KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Data management company, Denodo has been named a Leader in research firm Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools for the seventh consecutive year.
The 2026 report, published on Nov 2, analysed 19 vendors. Denodo said it believes the recognition reflects the strength of its support for agentic artificial intelligence (AI) and the loyalty of its customers.
“We are extremely proud that Gartner has once again recognised Denodo as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools, as Gartner has done for the previous six years,” said Denodo Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ravi Shankar.
In a statement, he said data integration was increasingly driven by the needs of AI agents, which require data that is integrated, governed and supported by business context.
Gartner said in the report that by 2028, 60 per cent of data integration tasks will be completed autonomously, freeing up 20 per cent of data engineers’ time.
Since last year’s report, Denodo has released two updates to its platform. Denodo Platform 9.4, released in March, enables AI systems and users to access live data within governance boundaries, while version 9.5, released in July, adds features to support AI agents.
The Denodo Platform has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 337 user ratings on the Gartner Peer Insights platform, as of November 2026.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
UNIVAR SOLUTIONS BUYS LAVO BULK ASSETS TO EXPAND IN CANADA
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Univar Solutions LLC (Univar Solutions), a speciality ingredients and chemicals distributor, has completed the acquisition of certain assets of KIK Consumer Products’ Lavo Bulk (Lavo Bulk) business in Canada, strengthening its presence in Eastern Canada.
The deal expands the complementary chemical solutions and capabilities Univar Solutions can offer customers in the region. Lavo Bulk’s leadership and dedicated sales team have joined the company.
“The addition of Lavo Bulk is a strong strategic fit with our business and our commitment to growing with key customers and critical suppliers in Canada.
“We look forward to building on their established expertise, relationships and capabilities while continuing to deliver the safe, reliable service our customers expect,” said Univar Solutions Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Distribution and Services, Bob Craycraft in a statement.
Meanwhile, Univar Solutions Senior Regional Vice President of Chemical Distribution and Services for Canada and EMEA, Chris Halberg said the company’s immediate focus was on a smooth transition and maintaining service levels for customers.
He said Univar Solutions saw opportunities to deepen its relationships with customers and suppliers across the region.
-- BERNAMA
The deal expands the complementary chemical solutions and capabilities Univar Solutions can offer customers in the region. Lavo Bulk’s leadership and dedicated sales team have joined the company.
“The addition of Lavo Bulk is a strong strategic fit with our business and our commitment to growing with key customers and critical suppliers in Canada.
“We look forward to building on their established expertise, relationships and capabilities while continuing to deliver the safe, reliable service our customers expect,” said Univar Solutions Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Distribution and Services, Bob Craycraft in a statement.
Meanwhile, Univar Solutions Senior Regional Vice President of Chemical Distribution and Services for Canada and EMEA, Chris Halberg said the company’s immediate focus was on a smooth transition and maintaining service levels for customers.
He said Univar Solutions saw opportunities to deepen its relationships with customers and suppliers across the region.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
SGCA Honours Communication Excellence Across Asia, Europe and the Arab World
SGCA honours communication excellence across Asia, Europe and the Arab world (Photo: AETOSWire)
SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, Nov 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, honoured winners of the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB).
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103972039/en/
Winners represented China, India, Thailand, Ukraine and the Arab world. Some 433 entries from 31 countries across four continents passed initial screening. The award covered 23 categories across five sectors, including six partner awards.
His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, highlighted the award’s growth under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, noting that it had attracted more than 9,500 entries over five years. He also emphasised the role of international partnerships in advancing communication practices and creating a meaningful impact on individuals, institutions and communities.
International and Partner Awards
The Partner Awards recognised China's Macao University of Science and Technology for Excellence in Digital Community Engagement; India's Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions for Best AI-Powered Communication for Social Impact; Thailand's Thai Health Promotion Foundation for Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances; and Ukraine's Kyiv Digital for Innovative and Resilient Government Communication Initiatives.
The UAE's Zoud initiative won Best Public–Private Partnership in Communication, while Brigadier General Staff Pilot AbdulNasir Al Humaidi, spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Defence, received Outstanding Leadership in Government and Strategic Communication.
Government and Institutional Excellence
Among government winners, Sharjah Youth received Best Campaigns Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices; the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth; Sharjah Police, Outstanding Communication Award for a Higher Quality of life; the UAE Ministry of Finance, Best Innovation in Integrated Communications; and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, Best Crisis Communication Strategy.
Best Media and Communication Content went to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Egypt Oil & Gas in the government and organisations and private-sector divisions, respectively. Best Innovative Communication Initiative for Community Empowerment went to Dubai's Community Development Authority and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the same respective divisions.
The UAE Ministry of Culture and Kalimat Foundation won Best Creative Communication Targeting Children and Adolescents’ in the government and organisations and private-sector divisions, respectively. The UAE Government Media Office received Best Campaign Promoting Emirati Identity; House of Wisdom, Best Campaign Promoting Cultural Identity and the Arabic Language; and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Government and Institutional Communication.
Individual Awards and Innovation Challenges
Egypt's Basmat Nour Association won Best Youth Initiative in Communication, while Lt. Colonel Salem Mohammed bin Ali of Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs received Best Official Spokesperson. Dr Himanshu Grover, Dr Neeharika Kushwaha, Dr Nahla Shireen and Dr Varkki Pallathucheril won Best Research in Communication Sciences.
Best Changemakers in Digital Content went to the UAE's Youssef Karam (under 18) and Morocco's Meryem Derni in the over-18 division. Khalifa University's Sanad project won the University Challenge, while Shaheen secured the AI Skills Challenge.
Jury Awards and Special Honours
The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity received Global Impact through Soft Power; Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, Best Arab Personality with Positive Social Impact. The UAE Ministry of Defence received a special honour, accepted by Undersecretary Lieutenant General Staff Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi.
Source: AETOSWire
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103972039/en/
Contact
Hussain AlMulla
Hussain.AlMulla@SGMB.ae
Source : Sharjah Government Media Bureau
Monday, November 2, 2026
PENGUIN SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES HIGH-SPEED MEMORY MODULES FOR AI DATA CENTRES
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Penguin Solutions Inc has launched its latest SMART Modular DDR5 memory modules, running at DDR5-12800 speeds to meet growing bandwidth demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.
“As AI workloads become increasingly memory-intensive, customers need greater bandwidth without compromising reliability,” said Penguin Solutions Director of Integrated Memory Product Marketing, Arthur Sainio in a statement.
The new multi-ranked dual in-line memory modules (MRDIMMs) combine two physical memory ranks into a single logical rank to overcome traditional speed limitations. The company said this significantly increases memory bandwidth compared with standard server memory modules.
The modules are available with Penguin’s optional Zefr high-reliability testing, a screening process that simulates demanding real-world operating conditions. The company said the testing helps identify and reduce potential timing and electrical signal problems.
Target applications include generative AI and large language model processing, high-frequency trading and high-performance computing for scientific research.
Penguin Solutions designs, builds and manages data centres for enterprises, sovereign AI initiatives and specialised AI cloud providers. Its offerings combine infrastructure software, memory, computing systems and services.
-- BERNAMA
LYONDELLBASELL TO SELL FORMER HOUSTON REFINERY TO VALERO FOR US$320.5 MLN
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- LyondellBasell (LYB) has agreed to sell its former Houston Refinery site and related assets to a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation (Valero) for US$320.5 million as part of its ongoing portfolio transformation. (US$1 = RM4.05)
The buyer, Valero Refining-Texas LP, will take over responsibility for ongoing site operations, environmental liabilities, pension costs and related employee obligations.
“This transaction reflects the disciplined approach we are taking to transform our portfolio and create long-term value,” said LYB chief executive officer, Peter Vanacker in a statement.
He said the deal would allow the company to realise value from a non-core asset while placing the site and its employees with an owner whose core business is refining.
Vanacker added that the agreement provides continued employment for the site’s workforce.
Following the decision to cease refining operations at the site, LYBl evaluated a range of options and concluded that a sale offered the best opportunity to advance its strategic priorities.
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
-- BERNAMA
The buyer, Valero Refining-Texas LP, will take over responsibility for ongoing site operations, environmental liabilities, pension costs and related employee obligations.
“This transaction reflects the disciplined approach we are taking to transform our portfolio and create long-term value,” said LYB chief executive officer, Peter Vanacker in a statement.
He said the deal would allow the company to realise value from a non-core asset while placing the site and its employees with an owner whose core business is refining.
Vanacker added that the agreement provides continued employment for the site’s workforce.
Following the decision to cease refining operations at the site, LYBl evaluated a range of options and concluded that a sale offered the best opportunity to advance its strategic priorities.
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, October 30, 2026
UNI-FUELS TO CONSOLIDATE SHARES 1-FOR-10 FROM NOV 3
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Singapore-headquartered marine fuel solutions provider, Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels) will consolidate its shares at a ratio of one-for-10, effective Nov 3, 2026.
The Nasdaq-listed company’s Class A ordinary shares are expected to begin trading on a post-consolidation basis when the market opens on Nov 3. They will continue to trade under the symbol “UFG”, with a new CUSIP number, G92Y4F134.
In a statement, Uni-Fuels said the consolidation will reduce the company’s issued Class A shares from 9,815,000 to about 981,500 and its Class B shares from 22,650,000 to about 2,265,000.
Every 10 shares, or part thereof, will be combined into one share, with fractional shares rounded up to the next whole share. All outstanding stock options, warrants and other rights to buy Class A shares will be adjusted proportionately.
The company is authorised to issue 500 million shares, comprising 450 million Class A and 50 million Class B ordinary shares.
Shareholders holding shares through a bank, broker or other nominee will have their holdings adjusted automatically to reflect the consolidation.
-- BERNAMA
The Nasdaq-listed company’s Class A ordinary shares are expected to begin trading on a post-consolidation basis when the market opens on Nov 3. They will continue to trade under the symbol “UFG”, with a new CUSIP number, G92Y4F134.
In a statement, Uni-Fuels said the consolidation will reduce the company’s issued Class A shares from 9,815,000 to about 981,500 and its Class B shares from 22,650,000 to about 2,265,000.
Every 10 shares, or part thereof, will be combined into one share, with fractional shares rounded up to the next whole share. All outstanding stock options, warrants and other rights to buy Class A shares will be adjusted proportionately.
The company is authorised to issue 500 million shares, comprising 450 million Class A and 50 million Class B ordinary shares.
Shareholders holding shares through a bank, broker or other nominee will have their holdings adjusted automatically to reflect the consolidation.
-- BERNAMA
SOUTH KOREA’S KB INSURANCE RATINGS AFFIRMED EXCELLENT - AM BEST
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed South Korea’s KB Insurance Co Ltd (KBI) financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a” (Excellent), with a stable outlook.
These credit ratings (ratings) reflect KBI’s strong balance sheet, adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management, as well as support from its parent, KB Financial Group Inc (KB Group), AM Best said in a statement.
KBI’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, while its local solvency ratio is largely in line with the industry average and demonstrates an adequate buffer above the minimum regulatory requirements.
AM Best calculated KBI’s adjusted financial leverage at 8.2 per cent as of June 2026 and said the company has good access to capital markets and a conservative investment strategy.
KBI’s return on equity and combined ratios are broadly in line with domestic peers, but profitability in its main long-term insurance business remains under pressure from rising medical claims and competition. Its auto insurance business recorded underwriting losses in 2025 because of base rate cuts and stronger competition.
KBI is South Korea’s fourth-largest non-life insurer, with a stable market share of approximately 13 per cent, while its overseas operations remain modest, and it plans to explore further international opportunities with a measured approach to diversify earnings and sustain long-term growth.
As a wholly owned subsidiary and the only non-life insurer in KB Group, one of South Korea’s largest financial holding companies, KBI is strategically important to its parent and has received explicit capital support since joining the group in 2015.
AM Best said the ratings could be lowered if KBI’s balance sheet weakens significantly or if support from KB Group is reduced and could be raised if its operating performance consistently outperforms industry peers.
-- BERNAMA
These credit ratings (ratings) reflect KBI’s strong balance sheet, adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management, as well as support from its parent, KB Financial Group Inc (KB Group), AM Best said in a statement.
KBI’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, while its local solvency ratio is largely in line with the industry average and demonstrates an adequate buffer above the minimum regulatory requirements.
AM Best calculated KBI’s adjusted financial leverage at 8.2 per cent as of June 2026 and said the company has good access to capital markets and a conservative investment strategy.
KBI’s return on equity and combined ratios are broadly in line with domestic peers, but profitability in its main long-term insurance business remains under pressure from rising medical claims and competition. Its auto insurance business recorded underwriting losses in 2025 because of base rate cuts and stronger competition.
KBI is South Korea’s fourth-largest non-life insurer, with a stable market share of approximately 13 per cent, while its overseas operations remain modest, and it plans to explore further international opportunities with a measured approach to diversify earnings and sustain long-term growth.
As a wholly owned subsidiary and the only non-life insurer in KB Group, one of South Korea’s largest financial holding companies, KBI is strategically important to its parent and has received explicit capital support since joining the group in 2015.
AM Best said the ratings could be lowered if KBI’s balance sheet weakens significantly or if support from KB Group is reduced and could be raised if its operating performance consistently outperforms industry peers.
-- BERNAMA
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