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.

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

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250829274120/en/

Contact

Minji Cha
Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3424
minji.cha@ambest.com

Chanyoung Lee
Director, Analytics
+852 2827 3404
chanyoung.lee@ambest.com

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

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com 

Source : AM Best

Acoustic & Lighting System and CECOCECO Co-Exhibit at FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025 with a Custom ArtMorph Showcase

SINGAPORE, Aug 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acoustic & Lighting System (A&L) and CECOCECO are joining forces as co-exhibitors at FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025 to present an immersive installation powered by the ArtMorph system. Taking place at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, this collaborative showcase offers a fresh perspective on how architectural finishes with programmable light can break away from conventional interior design.

Located at Booth #1A21, the installation features a large-scale ArtMorph wall and a complementary corner-form table display, demonstrating how modular surfaces can seamlessly integrate light, texture, and media to creative immersive spatial narratives.

“This installation showcases dynamic, customisable visual elements that challenge conventional interior design,” said Malcolm Fooh, Product Sales Manager at A&L. “We’re excited to explore how programmable surfaces like ArtMorph can inspire new thinking in spatial design.” 

A Shared Vision for Transformative Design

As the lead exhibitor, A&L directed the overall exhibition concept and booth execution, with CECOCECO's ArtMorph system serving as the technological foundation of the installation.

The surface patterns were custom-designed by A&L, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s cultural landscape and material diversity. By featuring finishes that evoke concrete, woodgrain, and floral motifs, the design reflects the city’s intersection of modernity, nature, and multicultural heritage. Lighting animations were developed by CECOCECO, activating the surfaces through dynamic, programmable light. Together, the installation creates an immersive environment that demonstrates how ArtMorph adapts across spatial formats-from a large-format installation and a corner-form table featuring ArtMorph Mini and ArtMorph Edge.

“As a co-exhibitor at FIND, we’re proud to support this showcase of creative expression and technological potential,” said Jason Lu, Founder of CECOCECO. “This collaboration reflects what ArtMorph was built for—to empower inspiring environments through light and design.”

About Acoustic & Lighting System

Acoustic & Lighting System is a leading distributor of professional lighting, audio, and visual technologies in Southeast Asia. Known for supporting bold ideas and innovation, A&L connects designers and creators with the tools to shape immersive spatial experiences.

About CECOCECO

Founded by the original creators of ROE Visual, CECOCECO reimagines architectural surfaces through programmable light and texture. Its flagship product, ArtMorph, blends natural textures with animated LED displays to create ambient surfaces that engage the senses—even when powered off.

Visit the A&L × CECOCECO installation at Booth #1A21, FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025, and experience the next generation of surface storytelling. 

Press Contact: 

Eva Xia
Marketing Director, CECOCECO
eva.xia@cecoceco.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d541bf7-e172-4ee0-8155-e9ae165e5252 

SOURCE: CECOCECO CO., LTD

--BERNAMA 

TOSHIBA UNVEILS COMPACT HIGH-VOLTAGE PHOTORELAY FOR EV BATTERY SYSTEMS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has launched the "TLX9161T", an automotive photorelay engineered for electric vehicle (EV) battery systems, with volume shipments having begun.

According to Toshiba in a statement, with a minimum output withstand voltage of 1500 volts (V), the new product meets the stringent requirements for high-voltage EV batteries.

The photorelay, built in a compact SO12L-T package, offers a 25 per cent smaller mounting area than its predecessor, the TLX9160T SO16L-T package. The reduced footprint contributes to more compact and cost-efficient battery management systems (BMS), which are crucial for optimising EV battery performance and safety.

Photorelays like this are critical in BMS applications, where they manage isolation between the vehicle body and battery, a key safety feature in high-voltage environments.

By miniaturising the internal MOSFET chip, Toshiba has maintained compatibility with existing circuit board designs while enhancing performance.

The new photorelay uses a resin with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) exceeding 600, which is classified under Material Group I of the IEC 60664-1 international standard. It also ensures over five millimetres of creepage distance, aligning with global safety standards for 1000V operations.

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

-- BERNAMA

MELTWATER TAPS DOW JONES TO DELIVER PREMIUM NEWS TO PR, MARKETING PROFESSIONALS

 KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Meltwater has announced a strategic partnership with Dow Jones, giving its global user base access to premium, subscriber-only content from top-tier publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, MarketWatch, The Globe and Mail.

The agreement enhances Meltwater’s media, social and consumer intelligence platform, enabling public relations (PR), marketing, and communications professionals to track high-value news on their companies, competitors, and industries with more profound insight and broader reach.

Meltwater chief executive officer, John Box said the move underscores the company’s commitment to delivering unmatched data coverage across news, social, and broadcast platforms.

“With this new agreement with Dow Jones, Meltwater continues in our mission to unlock the world’s online data and provide more content than anyone else in the market,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Dow Jones general manager of Corporate Partnerships, William Ashworth said the collaboration combines the strengths of both companies to deliver world-class news and analysis.

Meltwater users will now be able to integrate Dow Jones’ high-quality content with data from other top-tier sources like Bloomberg Media, Torstar, and The Washington Post, supporting more informed, data-driven strategies.

The partnership is expected to bolster decision-making across sectors by putting trusted journalism at the fingertips of the professionals who shape public narratives.

-- BERNAMA

Alcon Underscores Benefits of Its IOLs and Cataract Surgical Equipment at APACRS

 

 

• Data on Alcon’s products across cataract, refractive, diagnostics and ocular health will be featured in presentations during the meeting
• Prospective analyses and studies demonstrate sustained performance of Vivity including in patients with common mild comorbidities
• Alcon’s Symposia on new generation phaco and vitrectomy system will discuss new data on anterior chamber stability during cataract surgery performed at more physiologic IOP

AHMEDABAD, India, Aug 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced a strong presence at the 37th Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS) Annual Meeting. APACRS will be held at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre (MMCEC) in Ahmedabad, India from August 21-23, 2025. The company will showcase four symposia, lead 10 medical affairs scientific exchange presentations, and offer a hands-on experience zone at booth #A1). These comprehensive activities combined with new data underscore Alcon's commitment to generating meaningful scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of its innovations.

Massimo Cerrone, Vice President, Surgical for Alcon Asia Pacific, said, “APACRS brings together leading experts and their insights from across the region, creating an ideal environment to engage in critical topics such as the evolving needs of cataract care in the ageing population. Through a dynamic agenda, surgeons can explore Alcon’s latest innovations and their value through clinical evidence, real-world insights, and peer experience across Asia-Pacific.”

Key data being presented at this year’s event

• Alcon’s Vivity^® is an extensively studied Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) in special populations with different co-morbidities, supported by over 10 clinical studies involving more than 700 patients. Among these is a prospective study titled, ‘To Evaluate The Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction After Bilateral Vivity^® IOL Implantation in Patients with Mild Irregular Astigmatism.’ Conducted by Dr. Ashvin Agarwal, analyses reinforce patient satisfaction outcomes with Vivity in this specific cohort. This will be shared as an e-poster.
• On the cataract equipment side, Dr. Shail Vasavada of Raghudeep Eye Hospital, will present a prospective, randomized, single masked, single-center study titled, ‘Retinal Perfusion During Cataract Surgery With Varying Intraocular Pressure in Comorbid Eyes.’ Data underlines the benefits of performing cataract surgery at more physiologic IOP in patients with diabetic retinopathy. (Friday, 22 August 2025, 15:20pm-15:25pm, at FP3-15, Seminar Hall 2, MMCEC)

Amar Vyas, Country Head, Alcon India said, “We are excited that India is hosting APACRS for the second time. The event is an ideal platform to showcase our breakthrough technologies like the Advanced Technology IOL portfolio and UNITY VCS/CS, and foster meaningful exchange amongst ECPs. As cataract procedures rise, it’s critical that advanced technologies are both clinically proven across diverse patient populations and accessible to those who need them. We remain committed to empowering surgeons with science-backed solutions that elevate surgical precision and patient outcomes.”

During the meeting, Alcon will host four symposia; interested participants can learn more and register at https://events.myalcon.com/professional/events/apacrs;

• Alcon UNITY^® VCS Launch Symposium - Ready to explore the future of Surgical Innovation? Experience Superior Efficiency - Unity^® VCS, held exclusively for India on Thursday, 21 August 2025, 12:45pm to 13:40pm IST at Seminar Hall 2, Ground Floor. This session will mark the official introduction of UNITY VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) and UNITY CS (Cataract System), Alcon’s next-generation Phaco/Vit platform, to the Indian market.
• Alcon IOL Symposium - Stay Ahead with the Clareon^® Collection on Friday, 22 August 2025,12:30pm to 13:25pm IST at Convention Hall 2, Ground Floor. This session will cover the Clareon Collection as a comprehensive IOL portfolio, discuss optical differentiation and performance of newer EDOF IOLs, and highlight the role of digital image guidance in toric correction.
• Alcon Surgical Video Symposium - Experience Extraordinary Phaco & VR Surgery with the NEW UNITY^® VCS by Alcon on Saturday, 23 August 2025, 12:00pm to 12:55pm IST at Convention Hall 2, Ground Floor. Through live discussion and videos, leading surgeons will showcase their experience with UNITY VCS in cataract and vitreoretinal procedures.
• Alcon Global Medical Affairs symposium - Vivity IOL, A True EDOF IOL with Proven Real-World Performance on Saturday, 23 August 2025, 13:00pm to 14:00pm IST at Seminar Hall 2, Ground Floor. The session, moderated by Dr. Vaishali Vasavada, will review meaningful real-world evidence supporting the use of Vivity IOL in special populations. To reserve your seat, visit https://cvent.me/9vgqzy.

For information on Alcon’s presence at APACRS 2025, including the symposia and exhibition taking place at booth #A1, please visit the company’s event page. The site will be updated following the event with on-demand content, such as archives of the symposia. Join the conversation on social platforms with the hashtag #APACRS2025 #Alcon.

About the AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL

The Wavefront Shaping AcrySof^® IQ Vivity Extended Vision Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Model DFT015 (referred to as AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL) is a UV-absorbing and blue light-filtering foldable intraocular lens (IOL). This IOL, compared to a monofocal IOL, provides an extended range of vision from distance to near without increasing the incidence of visual disturbances.¹

About UNITY VCS and UNITY CS

The UNITY VCS (Vitreoretinal Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) and posterior segment (i.e. vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the optional laser this system is indicated for photocoagulation (i.e. vitreoretinal and macular pathologies), iridotomy and trabeculoplasty procedures. The UNITY CS (Cataract System) console, when used with compatible devices, is indicated for use during anterior segment (i.e. phacoemulsification and removal of cataracts) ophthalmic surgery.²

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

The content of this press release is intended for use by healthcare professionals only, including Registered Medical Practitioners, hospitals, or laboratories, and its use in any publication is subject to applicable local laws and regulations.

References

1. Acrysof IQ Vivity Extended Vision IOL Global Directions for Use [REF-22568]
2. UNITY VCS and CS User Manual 2024 [REF-27652]

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MinSeo Kim
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Pooja Behuria
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Source : Alcon Inc. Corporate