM Best said Pinnacle Life’s balance sheet strength is supported by strong risk-adjusted capitalisation at fiscal year-end 2025, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, along with sound regulatory solvency and financial flexibility.

However, reliance on third-party reinsurance and a relatively small capital base increase sensitivity to business growth, interest rate changes and external shocks.

Operating performance is assessed as adequate, driven by stable underwriting results and healthy investment returns, although earnings have shown moderate volatility due to interest rate movements and elevated expenses. The company is expected to maintain adequate performance as it continues its expansion strategy.

AM Best also noted Pinnacle Life’s limited business profile, reflecting its small scale and concentration in the New Zealand market, with a focus on mortality products such as term life and funeral insurance. Growth is largely supported by Greenstone as a key distribution partner, alongside direct online channels.

Pinnacle Life’s ERM is considered appropriate for the company’s size and complexity, with further development expected as the company expands its operations.

-- BERNAMA