Monday, 29 June 2026

COOCON TO LAUNCH MCP-BASED DATA BUSINESS FOR AI AGENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- COOCON, a South Korean business data platform company, planned to launch Model Context Protocol (MCP)-based data services as it expands into the artificial intelligence (AI) agent market.

The company said it aims to become a "dedicated data hub for AI agents" by converting its existing data into MCP format, enabling AI systems to directly access information across finance, the public sector, logistics and telecommunications.

COOCON chief executive officer, Kim Jong-hyun said enabling AI agents to access trustworthy data would be key to the AI era.

“We aim to evolve from providing application programming interfaces (APIs) for human users to delivering data directly for AI agents.

“COOCON’s distinctive business structure, built on the MCP open standard, will serve as a gateway to the global AI agent ecosystem," he said in a statement.

According to the company, it will launch a "Dedicated AI-Ready Data Zone" on its COOCON.NET platform in July, initially offering about 30 MCP-based products before expanding the catalogue to more than 100 products by the end of the year and its full portfolio by 2027.

COOCON said the platform is designed to enable companies to integrate external data for AI agents through standardised interfaces, reducing the need for manual system integration while supporting organisations adopting AI technologies.

The company also joined the Linux Foundation's Agentic AI Foundation in June and will participate in the MCP Working Group alongside technology companies including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Circle, Tron and Stripe to help develop global MCP standards.

COOCON said it expects the MCP-based business to strengthen revenue growth by increasing AI-driven data requests while expanding AI-compatible payment services alongside its existing data business.

-- BERNAMA

CCI France Malaysia Leads Major French Business Delegation to Sabah and Showcases French Expertise at SOGCE 2026

KOTA KINABALU, June 29 (Bernama) -- CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM) successfully concluded Business Delegation to Sabah from 23-26 June 2026, bringing together more than 50 participants representing 25 French and Malaysian companies in conjunction with the Sabah Oil, Gas & Energy Conference and Exhibition (SOGCE) 2026.

The initiative reflects the growing interest of French companies in Sabah and their commitment to strengthening their presence in East Malaysia. With more than 600 French companies established in Malaysia, the delegation provided a platform to explore new business opportunities, engage with key stakeholders and gain deeper insights into Sabah’s economic and industrial development.

Organised with the support of local partners and stakeholders, the two-day programme featured presentations and dialogue sessions with Invest Sabah and the Strategic Planning Energy Commission of Sabah, and visits to Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, as well as Sapangar Bay Port, providing delegates with valuable insights into the state’s investment landscape, development priorities and future growth plans.

Participants also visited strategic infrastructure and energy-related facilities, offering first-hand exposure to Sabah’s growing industrial ecosystem and reinforcing the state’s position as an increasingly attractive destination for investment and business expansion.

“Sabah presents significant opportunities for international collaboration and investment. Through this delegation, we aim to strengthen connections between French and Malaysian stakeholders while creating long-term partnerships that contribute to Sabah’s economic development,” said Richard Fostier, President of CCI France Malaysia.

Following the business mission, CCIFM participated in SOGCE 2026 through the CCI France Malaysia –TotalEnergies Pavilion, bringing together leading French companies and showcasing French expertise across the energy, engineering, environmental, telecommunications and industrial sectors.

The Pavilion initiative was made possible through the support of TotalEnergies, whose sponsorship enabled CCIFM to create a collective French presence at SOGCE and facilitate the participation of French SMEs and industry players. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting the development of the French business community in Malaysia and promoting French expertise within Sabah’s growing energy ecosystem.

The Pavilion featured TotalEnergies, Iraya Energies, SeaOwl, P&A, Enviros, Botanickel, IEC Telecom, BIO-EX and 3C Metal Asia, highlighting the diversity of French solutions and capabilities serving the energy industry.

On 26 June 2026, the Pavilion was honoured by the visit of His Excellency Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Malaysia, who met with participating companies and reaffirmed France’s support for stronger economic and business relations between France and Malaysia, including the development of partnerships in Sabah.

To further encourage exchanges between industry stakeholders, CCIFM also organised an exclusive networking cocktail at the rooftop of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, sponsored by IEC Telecom. As a leading provider of satellite communications and managed connectivity solutions for the maritime, offshore, energy and remote industrial sectors, IEC Telecom welcomed delegates, exhibitors, government representatives and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to networking and business discussions.

Through its business delegation and participation at SOGCE 2026, CCI France Malaysia continues to support French companies in Malaysia, foster business partnerships and contribute to the development of new opportunities between France and Sabah.

About CCI France Malaysia

Established in 1991, CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM) is the leading French business network in Malaysia, representing more than 320 member companies and supporting a French business community of over 600 companies operating in the country. As part of the global CCI France International network spanning 95 countries, CCIFM supports companies through networking, business development, market access, company incorporation, immigration, payroll and accounting services, recruitment, and HRDC-certified training programmes.

SOURCE: CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Alban Simonte
Tel: 03-2714 6151
Email: alban@mfcci.com

--BERNAMA

Saturday, 27 June 2026

Guest Supply To Distribute RODA Skincare Products Across APAC Hotels

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Guest Supply, part of Sysco Corporation, has inked a licensing agreement with RODA to manufacture and distribute RODA-branded skincare and personal care products across the Asia Pacific (APAC) for the hotel sector.


According to a statement, the agreement combines Guest Supply’s hospitality manufacturing, distribution and service capabilities with RODA’s clinically formulated approach to skin and hair care.


“RODA brings a distinctive, clinically formulated skincare proposition grounded in innovation, which will resonate with hotels looking to elevate the in-room experience,” said Guest Supply senior vice president, EMEA and APAC regions, Gustaf Lantz.


Under the agreement, Guest Supply will align RODA collections to hospitality operating requirements while maintaining brand standards, including quality assurance, scalable supply and simplified ordering for hotel partners via its established supply chain.


Created in Barcelona, RODA develops products for sensitive skin and formulates them to suit all skin types. The brand combines natural active ingredients with advanced research, technology and a sustainability-led approach.


Its development model draws on ingredient analysis, scientific literature and product review insights, supporting exclusive formulations developed in-house with pharmacists and dermatological experts.


RODA is selectively distributed globally through dermatology clinics, concept stores and selected hotels. Through the APAC licensing partnership, Guest Supply will expand the brand’s availability to hospitality customers across the region.


-- BERNAMA

Friday, 26 June 2026

Tokyo Skytree To Host Chiikawa Collaboration Event From July

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Tobu Tower Skytree Co Ltd, operator of Tokyo Skytree, has announced its second collaboration event with the popular character "Chiikawa", marking the first such collaboration in three years.


The event, titled "Chiikawa Starry SKYTREE and the Secret Island", will run from July 10 to Oct 31 in celebration of the character's film, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island", which is set for release in July.


During the event, visitors can enjoy special decorations featuring original visuals along the 450-metre-high Tembo Galleria, as well as event-exclusive merchandise, themed cafe menu items and photo shoot services.


A special screening will also be held at Skytree Round Theater on the 350-metre-high Tembo Deck, where the windows will be transformed into a giant screen. The exterior of the tower will also feature special illuminations inspired by Chiikawa characters.


According to the operator in a statement, guests wishing to purchase items from the event-exclusive menu at Skytree Cafe on Tembo Deck Floor 340 must obtain an "Observation Deck Admission Ticket with Meal Voucher".


Details on ticket purchases, meal vouchers and event-exclusive merchandise are available on the event's dedicated website.


The Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower and features two observation decks, the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. The tower is illuminated nightly with three signature lighting themes, alongside special illuminations for seasonal and commemorative events.


-- BERNAMA



Tuesday, 23 June 2026

FEYTECH Inks the First CAuto Partnership to Address Critical Automotive Talent Gap for EV Era

Caption (From left to right):

1. Mohd Riduan Abd. Rahman, Executive Director, Investment Facilitation, MIDA
2. Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir, Chairman, Progressive Impact Corporation Berhad
3. Prof. Dr. Yatimah Binti Alias, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
4. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman, Bermaz Auto Berhad
5. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO, MIDA
6. Connie Go, CEO, Feytech Holdings Berhad
7. Dato’ Mazlan Mohamad, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Feytech Holdings Berhad




Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) leads a five-university academic front to deploy the structured 'MRI3' framework for advanced industrial internships and direct employment pipelines.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) transition accelerates, Feytech Holdings Berhad (Feytech) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Consortium Automotive of Malaysian Universities (CAuto), led by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and witnessed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to establish an industry-first multi-university internship pipeline connecting five major technical public universities with the automotive manufacturing sector.

CAuto’s formation unifies Malaysia’s top technical universities into a singular academic front, and this milestone agreement with Feytech delivers concrete pathways for students.

Under the joint Ministry of Higher Education Research and Industry-Infused Incubator (MRI3) framework, Feytech will provide critical work-based learning (WBL), industrial training and final year project opportunities.

It also provides competitive internship allowances and commits to full sponsorships for select student final year projects to build a resilient employment pipeline. Suitable engineering graduates will be targeted for strategic career pathways within Feytech’s ecosystem, keeping Malaysian engineering talent at the forefront of the EV and smart manufacturing era.

Witnessing the MoU signing, MIDA CEO, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said that this partnership comes at an opportune time and is instrumental in empowering local public technical institutions to align more closely with the needs of next-generation automotive ecosystems.

He said, “Malaysia’s ability to attract and sustain high quality investments depends on the strengths of its talent pipeline. As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by electrification, automation, and digitalisation, closer collaboration between industry and academia has become more important than ever.

This collaboration goes beyond internships and industrial training. It creates a pathway for students to learn from real manufacturing environments, work with actual production technologies, solve industry challenges, and contribute to innovation even before they graduate. At the same time, it supports the development of local capabilities and talent required to strengthen supply chain localisation, enhance competitiveness, and increase the participation of Malaysian companies in higher value-added activities within the automotive ecosystem.”

Meanwhile, the CEO of Feytech, Connie Go emphasised the importance of talent development and technology advancement as the country transitions rapidly towards EV adoption.

“While the Government continues to support the industry through progressive policies, industry players must play their part by creating opportunities for students, developing future-ready talent and supporting technology transfer.

“This partnership with CAuto ensures we're not just meeting today's workforce needs but preparing students for the AI-integrated smart factories and EV production environments of tomorrow,” she added.

At the same time, Prof. Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, the Chairman of CAuto and ViceChancellor of UMPSA, representing the five-member universities (UMPSA, UTHM, UTeM, UniMAP, and UTM), highlighted the collective strength of the academic network.

"This partnership is an important step in bringing universities and industry closer together. Through CAuto, students from five public universities will have greater access to meaningful industry exposure and practical learning opportunities in the electric vehicle and automotive manufacturing sectors.

We want our students to understand real industry expectations, apply what they learn in the classroom and be better prepared for the workplace. At the same time, this collaboration will help universities keep their programmes relevant to the changing needs of the industry,” she said.

For more information about the companies, please refer: https://tinyurl.com/5n8tevy7

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Puan Azrina Hashim
Designation: Director, Industry Talent Management and Expatriate Division
Tel: +603-2267 3454
Email: azrina@mida.gov.my

Feytech Holdings Berhad
Name: Ms Michelle Tan
Designation: P.A to CEO
Tel: +6012-2188861
Email: pa.ceo@gosfordseat.com

UMPSA
Name: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit
Designation: Director for Corporate Communications
Tel: +6019-9887321
Email: mimirabitah@umpsa.edu.my

--BERNAMA

Friday, 19 June 2026

Defiance Launches Europe’s First Memory UCITS ETF (DRAM)



  • Defiance has expanded its European ETF lineup with the launch of the Defiance Memory UCITS ETF (ticker: DRAM).
  • The ETF seeks to provide exposure to companies involved in the development, manufacturing, commercialisation, and storage of memory semiconductors and data storage systems.
  • In the U.S., memory-focused ETFs have gathered around $20 billion in assets under management (AUM).1
  • The ETF is listed on Xetra and Borsa Italiana, with the London Stock Exchange to follow.

MIAMI, June 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Defiance ETFs is excited to announce the launch of the Defiance Memory UCITS ETF (ticker: DRAM), Europe’s first memory ETF. The Fund seeks to provide exposure to companies involved in the development, manufacturing, commercialisation, and storage of memory semiconductors and data storage systems.

Defiance Memory UCITS ETF
ISIN: IE000CEUZ052
TER: 0.69%
Exchange Bloomberg Ticker SEDOL Trading Currency
Xetra DRAM GY BVVG296 EUR
Borsa Italiana DRAM IM BVVG2B8 USD

Memory prices are moving higher. Demand from AI, cloud computing, and data centres is absorbing a growing share of advanced memory capacity, while major manufacturers are prioritising higher-margin areas such as high-bandwidth memory and server-grade DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) over more commoditised consumer applications.2

This shift is creating pressure across the wider technology supply chain. As supply is redirected towards AI infrastructure and hyperscale data centres, manufacturers of everyday devices are facing higher input costs and tighter availability.

This year, it is expected that there will not be enough memory to meet worldwide demand.3 DRAM and solid-state drive (SSD) prices could rise as much as 130% by the end of 2026, according to Gartner.4

Exposure to the memory sector through ETFs has so far only been possible in the U.S., where assets are now around $20 billion.5 The Defiance Memory UCITS ETF seeks to give European investors the opportunity to access the memory sector, which will need to expand to keep up with AI-driven demand.

This is Defiance’s 4th launch since entering the European UCITS ETF market earlier this year.

Defiance UCITS Lineup Ticker
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure UCITS ETF AIPO
Defiance Memory UCITS ETF DRAM
Drone UCITS ETF DRON
Ukraine Reconstruction UCITS ETF UKRN

Sylvia Jablonski, CIO of Defiance ETFs, commented: “Memory is the foundational layer of the AI economy. Every model training run, inference workload, and hyperscale data centre expansion depends on DRAM, HBM, and advanced storage. DRAM gives European investors a direct, rules-based way to access this segment of the AI value chain, complementing the power infrastructure exposure already available through AIPO.”

Hector McNeil, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HANetf, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Defiance to launch the Defiance Memory UCITS ETF. The ETF captures a sector that has seen significant growth recently, driven predominantly by the rise of AI and its infrastructure. This ETF particularly complements Defiance’s AIPO ETF, which provides access to the power infrastructure behind the AI buildout.”

For full fund details, including the prospectus and Key Information Document, visit hanetf.com.

About Defiance ETFs

Founded in 2018, Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. The firm manages 75+ ETFs designed to provide targeted exposure to high-growth sectors including AI infrastructure, quantum computing, drones and modern warfare, and other emerging technologies.

About HANetf

HANetf is an independent provider of UCITS ETFs, working with asset management companies to bring differentiated, modern, and innovative exposures to European ETF investors. Via our white-label ETF platform, HANetf provides a complete operational, regulatory, distribution and marketing solution for asset managers to launch and manage UCITS ETFs. www.hanetf.com

Media Contact

Brenda Hentschel | bhentschel@gregoryagency.com | 201.705.3758

For European media enquiries:
Italy: Elena Soffientini, Mymediarelation | soffientini@mymediarelation.it | +39 375 670 62 07
Germany: Caroline Chojnowski, Public Imaging | Caroline.Chojnowski@publicimaging.de | +49 (0)40-401 999 - 23

Important Information

Communications issued in the European Economic Area (“EEA”)
The content in this document is issued and approved by HANetf EU Limited (“HANetf EU”). HANetf EU is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. HANetf EU is registered in Ireland with registration number 728832.

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The information contained on this document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof, where none of the Issuers (as defined below) or their Products are authorised or registered for distribution and where no prospectus of any of the Issuers has been filed with any securities commission or regulatory authority. No document or information on this document should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States. None of the Issuers, nor any securities issued by it, have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 or the Investment Company Act of 1940 or qualified under any applicable state securities statutes.

The Issuers:
1. HANetf ICAV and HANetf ICAV II are open-ended Irish collective asset management vehicles and are the issuers of the ETFs under the terms in the relevant Prospectuses and relevant Supplements for each ETF approved by the Central Bank of Ireland (“CBI”) (each an “ETF Prospectus” and together the “ETF Prospectuses”). Investors should read the current version of the relevant ETF Prospectus before investing and should refer to the section of the relevant ETF Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETFs. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the ETF Prospectuses.

2. HANetf ETC Securities plc, a public limited company incorporated in Ireland, issuing under the terms in the Base Prospectus approved by the Central Bank of Ireland and the final terms of the relevant series (“ETC Securities Documentation”) is the issuer of the precious metals ETCs. Investors should read the latest version of the ETC Securities Documentation before investing and should refer to the section of the Base Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETCs. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the ETC Securities Documentation.

3. Bitwise Europe GmbH, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, issuing under the terms in the Prospectus approved by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (“BaFin”) and the final terms (“Cryptocurrency Prospectus”) is the issuer of the ETCM ETCs. Investors should read the latest version of the Cryptocurrency Prospectus before investing and should refer to the section of the Cryptocurrency Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETCs contained in the Cryptocurrency Prospectus. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the Cryptocurrency Prospectus.

4. HANetf Multi-Asset ETC Issuer plc, a public company incorporated in Jersey, issuing under the terms in the Base Prospectuses approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) (the “SFSA”), the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and the final terms of the relevant series (“Multi-Asset ETC Securities Documentation”) is the issuer of ETCs linked to and secured by various underlying assets. Investors should read the latest version of the ETC Securities Documentation before investing and should refer to the section of the relevant Base Prospectus entitled ‘Risk Factors’ for further details of risks associated with an investment in the ETCs. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the ETC Securities Documentation.

The relevant ETF Prospectuses, ETC Securities Documentation, Multi-Asset ETC Securities Documentation and Cryptocurrency Prospectus can all be downloaded from www.hanetf.com.

The decision and amount to invest in any Product should take into consideration your specific circumstances after seeking independent investment, tax and legal advice. We do not control and are not responsible for the content of third-party websites.

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FOR SWISS INVESTORS ONLY: The Fund has appointed as Swiss Representative Waystone Fund Services (Switzerland) SA, Av. Villamont 17, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland, Tel: +41 21 311 17 77, email: switzerland@waystone.com. The Fund’s Swiss paying agent is Helvetische Bank AG. The Prospectus, the Key Investor Information Documents, the Instrument of Incorporation as well as the annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained free of charge from the Swiss Representative in Lausanne. The issue and redemption prices are published at each issue and redemption on www.fundinfo.com.

1Source: ETFBook. Data as at 06/16/2026.
2Source: Forbes, 2026.
3Source: CNBC, 2026.
4Source: Gartner, 2026.
5Source: ETFBook. Data as at 06/16/2026.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a566fcca-b8ad-4109-9d41-2af9ee73c275

SOURCE: Defiance ETFs

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.

--BERNAMA

DAICEL POM POWDER ENABLES STICK LUBRICANT INNOVATION

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Daicel Corporation’s High Performance Polymers Strategic Business Unit (formerly Polyplastics Co Ltd) has announced its DURAST POM fine powder has been adopted in a new stick-form lubricant developed by Japan-based Maia Co Ltd, marking a novel application for the engineering plastic material in maintenance operations.

The solid lubricant is designed to address common issues associated with conventional liquid lubricants, including dripping, splattering and waste resulting from over-application.

By incorporating DURAST POM fine powder, the product aims to improve efficiency and cleanliness across a range of maintenance environments, according to Daicel in a statement.

The lubricant is manufactured using Maia’s proprietary Sol-Mid technology, which enables the product to be supplied in a stick-shaped format and moulded into customised forms according to customer requirements.

The formulation combines ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) with grease, and DURAST POM acts as an interlayer that helps maintain compatibility between the two components.

The stick format eliminates the risk of leakage typically associated with liquid lubricants while offering greater portability for maintenance personnel servicing office equipment and industrial machinery. The product can reduce the use of conventional maintenance oil by around 80 per cent in office equipment applications.

Daicel said it developed a proprietary manufacturing process for DURAST POM after conventional grinding methods proved unsuitable for producing uniform powders from general-purpose resins. The resulting material features a distinctive particle shape and a controlled, fine and sharp particle size distribution.

The company plans to commercialise the solution on a larger scale, targeting maintenance applications for major office equipment manufacturers as well as industrial sectors including machinery repair, bicycle maintenance and conveyor systems.

-- BERNAMA