BEST’S COMMENTARY: AI MODEL DEEPSEEK COULD IMPROVE OPERATING EFFICIENCY AMONG CHINA’S INSURERS, ALBEIT WITH RISKS

 

HONG KONG, March 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The use of the artificial intelligence model DeepSeek among mainland China insurance companies has the potential to help small to medium-sized carriers improve operational efficiencies. Overall, according to its new commentary, AM Best views the use of DeepSeek as being credit neutral for China’s insurance industry over the short term.

Several of China’s insurers have announced the deployment of DeepSeek for their operations. In its Best’s Commentary, “DeepSeek Could Improve Operating Efficiency of Mainland China Insurers, Albeit with Risks,” AM Best states that it remains optimistic about the opportunities and risks arising from AI technology and views the potential impact of DeepSeek on the country’s insurance industry as being credit neutral.

“DeepSeek could help China’s smaller insurers become more competitive and narrow the technology gap between them and larger players,” said Lucie Huang, senior financial analyst, AM Best. “Other positives for companies’ business profiles could include higher revenue growth, improved data analytics and better customer experience.”

However, the commentary also notes that DeepSeek could have a negative impact on insurers’ ERM. The carriers that fail to identify risks associated with AI models or fail to build appropriate risk frameworks may see a negative impact on their business, particularly with regards to regulatory risk, execution risk and model risk.

The use of DeepSeek also could have a mixed impact on insurers’ operating performance, as significant spending on systems, talent or processes without tangible results could dampen performance. “Outcomes will largely depend on insurers’ ability to allocate resources strategically and in proportion to their operational scale and financial capacity,” said Huang. “Insurers that successfully execute their innovation strategies and manage the balance between short- and long-term profitability will be better positioned from a credit perspective.”

To access the full copy of this commentary, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=352374.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
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Contact

Lucie Huang
Senior Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3414
lucie.huang@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Cynthia Ang
Senior Industry Research Analyst
+65 6303 5026
cynthia.ang@ambest.com

Source : AM Best

TELEDYNE UNVEILS TETRA LINE SCAN CAMERA FOR COST-SENSITIVE APPLICATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Teledyne DALSA, a Teledyne Technologies company and global leader in machine vision, has unveiled the new Tetra line scan camera family for cost-sensitive applications.

Designed for a wide range of machine vision applications, Tetra leverages Teledyne’s latest multiline CMOS image sensor technology and builds on the success of the original Linea series of high-value line scan cameras.

According to Teledyne DALSA in a statement, the Tetra camera family offers a high performance-to-cost ratio through its 2.5 GigE Vision interface, which ensures highly reliable data transmission over long cable lengths.

Available in 2k, 4k, and 8k resolutions with a line rate of up to 150 kilohertz (kHz), the camera comes in both monochrome and colour versions, with power consumption under six watts.

The monochrome models deliver excellent image quality with options for single monochrome or dual-line HDR mode, while the colour models provide true red, green, and blue colours without any data interpolation.

Tetra includes essential line scan features such as multiple regions of interest, programmable coefficient sets, and power over internet, in which its 2.5 GigE Vision interface makes it ideal for applications such as electronics inspection, optical sorting, and packaging inspection.

The Tetra line scan camera family will be showcased at Vision China, Shanghai, from March 26 to 28.

-- BERNAMA

EXTENDED VERSION OF AMTD’S THE LAST DANCE MOVIE TO RELEASE ON APRIL 4

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- AMTD Group Inc (AMTD), alongside World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc (WME), a subsidiary of the group under AMTD Digital, jointly announced that AMTD’s latest movie, "The Last Dance: Extended Version", will be released to the public on April 4.

The extended version of The Last Dance will feature an additional 15 minutes of footage, including new scenes with acclaimed actors Kaki Sham and Vincent Kok, as well as additional scenes of Catherine Chau and Dayo Wong.

According to a statement, the additional footage enriches the story by delving deeper into the family background issues faced by Wong's character, Dominic Ngai.

As of the date of the announcement, the movie has achieved a global box office of US$50.7 million, becoming the highest-grossing Chinese-language film ever in Hong Kong history. (US$1=RM4.44)

Continuing to enjoy widespread acclaim following its original release in November last year, The Last Dance is also a clear front runner for various international film festivals, including 18 nominations in the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, the 18th Asian Film Awards; and the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Awards.

AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality areas.

Meanwhile, jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group, and AMTD Digital Inc, World Media and Entertainment focuses on global strategies and developments in multimedia, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

HONG KONG SUPER MARCH HEATS UP WITH 2025 SEVENS AT ICONIC KAI TAK STADIUM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Hong Kong Super March is in full swing, with 10 world-class events across sports, art, culture, and entertainment taking over the city this month.

The most anticipated event is the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2025, scheduled from March 28 to 30 at the newly inaugurated Kai Tak Sports Park, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement.

This year’s tournament marks a thrilling new chapter for the Hong Kong Sevens as it moves to the state-of-the-art, 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, which opened its doors on March 1. The new venue promises to elevate the fan experience to new heights and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for major events.

The Hong Kong Sevens will feature cutting-edge technology and increased capacity, providing fans with an unforgettable experience. The stadium is equipped with a retractable roof and an innovative bowl cooling system to ensure comfort for everyone, while The Champion sports bar, one of Asia's largest, offers an exciting atmosphere and a full Sevens experience.

Returning to the Sevens is the legendary South Stand, which is now bigger and better than ever. The upgraded South Terrace, featuring a panoramic glass wall with views of Victoria Harbour, provides a thrilling viewing experience. Fans can also enjoy free-flowing drinks with the South Stand SuperPass, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This year’s Sevens will not only feature intense rugby action but also a spectacular entertainment lineup, including live performances by British rock band Kaiser Chiefs, DJ Pete Tong, and Italian singer GALA. The event will also feature a mesmerising laser and pyrotechnic show that promises to make the opening and closing ceremonies the biggest yet.

Beyond rugby, Kai Tak Sports Park offers a wealth of entertainment options. The nearby Kai Tak Mall boasts over 200 retail outlets and nearly 70 dining options, ideal for post-game relaxation.

Hong Kong Super March continues with other exciting events, including Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central, and the international ComplexCon. Visitors can take advantage of over 160 deals across dining, attractions, and hotels.

-- BERNAMA

GRADIANT WINS SECOND SEMICONDUCTOR WATER TREATMENT PROJECT IN DRESDEN AS H+E FULLY INTEGRATES UNDER ONE BRAND

 

Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and wastewater treatment, announced a major contract to design and build an ultrapure water (UPW) facility for one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers in Dresden, Germany. (Graphic: Business Wire) 

BOSTON, March 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and wastewater treatment, today announced a major contract to design and build an ultrapure water (UPW) facility for one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers in Dresden, Germany. This marks Gradiant’s second major semiconductor water treatment project in the city, reinforcing its position as the partner of choice for mission-critical water infrastructure in the world’s most advanced industries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250311613693/en/

The project will be led by Gradiant’s Germany-based team, supported by its global process and project delivery experts in the United States, Taiwan, and Singapore. The new semiconductor manufacturing plant serves a key role in strengthening Europe’s semiconductor supply chain to meet the region’s growing demand for advanced chips.

In parallel, Gradiant announced the full integration of H+E into the Gradiant brand. The transition unites H+E’s century-long legacy in ultrapure and industrial water treatment with Gradiant’s advanced technology portfolio, solidifying Gradiant’s position as the premier provider of sustainable water solutions worldwide.

Since joining Gradiant in October 2023, H+E has signed and delivered several cutting-edge plants for essential industries. By creating strategic and operational synergies, bolstering financial strength and expanding the technology portfolio, Gradiant has been the ideal foil for H+E's rapid growth.

Over the past 18 months, the companies have successfully combined H+E’s engineering expertise in Europe with Gradiant’s differentiated solutions in water and wastewater treatment, PFAS removal and destruction, resource recovery of lithium and critical minerals, and green hydrogen production. The integration reflects Gradiant’s commitment to delivering a seamless client experience while accelerating the adoption of innovative and sustainable water technologies to all corners of the world.

"Water is the lifeblood of every major industry. The transition of H+E to Gradiant is a natural step in our journey to elevate water for the world’s essential industries," said Prakash Govindan, COO of Gradiant. "By uniting under one identity, we create greater potential to serve our customers with an unmatched portfolio of advanced technologies, end-to-end water solutions, and global expertise."

The transition will be fully completed by April 1, 2025, with all H+E operations and communications aligning under the Gradiant identity. Clients will continue to receive the same high-quality service from their trusted teams, backed more than ever, by Gradiant’s global network of expertise and resources.

This milestone underscores Gradiant’s leadership in delivering mission-critical infrastructure for the most advanced industries – at a global scale – and demonstrates its ability to create exponential value through strategic acquisitions.

About Gradiant

Gradiant is a Different Kind of Water Company. With a full suite of differentiated and proprietary end-to-end solutions for advanced water and wastewater treatment powered by the top minds in water, the company serves its clients' mission-critical operations in the world's essential industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, lithium and critical minerals, and renewable energy. Gradiant's innovative solutions reduce water used and wastewater discharged, reclaim valuable resources, and renew wastewater into freshwater. The Boston-headquartered company was founded at MIT and has over 1,200 employees worldwide. Discover us at gradiant.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250311613693/en/ 

Contact

Corporate
Felix Wang
Gradiant, Global Head of Brand
fwang@gradiant.com 

Source : Gradiant

--BERNAMA

XSOLLA LAUNCHES LOYALTY AS A SERVICE FOR GAME DEVELOPERS TO BUILD STRONGER CONNECTIONS WITH PLAYERS

 

^{Graphic: Xsolla}


Empowering Developers With Tools To Boost Retention, Increase Revenue, And Foster Deeper Engagement On Their Terms


LOS ANGELES, March 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announces the launch of an innovative, customizable loyalty as a service solution designed to help developers seamlessly integrate rewards into their games’ purchase flows. This solution empowers developers to increase LTV and convert more non-paying players by enabling them to earn and redeem points, boosting engagement, retention, and recurring revenue while requiring minimal setup. The developers’ loyalty programs can be set up across direct-to-consumer stores, web shops, and Xsolla Pay Station for a seamless checkout experience for players.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250311773400/en/ 

Unlike programs offered by third-party platforms, Xsolla’s solution ensures developers retain complete control over user data and relationships while providing expert guidance and best practices to maximize efficiency. The program is fully customizable, allowing developers to tailor loyalty point titles, icons, and configurations to align with their games’ brand identity and player behavior.

Developers can create programs suited to their unique goals with features such as:

• Cashback Rewards: Offer players a percentage of their purchases as cashback points for discounts on future purchases
• Loyalty Points: Sell items players can exclusively redeem using points seamlessly integrated into direct-to-consumer platforms, like web shops, for mobile, PC, and web games
• Cross-Title Loyalty Programs: Publishers with multiple games can drive cross-marketing efforts by rewarding players across their entire catalog
• Tier-Based Rewards: Encourage players to reach spending milestones with rewards such as discounts, content, or personalized welcome gifts

These features ensure players can redeem loyalty points for discounts, exclusive content, or partial payments, creating a seamless and rewarding experience.

“While platforms are focused on building and maintaining their relationships with games, Xsolla is giving developers the tools to create personalized loyalty programs for direct-to-consumer journeys,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla. “It enables developers to drive player retention, increase revenue, and build stronger player relationships—all while maintaining complete control over the loyalty program mechanics.”

The Loyalty as a Service solution is designed to be easy to integrate via the Xsolla Publisher Account, eliminating the need for coding and accelerating time-to-market. Developers already accepting payments with Pay Station are offered a one-click experience to launch the solution for their stores, in-game or in-app.

For more information or to sign up for a Publisher Account, visit: xsolla.pro/rws25las

About Xsolla

Xsolla is a leading global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the industry. Since its founding in 2005, Xsolla has helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch, and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. As an innovative leader in game commerce, Xsolla’s mission is to solve the inherent complexities of global distribution, marketing, and monetization to help our partners reach more geographies, generate more revenue, and create relationships with gamers worldwide. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, with offices in London, Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Raleigh, Tokyo, Montreal, and cities around the world.

For more information, visit xsolla.com

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250311773400/en/

Contact

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

Source : Xsolla

SALESFORCE INVESTS US$1 BLN IN SINGAPORE TO DRIVE AI, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- Salesforce, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered customer relationship management (CRM), has announced a US$1 billion investment in Singapore over the next five years with the goal of accelerating digital transformation and Agentforce adoption. (US$1=RM4.40)

This investment underscores Salesforce's commitment to supporting Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 and the nation’s role as a global AI innovation hub, according to Salesforce in a statement.

Salesforce Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Marc Benioff said: “Singapore is at the forefront of this shift, and we are excited to expand our work with the business community and our longtime partners to drive innovation, productivity and growth.”

The investment comes at a time when the global digital labour market, valued at US$6 trillion, is rapidly expanding. As Singapore faces a slowing labour force, Salesforce’s Agentforce platform presents an opportunity to enhance workforce capabilities, particularly in key service and public sector roles.

Salesforce plans to work closely with Singapore’s business community to enhance productivity, innovation, and growth through Agentforce. In addition to Agentforce, the company will support local enterprises by providing exclusive discounts, simplified integrations, and scalable solutions to help build digital workforces.

The company has been investing in Singapore for nearly 20 years, contributing to the development of groundbreaking AI technologies. The Singapore AI Research hub, launched in 2019, has played a pivotal role in the advancement of Salesforce's AI models and innovations, helping to shape future product developments.

Additionally, Salesforce is expanding its services on Hyperforce, its next-generation cloud architecture, to provide data residency for Data Cloud, Agentforce, and Unified Marketing Applications (UMA) by next month, ensuring compliance with data security regulations.

Salesforce is also committed to workforce development, partnering with local educational institutions to provide AI and CRM training through its Trailhead platform. As part of its corporate philanthropy, Salesforce has been actively contributing to local non-profits, dedicating time and resources to community initiatives.

-- BERNAMA

VEEMS CYPS