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

HIGH AI ADOPTION, BUT DATA READINESS GAP PERSISTS - CLOUDERA SURVEY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Most organisations still lack the data foundation needed for success despite growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), according to Cloudera’s latest global survey examining enterprise readiness to support AI at scale.

The findings highlight that while 96 per cent of organisations report integrating AI into core business processes and 85 per cent say they have a clear data strategy, nearly four out of five (around 80 per cent) admit their AI and data initiatives are still constrained by limited data access across environments.

This gap highlights an emerging “AI readiness illusion” — the belief that organisations are prepared to scale AI even as critical data challenges remain unresolved, according to Cloudera in a statement.

With AI now embedded across the enterprise, achieving consistent returns on investment remains difficult. Respondents cited data quality (22 per cent), cost overruns (16 per cent), and poor integration into existing workflows (15 per cent) as key challenges, highlighting the complexity of translating AI investments into measurable business outcomes.

Infrastructure limitations further compound the issue, with nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of respondents reporting that performance constraints have hindered operational initiatives, reflecting the difficulty of scaling AI across fragmented environments.

According to the survey, 84 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the accuracy, completeness, and alignment of their organisation’s data. However, this optimism often masks deeper issues, including persistent silos, inconsistent data quality, and limited accessibility.

The landscape of data readiness also varies across industries. For instance, 54 per cent of telecommunications respondents reported full visibility into where their data resides, compared to 30 per cent in financial services and 31 per cent in the public sector.

As enterprise AI shifts from experimentation to execution, data readiness is emerging as the defining factor separating leaders from laggards. Organisations that can fully access and govern their data are far better positioned to deliver trusted, scalable AI.

Unlocking AI’s full value will require more than ambition — it demands genuine data readiness. Enterprises that can close this gap will be best positioned to drive lasting impact and lead the next era of intelligent business, according to the survey.

The survey, commissioned by Cloudera and conducted by Researchscape, gathered responses from 1,270 information technology leaders across the Americas (North America and South America), Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions at companies with more than 1,000 employees between Jan 22 and March 3.

-- BERNAMA

ARLA FOODS INGREDIENTS TO SHOWCASE NUTRITION SOLUTIONS AT VITAFOODS EUROPE 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Arla Foods Ingredients has announced it will showcase high-protein, nutrient-dense application concepts for users of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications at Vitafoods Europe, taking place in Barcelona from May 5 to 7.

Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have reshaped the weight management market, the company said in a statement.

In 2025, 11 per cent of consumers globally and 18 per cent in the United States (US) who were actively trying to lose weight reported using them, with uptake expected to rise as availability expands, tablet formats emerge and prices fall.

However, GLP-1 use is associated with side effects. Lean muscle loss may account for up to 40 per cent of total weight lost, compared with around 25 per cent for traditional interventions, while up to 76 per cent of users report gastric discomfort and reduced appetite.

To help address these challenges, Arla Foods Ingredients has developed high-protein concepts using Nutrilac and Lacprodan BLG-100, delivering essential amino acids for muscle health in nutrient-dense formats, alongside probiotics and cultures from Novonesis to support digestive well-being.

Arla Foods Ingredients Chief Commercial Officer, Anne Widart said nutrition for GLP-1 users is a growing category, creating opportunities for dairy manufacturers.

“There is increasing demand for nutrient-dense, high-protein products in formats suited to smaller appetites. Our concepts are designed to help manufacturers respond to these evolving needs,” she added.

The company said the range includes formats tailored for reduced appetites, such as a fermented high-protein shot offering 10 grammes (g) of protein per 70 millilitres (ml) serving, which is low fat, lactose-reduced and contains no added sugar.

Other concepts include a fermented high-protein drinking yoghurt providing 20g of protein per 200ml serving, and a high-protein water-based shot for ambient storage delivering 21g of protein per 100ml serving.

Arla Foods Ingredients will also showcase two additional concepts at Vitafoods Europe, namely an aerated protein bar solution and ready-to-stir medical nutrition powder solutions.

-- BERNAMA

AI-MEDIA TO LAUNCH NEXT-GENERATION LEXI ENCODERS AT NAB SHOW 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- AI-Media, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered language technology and live captioning solutions, has announced the launch of two new next-generation encoders, the LEXI Text Encoder and LEXI Voice Encoder, at NAB Show 2026.

The release marks AI-Media’s first new encoder hardware in over a decade, building on the success of its industry gold-standard Encoder Pro (HD592), which is used by broadcasters and enterprises worldwide.

“For the first time in over a decade, we are introducing entirely new encoder hardware—built not just to support today’s workflows but to power the next generation of AI-driven live production. 

“We are focused on delivering the infrastructure that enables content to be understood in any language, anywhere in the world,” said AI-Media Chief Product Officer, Bill McLaughlin in a statement.

The new solutions deliver performance upgrades, advanced AI-driven capabilities, and a flexible subscription-based model designed to transform live broadcast workflows.

Built for the evolving demands of live production, both encoders combine high-performance hardware with intelligent automation to deliver greater efficiency, scalability, and quality across broadcast environments.

Key next-generation encoder features include upgraded processing power to support increasingly complex AI-driven workflows; LEXI Live Sync, which ensures captions and translations remain perfectly synchronised with video feeds; and 4K broadcast readiness for high-performance live production.

AI-Media is also introducing a Hardware-as-a-Subscription (HaaS) model across its encoder range, including the new releases, eliminating upfront capital expenditure and providing customers with a scalable, cost-effective way to access the latest technology.

At NAB 2026, AI-Media will offer a limited-time promotion, with customers able to secure three months free, enabling immediate access to next-generation technology while reducing upfront costs, alongside a showcase of its full LEXI Suite.

-- BERNAMA

VEYDOOMAX PREVIEWS X6 RIDE SERIES MODEL AHEAD OF JULY LAUNCH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- VeydooMax, an outdoor lifestyle brand under Shenzhen Weidu Electronics Co Ltd, has previewed the upcoming X6 from its VeydooMax Ride series, following its appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show, with a launch planned for July.

The X6 will carry forward the brand’s “Smarter Ride, Tougher Build” philosophy while delivering refinements in areas riders prioritise, the company said in a statement.

Within VeydooMax’s broader outdoor positioning, the Ride series focuses on products designed for real riding use, including commuting, weekend rides, group travel, and longer journeys across varying road and weather conditions.

The new model is being developed with enhanced outdoor visibility, improved smart connectivity, practical ride-recording capabilities, and rider-assistance functions tailored for real-world use.

For daily commuters, the X6 is designed to offer a cleaner and more stable cockpit experience. For leisure and group riders, it aims to support better navigation, communication, ride capture, and overall riding confidence.

Compared with the previous generation, the X6 focuses on delivering a more integrated user experience by combining display, connectivity, imaging, alerts, and remote capabilities into a unified interface.

According to VeydooMax, the model is also designed to reduce rider distraction, improve access to key information, and provide added support in scenarios such as parking, remote monitoring, and unexpected situations.

Additional details about the X6 will be released closer to launch.

-- BERNAMA