SMITHS DETECTION SELLS 2,000TH HI-SCAN 6040 CTIX SCANNER

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 March (Bernama) -- Smiths Detection has announced the sale of its 2,000th HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, a 3D X-ray scanner designed to enhance aviation security screening through high-resolution computed tomography images and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automatic detection.

The system is deployed at more than 100 airports across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas, helping improve screening efficiency and passenger flow.

In locations where regulations permit, passengers are no longer required to remove laptops or liquids from their bags, helping reduce congestion at airport security checkpoints.

“Our technology is helping airports improve passenger flow, strengthen security outcomes and stay ahead of evolving threats through intelligent, AI-enabled screening solutions.

“This exciting milestone underscores Smiths Detection’s engineering heritage, sustained investment in innovation and our commitment to creating a better passenger experience,” said Smiths Detection Vice President Commercial, Matt Clark in a statement.

The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX has become widely adopted in aviation security, with its upgradeable platform designed to adapt to evolving threat environments while maintaining operational efficiency.

Smiths Detection will showcase the system at the upcoming Passenger Terminal Expo, where visitors can see live demonstrations of the technology and its application in airport checkpoint screening.

Smiths Detection is a global provider of threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, urban security and defence, helping enhance safety and facilitate efficient passenger movement worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

EIG’S MIDOCEAN ENERGY EXPANDS GORGON LNG STAKE THROUGH JERA ACQUISITION

 

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- MidOcean Energy (MidOcean), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, announced it has signed definitive agreements with JERA Co Inc (JERA) to acquire JERA Gorgon Pty Ltd, which holds a 0.417 per cent interest in the Gorgon LNG project.

Following the transaction, MidOcean’s stake in Gorgon will increase to 1.417 per cent. The deal also includes JERA’s 0.735 per cent interest in the Ichthys LNG project, which will be subsequently transferred to an existing Ichthys joint venture participant.

In a statement, MidOcean Chairman and EIG Chief Executive Officer (CEO), R. Blair Thomas said the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to build a scaled, globally diversified LNG business anchored by high-quality assets.

Meanwhile, MidOcean CEO, De la Rey Venter highlighted the incremental uncontracted equity volumes and the long reserve life of Gorgon, emphasising the potential to capture value across commodity cycles.

JERA Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Low Carbon Fuel Officer, Ryosuke Tsugaru noted the importance of Australia as a reliable LNG supplier and the value of ongoing collaboration with MidOcean to support long-term energy security in the region.

The acquisition strengthens MidOcean’s portfolio by increasing its exposure to large-scale, long-life, integrated LNG assets operated by Chevron.

In parallel, MidOcean and JERA plan to explore further collaborations globally across LNG and related energy transactions, aiming to establish a strategic alliance to pursue disciplined growth and unlock additional value across the LNG value chain.

Gorgon LNG, supplied by the Gorgon and Jansz-Io gas fields offshore Western Australia, consists of three LNG trains with a combined nameplate capacity of roughly 15.6 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), alongside domestic gas and condensate production supported by extensive onshore and offshore infrastructure on Barrow Island.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

UBS acted as financial advisor to MidOcean, with White & Case serving as legal counsel.

-- BERNAMA

EXPEREO NAMES KEVIN BROWN AS COO TO DRIVE GLOBAL OPERATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- Expereo, a leading global Managed Network as a Service (NaaS) provider, has appointed Kevin Brown as Chief Operating Officer (COO), reinforcing its focus on operational integration, efficiency, and scaling customer and supplier-facing functions worldwide.

In a statement, Expereo Chief Executive Officer, Ben Elms said that Brown’s appointment provides a single point of executive ownership, enabling faster decision-making, clearer operational integration, and stronger execution, marking a key milestone in the company’s next phase of growth.

Meanwhile, Brown said: “I am joining Expereo because it sits at the centre of one of today’s most critical business needs – secure, resilient global connectivity.

“I look forward to driving operational excellence, accelerating transformation, and strengthening the customer experience.”

Brown will oversee operational strategy, transformation delivery, and performance across all customer and supplier-facing functions, working closely with Expereo’s Digital Office to advance its digital transformation.

He brings extensive global leadership experience across telecom, cybersecurity, and Software as a Service (SaaS), most recently serving as NCC Group Global COO, where he built and scaled operating models to drive customer experience, efficiency, and growth.

Previously, Brown led BT’s cybersecurity business, establishing a strong track record of transforming operations into engines of value creation at scale.

-- BERNAMA

AIRWALLEX POSTS TRIPLE-DIGIT REVENUE GROWTH IN SINGAPORE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- Airwallex, a global financial and payments platform, has reported strong financial year 2025 performance in Singapore, delivering triple-digit revenue growth for the second consecutive year, with a 107 per cent increase year-on-year and transaction volume rising 93 per cent over the same period.

Airwallex General Manager for Asia-Pacific (APAC), Arnold Chan said: “2024 was our launchpad, and 2025 solidified our lead in Singapore. In 2026, we will look to seal our leadership position across the region, building upon our momentum in Singapore.

“By staying agile to our customers’ needs and deepening our strategic partnerships, we are ready to deliver yet another standout year by driving growth for both Airwallex and the businesses that rely on our financial infrastructure to achieve their global ambitions.”

Airwallex in a statement said it also strengthened its local footprint in 2025, welcoming customers such as Minor Hotels, HipVan, and Lovet, while continuing to support brands such as GlobalTix, Endowus, and Love, Bonito in managing their global financial operations.

Along with its strong commercial momentum, Airwallex’s Singapore headcount grew by 62 per cent in 2025 with hires across its corporate, commercial, and product, engineering and design functions. The company also plans to grow its headcount by more than 70 per cent by the end of 2026.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with regional and global growth ambitions have been a key driver of Airwallex’s growth in Singapore. A survey of 250 local SME decision-makers conducted by Censuswide between Feb 9 and 17 provided insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by this segment.

According to the survey, rising expenses have sharpened into a critical challenge, with nearly three-quarters of SMEs (73 per cent) citing it as a top concern in 2026, up from 62 per cent in 2025, underscoring mounting pressure on margins and operating models.

In addition, SMEs are pivoting from aggressive broad-market expansion to more focused regional growth strategies. Among SMEs planning to expand overseas, more than 97 per cent intend to do so within the next 18 months, suggesting that many are approaching regional expansion with more deliberate planning.

Furthermore, 67 per cent of SMEs remain optimistic about the global business environment. Confidence in Singapore remains strong, with 70 per cent agreeing that the government provides sufficient and accessible support for SMEs expanding overseas.

-- BERNAMA

HORIZON QUANTUM UNVEILS ANTICIPATED BOARD MEMBERS, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd (Horizon Quantum) has announced expected new members of its board of directors and a key addition to its leadership team.

Following the completion of Horizon Quantum’s merger with dMY Squared Technology Group Inc (dMY), the company expects to appoint Danielle Lambert, formerly of Apple Inc; Peter Oey of Grab Holdings Ltd; Jill Turner of Broadcom Inc; and Harry You, Chairman of dMY, to its board of directors.

Meanwhile, Horizon Quantum will also strengthen its leadership team by adding Catherine Fitzsimons, currently of Fidelity International Ltd, as the company’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and company secretary.

“Bringing world-class appointments to our board and leadership team strengthens the company and enhances our ability to achieve our mission of unlocking the full potential of quantum computers,” said Horizon Quantum Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Dr Joe Fitzsimons in a statement.

Previously Apple Vice President of Human Resources, Lambert helped build teams behind several Apple products and played a pivotal role in the founding of Nest Labs Inc, while Oey is Grab Chief Financial Officer and previously held several finance leadership roles at Activision Blizzard Inc.

Turner has more than 20 years of experience in global human resources leadership roles at Fortune 500 technology companies, while You is an experienced public company officer who has held Chief Financial Officer roles at Accenture plc and Oracle Corporation.

Separately, Fitzsimons will join the company in May. At Fidelity, she is currently the Director of Strategic Initiatives and previously served as Head of Global Product Legal.

Horizon Quantum’s mission is to unlock broad quantum advantage by building software infrastructure that enables developers to use quantum computing to solve complex computational problems.

-- BERNAMA

8x8 Recognized at Asian Telecom Awards 2026 for Advancing Real-Time SMS Fraud Protection

SINGAPORE, March 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- 8x8, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT), a leading global business communications platform provider, won the Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year – Singapore award at the Asian Telecom Awards 2026. The award recognizes 8x8 Omni Shield, a real-time SMS fraud mitigation capability designed to help enterprises detect suspicious traffic patterns and reduce financial exposure. 

As SMS-based fraud and artificial traffic inflation continue to rise globally, enterprises face increasing pressure to safeguard customer communications without disrupting legitimate messaging. 8x8 Omni Shield addresses this challenge by embedding fraud detection controls directly into 8x8 Connect, a component of the 8x8 Platform for CX. By enabling organizations to monitor messaging activity and identify anomalies, they are enabled to take immediate action within a unified, no-code interface.

During early-stage deployments, 8x8 Omni Shield identified more than 85% of fraudulent SMS traffic while maintaining reliable message delivery for authorized communications. This initial performance demonstrates the solution’s ability to support operational teams with configurable alerts, automated suspension controls, and traffic visibility tools that help reduce response times during active threat scenarios.

“Organizations require fraud prevention solutions that are both effective and operationally practical,” said Sylvain Chaperon, General Manager, CPaaS at 8x8, Inc. “This recognition reflects our focus on delivering embedded protection capabilities that allow businesses to safeguard their messaging channels without significantly adding technical complexity or introducing major external dependencies.”

8x8 Omni Shield is part of 8x8’s broader security framework supporting the 8x8 Platform for CX. The solution integrates with identity verification workflows to strengthen authentication processes and mitigate risks such as unauthorized account access and one-time password exploitation. In addition, 8x8 Silent Mobile Authentication leverages mobile network verification to validate user identity without relying solely on SMS-based authentication methods, helping reduce exposure to SIM-swap fraud.

The Asian Telecom Awards recognize telecommunications providers across the Asia-Pacific region for innovation, infrastructure development, and contributions to advancing secure digital communications. This recognition underscores 8x8’s ongoing investment in building resilient communications infrastructure that enables enterprises to scale engagement while protecting customer trust.

To learn more about 8x8’s award win, read Asian Telecom Awards’ announcement. 

About 8x8, Inc.

8x8, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT) connects people and organizations through seamless communication on the industry's most integrated platform for Customer Experience – combining Contact Center, Unified Communications, and CPaaS solutions. The 8x8® Platform for CX integrates AI at every level to enable personalized customer journeys, drive operational excellence and insights, and facilitate team collaboration. As a business communications leader, the company helps customer experience and IT leaders around the world become the heartbeat of their organizations, empowering them to unlock the potential of every interaction. For additional information, visit www.8x8.com, or follow 8x8 on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements relate to future events or future financial and operational performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. 8x8 undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

Copyright 2026 8x8, Inc. 8x8 and associated brand assets are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260302686223/en/ 

Contact

8x8, Inc. Contacts: 

Media:
8x8@sourcecodecomms.com 

Investor Relations:
Investor.Relations@8x8.com 

Source : 8x8, Inc. 

--BERNAMA 

XSOLLA LAUNCHES RESELLER PROGRAM TO UNLOCK GLOBAL GAME REVENUE

Graphic: Xsolla

 
KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announced the debut of the Xsolla Reseller Program, a new product designed to help game developers instantly scale and capture billions in untapped revenue within local markets worldwide.

According to Xsolla in a statement, the programme eliminates the need for developers and publishers to build local infrastructure, allowing them to partner directly with official global distributors and resellers.

Game developers pursuing global expansion often face an infrastructure challenge that leaves billions of dollars uncaptured in cash-dependent emerging economies, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa. Players in these regions primarily access digital content through local distribution partners.

"Most game developers face the same challenge when scaling globally: they lack the local infrastructure and direct access to regional markets, especially when building the presence independently is slow, costly, and operationally complex," said Xsolla President, Chris Hewish.

He stated that the Xsolla Reseller Program solves this by serving as the infrastructure layer between developers and vetted local resellers.

The programme transforms this latent global demand into a controlled revenue stream by connecting developers with verified local resellers through a centralised platform that handles communication, onboarding, compliance, fraud protection, and customer support.

Key benefits include maintaining full control over regional distribution strategy using SKU Availability Controls and guaranteeing compliance across all reseller partnerships through a Verified Reseller Approval Process. Developers can also optimise distribution strategies using a Unified Reseller Analytics Dashboard.

Furthermore, the programme secures revenue by eliminating pricing abuse and arbitrage with geo-fenced key distribution and built-in fraud protection. Operational overhead is significantly reduced via a Global Payout Infrastructure that automates tax documentation compliant with local requirements across more than 150 countries.

The programme has initially launched with a curated cohort of resellers and distributors in Southeast Asia and Latin America, with further global expansion planned throughout 2026.

-- BERNAMA

Teledyne e2v Introduces Perciva™ 5D Camera: Occlusion-free 3D Vision for Industrial, Retail, and Robotic Imaging

 

GRENOBLE, France, March 6 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teledyne e2v, a Teledyne Technologies [NYSE: TDY] company and global innovator of imaging solutions, announces the launch of the Perciva™ 5D camera, a breakthrough imaging innovation designed to make high-quality short-range 3D vision cost-effective, reliable, and easy to integrate.

Most industrial cameras only capture 2D images, yet many applications increasingly require depth perception at close and very-close distances. Perciva 5D delivers this capability through a unique Angular Sensitive Pixel technology and advanced on-board processing, enabling real-time 2D and 3D image fusion at the calibrated working distance range. Perciva 5D also features a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU), enabling Artificial Intelligence models to run on-device and be customized to each customer’s specific requirements.

Perciva 5D generates 2D and 3D data from a single CMOS sensor, free from optical occlusion, producing time-aligned 2D frames alongside pixel-aligned 3D depth maps. With comprehensive 3D processing built directly into the camera, users benefit from immediate depth maps or point-cloud outputs. Perciva 5D operates using ambient light, indoors or outdoors, eliminating the need for an external NIR source while maintaining reliable performance and minimizing overall system costs. Designed for challenging environments, it offers plug-and-play integration through its GenICam-compliant, GigE Vision interface and robust IP6x-rated housing with industrial M12 connectors.

Factory calibrated and weighing just 230 grams, Perciva 5D operates at less than 5 W, and is ideal for robotics (arms, cobots and humanoids), retail self-checkout solutions, and 3D industrial process monitoring. It supports user-adjustable frame rates or triggered acquisition and multiple power options. Using GenDC / GenTL the camera integrates seamlessly with Teledyne’s Spinnaker® 4 API and SpinView® for 2D / 3D visualisation, as well as leading machine-vision software platforms.

Perciva 5D will be showcased during Embedded World, Nuremberg, Germany, from 10-12 March 2026. Visit Teledyne at stand 2-541 in Hall 2 or contact us online for more information.

Documentation, samples, and software for evaluation or development are available upon request.

Teledyne Vision Solutions offers the world’s most comprehensive, vertically integrated portfolio of industrial and scientific imaging technology. Aligned under one umbrella, Teledyne DALSA, e2v CMOS image sensors, FLIR IIS, Lumenera, Photometrics, Princeton Instruments, Judson Technologies, Acton Optics, and Adimec form an unrivalled collective of expertise across the spectrum with decades of experience and best-in-class solutions. Together, they combine and leverage each other’s strengths to provide the deepest, widest sensing and related technology portfolio in the world. Teledyne offers worldwide customer support and the technical expertise to handle the toughest tasks. Their tools, technologies, and vision solutions are built to deliver to their customers a unique and competitive advantage.

Media Contact:
Jessica.Broom@teledyne.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30ede095-e44a-4a38-87f4-2a727d75ea9c 

SOURCE: Teledyne e2v

Eight Sleep Reaches $1.5B Valuation, Accelerates Predictive AI for Health

Eight Sleep Reaches $1.5B Valuation, Accelerates Predictive AI for Health

Capital fuels the company's shift from sleep optimization to predictive AI health platform

NEW YORK, March 6 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Eight Sleep, the leading sleep technology company, today announced a new strategic round led by Tether Investments, valuing the company at $1.5 billion. The investment will fund Eight Sleep’s expansion from sleep optimization into predictive, AI-driven health — building a system that anticipates disruptions to recovery and intervenes before they occur.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304029870/en/

The round follows a milestone year. In 2025, Eight Sleep achieved free cash flow positivity while launching three new products — Pod 5, Pod Pillow Cover, and Thermal Blanket — expanding globally to 34 countries, and conducting the most rigorous clinical validation in the company's history. Two peer-reviewed studies show the Pod reduces menopausal hot flashes by 56% and, for the first time in any consumer device, restores the body's natural circadian temperature rhythm during sleep, improving cardiovascular recovery markers.

With Eight Sleep's advancements over the last year, the Company is shifting its focus from sleep optimization to AI-driven preventative health. Eight Sleep is applying predictive intelligence directly to the human body, transforming the bedroom into an intelligent health platform that creates the optimal conditions for recovery before any disruption occurs.

From reactive to predictive: the AI agent

Eight Sleep's Pod tracks biometrics — sleep stages, heart rate, HRV — and automatically adjusts temperature and elevation to improve sleep. Until now, the system has been reactive: reading signals during the night and making real-time adjustments that have been clinically proven to deliver better sleep.

The company is now building a predictive AI agent that anticipates how a user's night will unfold and acts before disruption occurs. The system simulates thousands of scenarios — a warm room, late exercise, a large meal, elevated stress — and optimizes the sleep environment before the user gets into bed.

Eight Sleep’s models are trained on more than one billion hours of real-world sleep data from users in 35+ countries — a proprietary dataset unmatched in scale, diversity, and fidelity. Early pilots of daytime AI-driven guidance have already driven measurable behavior change: nearly half of participants adjusted activity timing, caffeine intake, or sleep schedules based on automated insights.

Expanding into regulated health

Eight Sleep is advancing clinical and regulatory work in the United States, including FDA filings for sleep apnea detection and mitigation. FDA clearance would transform the Pod from a wellness product into a regulated health platform capable of screening, detecting, and intervening at population scale, passively, every night.

"Sleep was just the beginning,” said Matteo Franceschetti, Co-founder and CEO of Eight Sleep. “We've built the most advanced AI-powered health sensing system in the world — one that learns your body better every night and acts on that knowledge. This investment gives us the resources to take that intelligence beyond the bedroom and into every dimension of personal health. What we're building doesn't exist yet — a system that understands your body better each night and acts on that knowledge. Our goal is to build the defining health technology company of this generation."

“We believe advanced personalized AI is the perfect pathway to understand and expand human potential,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Eight Sleep has the potential to define the future of health tech by building intelligence that learns, scales, and evolves directly with humankind, turning advanced AI into practical, everyday insights and enhancements about core human biology. By helping people better understand sleep, recovery, and long-term health, Eight Sleep is laying the groundwork for a new standard in longevity-focused technology that is truly personalized, can function in any condition, directly on-device, resilient, and aligned with how people live. The age of human-first health intelligence has started.”

Investment priorities

The capital will be deployed across three areas: scaling R&D to accelerate predictive model development; expanding clinical trials and regulatory pathways; and deepening global commercial partnerships in priority markets.

About Eight Sleep

Eight Sleep is the first company to bring sleep fitness to the world by combining technology, physiology, and data to unlock deeper sleep and better health. Its products are trusted by professional athletes, including F1 driver Charles Leclerc and top American tennis player Taylor Fritz, business leaders, and health-conscious consumers across the globe. Recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2019, 2022, and 2023, and twice named to TIME's “Best Inventions of the Year,” Eight Sleep continues to redefine the future of sleep. Its products are available in over 34 countries at eightsleep.com.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304029870/en/

Contact

eightsleep@aiir.agency

Source : Eight Sleep

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

XSOLLA ACQUIRES WETAPS, LAUNCHES VIETNAM GAMING MOR SERVICES

Graphic: Xsolla

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announced the acquisition of Ho Chi Minh City-based publisher Wetaps Corporation and the simultaneous launch of its Merchant of Record (MoR) services in Vietnam.


This strategic initiative establishes Xsolla as the country's first licensed MoR for games, providing global developers a seamless and compliant single solution for market entry, payments, and publishing approvals.


“Vietnam has quickly risen to become both a vital domestic market and a global leader in game exports,” said Xsolla President, Chris Hewish in a statement.


He stated that becoming the first licensed MoR helps developers and publishers overcome barriers so they can expand their businesses and reach millions of new players with confidence in Vietnam.


Vietnam has rapidly emerged as a global gaming powerhouse, surpassing established leaders in mobile game exports with over 6.7 billion downloads, and the domestic market is projected to exceed US$430 million by 2025. (US$1=RM3.93)


Xsolla's launch directly addresses the hurdles international publishers face, including fragmented payments and complex regulatory requirements.


The acquisition and the launch are part of Xsolla's Global Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships (GSIP) efforts to expand local publisher assets and build direct-to-consumer infrastructure in high-growth markets.


By combining Wetaps' deep regulatory expertise and co-publishing capabilities with Xsolla's global commerce platform, the company is positioned to offer an end-to-end market entry and monetisation solution.


Key advantages of Xsolla Vietnam include accelerated market entry, allowing for quick launches via an established approval framework. The service also ensures regulatory compliance, offering simplified procedures and reduced risk through strong ties with government regulators.


Furthermore, it provides access to local payments, including over five major methods such as MoMo, ZaloPay, and Napas, alongside revenue optimisation through a streamlined payout structure and optimised revenue share. Xsolla also offers localised support, featuring a curated partner network and dedicated customer support for the Vietnamese market.

-- BERNAMA

CIRRUS EXPANDS TO SINGAPORE, ADVANCES NOVEL EYE THERAPIES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Cirrus Therapeutics, a global ocular immunology company, announced several business and pipeline updates to support its strategy of advancing first-in-class and best-in-class therapies for chronic blinding diseases.

The updates include expanding its global footprint to Singapore, forming a strategic partnership with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and unveiling a next-generation retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell therapy as its second pipeline programme.

“Our presence in Singapore well positions us to leverage critical research, clinical development and partnering opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We look forward to collaborating with A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) and renowned clinician-scientist Dr Xinyi Su to accelerate advancement of cutting-edge ocular medicines, including our differentiated next-generation RPE cell therapy,” said Cirrus Therapeutics Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Ying Kai Chan in a statement.

The company established a new research and development (R&D) site in Singapore, expanding its infrastructure beyond its United Kingdom science origins and United States presence, gaining access to the Asia-Pacific biopharma market. Si Hui Tan, who previously led the first-in-class liver regeneration programme at Lerna Biopharma, has been appointed as Director, Pipeline and Site Head, Singapore.

Related to the expansion, Cirrus entered into a multi-million dollar strategic collaboration with Singapore’s A*STAR. This partnership is aimed at accelerating the advancement of innovative ophthalmic assets, including Cirrus’ newly unveiled second pipeline programme. The collaboration will be led by A*STAR IMCB Executive Director, Dr Su.

Cirrus unveiled its second pipeline programme, a novel RPE cell therapy designed for the treatment of centre-involving geographic atrophy (GA). This next-generation cell therapy is differentiated, offering the potential for class-leading vision restoration due to its capacity to function and survive in the hostile GA environment.

The company also continues to advance its lead programme—a novel ocular gene therapy aimed at restoring IRAK-M to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression and preserve central vision.

-- BERNAMA

Open Campus, Le & Associates, and SKALE partner to pilot credential-powered job matching initiative in Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, March 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Open Campus, the community-led decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) building the blockchain-powered financial layer for education, today announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Le & Associates and SKALE in relation to the intended launch of a credential-powered job matching initiative focused on the Vietnamese market.

The collaboration will combine Open Campus’s education ecosystem and credential and identity infrastructure with Le & Associates’s recruitment expertise and SKALE’s digital recruitment platform to enable candidates to share verified achievements directly with employers, and allow companies to screen applicants based on validated skills rather than solely self-reported resumes. Further details on the rollout will be announced in due course.

The pilot will initially focus on high school and university students entering the workforce and evaluate how trusted, portable credentials can improve alignment between candidates’ verified skills and employers’ hiring requirements.

Ms. Pham Thi My Le, founder and chairwoman at Le & Associates, said: “In Vietnam’s fast-moving labor market, candidates and employers often struggle to clearly signal and match skills and capabilities. Verifiable credentials can help bridge this gap by giving employers more trusted information, while enabling candidates to present their achievements with greater clarity and confidence.”

Mr. Truong Binh Nguyen, chief executive officer of SKALE, said: “SKALE is proud to contribute our online recruitment platform to this initiative. By leveraging AI-powered matching and intelligent screening, we seek to accelerate hiring cycles, enhance talent quality, and foster a more transparent and scalable bridge between enterprises and educational institutions.”

Jonah Lau, project lead and core contributor at Open Campus, said: “Vietnam is a market where education, skills, and employment pathways are rapidly evolving. We are excited to collaborate with Le & Associates and SKALE to demonstrate how verifiable credentials can be used in real hiring workflows - helping learners demonstrate what they have achieved and supporting employers to evaluate candidates with more trusted signals of skills and capabilities.”

As the initiative progresses, insights from the pilot will inform future development of credential‑powered recruitment, supporting the wider adoption of Open Campus ID and verifiable credentials across Vietnam’s talent economy.

About Le & Associates
Founded in 2001, Le & Associates (L&A) is a leading human resources solutions provider in Vietnam and a member of L&A Holdings. With over two decades of experience, L&A specializes in comprehensive workforce solutions, including staffing, outsourcing, mass recruitment, payroll management, and HR services.

L&A currently deploys more than 26,000 employees nationwide and delivers over 200 successful projects each year. By combining deep local market expertise with advanced HR technology, L&A helps businesses optimize their human capital and achieve sustainable growth.

About SKALE
SKALE is an AI-driven HR technology platform that helps organizations attract, assess, and develop talent with advanced AI matching and data-driven recruitment solutions. Built on competency frameworks and intelligent screening, SKALE streamlines hiring and enhances workforce performance for clients across Vietnam and the region.

About Open Campus
Open Campus is a community-led DAO that is building the blockchain-powered financial layer for education. Core contributors to the Open Campus DAO include Animoca Brands, TinyTap, NewCampus, RiseIn, and HackQuest. Together, they are working with Open Campus to enhance the education system for teachers, learners, and institutions by using innovative blockchain protocols and funding initiatives. Open Campus has launched EDU Chain, an Arbitrum Orbit blockchain designed for consumer-facing education apps and on-chain education finance (EduFi).

Media contacts
Le & Associates: cs@l-a.com.vn
SKALE: ask@skale.asia
Open Campus: info@opencampus.xyz

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87e19e20-d7a2-49ff-8957-e7d6f4d51777

SOURCE: Open Campus

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

Bitget Publishes February 2026 Proof of Reserves, Maintaining 169% Total Reserve Ratio

 

VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has released its February 2026 Proof of Reserves (PoR), reaffirming full backing of user assets amid continued market volatility and cautious investor sentiment across digital asset markets.

The February snapshot covers BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC, with corresponding reserve data published on Bitget's Proof of Reserves transparency page. As with previous disclosures, the update includes on-chain wallet attestations and a self-verification tool that allows users to confirm their inclusion in the Merkle tree using anonymized identifiers, preserving both transparency and privacy.

As of the February reporting period, Bitget maintains a total reserve ratio of 169%, remaining well above the industry standard 1:1 benchmark. Asset-specific reserve ratios stand at 352% for BTC, 147% for ETH, 100% for USDT, and 104% for USDC, confirming that all user balances across core assets are fully covered by on-chain reserves.

"Periods of uncertainty are when transparency carries the most weight," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "February continued to test market confidence, but our reserves remained consistently over-collateralized. Proof of Reserves is not a reactive disclosure, it's our internal commitment to reflect how Bitget operates through every market cycle."

Despite persistent macro pressure and heightened volatility, Bitget's reserve structure remained stable, ensuring uninterrupted access to user funds and platform operations. Proof of Reserves functions as a core component of Bitget's broader security framework, operating alongside its Protection Fund and continuous risk monitoring systems. Merkle root verification allows users to independently validate balances without exposing personal or account-level data.

As Bitget continues to expand its Universal Exchange model, bringing crypto, tokenized assets, and onchain markets into a unified trading environment, regular Proof of Reserves reporting remains foundational. Ongoing disclosures provide users with a clear, verifiable view into platform solvency, reinforcing trust as market conditions evolve.

To view Bitget’s latest Proof of Reserves, please visit here.

About Bitget

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NIPPON KINZOKU EXPANDS MAGNESIUM ALLOY FOIL SALES

Magnesium Alloy Foil (Alloy: AZ31B, Thickness: 0.05 mm, Width: 100 mm)

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Nippon Kinzoku Co Ltd, a pioneer in the rolling of magnesium alloys, has announced a strategic expansion in the sales of its magnesium alloy foil, positioned as a core "Eco-Product" to help reduce environmental impact.

The company said in a statement the high-performance material offers the lightest weight among practical metals and features superior vibration-damping properties, addressing a wide range of industrial applications.

The magnesium alloy foil is currently used in the chassis of personal computers (PCs) and smartphones, and the company expects strong growth in demand from the expanding extended reality (XR) device market, beyond mobile PCs.

Nippon Kinzoku said it has integrated its proprietary rolling and material development technologies to establish mass-production capability for ultra-thin magnesium alloy foil, achieving a thickness of as low as 0.044 millimetres.

The product features long-length coils that enable stable production of difficult-to-roll magnesium, allowing continuous processing and improving manufacturing efficiency.

It also offers high strength and formability comparable to thicker plates, enabling press-forming with the same ease as standard-gauge magnesium alloys.

In addition, its vibration-damping properties help absorb noise and vibration, enhancing audio quality in speaker diaphragms and improving stability in mobile device chassis.

-- BERNAMA

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES HIGH-TEMPERATURE VOLTAGE-DRIVEN PHOTORELAYS

Toshiba: small photorelays with 135°C rating for high-temperature equipment operation.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has launched four voltage-driven photorelays, “TLP3407SRB”, “TLP3412SRB“, ”TLP3412SRHB“, and “TLP3412SRLB”, housed in the small S-VSON4T package.

According to Toshiba in a statement, volume shipments start today.

The new photorelays deliver a maximum operating temperature of 135 degrees Celsius (°C), up from 125°C in previous models, targeting automotive semiconductor testers, probe cards, and burn-in equipment that operate under high-temperature conditions.

Advances in electrification and autonomous driving have increased demand for high-density electronic component packaging in automotive equipment, requiring semiconductors and supporting devices to function reliably at elevated temperatures.

Toshiba said the temperature increase was achieved by optimising the design of built-in elements. The photorelays are voltage-driven with integrated resistors on the input side, eliminating the need for external resistors and reducing board space requirements.

The S-VSON4T package measures 1.45 × 2.0 millimetres (mm), enabling multiple photorelays to be mounted on a limited board area while maintaining reliable operation under high-temperature conditions.

Toshiba said the combination of compact size, high-temperature tolerance, and built-in resistor design makes these photorelays well-suited for automotive semiconductor testing and burn-in applications.

The company added that it will continue expanding its lineup of products capable of supporting high-temperature operation for automotive and industrial equipment.

-- BERNAMA

Aeris and Verizon Business Simplify Global IoT Expansion with Unified Connectivity and Orchestration

 

^{Mark Cratsenburg - Chief Commercial Officer, IoT Business Unit, Aeris}


New Aeris IoT Accelerator (IoTA) Services enable multinational enterprises to localize U.S. devices in weeks instead of months using Verizon Business’ IoT connectivity and ThingSpace platform, all through a single global architecture


CHICAGO, Feb 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aeris, a global leader in wireless management platforms, security services and connected vehicle programs, today announced an inbound IoT connectivity management relationship with Verizon Business to transform how multinational enterprises manage and scale international IoT deployments. The collaboration introduces Aeris IoTA Inbound Services, a solution that integrates the IoTA Connectivity Management Platform directly with Verizon ThingSpace platform to simplify multi-region operations. The collaboration has already enabled U.S.-based enterprises with outbound connectivity for international IoT deployments using Aeris IoTA, and this extension will broaden those capabilities by opening up the U.S. market for global device fleets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224143173/en/ 

This innovative collaboration directly addresses the primary challenge for global IoT carriers attempting to localize in the United States: the friction caused by fragmented platforms and complex domestic connectivity stacks. By combining Verizon’s massive U.S. network and ThingSpace platform with the Aeris IoTA platform, enterprises can now manage U.S. and global deployments through a single pane of glass, ensuring consistent commercial terms and unified SIM management.

“Global enterprises require a strategic shift away from the inefficiency of juggling numerous connectivity contracts and disparate platforms,” said Mark Cratsenburg, Chief Commercial Officer, IoT Business Unit, Aeris. “Through this integration with Verizon, Aeris is delivering a unified solution that allows our tier one global partners to expand their IoT customer solutions into the U.S. market with speed and simplicity while continuing to enable a seamless experience for Verizon customers deploying devices outside of the U.S.”

“Our collaboration with Aeris allows us to enrich the IoT experience for global customers by providing them access to our top-class connectivity and platforms in the critical U.S. market. As IoT becomes increasingly mobile and global, collaborations like this one provide customers unprecedented reach and seamlessness without compromising on reliability and value, which is critical for meaningful international expansion,” said Shamik Basu, Vice President of Strategic Connectivity & IoT, Verizon Business.

The Aeris & Verizon Business integration will leverage the latest SGP.32 eSIM standard to facilitate remote provisioning and centralized management, allowing businesses to activate devices in multiple countries with confidence. The solution is designed to support 5G capabilities, including low latency and high bandwidth, which are essential for mission-critical applications in automotive, industrial automation, and smart cities.

Industry research highlights the necessity of this unified approach. John Gole, Research Director, IoT and Mobility at IDC, notes that while organizations see IoT as a key part of strategic digitalization, deploying these solutions remains challenging for those with ambitious plans to incorporate AI and automation. Analysts at IDC further project that the overall investment in the global IoT ecosystem is expected to surpass $1 trillion in 2026 as industries like manufacturing, utilities, and retail ramp up digital business investments.

Key Benefits for Multinational Customers:

• Accelerated Time-to-Market: Onboard U.S. devices in weeks rather than months.
• Operational Efficiency: Unified interface for provisioning, billing, and analytics across all regions.
• Enhanced Security: Extended protection via Aeris IoT Watchtower™ for real-time monitoring and zero-trust control.
• Future-Proof Infrastructure: Built-in support for 5G-enabled applications requiring high device density and responsiveness.

About Aeris

For more than three decades, Aeris has been a trusted wireless IoT leader enabling the biggest IoT programs and opportunities across automotive, utilities and energy, fleet management and logistics, medical devices, and manufacturing. Our IoT technology expertise serves a global ecosystem of 7,000 enterprise customers, nearly 30 mobile network operator partners, and more than 100 million IoT devices across the world. Aeris, the largest orchestrator of eSIMs for IoT, powers today’s connected smart world with innovative technologies and borderless connectivity that simplify management, enhance security, optimize performance, and drive growth at scale. To learn how Aeris IoT Accelerator Platform, Aeris IoT Watchtower, and Aeris Mobility Suite can secure and supercharge your critical IoT programs, visit aeris.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224143173/en/

Contact

Media Contacts
Susanna Song, Chief Marketing Officer: susanna.song@aeris.net
Kevin Petschow: KevinPetschow@guyergroup.com

Source : Aeris

LYONDELLBASELL UPDATES 2030 CLIMATE AND CIRCULARITY GOALS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- LyondellBasell (LYB), a leader in the global chemical industry, has announced updates to its 2030 climate and circularity goals, citing the need for disciplined capital allocation amid evolving market conditions and regulatory developments.

Reflecting current operating realities, the company now targets a 32 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with a 2020 baseline, and aims to produce and market 800,000 metric tonnes of recycled and renewable-based polymers annually by the same year.

The company said its three-pillared strategy remains unchanged, focusing on growing and upgrading its core business, building a profitable circular and low-carbon business, and strengthening performance and culture.

LYB chief executive officer, Peter Vanacker said the company has made measurable progress and gained a deeper understanding of the factors that support value creation from circular and low-carbon solutions, while maintaining capital discipline in the current economic environment.

“These updates to our goals ensure we remain focused on advancing sustainability as a key value driver of our business at a pace aligned with market conditions and the regulatory environment,” he said in a statement.

Among recent milestones, the company has advanced construction of its first commercial-scale catalytic chemical recycling plant using proprietary MoReTec technology in Wesseling, Germany, supporting future growth in circular and low-carbon solutions.

LYB has also progressed in emissions reduction, including improvements at its Houston Refinery site and energy-efficiency initiatives across its manufacturing operations under its Value Enhancement Program.

In addition, the company has secured sufficient projects to reach its target of procuring at least 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, based on 2020 procured levels.

Further details on LYB’s refreshed sustainability approach and the enablers supporting its targets will be released in its annual Sustainability Report in April 2026.

-- BERNAMA

AGIBOT EXPANDS ROBOTICS PRESENCE IN SINGAPORE WITH STRATEGIC DEMONSTRATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- AGIBOT, a robotics company specialising in embodied intelligence, is steadily expanding its presence in Singapore following its initial market entry in October 2025, with a new phase of local engagement showcased during a Chinese New Year event.

During the programme, AGIBOT presented key elements of its robotics portfolio, including a robotic dog demonstration, introducing its technological capabilities to invited guests from the business and professional community.

“Singapore is an important strategic market for AGIBOT as we continue to grow our presence across Asia-Pacific. Through our engagement here, we hope to better understand local industry needs and explore practical collaboration opportunities with partners in Singapore,” said AGIBOT President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, Abel Deng.

The company also participated in a blessing ceremony at Sentosa on Feb 17, with subsequent activities held on Feb 20 and 21, according to a statement.

These events showcased AGIBOT’s humanoid robotics in a hospitality environment, providing guests the opportunity to observe system design and mobility features.

To further advance its deployment-focused strategy, AGIBOT featured its robotics technology at Changi Airport Terminal 5 in collaboration with Certis Group, marking an important step in evaluating integration within one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. The showcase assessed operational suitability in complex, high-security, and high-traffic environments.

Beyond on-site demonstrations, AGIBOT is exploring diversified market approaches in Singapore, including potential joint ventures, leasing collaborations, and the establishment of a regional experience centre to support technical demonstrations, system evaluation, and enterprise training.

As part of its broader Southeast Asia growth strategy, AGIBOT is steadily building its Singapore presence through progressive engagement and practical deployment assessment.

-- BERNAMA