Cloudera Named Leader In IDC APAC MarketScape For Unified AI Platforms 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Cloudera, the only company bringing artificial intelligence (AI) to data anywhere, has been named a Leader in the IDC APAC MarketScape for Unified AI Platforms 2025 vendor assessment.

Cloudera in a statement said IDC highlighted its ability to deliver a comprehensive platform that integrates the latest generative AI and agentic workflows with enterprise-grade governance, security, and operational features.

“Being named a leader by IDC is a milestone that validates our vision of bringing AI to data anywhere. Enterprises today face the dual challenge of accelerating innovation while ensuring trust and compliance. 

“Cloudera is uniquely positioned to help them achieve both, delivering the transparency, security, and scalability they need to responsibly adopt generative and agentic AI at scale,” said Cloudera Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan, Remus Lim.

Cloudera’s platform is built to help organisations scale responsible AI in highly regulated and complex environments, supporting industries such as financial services, telecom, healthcare, and government. 

According to IDC, Cloudera’s strengths include robust frameworks with fine-grained policies, audit trails, and compliance alignment, while it also has end-to-end capabilities spanning data engineering, machine learning operations/large language model operations (MLOps/LLMOps), generative AI orchestration, and agentic workflows with built-in observability.

The company has also expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Its low-code/no-code AI Studios enable both technical and business users to build, deploy, and manage AI faster.

Cloudera continues to invest heavily in research and development, with nearly half its global workforce dedicated to engineering. This recognition follows a period of rapid innovation for the company, including the launch of Cloudera AI Workbench for building and deploying AI agents, Cloudera AI Inference for cost-efficient GenAI at scale, and expanded governance capabilities to ensure compliance and transparency across the AI lifecycle.

-- BERNAMA

Denodo Platform 9.3 Now Available With DeepQuery For AI Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Denodo, a leader in data management, has announced further support for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation with the availability of DeepQuery in Denodo Platform 9.3.

Denodo in a statement said, DeepQuery is a Deep Research capability that extends beyond fact-based retrieval to tackle complex, analytical questions with detailed, fully explained reasoning.

The latest release of the Denodo Platform, 9.3, solidifies the company as a foundation for AI innovation with several new features and key enhancements, such as greater agility for materialised views, dynamic access controls and auto-generation of business context.

Together with the Denodo Data Marketplace’s business-user self-service experience, introduced in Denodo Platform 9.2, the company now provides an unmatched enterprise data foundation that meets the real-time business-contextual needs of both people and AI applications.

Meanwhile, Denodo DeepQuery, the multi-agent deep research capability that was pre-announced in July, is currently generally available on GitHub.

With DeepQuery, AI developers can run complex, multi-step, context-aware queries driven by open-ended questions, like uncovering the sources of churn or identifying the key drivers of customer loyalty across a variety of different systems.

Delivering explainable, real-time insights in minutes, which would normally take a skilled data analyst multiple days to produce, DeepQuery provides the AI and developer communities with open-source access to Denodo’s deep research capability.

Building on Denodo’s semantic layer and AI SDK, DeepQuery dynamically determines what data is needed, fetches a view of it in real time, and orchestrates complex retrieval and reasoning workflows with smarter AI interactions and open-source flexibility benefits.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS TOP RATINGS FOR SAMSUNG FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE, SUBSIDIARIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the long-term issuer credit ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa+” (Superior) of South Korea’s Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co Ltd (SFM) and its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Vietnam and Singapore.

In a statement, AM Best said the subsidiaries are Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Company of Europe Ltd, Samsung Vina Insurance Co Ltd and Samsung Reinsurance Pte Ltd.

Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent), the Long-Term ICR of “a-” (Excellent), and the Indonesia National Scale Rating of aaa.ID (Exceptional) of PT Asuransi Samsung Tugu (AST). The outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) is stable.

SFM’s ratings reflect its strongest-level capitalisation, robust underwriting, market-leading position in South Korea, and superior enterprise risk management. The insurer holds a 22 per cent market share in the non-life sector and boasts the highest regulatory solvency ratio among peers—even under stricter capital rules.

Backed by a debt-free position, low underwriting leverage, and a conservative investment strategy, SFM remains well-insulated from market shocks despite exposure to affiliated equity holdings. Its long-term and auto insurance lines continue to outperform the market.

Meanwhile, the ratings of AST reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also recognise the wide range of support provided by AST’s parent, SFM.

AST’s ratings acknowledge its strong capital adequacy, exceptional underwriting profitability, and strategic integration with SFM. The firm posted an average combined ratio of just 28.6 per cent over the past five years, driven by low expenses and reinsurance commissions.

While both companies are on firm footing, AM Best notes that negative rating actions could arise from capital deterioration, reduced parental support, or declining performance. Conversely, improved operating metrics or market expansion could lead to upgrades.

SFM continues to expand internationally, with recent moves in the United States and China, while AST looks to grow its local Indonesian footprint in tandem with SFM’s global strategy.

-- BERNAMA

​KBRA Appoints Yasu Iwasa As Head Of Japan To Lead Tokyo Expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Global credit ratings and research firm, Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) has appointed Yasumitsu “Yasu” Iwasa as Head of Japan, marking another step in its Asia growth strategy following the opening of its Tokyo office in January.

The Tokyo office underlines KBRA’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Asia-Pacific and meeting the needs of Japanese investors in both public and private credit markets, according to a statement.

KBRA Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Business Development, Kate Kennedy said Japan represents a critical and sophisticated investor market.

“Yasu’s deep network, strategic understanding of global private credit landscapes, and experience launching asset management operations make him uniquely positioned to drive our mission forward in this region,” she said.

Meanwhile, Iwasa said he was honoured to lead KBRA’s operations in Japan, adding that the firm’s focus on transparency, rigorous analysis and client-first service was well aligned with investor needs.

He will work alongside KBRA’s Tokyo-based leadership team, including Head of Business Development Miki Monroe-Sheridan, Head of Japan Compliance Yuuichi Hino and Senior Director Peter Connolly.

Iwasa brings nearly three decades of experience in investment banking and asset management, having served in senior roles at major international financial institutions. 

He was most recently Head of Japan and Managing Director at Impax Asset Management, where he oversaw the firm’s Japan operations and acted as a product specialist within its distribution team.

From 2014 to 2021, he was Representative Director, Japan, at Fullerton Fund Management, the asset management arm of Temasek Group. He began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he spent about 12 years in equity derivatives and structuring.

Iwasa holds a master’s degree in international economics from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Essex, United Kingdom.

-- BERNAMA

Bidgely’s EmPOWER AI 2025 To Spotlight Utility AI In Napa

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bidgely, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Software as a Service (SaaS) company, announced its premier energy intelligence conference, EmPOWER AI, returns Sept 16 to 18 in Napa, California.

Bidgely in a statement said this annual gathering will feature attendees from over 40 global companies to spark critical dialogue between utility leaders, data experts, and AI executives on how AI is revolutionising the sector.

Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abhay Gupta said the event has become the premier stage for showcasing the next wave of its AI advancements, as last year the company debuted its groundbreaking work in generative AI.

“This year, attendees will again get an exclusive look at our newest, powerful AI solution, giving leaders more flexibility than ever to operationalise AI across their utility. We cannot wait to share the incredible successes of our customers and reveal what is next for the energy industry.”

This year’s event will be hosted by PacifiCorp, the largest grid operator in the western United States and long-time Bidgely partner, and will feature sessions on AI-driven disaggregation insights; next-generation segmentation and customer engagement, and distribution grid planning and electrification.

These sessions feature vibrant discussions from leading utilities and Bidgely experts. Featured speaker this year is workplace AI visionary and Glean CEO Arvind Jain, who will discuss how utilities can navigate the future of AI.

Meanwhile, the new EmPOWER AI ‘Insights Tour’ events, which kicked off in 2025, will culminate in Napa, weaving global conversations and insights from over 100 attendees at stops in Canada and Europe.

Bidgely's EmPOWER AI conference gives attendees a deep dive into the latest solutions for the utility industry's biggest challenges. The sessions blend a forward-looking vision with practical, real-world applications that utilities are already using today.

-- BERNAMA

BROADCOM FOUNDATION EXPANDS AI EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP IN PENANG TO EMPOWER MALAYSIAN YOUTH

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Broadcom Foundation has expanded its partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Penang Science Cluster (PSC) to sponsor the Experience AI literacy programme in Malaysia, aimed at broadening access to artificial intelligence (AI) education nationwide.

The announcement was made by Broadcom Foundation President, Paula Golden during a meeting with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on July 1. The programme was originally piloted in 2024 with funding from Google DeepMind.

Golden said the foundation has partnered with PSC since 2020 through initiatives such as Coolest Projects Malaysia, which attracted participants nationwide.

“Now, with the expansion of our partnership to include Experience AI, we are doubling down on coding and AI as critical skills for the 21st century and beyond,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Raspberry Pi Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Philip Colligan said the collaboration would help equip more teachers with the skills and confidence needed to teach AI responsibly, making lessons engaging and relevant for students.

PSC has trained more than 1,300 teachers to date, reaching an estimated 50,000 students in Malaysia. With support from the Broadcom Foundation, the initiative is expected to be extended nationwide.

Experience AI, co-developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind, equips educators with teaching resources, including lesson plans, slide decks, videos, activities and assessments, while also introducing students to AI foundations and safety, including data protection.

Globally, teachers in more than 160 countries have downloaded Experience AI resources, reaching an estimated 1.6 million students.

-- BERNAMA

MSP SPORTS CAPITAL EXITS MCLAREN RACING AFTER PIVOTAL ROLE IN F1 TEAM'S REVIVAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- MSP Sports Capital, a New York-based private investment firm, has confirmed the sale of its equity interest in McLaren Racing, including its Formula 1 (F1) Team, to McLaren Group Limited.

The transaction will enable Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and CYVN Holding, an advanced mobility operator and investment vehicle based in Abu Dhabi, to increase their share and assume full ownership of the iconic British motor racing business.

According to a statement, Mumtalakat will continue as the majority shareholder, with CYVN Holdings owning a non-controlling stake.

“With ownership now consolidated in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, McLaren is poised for an even brighter future,” said MSP Sports Capital Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Moorad.

Meanwhile, its Partner and Chairman, Jahm Najafi highlighted Formula 1’s evolution into a “global media and entertainment platform”, praising McLaren’s leadership for driving innovation and maintaining competitive relevance.

With this transaction, MSP Sports Capital will no longer hold an equity interest in McLaren Racing. Moorad, along with partner Najafi, currently Vice Chairman of the McLaren Racing board of directors, will step down from the McLaren Racing board.

MSP’s investment came at a pivotal moment in the business, providing vital capital that contributed to the company’s efforts in stabilising business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, funding infrastructure upgrades, and retaining and recruiting world-class talent.

Over the last five years, with the support received from its shareholders, McLaren has returned to the front of the Formula 1 grid, rebuilt its competitiveness across multiple racing series, and enhanced its long-term commercial strength.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of INPEX Insurance, Ltd.

 

HONG KONG, Sept 2 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent) of INPEX Insurance, Ltd. (IIL) (Bermuda). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect IIL’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

IIL’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects it to remain at the strongest level over the intermediate term. The company’s balance sheet strength is supported by its low net underwriting leverage and a highly conservative and liquid investment portfolio. IIL plans to distribute gradually its accumulated surplus to the parent company, INPEX Corporation (INPEX). Despite this, the company is expected to maintain a sufficient capital buffer to support its book of business. Additionally, IIL's potential credit risks from its high reinsurance dependence for underwriting large risks are partially mitigated by the good credit quality of its reinsurance panel including Everen Limited (Everen), a dedicated energy sector- mutual insurance company of which INPEX became a member in 2023.

IIL’s operating performance assessment reflects its robust underwriting results over the last five years with an average combined ratio of less than 40% and an average return on equity of 6.4%. Despite a moderate decline in premium income in 2024, mainly from the parent’s large-scale LNG project, AM Best expects IIL’s top line to remain stable over the medium term supported by additional premiums from various new projects. The company delivered strong underwriting profits in 2024, despite incurring additional expenses from the accrual of theoretical withdrawal premium for the Everen membership. IIL’s investment income also remained strong in 2024, driven by expanded asset size and improved yields of U.S. dollar-denominated deposits.

IIL is a single-parent captive of INPEX, which is the largest oil and gas exploration and production company in Japan. IIL underwrites energy-related operational and construction risks of which the coverage mainly encompasses property damage, third-party liability and operator’s extra expenses for its parent group. Although there is some product/geographic concentration, AM Best expects that the company’s business will become increasingly diversified following INPEX’s expanding global footprint and IIL’s plan to underwrite new risks.

Negative rating actions could occur if IIL’s operating performance deteriorates to a level no longer supportive of the current assessment. In addition, any significant deterioration in INPEX’s credit profile, including its operating profitability, financial leverage and interest coverage levels, could lead to downward pressure on the ratings of IIL. Positive rating actions could occur if IIL demonstrates sustained improvement in its balance sheet strength metrics, while consistently delivering strong underwriting results.

AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

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

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Source : AM Best