Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Bitget Launches Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub to Strengthen the Future Web3 Workforce

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has announced the launch of the Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub: Semester 1, a new education initiative designed to help young learners explore blockchain not only as a field of study, but as a viable career path in the digital economy.

As part of Bitget’s broader Blockchain4Youth initiative, the Learning Hub expands the program’s mission of making blockchain education more accessible and actionable for young people worldwide. Through recent initiatives such as the LALIGA Youth Tournament in Thailand, its partnership with Google Developer Group on Campus, and the Web3 Young Learners’ Encyclopedia, Blockchain4Youth has engaged more than 15,000 participants since launch, reflecting its ongoing commitment to youth development and the rising interest among students in finding clearer pathways into the Web3 industry.

The Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub combines structured learning with professional recognition and career-oriented support. Learners who complete the program and pass the assessments will receive a Certificate of Completion signed by Ignacio Aguirre Franco, Chief Marketing Officer of Bitget, giving them a credential they can present across their professional profiles.

The certificate is intended to serve as more than proof of participation. It offers verified recognition of Web3 competency and unlocks access to a broader network of opportunities. Certificate holders can benefit from priority review for opportunities at Bitget and gain entry to the Blockchain4Youth Talent Alliance, a core pillar of the program designed to connect certified learners with the wider Web3 industry. Through the alliance, participants can access priority opportunities, industry exposure, and networking channels, creating a clearer pathway between demonstrated knowledge and real-world professional roles.

As part of this effort, Bitget has confirmed a partnership with Bondex, the Web3 professional network behind web3.career, the largest job board in the industry. Through the partnership, Bitget and Bondex aim to make career entry points into Web3 more transparent and accessible for the next generation of builders and professionals

“Most young people trying to break into Web3 hit the same wall, they take a course, then have no network, no verified credentials, and no clear path to a job.” said Ignacio Palomera, Co-Founder of Bondex. “Blockchain4Youth and Bondex fix that. Finish the program, build a verified profile, be discovered in the Bondex trusted talent pool and apply directly to companies hiring on web3.career. It's the bridge the industry's been missing.

“A lot of young people are interested in Web3, but interest alone does not always show them where to begin,” said Ignacio Aguirre Franco, CMO of Bitget. “The Learning Hub is about making that first step feel more real by giving learners knowledge, recognition, and a better sense of where this path can lead. When young talent can see opportunity more clearly, they are more likely to believe they belong in the future of this industry.”

Ultimately, Blockchain4Youth Learning Hub reflects a broader commitment to building long-term infrastructure for Web3 education and talent development. More than a standalone campaign, the Learning Hub demonstrates how Blockchain4Youth is evolving into a sustained platform that supports learners as they move from discovery to skill-building, and from participation to contribution. Through this initiative, Bitget continues to position itself not only as a platform for digital assets, but also as an ecosystem builder helping shape the workforce that will define the next phase of Web3.

The B4Y Talent Alliance welcomes recruiting companies that want to connect with emerging talent, expand industry access, and create more pathways into Web3. Interested organizations can contact blockchain4youth@bitget.com.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b28d747f-7398-4f75-918b-9c886aeae023

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

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--BERNAMA

VESON, VERACITY BY DNV PARTNER ON VERIFIED EMISSIONS DATA INTEGRATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Maritime data and freight management solutions provider, Veson Nautical (Veson) has formed a strategic partnership with Veracity by DNV to integrate verified emissions data into operational and commercial shipping workflows.

The integration connects Veson’s IMOS with the Veracity platform, allowing emissions figures verified by DNV to flow directly into voyage financials and profit-and-loss tracking within IMOS.

According to Veson in a statement, this first-of-its-kind integration is designed to help shipping operators incorporate compliance and automated data quality checks into voyage decisions, regulatory reporting and settlement processes, while reducing manual data handling and audit risk.

Veson President and Chief Operating Officer, Sean Riley said the partnership reflects growing industry demand for verified data to support both compliance and commercial performance.

Meanwhile, Veracity by DNV Executive Director, Mikkel Skou said the collaboration demonstrates how verified data can improve decision-making, operational efficiency and data-sharing across the maritime sector.

The partnership is expected to expand into an end-to-end emissions reporting and verification workflow, enabling operational vessel data from IMOS to be transferred to Veracity for quality assurance and verification through DNV’s Emissions Connect.

The system is intended to support compliance with evolving frameworks such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime, while also supporting broader commercial use cases.

The partnership builds on Veracity by DNV’s maritime data network, which connects to more than 65,000 vessels worldwide through automated access to verified data, and Veson’s expanding Platform Partner Network. Together, they aim to extend trusted emissions and operational data into core shipping systems, providing a more connected ecosystem for maritime commercial operations.

-- BERNAMA

Monday, April 27, 2026

HERE, BAIDU MAPS TO CO-DEVELOP GLOBAL INTELLIGENT DRIVING, NAVIGATION SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- HERE Technologies, the mapping and location data company, and Baidu Maps have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop advanced mapping, navigation and intelligent driving solutions for global automakers.

Under the agreement, the two companies plan to combine HERE’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered live map and location services for Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated driving features with Baidu Maps’ navigation capabilities and research and development expertise.

According to HERE in a statement, the collaboration aims to deliver a unified global solution for next-generation intelligent vehicles, covering key in-vehicle experiences and assisted-driving functions across multiple markets.

In advanced lane-level navigation, the companies will integrate HERE’s global map content, Dynamic Map Content and Connected Vehicle Service APIs with Baidu Maps’ global navigation engine and lane-level capabilities.

The solution is intended to support Chinese automakers in serving both domestic and international markets through a single, scalable navigation framework with enhanced precision and positioning.

The partnership also includes development of HERE Predictive Signal Timing, combining HERE’s global probe data and cloud-based application programming interfaces (APIs) with Baidu Maps’ traffic intelligence algorithms and deployment experience. The feature is designed to improve driving smoothness and safety by enabling more stable stopping behaviour at traffic signals and reducing abrupt manoeuvres.

For ADAS and ISA, HERE and Baidu Maps will integrate lane-level data, speed-limit advisory systems and predictive road attributes to support machine-readable inputs for advanced driving functions. The combined offering is designed to enable compliance with global regulatory requirements while accelerating deployment of assisted-driving capabilities, including navigation-on-autopilot-level functions.

The companies also plan to explore AI-driven collaboration to enhance in-vehicle intelligence, including generative AI applications for contextual navigation, predictive alerts and voice-assisted driving features tailored to real-world conditions.

The solutions will be introduced to automakers in phases, starting with pilot programmes before scaling into broader digital cockpit platforms.

-- BERNAMA

MASAN GROUP UNVEILS VIETNAM CONSUMER OPERATING SYSTEM AT 2026 AGM

The Annual General Meeting of Masan Group - Masan Consumer - Masan MEATLife, held on April 24, attracted thousands of shareholders and partners.


KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Masan Group Corporation, together with its listed subsidiaries Masan Consumer and Masan MEATLife, held their 2026 Annual General Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “The Great Connectivity – Đại Kết Nối”.

The theme reflects Masan’s multi-year transformation toward building Vietnam’s consumer operating system (cOS), an integrated platform designed to connect retail, brand, and digital ecosystems.

In a statement, the company said the initiative aims to address long-standing fragmentation in the consumer market and improve efficiency across the end-to-end retail value chain.

At the core of the strategy is WinCommerce (WCM), Masan’s retail platform, which has completed its turnaround and is targeting profitability in 2026. The company plans to expand its network to around 6,100 stores by end-2026, with a strong focus on rural areas, where modern trade penetration remains relatively low.

Masan also outlined a long-term target of reaching approximately 13,000 stores by 2030, supported by improving unit economics, faster store payback periods, and continued scale benefits from its retail footprint.

Beyond its owned retail network, Masan is expanding its reach through Retail Supreme, a platform designed to digitally integrate Vietnam’s traditional general trade ecosystem. The initiative enables direct territory-based engagement with retailers, improving distribution efficiency and strengthening brand presence in fragmented markets.

The company said Retail Supreme has significantly expanded its active retail coverage and improved ordering frequency and stock-keeping unit (SKU) penetration, with further scaling expected as it deepens engagement with general trade partners nationwide.

Masan also highlighted its Brand Engine strategy, which focuses on scaling branded consumer products across food and daily essentials. The company aims to expand its portfolio of mega brands and increase penetration of branded products in key categories, including protein, across Vietnam.

Supporting these initiatives is Masan’s Digital Engine, anchored by its WinX platform, which connects consumers, retailers, and brands through data-driven intelligence. The system enables real-time decision-making across store expansion, product assortment, pricing, and marketing execution, supported by its logistics platform Supra to enhance supply chain efficiency.

Masan Group chief executive officer, Danny Le said that “The Great Connectivity” reflects the company’s commitment to Vietnam, adding that integrating its brands, retail network and digital intelligence delivers benefits for consumers, employees and shareholders.

-- BERNAMA

Sunday, April 26, 2026

AM BEST AFFIRMS EXCELLENT CREDIT RATINGS OF NEW ZEALAND'S TOWER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent) of New Zealand’s Tower Limited (Tower), with a stable outlook.

In a statement, AM Best said the credit ratings (ratings) reflect Tower’s balance sheet strength, which was assessed as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

Tower’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which was at the strongest level at fiscal year-end 2025 (Sept 30, 2025).

AM Best expects capitalisation to remain at least very strong over the medium term, supported by earnings retention, solid financial flexibility, a prudent reinsurance programme, and a conservative investment strategy.

The insurer’s operating performance is assessed as adequate, reflecting a history of earnings volatility linked to catastrophe events. In FY2025, Tower reported a return-on-equity ratio of 23.5 per cent and a net/net combined ratio of 81.4 per cent, driven by technical performance and investment income.

The credit rating agency expects continued positive operating results supported by disciplined underwriting, pricing adequacy, and investment returns.

Tower holds a solid position in its core New Zealand insurance segments, despite a modest overall non-life market share of around five per cent. Its product portfolio is concentrated in domestic property and motor insurance.

AM Best assesses Tower’s ERM as appropriate, noting an increased focus on regulatory compliance amid recent regulatory developments in New Zealand. Following a self-reported issue, the Financial Markets Authority conducted an investigation that identified historical misleading representations resulting in a penalty payment.

The company is undertaking customer remediation and strengthening internal controls as part of its ongoing governance improvements.

-- BERNAMA

Friday, April 24, 2026

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

 

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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 80th 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