KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- TRM Labs (TRM), an artificial intelligence (AI)-focused provider of solutions for combating financial crime and national security threats, has appointed Ziqing Ang as Head of Policy, APAC.
In this role, Ang will work with regulators, policymakers, law enforcement agencies and private institutions across Asia-Pacific (APAC) to strengthen efforts against illicit networks and address emerging threats.
“Ziqing brings deep expertise and experience working across both the public and private sectors, and the credibility to bring regulators and industry together around this work,” said TRM Labs Global Head of Policy, Ari Redbord.
TRM in a statement said APAC is becoming an increasingly important region for digital asset and AI policy as criminal networks use the technologies to operate at greater speed and scale.
The company tracked adjusted crypto crime volume rising from approximately US$123 million in 2020 to over US$103 billion in 2025, while investment scams accounted for 62 per cent of fraud inflows last year. (US$1=RM4.02)
Meanwhile, Ang said APAC is at an important stage in how it regulates technology in the age of AI, and the decisions made over the next few years will shape the safety of the ecosystem.
Ang brings more than a decade of experience spanning policy, financial markets, digital assets and institutional business development. She spent more than eight years at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), working on financial markets development and reserve management before moving into the digital asset industry.
Ang's appointment reflects TRM's continued investment in APAC and follows last month's appointment of former MAS regulator Claudia Hui as Head of Compliance Advisory, APAC, as part of the company's broader expansion of its policy and compliance presence in the region.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
NABEP STRENGTHENS SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM, LEGAL EXPERTISE WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS
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| Sara Chouraqui joins NABEP as its General Counsel, bringing decades of legal expertise. |
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), an oil and gas exploration and production company, has appointed Sara Chouraqui as General Counsel, with Elizabeth Collery and Victoria Jacobson joining as Deputy General Counsel.
NABEP in a statement said the appointments significantly strengthen its senior leadership team and legal expertise as the company improves its operations, increases production and develops new strategic and commercial partnerships.
“Sara understands the complex legal and regulatory environment in which global businesses operate and, equally importantly, how a strong legal function can help a business grow, pursue opportunities and build lasting partnerships.
“This expertise will be critical as NABEP enters an important new phase of its development, expanding our operations and establishing new strategic relationships,” said NABEP Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Betancourt.
Meanwhile, Chouraqui said the company remains committed to operating with integrity, upholding the highest legal and compliance standards and setting a benchmark for responsible leadership in the energy industry in Latin America, adding that she, Collery and Jacobson look forward to bringing their collective experience to support NABEP as it contributes to the revitalisation of the Venezuelan economy.
With her experience navigating complex cross-border legal and regulatory matters, Chouraqui will lead NABEP’s global legal function and advise the company’s leadership on legal, regulatory and corporate priorities, including major transactions and partnerships, governance, compliance and the management of legal and regulatory risk across its operations.
Chouraqui joins NABEP following a distinguished career at the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO), where she served as Head of a Fraud, Bribery and Corruption division, overseeing some of the office’s most significant international investigations.
NABEP said Collery and Jacobson also held senior positions at the SFO, closely assisting Chouraqui in her work.
-- BERNAMA
Sunday, August 23, 2026
SHAPE MEMORY MEDICAL CLOSES US$10 MLN FINANCING FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Shape Memory Medical Inc, a California-based global medical device company, has closed a US$10 million convertible note financing led by new investor August Global Partners (AGP), joined by fellow new investor Taiwania Capital. (US$1=RM4.03)
The financing provides capital to support continued clinical development of the company’s aortic portfolio, including patient follow-up and data collection in the AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial, and advancement of the False Lumen Treatment for Prevention of Aortic Growth Using Shape Memory Polymer (FLAGSHIP) feasibility trial.
The company said it is backed by a global syndicate of healthcare investors, including HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd, Earlybird Venture Capital and WexMed II LLC. The financing was also supported by HEAL Venture Lab.
“With enrolment recently completed in our AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial and continued progress in FLAGSHIP, we are focused on generating the clinical evidence needed to support the broader adoption of our shape memory polymer technology in aortic applications,” said Shape Memory Medical President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Ruppel.
He said the company was pleased to welcome AGP and Taiwania Capital as investors and appreciated the continued support of its existing shareholders.
The AAA‑SHAPE Pivotal Trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the IMPEDE‑FX RapidFill Device when used alongside endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to proactively manage the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac.
Shape Memory Medical in a statement said the randomised, multicentre study recently completed enrolment and will follow patients for five years.
FLAGSHIP is a first-in-human clinical study evaluating the company’s investigational False Lumen Embolisation (FLE) System for treatment of aortic dissection false lumen. The study is designed to evaluate safety and preliminary signs of efficacy and will follow patients for two years.
AGP is a Singapore-based independent fund management firm investing across healthcare and advanced manufacturing, while Taiwania Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early- to growth-stage companies.
-- BERNAMA
The financing provides capital to support continued clinical development of the company’s aortic portfolio, including patient follow-up and data collection in the AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial, and advancement of the False Lumen Treatment for Prevention of Aortic Growth Using Shape Memory Polymer (FLAGSHIP) feasibility trial.
The company said it is backed by a global syndicate of healthcare investors, including HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd, Earlybird Venture Capital and WexMed II LLC. The financing was also supported by HEAL Venture Lab.
“With enrolment recently completed in our AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial and continued progress in FLAGSHIP, we are focused on generating the clinical evidence needed to support the broader adoption of our shape memory polymer technology in aortic applications,” said Shape Memory Medical President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Ruppel.
He said the company was pleased to welcome AGP and Taiwania Capital as investors and appreciated the continued support of its existing shareholders.
The AAA‑SHAPE Pivotal Trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the IMPEDE‑FX RapidFill Device when used alongside endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to proactively manage the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac.
Shape Memory Medical in a statement said the randomised, multicentre study recently completed enrolment and will follow patients for five years.
FLAGSHIP is a first-in-human clinical study evaluating the company’s investigational False Lumen Embolisation (FLE) System for treatment of aortic dissection false lumen. The study is designed to evaluate safety and preliminary signs of efficacy and will follow patients for two years.
AGP is a Singapore-based independent fund management firm investing across healthcare and advanced manufacturing, while Taiwania Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early- to growth-stage companies.
-- BERNAMA
INTERSYSTEMS TO HIGHLIGHT AI-READY HEALTHCARE AT BANGKOK EVENT
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- InterSystems will bring healthcare leaders from across Asia for InterSystems Asia READY 2026, focusing on how trusted data, interoperability and practical artificial intelligence (AI) can support smarter healthcare delivery and strengthen Thailand's position as a regional medical hub.
The invitation-only event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, from Aug 31 to Sept 1, bringing together healthcare executives, clinicians, digital health leaders and technology experts to share practical experiences and best practices in connected healthcare.
InterSystems Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Luciano Brustia said Thailand has an opportunity to become a regional leader in connected, intelligent healthcare, but achieving this will depend on trusted data that can move securely and reliably across the healthcare ecosystem.
"Asia READY 2026 will demonstrate how healthcare organisations can move beyond AI experimentation and deliver measurable improvements through practical AI built on interoperable data," he said in a statement.
The global creative data technology provider said the programme will feature keynote presentations by Brustia and InterSystems President Don Woodlock, alongside healthcare leaders from Thailand and across Asia.
The programme will explore practical AI, next-generation electronic health records (EHRs), interoperability and real-world healthcare transformation, with case studies from Thai hospitals including BNH Hospital and Vejthani International Hospital.
The company said healthcare organisations across the region continue to face challenges, including fragmented legacy systems, inconsistent data standards, infrastructure modernisation and workforce readiness, which could hinder the safe and effective adoption of AI.
Key themes will include the integration of AI into EHRs to support clinical decision-making; data management and interoperability across healthcare providers and payers; and the use of real-time data and AI to improve workforce efficiency, hospital operations and patient outcomes.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, August 20, 2026
JAPAN MARITIME DAILY TO HOST SINGAPORE SEMINAR ON EMERGING TRANSPORT DEMANDS
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Japan Maritime Daily (JMD), Japan’s leading maritime newspaper, will host an international seminar in Singapore on Oct 5, focusing on “Emerging Transport Demands”.
JMD said in a statement the event supported by Singapore Exchange (SGX), will examine major shipping initiatives and the future of maritime transport through presentations and a panel discussion.
Registration is now open for “Charting the Course for the Future of Maritime” seminar, featuring senior maritime leaders from Ocean Network Express (ONE), SGX, Kpler and other international organisations.
ONE Chief Executive Officer, Till Ole Barrelet will deliver the keynote address, while SGX Group Director, Kenneth Ng will give a presentation, and Kpler Principal Heavy Distillates Analyst, Roslan Khasawneh will speak on “How Geopolitical Disruption Is Reshaping Asian Shipping”.
A panel discussion moderated by JMD Principal Editor Yohei Misaki will examine emerging transport demands and key industry challenges amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The panel will feature MOL Energia Managing Director, Miki Ogura; Wallem Ship Management Managing Director, Ioannis Stefanou; Tokyo Century Corporation Joint General Manager, Jigo Hayashi; and Baltic Exchange Asia Head, Cheong Jin Yu.
-- BERNAMA
JMD said in a statement the event supported by Singapore Exchange (SGX), will examine major shipping initiatives and the future of maritime transport through presentations and a panel discussion.
Registration is now open for “Charting the Course for the Future of Maritime” seminar, featuring senior maritime leaders from Ocean Network Express (ONE), SGX, Kpler and other international organisations.
ONE Chief Executive Officer, Till Ole Barrelet will deliver the keynote address, while SGX Group Director, Kenneth Ng will give a presentation, and Kpler Principal Heavy Distillates Analyst, Roslan Khasawneh will speak on “How Geopolitical Disruption Is Reshaping Asian Shipping”.
A panel discussion moderated by JMD Principal Editor Yohei Misaki will examine emerging transport demands and key industry challenges amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The panel will feature MOL Energia Managing Director, Miki Ogura; Wallem Ship Management Managing Director, Ioannis Stefanou; Tokyo Century Corporation Joint General Manager, Jigo Hayashi; and Baltic Exchange Asia Head, Cheong Jin Yu.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
ARLA FOODS INGREDIENTS INVESTS IN HEATING SYSTEM TO CUT CARBON EMISSIONS
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Arla Foods Ingredients has taken a major step towards reducing its carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions at dairy level with a newly completed investment of about eight million euros in a new heating system at the Danmark Protein plant in Videbæk. (1 Euro = RM4.69)
The system for Production Tower 4 at the plant will deliver an annual reduction of approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to the annual heating consumption of more than 900 households using natural gas.
“In addition to delivering substantial CO₂e savings, this investment also represents a very strong business case. We will also seek to scale across our other sites,” said Arla Foods Ingredients Vice President, Supply Chain, Paul van Rooij in a statement.
As part of the project, the tower is being converted from operating with a gas heater to being able to switch between heat from the plant’s existing steam system and a new electric heater.
The company said this initiative will reduce the use of natural gas and allow renewable electricity to take over part of the operation. Calculations show that Tower 4 will be able to operate 100 per cent on renewable electricity for 23 per cent of the time.
Switching between steam and electricity allows Arla Foods Ingredients to use electricity when wind and solar power drive prices down and reduce consumption when prices rise, supporting flexible consumption in the Danish power grid while creating a strong financial business case.
The new solution is an important part of Arla’s strategy to electrify production and provides greater flexibility in energy consumption, enhanced reliability and opportunities for future development.
While the new heating system in Tower 4 is now operational, a similar project is being planned for Tower 5. Together, the investments in Towers 4 and 5 will reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 5,200 tonnes annually, equivalent to the annual heating consumption of more than 1,900 households.
-- BERNAMA
ASIA PACIFIC SHOWS STRONGEST GOVERNANCE IMPROVEMENT, SINGAPORE TOPS CHANDLER INDEX
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Asia Pacific recorded the strongest improvement of any region in the latest 2026 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), with 79 per cent of governments in the region recording higher scores, while Singapore retained the top global ranking for the fourth consecutive year.
The CGGI, now in its sixth year, assesses the capabilities and effectiveness of 133 governments across seven pillars, namely Leadership & Foresight, Robust Laws & Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence & Reputation, and Helping People Rise.
The findings were presented by Chandler Governance Group (CGG) Director (Knowledge), Dinesh Naidu, at a joint session on future-ready governance in Asia and the Pacific, held as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok.
Naidu said the region's progress demonstrated that sustained investment in institutions and public service delivery could deliver improvements despite a difficult global environment.
“The region improved across six of the Index's seven pillars since 2021, which suggests deliberate, sustained capability building in areas that matter most to citizens,” said Naidu in a statement.
The 19 Asia Pacific countries assessed recorded the largest improvement in average overall score of any region since 2021, with five countries ranking among the global top 20, namely Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan.
The region's strongest gains were recorded in the Strong Institutions and Helping People Rise pillars, although progress was uneven. Thailand ranked 58th globally, with its Financial Stewardship performance ranking 18th.
The session also introduced the Future-Ready Governance Index (FRGI), a new benchmarking tool being jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CGG to help governments across Asia Pacific respond to uncertainty, structural transformation and growing complexity.
Naidu said the CGGI provides governments with an evidence base to identify areas requiring stronger capabilities, while the FRGI is intended to help governments build capabilities to prepare for future challenges.
-- BERNAMA
The CGGI, now in its sixth year, assesses the capabilities and effectiveness of 133 governments across seven pillars, namely Leadership & Foresight, Robust Laws & Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence & Reputation, and Helping People Rise.
The findings were presented by Chandler Governance Group (CGG) Director (Knowledge), Dinesh Naidu, at a joint session on future-ready governance in Asia and the Pacific, held as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok.
Naidu said the region's progress demonstrated that sustained investment in institutions and public service delivery could deliver improvements despite a difficult global environment.
“The region improved across six of the Index's seven pillars since 2021, which suggests deliberate, sustained capability building in areas that matter most to citizens,” said Naidu in a statement.
The 19 Asia Pacific countries assessed recorded the largest improvement in average overall score of any region since 2021, with five countries ranking among the global top 20, namely Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan.
The region's strongest gains were recorded in the Strong Institutions and Helping People Rise pillars, although progress was uneven. Thailand ranked 58th globally, with its Financial Stewardship performance ranking 18th.
The session also introduced the Future-Ready Governance Index (FRGI), a new benchmarking tool being jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CGG to help governments across Asia Pacific respond to uncertainty, structural transformation and growing complexity.
Naidu said the CGGI provides governments with an evidence base to identify areas requiring stronger capabilities, while the FRGI is intended to help governments build capabilities to prepare for future challenges.
-- BERNAMA
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