Kaplan Professional Australia, IFPAS Celebrate Milestone Graduation Of Elite Financial Advisers

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- In a strong show of cross-border collaboration and rising professional standards, Kaplan Professional Australia and the Insurance and Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS) marked a key milestone with the graduation of nearly 110 financial advisers from two flagship certification programmes.

Nearly 60 individuals have completed the Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner (FChFP) Certification — a prestigious credential backed by the Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA) and recognised by all of its nine member countries. This inaugural cohort signals a new benchmark in regional advisory excellence.

According to a statement, close to 50 others were certified as High Net Worth (HNW) Advisers in its latest cohort, joining a growing elite of nearly 200 advisers trained to serve affluent clients with advanced wealth strategies.

“There are many certifications in the market, but the FChFP stands apart as the most modern, practice-based financial planning designation in Singapore and the region — backed by Kaplan’s global reputation and regionally endorsed by APFinSA and IFPAS.

“The HNW Certification is equally transformative — it empowers professionals with advanced capability, global perspective, and an ethical lens to deliver deeper value to HNW individuals, allowing them to build meaningful, trust-based relationships through sophisticated strategies and insight,” said Kaplan Professional Australia Chief Executive Officer, Brian Knight.

The FChFP Certification, aligned with Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) standards, offers a fast-tracked path to Level 2 or 3 accreditation. Built on real-world, client-centric learning, the programme reflects global best practices in modern financial planning.

Meanwhile, the HNW Certification delivers in-depth expertise in asset protection, wealth structuring, behavioural finance, and high-level client engagement — all critical in today’s evolving advisory landscape.

The success of these programmes comes at a pivotal time for financial services in Southeast Asia, as regulatory reform, digitisation, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) mandates, and rising client financial literacy are driving a shift from product sales to advice-based, professional service models.

-- BERNAMA

Calabrio To Merge With Verint In US$2 Bln Deal Backed By Thoma Bravo

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Calabrio, a leader in customer experience (CX) automation, announced that it will merge with Verint Systems Inc (Verint) in a US$2 billion all-cash transaction led by software investment firm Thoma Bravo. (US$1=RM4.20)

According to a statement, the definitive agreement, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to be finalised by early 2026.

The combination of Calabrio and Verint will create one of the most comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI)-powered CX platforms in the US$50-billion plus customer experience market.

“Together Calabrio and Verint will bring a powerful set of products to accelerate a shared vision: delivering an AI-powered, open CX platform to customers who are focused on driving strong business outcomes in their operations. As a combined company we are well positioned to lead the industry forward,” said Calabrio Chief Executive Officer, Dave Rhodes.

Meanwhile, Thoma Bravo Partner, Mike Hoffmann said the company has been active in the CX space for many years and is excited to bring these two companies together to lead more innovation and growth in the category.

“Calabrio and Verint both have powerful product portfolios and go-to-market strategies that cover the needs of a wide spectrum of the market. Together, the combined company will have the industry’s broadest CX platform, enabling brands of all sizes to drive transformative, AI-driven outcomes,” said Hoffmann.

Together, they will offer an expansive portfolio to advance the critical priorities of CX organisations across the size and complexity spectrum.

The combination will create more opportunities for companies to quickly achieve business outcomes in their interactions with customers, and Calabrio is fully committed to maintaining and investing in the products that support its installed base and customers’ workflows.

-- BERNAMA

CMA: DUNE RETURNS TO ABU DHABI'S SANDS FOR THIRD INSTALMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Abu Dhabi has returned as a principal shooting location for the next chapter in Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction saga Dune.

Media company Legendary Entertainment confirmed that production on the highly anticipated third instalment will return to Abu Dhabi’s picturesque Liwa desert with its cinematic towering sand dunes and golden expansive horizon to capture the essence of the mythical planet of Arrakis.

The new film will continue the sweeping saga of Paul Atreides and the complex legacy of this empirical rule. Filming in the desert city will begin later this year, with Creative Media Authority (CMA) Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Film Commission providing essential logistical support, and Image Nation serving as production partner.

According to CMA in a statement, the film, a continuation of the Academy Award-winning franchise from Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros Pictures, will again benefit from the cashback rebate offered by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

Abu Dhabi has served as the backdrop for over 180 major film and television productions through the introduction of the cashback rebate, including F1 The Movie, Mission: Impossible, Star Wars, Fast and Furious, and Sonic the Hedgehog, a reflection of the emirate’s diverse locations, talent pool, and filmmaking incentives.

The mission of the CMA is to champion content creation in Abu Dhabi by empowering content creators via strategic guidance, talent development, financial support, and a world-class regulatory environment.

-- BERNAMA

Frontline International Names Zack Palazzo Vice President of Sales and Finance

^{Zack Palazzo, Vice President of Sales and Finance}


CLEVELAND, Aug 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Frontline International, a leading maker of smart solutions for management of fats, oils, and grease in restaurants and commercial kitchens, has promoted Zack Palazzo to vice president of sales and finance. Palazzo has been with the company for more than a decade, previously serving as director of sales and finance.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826298027/en/

A Purdue University graduate with a degree in industrial technology, he earned his MBA from Kent State University. In his new role, Palazzo will continue to lead sales efforts while taking on increased responsibility for the company’s financial health. He will focus on driving business growth, supporting customers, and developing strategies for long-term success.

Palazzo has deep experience overseeing a range of initiatives focused on developing Frontline’s customer base, growing sales, and enhancing tools and training for the company’s sales force. He also has a unique understanding of how critical technologies are the backbone of today’s foodservice kitchen.

“Technology is always evolving, and Frontline’s success is rooted in using new technology in creative ways to make foodservice kitchens run safely and more efficiently,” said Palazzo. “Our goal is a streamlined experience that improves food quality and consistency. This new role enables me to further our message of enhancing safety, savings, and sustainability, ingraining it within our sales force, and leveraging it for market gains.”

“Zack is a key member of our leadership team, and we look forward to the additional value he will bring to our organization and customers in this new role,” said Giovanni Brienza, president. “His broad understanding of our product, business, and customers gives him acute insight into our value proposition, how to best communicate it, and how it translates into growth. We’re looking forward to even greater successes as he serves in this new role.”

“As we continue to grow worldwide, a strong and innovative sales department is vital to expand our reach into new territories,” said John Palazzo, president. “Zack’s knowledge of our industry and products well-positions us for this continued growth.”

For more information about Frontline International, visit www.frontlineii.com.

About Frontline International

Frontline International, Inc. designs, manufactures, and distributes superior commercial foodservice equipment for the storage, handling, and disposal of cooking oil. Customers own their own equipment, negotiate their own oil rebates, and have the freedom to choose their own oil vendors. The company also offers turnkey oil management under its OilCare^® bundled services program. For more information, contact Frontline International, Inc. at 187 Ascot Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. Phone: +1 330-861-1100. Toll free: 1-877-776-1100. Web: http://www.frontlineii.com. Email: info@frontlineii.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826298027/en/

Contact

Christina Campbell: 216.579.6100 ext. 8
e-mail: christina@CunninghamBaron.com

Source : Frontline International, Inc.

Toshiba Releases Automotive Photorelay in a Small Package that Achieves Output Withstand Voltage of 1500V for Automotive Battery Systems

^{Toshiba: "TLX9161T," a new photorelay with an output withstand voltage of 1500V, housed in a small package.}


KAWASAKI, Japan, Aug 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation ("Toshiba") has launched an automotive photorelay^[1], "TLX9161T," in a small SO12L-T package, that achieves an output withstand voltage of 1500V (min), the level required to support high voltage automotive batteries. Volume shipments start today.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820514873/en/ 

Key challenges in popularizing electric vehicles include reducing charging times and improving cruising range. Addressing these requires efficient operation of the battery system. This is done by the battery management system (BMS), which monitors the battery’s charge status to enable high-efficiency system operation, and also monitors isolation between the battery and the vehicle body to ensure the safe use of high-voltage batteries. Electrically isolated photorelays are used in BMS that handle high voltages.

Toshiba’s new product, a high-voltage photorelay with an output withstand voltage of 1500V (min), is a miniaturized version of Toshiba's TLX9160T photorelay. Miniaturizing the TLX9160T’s built-in MOSFET chip has achieved integration into the SO12L-T package, which has a mounting area approximately 25%^[2] smaller than the TLX9160T’s SO16L-T package. This size reduction also contributes to miniaturization and cost reduction of the BMS. The pin pitch and pin layout are the same as those of the SO16L-T, enabling use of the same circuit board pattern design.

The new photorelay uses a resin with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI^[3]) exceeding 600, which is classified under Material Group I^[4] of the IEC 60664-1^[5] international standard. The pin configuration ensures a creepage distance of more than 5mm^[6] on the detector side. This realizes compliance with IEC 60664-1, supporting an operating voltage of 1000V.

Toshiba will continue to expand its lineup of automotive photorelay products and provide solutions that address the challenges in popularizing electric vehicles, aiming to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

Notes:
[1] Photorelay: The primary (control) and the secondary (switch) sides are electrically isolated. Switches connected directly to the AC line, and switches between equipment that differ in ground potential, can be controlled through insulating barriers.
[2] Comparison of SO16L-T package size (10.3×10.0×2.45 mm) with SO12L-T package size (7.76×10.0×2.45 mm).
[3] Comparative Tracking Index (CTI): An index that indicates the voltage withstand capability of an insulating material before an electrical track (conductive path) forms along its surface.
[4] Material Group I: A classification of molded materials in IEC 60664-1 that refers to materials with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI^[3]) of 600 and more.
[5] IEC 60664-1: The standard that specifies principles, requirements, and test methods for insulation coordination for systems up to AC 1000V or DC 1500V.
[6] More than 5mm: The required creepage distance for an operating voltage 1000V, material group I, pollution degree 2 (the degree of pollution of the operating environment where electrical equipment is used; pollutants are entirely non-conductive, but could potentially be rendered conductive by condensation.)

Applications

• Automotive equipment: BMS (battery voltage monitoring, mechanical relay sticking detections, ground fault detections, etc.)
• Replacement of mechanical relays

Features

• Small package: SO12L-T (7.76×10.0×2.45 (mm) (typ.))
• Output withstand voltage: V_OFF=1500V (min)
• Normally opened (1-Form-A) device
• Avalanche current rating: I_AV=0.6mA
• High isolation voltage: 5000Vrms (min)
• AEC-Q101 qualified
• Compliant with IEC 60664-1 International Standard

Main Specifications

(Unless otherwise specified, Ta=25℃)
Part number				TLX9161T
Contact				1-Form-A
Absolute maximum ratings	Input forward current IF (mA)			30
	ON-state current ION (mA)			30
	Operating temperature Topr (°C)			-40 to 125
	Avalanche current IAV (mA)			0.6
Electrical characteristics	OFF-state current IOFF (nA)	VOFF=1000V	Max	100
	Output withstand voltage VOFF (V)	IOFF=10μA	Min	1500
Recommended operating conditions	Supply voltage VDD (V)		Max	1000
Coupled electrical characteristics	Trigger LED current IFT (mA)	ION=30mA,　t=10ms	Max	3
	Return LED current IFC (mA)	IOFF=100μA, Ta=-40 to 125°C, t=40ms	Min	0.05
	ON-state resistance RON (Ω)	ION=30mA, IF=10mA, t<1s	Max	500
Switching characteristics	Turn-on time tON (ms)	IF=10mA, RL=20kΩ, VDD=40V	Max	1
	Turn-off time tOFF (ms)		Max	1
Isolation characteristics	Isolation voltage BVS (Vrms)	AC, 60s	Min	5000
Clearance distance (mm)			Min	8
Creepage distance (mm)			Min	8
Package	Name			SO12L-T
	Size (mm)		Typ.	7.76×10.0×2.45
Sample Check & Availability				Buy Online

Follow the link below for more on the new product.
TLX9161T

Follow the link below for more on Toshiba’s Isolators and Solid State Relays.
Isolators/Solid State Relays

Follow the link below for more on Toshiba’s Automotive Devices.
Automotive Devices

To check availability of the new products at online distributors, visit:
TLX9161T
Buy Online

* Company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies.
* Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation, a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, draws on over half a century of experience and innovation to offer customers and business partners outstanding discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD products.

Its 19,400 employees around the world share a determination to maximize product value, and to promote close collaboration with customers in the co-creation of value and new markets. The company looks forward to building and to contributing to a better future for people everywhere.

Find out more at https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/top.html

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820514873/en/

Contact

Customer Inquiries:
Optoelectronic Device Sales & Marketing Dept.
Tel: +81-44-548-2218
Contact Us

Media Inquiries
C. Nagasawa
Communications & Market Intelligence Dept.
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

Source : Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation

TRIDENT ACQUIRES 30 PCT STAKE IN TONGXIN'S WEB 3.0 E-COMMERCE PLATFORM ON TELEGRAM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd (Trident), a Singapore-based digital transformation company, has signed a sales and purchase agreement to acquire a 30 per cent equity stake in Tongxin Innovation Ltd (Tongxin).

The transaction, valued at about US$3 million, will be executed through the issuance of Trident’s American Depositary Shares (ADSs) in the form of Class B ordinary shares to Tongxin’s shareholders. (US$1=RM4.21)

The deal values Tongxin, which operates the ToMe Web 3.0 e-commerce platform on Telegram, at approximately US$10 million.

In a statement, Trident said the strategic investment expands its Web 3.0 ecosystem and underscores its commitment to blockchain-enabled e-commerce solutions.

Trident Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Soon Huat Lim said the acquisition aligns with the company’s mission to become a global leader in Web 3.0 enablement.

He said the integration of ToMe’s Web 3.0 commerce capabilities with Tridentity will enhance user experience and accelerate blockchain adoption in mainstream commerce.

Tongxin’s ToMe platform is built on Telegram, which has more than one billion users, and is designed to address e-commerce challenges through its “4F” value proposition, which is Fair, Fast, Friendly and Free.

The company has partnered with decentralised blockchain projects on Ton, which has a combined user base of over 10 million, with active communities in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Tongxin has also reached preliminary agreements with real-world asset companies operating artificial intelligence-powered shopping malls in Southeast Asia. Its leadership team comprises former executives from eBay, PayPal, Tencent and JD.com, which it said positions the company to develop a global online and offline micro-business ecosystem.

The combination of its blockchain-based identity platform, Tridentity, with ToMe’s Web 3.0 infrastructure, will create a secure and authenticated digital commerce ecosystem.

-- BERNAMA

Xsolla Expands Payments in Asia to Support FPX, K PLUS, AIS, Indosat, and MerPay

 

^{(Graphic: Xsolla)}


Xsolla Accelerates Payment Coverage In Asia And Delivers Localized, Mobile-First, And Digital Wallet-Led Checkout Experiences


LOS ANGELES, Aug 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xsolla, a global commerce company helping developers launch, grow and monetize their games, announces today a significant expansion of its payments solution across Southeast Asia, reinforcing its commitment to delivering localized, mobile-first checkout experiences in the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets. With the launch of ShopeePay in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, FPX in Malaysia, K PLUS and AIS in Thailand, Indosat in Indonesia, and MerPay in Japan through Xsolla Pay Station, developers and publishers can now offer more trusted regional payment methods to players across Asia, boosting conversions and driving long-term engagement.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250814644507/en/ 

The gaming market in Asia continues to grow at an extraordinary pace. The mobile gaming content market in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to surpass $70 billion by 2025, with mobile gaming expected to account more than 60% of all gaming revenue in the region - underscoring the explosive growth and dominant role of mobile in Asia’s gaming landscape. Success in this mobile-first, highly localized market requires deep cultural alignment, especially at checkout. Players expect frictionless access to games and prefer to pay using popular digital wallets, bank transfers, or carrier billing rather than global credit cards.

Key benefits of the Payments in Asia expansion include:

• Trusted Local Payment Methods with Proven Reach: Xsolla Pay Station now supports ShopeePay (dominant in Malaysia and Singapore e-commerce), FPX (used by 90% of Malaysian consumers), K PLUS (Thailand’s top mobile banking app with 22.8M users), AIS (Thailand’s #2 mobile carrier with 44M users), Indosat (Indonesia’s key carrier billing provider) and MerPay (One of Japan’s e-wallet that serves 16.8M users). These integrations reflect regional dominance and user trust across the Asian markets.
• Localized Checkout in Native Languages: Checkout flows are fully localized, providing players with regionally tailored language support for a more intuitive, frictionless payment experience.
• Mobile-First, Wallet-Optimized Flows: Payment journeys are designed for mobile behavior, supporting QR codes, banking apps, and carrier billing without redirects or unnecessary friction.
• Access to 1.5 B+ Gamers in High-Growth Markets: Southeast Asia is projected to reach over 332 million gamers by 2028, with mobile accounting for 60% of game revenue. This makes payment localization critical for reach and monetization.
• Increased Conversion and Reduced Abandonment: Familiar payment options and native-language checkout reduce cart drop-off and improve transaction success, especially among underbanked users who rely on wallets and telecom billing.

“Asia continues to lead the global gaming economy, especially in mobile,” said Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla. “To succeed in this region, developers must meet players where they are on their devices, in their language, and through their preferred payment methods. This is further supported by the fact that digital wallets are the most popular payment method among gamers in the Asian region, with over 75% using them to pay for games. With this expansion, we’re helping developers turn interest into transactions and build meaningful, localized experiences across Asia.”

These additions build on Xsolla’s vast coverage and existing infrastructure, strengthening its position as the go-to partner for developers expanding into Asia. With Pay Station’s new localized methods, developers can deliver smoother, faster, and more trusted checkout experiences that align with player behavior across key tiger markets.

Developers and publishers interested in expanding their reach and improving conversions in Asia can enable these payment methods directly through Xsolla Pay Station.

To get started or integrate Payments in Asia, check out https://publisher.xsolla.com/

For a complete list of enhancements and developer tools, visit: xsolla.pro/rws25paymentsinasia

About Xsolla

Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the mission to bring opportunities together, and continually make new resources available to creators. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record and has helped over 1,500+ game developers to reach more players and grow their businesses around the world. With more paths to profits and ways to win, developers have all the things needed to enjoy the game.

For more information, visit xsolla.com

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250814644507/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Derrick Stembridge
Vice President of Global Public Relations, Xsolla
d.stembridge@xsolla.com 

Source : Xsolla