Hilton, Explora Journeys Launch Luxury Ocean Loyalty Tie-Up

 

Hilton and Explora Journeys announce an exclusive collaboration as part of the debut of Hilton Honors Adventures.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Hilton and Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, have unveiled an exclusive partnership that brings high-end cruising into Hilton’s global loyalty ecosystem, marking Hilton’s first major expansion into luxury ocean travel.

Hilton president, global brands and commercial services, Chris Silcock said the partnership creates the perfect moment to introduce Hilton Honors Adventures, opening new ways for members to explore iconic and lesser-known destinations through elevated experiences.

Meanwhile, Explora Journeys president, Anna Nash said this partnership unites two brands committed to thoughtful travel, meaningful connection, and deep discovery.

She added that the collaboration blends the freedom of ocean travel with personalised, well-being-focused hospitality.

Central to the collaboration is the debut of Hilton Honors Adventures, a new extension of Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty programme focused on immersive, adventure-driven travel, according to a statement.

Beginning summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Points on Explora Journeys’ voyages spanning the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and beyond. Explora Journeys currently operates two ships, with plans to grow its fleet to six vessels by 2028.

To mark the launch, Hilton Honors members can access a limited-time preview offer through June 7, 2026, featuring exclusive benefits on all Explora Journeys itineraries, with 16 curated sailings highlighted for added value and early access ahead of full Points integration.

The initiative builds on Hilton Honors’ reach of more than 235 million members worldwide and complements its portfolio of over 9,000 properties, including more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels, while extending loyalty benefits into fast-growing experiential travel segments.

With ocean travel gaining momentum among travellers seeking slower, more immersive journeys, the Hilton-Explora alliance positions both brands at the intersection of luxury hospitality, experiential travel and loyalty innovation.

-- BERNAMA

Bitget Launches Gold, Forex and Commodities Markets for Crypto Users

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Dec 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), today announced the launch of the private beta for Bitget TradFi, a new cross-market feature that gives crypto users direct access to global forex, metals, commodities, indices, and stock CFDs using USDT as margin. Selected users are now able to test this new feature with limited early-access capabilities.

The addressable market is vast. According to the Bank for International Settlements, global FX turnover has reached around $9.6 trillion per day, up nearly 30% from 2022, while OTC interest-rate and FX derivatives trade in the trillions daily and sit on top of more than $700 trillion in notional outstanding. Retail access to this activity is increasingly delivered via CFDs, with the global CFD broker market estimated at $5.6 billion in 2025 revenues and projected to almost double by 2035. Bitget TradFi positions the exchange to tap into this growing segment by bringing it onto the same rails as digital assets.

TradFi allows existing Bitget users to trade major FX pairs, gold and other mainstream CFD products from the same platform they already use for spot, futures, copy trading and tokenized stocks. All positions are margined and settled in USDT, removing the need for separate broker accounts, local bank wires or currency conversions. The product combines deep institutional liquidity, tight spreads and leverage of up to 500x within a framework regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius. The platform’s fee structure is also designed to be highly competitive, with rates starting as low as $0.09 per lot and VIP users enjoying some of the industry’s most favorable trading conditions.

"The shift in wealth management is happening now, assets that were previously only available on certain niche markets are now on Bitget. This is historic; crypto, stocks, gold, forex and commodities now coexist under a single system. This is what an universal exchange merging wealth management under a roof looks like, it's now present day finance," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.

The launch builds on Bitget’s strong track record in bridging TradFi and crypto. Earlier this year, the platform’s tokenized U.S. stock futures surpassed $10 billion in cumulative trading volume, showing sustained demand for 24/7, USDT-settled exposure to traditional assets. Bitget TradFi extends that model from equity derivatives into the broader FX and CFD universe, allowing users to move capital fluidly between crypto, tokenized stocks and macro markets inside a single interface.

By turning one platform into a gateway to both digital and traditional instruments, Bitget TradFi advances the company’s UEX strategy: making global markets more accessible, capital-efficient and borderless for people everywhere.

For more details, visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 120 million users with access to millions of crypto tokens, tokenized stocks, ETFs, and other real-world assets, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, XRP price and other cryptocurrency prices, all on a single platform. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI-powered trading tools, interoperability across tokens on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain, and wider access to real-world assets. On the decentralized side, Bitget Wallet is an everyday finance app built to make crypto simple, secure, and part of everyday finance. Serving over 80 million users, it bridges blockchain rails with real-world finance, offering an all-in-one platform to on/off ramp, trade, earn, and pay seamlessly.

Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9680eab9-c3da-41f5-af21-8b4d908b1b1d 

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

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.

Expereo Helps Kingspan Light, Air + Water Remove Network Complexity and Boost Resilience Across 100 Sites Worldwide

· The partnership provides Kingspan Light, Air + Water with enhanced connectivity globally

LONDON, Dec 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Expereo, the world-leading managed Network as a Service (NaaS) provider that connects people, places and things anywhere, today announces that Kingspan Light, Air + Water, the global provider of solutions in smoke control and fire safety, natural daylighting, ventilation and cooling, sustainable water management, and safe storage, has selected Expereo to deliver a fully managed global connectivity solution.

Kingspan Light, Air + Water had grown rapidly through acquisitions, leaving it with a fragmented network of multiple contracts, vendors and compliance requirements across 100 locations in 22 countries. Previously, multiple contracts, vendors and compliance requirements created complexity, with local changes often going unreported - leading to missed renewals, undocumented modifications and poor visibility into network health. This made diagnosing issues and distinguishing application problems from infrastructure failures extremely difficult.

To overcome these challenges, Kingspan Light, Air + Water partnered with Expereo to deliver a fully managed global connectivity solution. Expereo was chosen for its ability to design, implement, transition and support a single, standardised network under one agreement. The solution combines broadband, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services to ensure robust business continuity - essential for production sites that make up a third of Kingspan Light, Air + Water’s global footprint.

At the heart of the solution is expereoOne, Expereo’s NaaS platform, which gives Kingspan Light, Air + Water a single view of its entire network. The platform enables the IT team to monitor performance, track delivery dates, manage trouble tickets and deactivate services digitally. It also simplifies ordering and invoicing, making it easy to view quotes, place orders and maintain full transparency across all sites.

Ben Elms, CEO of Expereo, says: "I’m delighted we are supporting Kingspan Light, Air + Water in the next phase of its digital transformation. Global businesses face huge challenges managing fragmented networks across multiple regions - and our fully managed service combined with the expereoOne platform deliver the visibility and control Kingspan Light, Air + Water needs. By providing a single source of truth for all sites and services – we’re removing complexity, strengthening resilience and giving the organisation the security to scale and innovate without worrying about network risk."

Fergal Moore, Divisional Head of Infrastructure & Cyber Security at Kingspan Light, Air + Water, says: “expereoOne has transformed how we manage our global network. For the first time - we now have a single view of all services, contracts and performance across every site. This gives us confidence, control and the ability to make decisions quickly – putting us in the best place to capitalise on our growth ambitions.”

About Expereo

Expereo is a world-leading Managed Network as a Service provider that connects people, places, and things anywhere. Solutions include Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an extensive global reach, Expereo is the trusted partner of 60% of Fortune 500 companies. It powers enterprise and government sites in more than 190 countries, with the ability to connect to any location worldwide, working with over 2,300 partners to help customers improve productivity and empowering their networks and cloud services with the agility, flexibility, and value of the Internet, with optimal network performance.

Expereo was acquired in Feb 2021, by Vitruvian Partners which acquired a majority shareholding from Seven2.

About Kingspan Light, Air + Water

Kingspan Light, Air + Water are a global division of Kingspan Group operating in 24 countries worldwide. We deliver cutting edge solutions in Smoke Control + Fire Safety, Daylighting, Ventilation + Cooling, Sustainable Water Management, and Safe Storage. Service and maintenance packages are also a core part of our offering, ensuring safety and compliance for our customers.

Our mission is to create healthier, safer, and more comfortable spaces for people while safeguarding the planet’s natural resources.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209015897/en/ 

Contact

Scarlett King
+44 7534252295

Source : Expereo

--BERNAMA 

​Mavenir Confirms Refocus Strategy on Mobile Core and AI Vision With Expanded Leadership Team to Accelerate AI-Native Network Strategy

RICHARDSON, Texas, Dec 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the software company building AI-by-design mobile networks, today announced a strong leadership team to accelerate its vision for telco-first, cloud-native, AI-by-design networks. This transformation follows the company’s recent recapitalization and aligns with a refreshed product strategy focused on mobile core, AI-enabled automation, and cloud-native platforms.

New Operating Model Aligned to Strategic Priorities

Successful investment in AI will start with an AI-integrated approach, targeted deployments that solve specific problems with low risk, low disruption, and steady rewards. But it must go beyond using AI as a capability in isolation to augment existing processes. Crucially, it’s about building systems, from day one, to be part of a bigger AI vision of agentic, intent-driven operations, with intelligence everywhere.

Mavenir’s AI roadmap marks the transition from AI-integrated to AI-native networks, a shift that redefines how operators run and monetize their infrastructure. AI-integrated networks apply AI to specific functions, while AI-native networks embed intelligence into the core architecture, enabling full automation, real-time optimization, and industrial-scale monetization.

To streamline execution and advance its AI-integrated to AI-native network roadmap, Mavenir is realigning into two integrated business segments, both with a shared focus on AI automation:

· Packet core, messaging, security

· Voice, radio access technologies

Supported by platform & cloud technologies and business solutions.

This structure brings clearer accountability, sharper customer focus, and faster execution across product lines and R&D.

Strong Senior Leadership Team

As part of the new operating model, Mavenir is appointing several seasoned leaders to key roles effective immediately:

· Uli Dopfer,
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Brings over 20 years of financial leadership, most recently as CFO of ADTRAN Holdings. Uli will oversee corporate finance, financial operations, long-term strategic planning and Human Resources.

· Dejan Leskaroski,
Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
Previously leading Mavenir’s strategic mobile core engagements and product lifecycle management. Dejan will define and drive Mavenir’s global revenue strategy and commercial growth.

· Michael Cooper,
Executive Vice President & General Manager, Packet Core, Security & Messaging
Building on Michael’s proven leadership in driving growth for the packet core business unit, his role now expands to encompass packet core, security, and messaging businesses, while also taking on additional responsibility for Mavenir’s Digital Enablement (MDE) R&D.

· Santhosh Kumar,
Executive Vice President & General Manager, Platform & Cloud
Following a tenure since 2008 marked by leadership in global IMS and messaging deployments and in platform engineering across the RAN and IMS portfolios. In this role, Santhosh will lead Platform Engineering, Center of Delivery (COD), and global product support with a mandate to advance platform consistency, accelerate cloud transformation, and scale operational efficiency across the company.

· Sachin Karkala,
Executive Vice President & General Manager, IMS & RAN
A Mavenir leader for over 18 years, Sachin has driven cloud‑native and AI transformations, advanced network solutions, and large‑scale Open RAN deployments while pioneering innovations in IMS/VoLTE and Wi‑Fi calling. He now assumes the role of EVP & General Manager, IMS & RAN, where he will lead voice and radio access technologies with a mandate to accelerate AI‑native evolution, strengthen R&D performance, and deliver next‑generation solutions for global operators.

· Sandeep Singh,
Senior Vice President & General Manager, Business Solutions
Sandeep will be responsible for product marketing across Mavenir’s entire product portfolio. In addition to this expanded role, Sandeep will retain his GM responsibilities for the Digital Enablement (MDE) Business Unit, continuing to drive innovation and growth in business support systems.

Mavenir’s senior leadership team remains strong and collaborative, with Pardeep Kohli (President & CEO), Bejoy Pankajakshan (EVP & Chief Technology & Strategy Officer), BG Kumar (President of Global Operations, Sales Operations & SCMP), Chuck Gilbert (EVP & Chief Legal Officer), Brandon Larson (SVP & GM, Cloud, AI & IMS Business Strategy), and Ilia Abramov (VP & GM, Security) continuing in their current roles. Their steadfast leadership and partnership will provide continuity and support as they work closely with the newly appointed executives to accelerate innovation, strengthen customer focus, and deliver Mavenir’s AI-native network vision.

Leadership Transitions

The company also announces that Terry Hungle, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Bahram Jalalizadeh, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing; Ashok Khuntia, President of Core Networks; and Anup Mahajan, Senior Vice President of Engineering, will transition from their roles at the end of January 2026. The company extends heartfelt gratitude for their contributions, leadership, and dedication that have shaped Mavenir’s success. Terry will continue as Special Advisor to the Board, and Bahram will remain engaged as a consultant to support ongoing customer programs.

Accelerating Innovation and Customer Value

“Mavenir was the first to deliver cloud-native products and have over 300+ operators serving ~3.5B subscribers. As our customers embrace AI-native networks, we are evolving our operating model to respond with greater speed and clarity,” said Pardeep Kohli, President and CEO. “We are excited to welcome these exceptional leaders to Mavenir. With a strong team and sharper strategic focus, we are well-positioned to deliver innovation and exceptional value for our customers.”

“Mavenir’s commitment to delivering AI-by-design solutions goes hand-in-hand with strengthening relationships with our key customers in mobile core,” said Hubert de Pesquidoux, Executive Chairman and Executive Partner at Siris. “This expanded leadership team brings the expertise necessary to drive our profitable growth agenda and reinforce our position as an industry leader. We look forward to accelerating innovation and delivering sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

Looking Ahead

With a unified operating model, a renewed strategic roadmap, and expanded leadership capacity, Mavenir is positioning itself to lead the industry’s transition from AI-integrated to AI-native networks, delivering the automation, intelligence, and agility operators require in the next era of telecom evolution.

About Mavenir 

Mavenir is enabling intelligent, automated, programmable networks through the development of telco-first, cloud-native, AI-by-design software solutions for mobile operators. The company’s deep telco domain expertise has been proven through deployments with 300+ operators globally in over 120 countries, which together serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. Mavenir combines its deep telco experience with the cloud and IT expertise and data science skillsets essential to solving real customer challenges. Its proven software solutions are AI by design, delivering the AI-native future and operators’ evolution to TechCos.

For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

Mavenir PR Contacts:

Emmanuela Spiteri
PR@mavenir.com

SOURCE: Mavenir Systems, Inc.

--BERNAMA

ABU DHABI LAUNCHES FIDA CLUSTER TO DRIVE FUTURE FINANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Abu Dhabi has unveiled the FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster, a major new initiative aimed at accelerating next-generation financial innovation and strengthening the emirate’s role as a global capital hub.

Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), FIDA forms a core pillar of the emirate’s long-term economic diversification strategy, according to a statement.

By 2045, the cluster is expected to add US$15.2 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP), create 8,000 skilled jobs, and attract around US$4.6 billion in investment. (US$1=RM4.10)

FIDA consolidates high-growth sectors where technology, regulation and capital converge, including fintech, digital assets, insurance, reinsurance and alternative investments. The cluster offers global firms a stable, forward-looking jurisdiction to design, test and scale new financial products.

The cluster will accelerate institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure, expand insurance and reinsurance capacity, establish long-term savings frameworks and broaden small and medium-sized enterprises’ access to funding through alternative lending, venture debt and growth capital.

Green and transition finance will anchor FIDA’s sustainability agenda, supporting Abu Dhabi’s net-zero goals while expanding private equity, venture capital and real estate investment opportunities for global institutions.

FIDA will also support priority sectors such as food and water innovation, life sciences and mobility through tailored financing channels enabled by Abu Dhabi’s wider cluster ecosystem.

Underpinned by US$1.8 trillion in sovereign wealth and world-class regulatory frameworks, the emirate offers treaty-backed access to major global markets, enhancing FIDA’s appeal for financial innovators.

Regulators, sovereign investors, infrastructure providers, academic institutions and talent development partners form an integrated ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi to lead in fintech, reinsurance and alternative assets.

FIDA reinforces the emirate’s emergence as a next-generation global financial centre and a preferred destination for firms building the future of finance.

-- BERNAMA

Acronis Partners with Synology to Deliver Three-Year Acronis True Image Essentials with BeeDrive and BeeStation

 

SINGAPORE, Dec 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acronis, a global leader in cybersecurity and data protection, has announced a joint collaboration with Synology to enhance customer data security. All Synology BeeDrive, BeeStation, and BeeStation Plus product lines now include a three-year license to Acronis True Image Essentials for one computer*. This partnership enables users to perform full-system computer backups while maintaining complete ownership and control of their data through local storage. 

“Synology’s Bee Series was designed to make personal and small office data protection effortless,” said Sabrina Chen, Director of Digital Life Group at Synology. “By working with Acronis and its True Image product, the Bee Series extends that simplicity to full-system backup — ensuring users can protect everything from daily work files to complete computer setups with just a few clicks.”

“Acronis True Image Essentials is a natural complement to Synology’s Bee Series,” said Gabriela Licheva, True Image Lead Product Manager, at Acronis. “By combining our leading consumer backup and cybersecurity technology with Synology’s intuitive and intelligent storage solutions, we are giving users a seamless, reliable, and secure way to protect the data that matters most.”

Acronis True Image has long been a trusted solution, providing essential protections like AI-based threat detection against ransomware, malware, and other sophisticated attacks. Beyond traditional backup, it offers fast recovery and secure disk cloning, all in a simple, intuitive setup that lets users back up, recover, and defend their digital lives with a single click. With additional security enhancements planned for future releases, Acronis remains committed to staying ahead of emerging cyberthreats.

All Around File Management and Data Protection for Modern Households
The Synology BeeDrive and BeeStation bring together Synology’s market-proven storage technology and decades of innovation in AI-driven file management. BeeDrive serves as a high-speed personal backup hub for personal computers and mobile devices, featuring Deep Search, an on-device AI file discovery engine for instantly finding files simply by text, description, or location. On the other hand, BeeStation, a personal cloud server, offers seamless file access and collaboration for households and small teams, along with AI photo organizations for managing large collections.

Complementing these capabilities, the Acronis True Image three-year license provides full-system protection, safeguarding not only files but also operating systems, applications, and settings with integrated ransomware defense and reliable recovery tools trusted by millions worldwide.

For more details on the Acronis and Synology partnership, please visit https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/synology-beedrive-beestation-true-image/

Availability
The three-year Acronis True Image Essentials license is available with all BeeStation and BeeDrive models in select regions.

For regional availability, please visit https://sy.to/ifvvu.

For more information about Acronis True Image, please visit https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/

About Acronis:
Acronis is a global cyber protection company that provides natively integrated cybersecurity, data protection, and endpoint management for managed service providers (MSPs), small and medium businesses (SMBs), and enterprise IT departments. Acronis solutions are highly efficient and designed to identify, prevent, detect, respond, remediate, and recover from modern cyberthreats with minimal downtime, ensuring data integrity and business continuity. Acronis offers the most comprehensive security solution on the market for MSPs with its unique ability to meet the needs of diverse and distributed IT environments.

A Swiss company founded in Singapore in 2003, Acronis has 15 offices worldwide and employees in 50+ countries. Acronis Cyber Protect is available in 26 languages in 150 countries and is used by over 21,000 service providers to protect over 750,000 businesses. Learn more at www.acronis.com.

*Each BeeStation and BeeDrive device includes one 3-year Acronis True Image Essentials license for one computer. Redemption must be completed within 90 days of your first Synology Account sign-in on BeeStation or BeeDrive, or by September 2028, whichever is earlier.

This promotion is available only in select regions. Customers are advised to confirm eligibility by reviewing the list of supported regions before making a purchase.

Synology and Acronis reserve the right to amend, suspend, or terminate this promotion, or modify its terms, at any time to the extent permitted by law. For the complete terms and conditions, and to check region availability please refer here at https://sy.to/ifvvu.

Press Contact:
Seok Cheng Chia
Senior Corporate Communications Specialist, Acronis
Seokcheng.chia@acronis.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/952ba064-dc70-4619-870d-9564e5a3f923 

SOURCE: Acronis, Inc.

European Leaders Urge Deeper China–EU Cooperation, CGTN Reports

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU), prompting European political and business leaders to reflect on the relationship and outline priorities for the decades ahead during recent visits to China.

Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said China’s growing global role requires Europe to reassess its approach.

“China and Europe have never been enemies, but we have never been brothers,” he said, adding that “history obliges” both sides to adapt to shifting global dynamics.

According to CGTN in a statement, while Prodi pointed out this historical urgency, former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel shed light on the challenges facing global governance, saying Europe and China share a responsibility to help maintain stability.

He cited United States-led tariff actions as having unsettled global trade and believed that closer Europe-China cooperation could help safeguard the international economic order.

Business leaders also underscored China’s importance. Chairman of Germany’s Peter Jungen Holding, Peter Jungen urged global entrepreneurs to engage more deeply with the Chinese market, describing the country’s shift toward innovation and entrepreneurship as a source of significant opportunity.

Meanwhile, Hungary’s Magyar Nemzeti Bank Director for International Strategy and Cooperation, Iván Kovácsics said Europe must accelerate innovation and expand partnerships to remain competitive.

Cooperation with China, he said, will be essential given its industrial capacity and technological strength.

As China and the EU enter the next 50 years of relations, both sides face the broader question of how to strengthen economic and strategic ties in a multipolar world while managing differences and sustaining global influence.

-- BERNAMA