Wednesday, 19 February 2025

TIANJIN BINHAI HIGH-TECH AREA TO DEVELOP ENHANCED INNOVATION HUB IN NORTHERN CHINA


QR code of Tianjin Binhai High-tech Industrial Development Area


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Tianjin Binhai High-tech Industrial Development Area, established in 1988 and recognised as one of the first national-level high-tech industrial development zones in 1991, has evolved into a key hub for innovation, spearheading technological innovation in northern China.

Designated as a national independent innovation demonstration area in 2014, the region boasts a robust industrial system, centred on next-generation information technology, along with growing sectors in biomedicine, new energy, and high-end equipment manufacturing, according to a statement.

The area has maintained its leading position in Tianjin for technological innovation by leveraging its status as a national innovation demonstration zone and pilot free trade zone. These factors, combined with strong self-driven development, have positioned the area as a leader in innovation resources, intellectual property ownership, and economic growth.

Ongoing efforts aim to upgrade the high-tech area into a top science and technology innovation city in northern China. It has already attracted numerous emerging industries, with companies such as Sugon, Phytium, Kylinsoft, and 360 contributing to the development of vital product chains, including chip operating systems, databases, and servers.

Focused on three key chains—hardware, system software, and next-gen information technology service— the area is also advancing in information security and all-field applications.

The new economy services sector in the high-tech area includes companies like Cloudaccount, Douyin Group, and GoGoX, alongside institutions such as the Tianjin Science and Technology Financial Center, Tianjin Huawei Kunpeng Ecosystem Innovation Center, and Tianjin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Service Platform.

In the new energy sector, TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy Technology Co Ltd and CETC lead advancements, with contributions from LiShen, Mingyang, Siemens Gamesa, and others in power batteries and wind power. Biopharmaceutical companies, such as Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Juventas Cell Therapy, are also central to the area's growth.

Other industry leaders include major companies in marine equipment, rail transit, new energy vehicles, and intelligent manufacturing, such as China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Siemens Mobility, Schneider Electric, and Tianjin Jinrong Tianyu Precision Machinery.

With a forward-looking approach, Tianjin Binhai High-tech Area is investing in future industries, including quantum communication, third-generation semiconductors, and digital twins, cementing its role as a leading science and technology innovation city.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC, CP GROUP TO PROMOTE CARBON NEUTRALITY, CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THAILAND



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly work on environmental sustainability in Thailand.

According to Mitsubishi Electric in a statement, their collaboration focuses on carbon neutrality and circular economy, with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable society.

In terms of carbon neutrality, both companies have committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their respective factories and offices by 2030, with plans to reach net-zero emissions across their entire value chains by 2050.

Additionally, they will work towards reducing waste and environmental impacts by implementing more efficient and circular use of resources, including recycling, in terms of circular economy.

Both companies aim to tackle social challenges by creating new solutions, business models, and environmental values that can be achieved primarily through joint collaboration and utilisation of knowledge and assets.

Initially, they will promote carbon neutrality and the circular economy in Thailand by combining Mitsubishi Electric’s products, technologies, and data utilisation knowledge with CP Group’s business infrastructure and subsequently offering new environmental value to potential customers.

The two companies will continue to explore further collaboration, including the joint development for the practical application of advanced technologies with artificial intelligence, robots, and more.

-- BERNAMA

Friday, 14 February 2025

Xsolla, AppsFlyer Team Up To Revolutionise Cross-Platform Gaming Insights

 

(Graphic: Xsolla) 

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Global video game commerce company, Xsolla has partnered with mobile measurement and analytics leader, AppsFlyer in a groundbreaking web shop collaboration for the gaming industry.

According to a statement, this enhanced partnership improves the Web Shop solution, offering game developers global insights and simplifying activation for better cross-platform measurement and attribution.

The collaboration introduces two integration options, namely server-to-server (S2S) and web integrations for mobile games, providing comprehensive data on user behaviour, campaign performance, and revenue attribution across mobile and web platforms.

Xsolla Chief Marketing & Growth Officer, Berkley Egenes said these integrations with AppsFlyer bridge the data gap between Web Shops and mobile apps, offering game developers a complete view of lifetime value (LTV) and return on investment (ROI).

“This collaboration underscores Xsolla’s commitment to simplifying complexities for our mobile game partners and enabling smarter business decisions based on complete data flows across the player journey,” he said.

Meanwhile, AppsFlyer Product Director of Gaming, Adam Smart highlighted the importance of understanding the entire user journey for maximising revenue and optimising game performance.

These integrations address two major challenges in the mobile gaming ecosystem, which are reliable LTV and return on advertising spend (ROAS) measurement across platforms and accurate Web Shop ad campaign tracking. Developers can manage small activations directly through their accounts with a streamlined activation process via the Xsolla and AppsFlyer Publisher Accounts.

The gaming industry, particularly mobile games, increasingly demands tools that provide clear insights into player behaviour and enable precise campaign performance measurement across platforms.

These solutions help developers optimise engagement strategies and ROI, empowering developers to focus on creating exceptional gaming experiences.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, 13 February 2025

KAO’S BIORÉ UV PARTNERS K-POP GROUP STRAY KIDS FOR GLOBAL SUNCARE CAMPAIGN

 

Stray Kids (Photo: Business Wire)


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Bioré UV, Japan’s top-selling suncare brand and a globally renowned name under Kao Corporation, has announced a global partnership with K-pop sensation Stray Kids for its latest campaign, “SUNLIGHT IS YOUR SPOTLIGHT.”.

According to a statement, this collaboration aims to encourage people to enjoy activities under the sun, empowered by high-performing, lightweight ultraviolet (UV) protection formulated for everyday use.

Set to kick off in April this year in more than 15 countries and regions, the campaign will showcase a dynamic blend of visuals and videos. A message from Stray Kids is already available ahead of the campaign launch.

Kao Corporation Vice President of Health Beauty Care - Asia (International) Business, Mitsutoshi Kamiya said the company is thrilled to welcome Stray Kids as the faces of its new suncare campaign.

"By emphasising the benefits of proper sun care, Bioré UV empowers individuals who are concerned about sun exposure to confidently enjoy the outdoors,” he said.

Stray Kids is recognised for their unique musical creativity and global influence, boasting an impressive 31 million followers on Instagram. This collaboration aims to inspire a global audience, expanding its reach beyond the Asian market to the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK).

As a key brand in Kao’s Global Sharp Top Strategy, Bioré UV continues to lead in sun protection, offering high-value products while supporting Kao’s growth. The brand is committed to innovation and expanding its reach worldwide.

The campaign will feature Bioré UV’s range of lightweight sunscreens that provide durable UV protection and hydration, catering to diverse lifestyles and skin types.

This global campaign will roll out across Bioré UV’s official social media channels and select retail locations worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

UNI-FUELS ACHIEVES INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CARBON CERTIFICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Singapore-headquartered Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels), a global marine fuel solutions provider, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Uni-Fuels Pte Ltd (Uni-Fuels Singapore), has received both ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications.

The certifications were granted by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognised independent multi-stakeholder initiative and leading certification system supporting sustainable, fully traceable, deforestation-free, and climate-friendly supply chains.

“Achieving ISCC certifications demonstrates our commitment to supporting the global transition to cleaner fuels. With Proof of Sustainability documentation, we provide our customers with the assurance that the biofuels they rely on are responsibly produced and fully compliant with evolving regulations,” said Uni-Fuels Vice President, Operations, Tan Guan Kai in a statement.

These certifications highlight the company’s commitment to sustainability and compliance with European Union (EU) regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime industry.

The ISCC certifications ensure that the biofuels traded by Uni-Fuels Singapore meet the requirements of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), including the provision of Proof of Sustainability (PoS).

This important documentation ensures biofuels are sustainably sourced and produced, enabling full traceability from feedstock to final product.

As the maritime sector moves toward greater decarbonisation, it is essential for biofuel suppliers to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards, including the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime. The PoS documentation ensures biofuels can be counted toward emissions reduction targets, unlike fossil fuels.

The PoS framework, along with the ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications, assures customers that the biofuels they rely on are sustainably sourced, traceable, and meet high sustainability standards. These certifications ensure regulatory compliance and enhance transparency, helping build trust in the biofuel sector.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

NIPPON EXPRESS UNVEILS VIDEO ON SEMICONDUCTOR LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Nippon Express Holdings Inc has released a video titled “'RISE' Global Semiconductor with NX Logistics” on Feb 5, showcasing Nippon Express (NX) Group's logistics solutions for the semiconductor industry.

The initiative aligns with its "NX Group Business Plan 2028", which prioritises the semiconductor sector and has been intensifying its efforts to support this key industry, according to a statement.

The semiconductor industry relies on complex global supply chains that require expertise in managing cargo with strict vibration and temperature or humidity control. The video underscores the NX Group’s commitment to providing high-quality logistics services tailored to the needs of the semiconductor market.

Featuring employees from Germany, Ireland, China, and India, the video provides insights into end-to-end logistics solutions and operations at key facilities, including NX Ireland's Contract Logistics Center, Nippon Express's NX Tosu Logistics Center, and NX Kumamoto Logistics Center.

It demonstrates the global reach and high-quality service provided by NX Logistics, covering all modes of transport across land, sea, and air.

Available in English and Japanese, the video can be accessed on the group’s website, YouTube channel, and LinkedIn account.

The NX Group continues to embody its corporate message, "We Find the Way", by connecting people, businesses, and communities worldwide to create a new future through logistics.

-- BERNAMA

CLEARDOX RECOGNIZED AS IT LANDS ON THE PRESTIGIOUS CHARTIS RESEARCH ENERGY50 RANKINGS

STAMFORD, Conn., Feb 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- ClearDox, a leading provider of intelligent workflow applications and insights to the commodities industry, is thrilled to announce being named to the highly esteemed Chartis Energy50 rankings for 2025.


ClearDox delivers intelligence for commodity trading operations so they can reduce risk, keep up with demand, reduce costs, and take on new challenges and business opportunities. The ClearDox Commodity Intelligence platform, powered by AI, turns piles of paperwork and digital mayhem into clean, structured, organized data.

Powered by the ClearDox platform, the ClearDox Intelligent Applications automate critical tasks throughout the commodity trading lifecycle — while continuing to shed light on operational risk. Built for the commodities industry using Generative AI and purpose-engineered to power commodity intensive workflows, its applications handle everything — from trade confirmation and finance optimization to operations intelligence, payment processing, and compliance oversight.

“We are overjoyed that ClearDox has been recognized by Chartis as they name us to this year’s Chartis Energy50 award. Many of the largest players across the energy sector now use ClearDox to automate their data intensive workflows, while achieving much deeper insights into their operationally related risk. It’s achievements and recognition like this that motivate the Clear team to continue our drive to transform the commodities sector with the power of AI,” said Rick Nelson, CEO, ClearDox.

The Chartis Energy50 is compiled by Chartis Research, a renowned authority in the global risk technology market. Chartis Research, a division of Infopro Digital, is dedicated to empowering enterprises with invaluable insights and analysis to enhance risk management, corporate governance, and compliance efforts. As a trusted source of in-depth assessments and actionable recommendations, Chartis Research assists organizations in making informed decisions about their technology and business strategies.

“ClearDox’s application of innovative technology to a historically challenging set of processes is reflected in its top-half placing in Energy50 2025,” said Sid Dash, Chief Researcher at Chartis. “Particularly notable is its strength in automating document related processes for energy trading and other commercial activities.”

About ClearDox LLC

ClearDox® enables commodity organizations to reduce operationally related risk, while improving business efficiency and outcomes with clearly actionable information and insights, as it automates critical data-intensive processes. Our commodity intelligence platform is engineered to integrate seamlessly and connects workflows, information, and insights using the power of AI.

For more information, please visit www.cleardox.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250211550481/en/

Contact

Media Contact:
ClearDox Public Relations
Tel: +1.888.854.4245
Email: info@cleardox.com

Source : ClearDox

Monday, 10 February 2025

JOHOR PLANTATIONS GROUP STRENGTHENS DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS WITH RM250,000 CONTRIBUTION TO WAQAF AN-NUR CORPORATION

JPG handed over a RM250,000 donation for an ambulance and a rescue boat at the Program Jalinan Ukhuwah in Simpang Renggam, Johor, witnessed by the Menteri Besar of Johor.

 
SIMPANG RENGGAM, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Johor Plantations Group Berhad (JPG), through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative #JPGBerkat, has contributed RM250,000 to Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Berhad (Waqaf An-Nur) for the purchase of a disaster relief boat and an ambulance to support the state’s emergency response efforts. This contribution will bolster emergency response efforts in Johor, providing critical aid to communities affected by floods and other disasters.
The contribution underscores JPG’s dedication to enhancing disaster preparedness, supporting the underprivileged, and fostering long-term community resilience. It is a key component of JPG’s broader CSR strategy, which emphasises sustainability, community empowerment, and social well-being. The official handover took place during Program Jalinan Ukhuwah here, which was witnessed by Menteri Besar Johor, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Mohd Faris Adli Shukery, Managing Director of JPG, said through #JPGBerkat, the company is dedicated to playing an active role in supporting communities and making a tangible difference in disaster relief efforts.

“At JPG, we believe that businesses have a responsibility that extends beyond economic contributions. Our support for Waqaf An-Nur will provide vital emergency aid during floods, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability, resilience, and social well-being,” he said.

Haji Bukhari Abd Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Waqaf An-Nur, expressed his gratitude for the generous support: “This contribution from JPG will significantly enhance Briged Waqaf’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies. Initiatives like this exemplify how CSR can translate into real, positive change in the lives of affected communities.”

This contribution is a vital addition to JPG’s ongoing CSR efforts and demonstrates its steadfast commitment to sustainable growth and community support. Looking ahead, JPG plans to expand its #JPGBerkat programme further, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen in enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience throughout Johor.

About Johor Plantations Group Berhad
Established in 1978, Johor Plantations Group Berhad (JPG), is a subsidiary of Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johor Corporation (JCorp). JPG is principally involved in the production of crude palm oil and palm kernels. It primarily owns, manages, and cultivates oil palms and harvests fresh fruit bunches produced on the plantation estates that it owns or rents in Malaysia, primarily in the state of Johor. The subsidiaries of JPG are principally involved in the production of palm oil and palm kernels, production of biomethane, dealer of agricultural machinery and parts for plantation use, sales of oil palm seedlings and other plantation products and services, provision of training and safety-related services along with the supply of safety products and refining of oil palm and trading of palm oil products. JPG was listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia on 9 July 2024.

For more information, please visit www.johorplantations.com

SOURCE: Johor Plantations Group Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Johor Plantations Group Berhad
Name: Dalilah Ibrahim
Head of Corporate Communication
Tel: 012-328 1727
Email: dalilah@johorplantations.com

Perspective Strategies Sdn. Bhd.
Name: Amiruddin Azran
Tel: 011-11452867
Email: amiruddin.azran@perspective.com.my

--BERNAMA

MALAYSIA PRODUCTIVITY CORPORATION PIONEERS AI ADOPTION TO REDEFINE WORKPLACE EFFICIENCY

 

The MPC employees made significant contributions to the success of the MPC AI program.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) has set a new benchmark for organisational innovation by spearheading the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive workplace productivity. Early outcomes from its recent AI Convention for Productivity Improvement reveal transformative results: a 25-40% reduction in repetitive tasks, a 15-30% decrease in operational costs, and a remarkable 30-50% boost in work output. These achievements underscore the immense potential of AI to revolutionise how organisations operate.

The convention, which brought together 88 AI-driven projects developed and implemented by MPC employees at all levels, focused on four critical areas: Development Talent, Streamlining Regulation, Modern Management and Technology, and Administration Efficiency. These projects were strategically designed to enhance internal efficiency (60%) while also delivering improved services and value to customers (40%). By addressing these pillars, MPC is not only optimising internal operations but also setting a precedent for other organisations to follow.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it is a present-day necessity. According to MPC’s Director General, Encik Zahid Ismail, “Integrating AI into organisational workflows is essential for building agile, efficient, and competitive teams.”

“AI empowers us to reimagine how we work, it eliminates inefficiencies, enhances decision-making, and allows employees to focus on higher-value tasks that drive innovation and growth.”

For MPC, this initiative is more than just an internal transformation; it represents a national push toward embedding AI into Malaysia’s productivity ecosystem. As the country strives to strengthen its digital economy, organisations must embrace AI as a cornerstone of sustainable progress.

MPC’s approach to AI adoption serves as a model for organisations seeking to harness technology for meaningful impact. Here’s how they achieved such impressive results:

· Projects were aligned with key organisational priorities—developing talent, streamlining regulation, modernising management practices, and leveraging technology for administrative efficiency.

· By engaging stakeholders at all levels—from top executives to frontline employees—MPC ensured that AI solutions were practical, scalable, and inclusive.

· Leveraging AI tools, MPC automated routine processes, analysed large datasets for actionable insights, and optimised resource allocation, leading to measurable improvements in performance.

· Employees were equipped with training programmes to upskill and adapt to AI-driven workflows, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.

MPC’s success demonstrates that AI adoption is not just feasible but transformative. Organisations across industries can emulate this approach to unlock similar benefits. By prioritising strategic AI integration, businesses can reduce costs, enhance productivity, and position themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

To learn more about the AI-driven projects developed by MPC, visit www.mpc.gov.my in highlight section.

As Malaysia embarks on its journey toward a digitally empowered future, MPC invites organisations to join this movement. Explore tailored strategies for AI adoption and learn how your organisation can thrive in the age of innovation.

MPC welcomes collaboration with public and private organisations to introduce AI innovation. For further information, please feel free to contact Ketua_Pengarah@mpc.gov.my. Together, let’s shape a smarter, more productive tomorrow.

About Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)
MPC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). It drives national productivity holistically at the national, sectoral, and enterprise levels through three main thrusts: developing future talent, driving digitization and innovation, and building a robust ecosystem. It collaborates strategically with the private and public sectors by emphasising productivity as a key agenda to boost productivity growth and national competitiveness, ultimately leading to shared well-being and prosperity.


SOURCE: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Dr. Nor Aishah Hassan
Tel: 012 – 940 9922
Email: shah@mpc.gov.my

Name: Nik Haneez Amizan bt Nik Rosdi
Tel: 019-7181804
Email: nikhaneez@mpc.gov.my

--BERNAMA

Friday, 7 February 2025

SALIENCE LABS RAISES US$30 MLN IN SERIES A TO ADVANCE OPTICAL SWITCHES FOR AI DATA CENTRES



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Salience Labs Limited, a leader in photonic solutions for artificial intelligence (AI) data centre infrastructure, has secured US$30 million in Series A funding. (US$1=RM4.42)

The round was led by ICM HPQC Fund and Applied Ventures LLC, the venture capital arm of Applied Materials Inc, to further the development of its optical switches for large-scale AI connectivity.

Other investors include Strategic Investment Fund, Braavos, and continued participation from existing backers such as Oxford Sciences Enterprises, Cambridge Innovation Capital, and global semiconductor industry leaders including Silicon Catalyst and Jalal Bagherli.

Salience Labs Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vaysh Kewada emphasised that their photonic SALIENCE LABS RAISES US$30 MLN IN SERIES A TO ADVANCE OPTICAL SWITCHES FOR AI DATA CENTRES

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Salience Labs Limited, a leader in photonic solutions for artificial intelligence (AI) data centre infrastructure, has secured US$30 million in Series A funding. (US$1=RM4.42)

The round was led by ICM HPQC Fund and Applied Ventures LLC, the venture capital arm of Applied Materials Inc, to further the development of its optical switches for large-scale AI connectivity.

Other investors include Strategic Investment Fund, Braavos, and continued participation from existing backers such as Oxford Sciences Enterprises, Cambridge Innovation Capital, and global semiconductor industry leaders including Silicon Catalyst and Jalal Bagherli.

Salience Labs Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vaysh Kewada emphasised that their photonic switch technology aims to meet customer demands for high bandwidth, low latency, and power efficiency while being compatible with existing infrastructure.

“The completion of this round will further our development and help us bring our product to customers to enable not just the savings but large cluster connectivity,” she said in a statement.

In addition to the funding, Salience Labs is appointing Dr William Jeffrey to its Board of Directors. Dr Jeffrey, an astronomer and former director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, brings extensive experience in leading scientific and technological innovation.

The company has also appointed Bonnie Tomei as Chief Financial Officer. With over 20 years of experience in finance, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and de-special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transactions, she will play a crucial role in the company's strategic growth, particularly in expanding to serve United States customers.

-- BERNAMA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 switch technology aims to meet customer demands for high bandwidth, low latency, and power efficiency while being compatible with existing infrastructure.

“The completion of this round will further our development and help us bring our product to customers to enable not just the savings but large cluster connectivity,” she said in a statement.

In addition to the funding, Salience Labs is appointing Dr William Jeffrey to its Board of Directors. Dr Jeffrey, an astronomer and former director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, brings extensive experience in leading scientific and technological innovation.

The company has also appointed Bonnie Tomei as Chief Financial Officer. With over 20 years of experience in finance, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and de-special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transactions, she will play a crucial role in the company's strategic growth, particularly in expanding to serve United States customers.

-- BERNAMA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Thursday, 6 February 2025

GUANGDONG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INDUSTRIAL MODERNISATION AT 2025 CONFERENCE

CPC Guangdong Committee’s Secretary Huang Kunming delivers a speech at the provincial high-quality development conference. (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- China’s Guangdong has reaffirmed its commitment to industrial modernisation and economic transformation with a high-level provincial conference on high-quality development, held on Feb 5.

The event marked the third consecutive year that Guangdong’s post-Spring Festival agenda has focused on fostering sustainable and innovative growth, highlighting the province’s strategy to build a modern industrial system capable of competing internationally.

According to a statement, key government and industry leaders, including Guangdong Communist Party Secretary, Huang Kunming and Governor Wang Weizhong, participated in the discussions.

Secretary Huang emphasised that Guangdong’s economic success has been driven by open cooperation and continuous industrial upgrading, while Governor Wang outlined the province’s approach to upgrading its industrial base and strengthening supply chain resilience.

In the face of global technological shifts and evolving industrial landscapes, the province aims to refine its industrial base, enhance technological innovation, and foster high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Guangdong’s industrial strengths include a comprehensive supply chain network, well-developed infrastructure, and a strong talent pool, with plans to optimise traditional industries while accelerating the development of emerging sectors, moving forward.

A key initiative is the "Action Plan for Attracting a Million Talents to South Guangdong", which seeks to position the region as a global hub for high-tech talent and industrial innovation, along with prioritising Hong Kong and Macao collaboration to drive regional development.

With its latest modernisation push, Guangdong aims to solidify its role as a leader in high-value manufacturing and innovation, ensuring long-term economic sustainability and international competitiveness.

-- BERNAMA

Report Shows AI, Social Media And Digital Ad Spend On The Rise In 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Meltwater, a global leader in media, social, and consumer intelligence, in collaboration with We Are Social, has released the Digital 2025 report, shedding light on the latest trends in social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital advertising.

Digital 2025 shows that AI’s momentum is growing rapidly, social media continues to play a pivotal role in brand discovery, and ad spend across digital, social, and influencer platforms has seen significant increases, according to a statement.

The report reveals that the number of global social media users has reached 5.24 billion, a 4.1 per cent rise over the past year. Social media has become a major channel for brand discovery, with half of all adult users engaging on platforms to learn more about brands.

Instagram leads the way, with 62.3 per cent of its users researching brands, followed by Facebook (52.5 per cent) and TikTok (51.5 per cent). Influencers also continue to shape consumer behaviour, particularly among younger demographics.

As businesses continue to invest in digital advertising, Meltwater Chief Strategy Officer, Alexandra Bjertnæs, emphasised the need for data-driven decisions, while We Are Social global group Chief Executive Officer, Toby Southgate, noted the growing complexity of digital and social media and the importance of understanding cultural nuances for effective engagement.

YouTube is the most-used social platform globally, while Instagram remains the favourite among users. TikTok sees the highest user engagement, while emerging platforms are gaining traction, with Threads surpassing 320 million monthly active users by the end of 2024 and Bluesky gaining 30 million registrations.

The digital advertising landscape is also thriving, with global ad spend hitting US$1.1 trillion in 2024, a 7.3 per cent  increase from the previous year. Digital channels make up a dominant 72.7 per cent of global ad spend, with social media ad investments growing by 15 per cent, while influencer marketing also saw a surge, with annual investments reaching US$35 billion. (US$1=RM4.42)

AI’s influence is evident, with ChatGPT leading as the most-used AI app, averaging more than a quarter of a billion monthly active users between September and November 2024. The report also highlights the rise in social media ad reach, with LinkedIn and Pinterest seeing significant growth.

The report further discusses global internet usage, with over 5.5 billion internet users and increasing online purchases, particularly among consumers over 50. The role of social media in work-related activities, sports content consumption, and the decline in privacy concerns among online adults were also key takeaways.

As digital platforms continue to evolve, businesses and marketers will need to adapt to shifting trends and leverage data-driven strategies to maximise engagement and return on investment in an increasingly competitive digital environment.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

INGREDION INCORPORATED REPORTS STRONG 2024 FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR RESULTS




  • Full-year 2024 reported and adjusted* EPS were $9.71 and $10.65, compared with $9.60 and $9.42 in the full-year 2023, respectively
  • Full-year 2024 cash from operations was $1,436 million, which benefited from approximately $400 million favorable change in working capital balances as corn costs decreased
  • In 2024, the Company returned $426 million to shareholders, including $216 million of share repurchases
  • The Company expects its full-year 2025 outlook for reported and adjusted EPS to be in the range of $10.75 to $11.55

     
WESTCHESTER, Ill., Feb 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food and beverage manufacturing industry, today reported its fourth quarter 2024 and full-year 2024 results.

“We delivered record Q4 financial results driven by continued strong sales volume growth in Texture & Healthful Solutions and exceptional results in our Food & Industrial Ingredients (“F&II”) US/CAN and LATAM segments,” said Jim Zallie, president and CEO of Ingredion. “Our 2024 reorganization and new segment structure positioned our teams well toward targeted market and customer opportunities establishing a solid foundation for future growth.”

“The creation of a global Texture & Healthful Solutions segment has strengthened collaboration with customers in support of their pursuit of innovative volume growth. The T&HS business delivered double digit sales volume growth in the fourth quarter amid a backdrop of continued food inflation and changing consumer buying behavior. Additionally, we are investing more than $100 million into our flagship Indianapolis facility to improve reliability and operating efficiency.”

“Our F&II US/CAN business benefited from the renewal of multi-year customer contracts that enabled us to recapture inflationary impacts and recover margins, resulting in significant operating income growth in the fourth quarter. For F&II LATAM, the Mexico and Andean businesses delivered strong results despite softer sweetener demand. The strength and agility of our business model in the region enabled us to manage pricing in the face of changing corn costs and currency fluctuations.”

“Our high level of performance in 2024 provides momentum heading into 2025. In addition to strong volume growth in Texture & Healthful Solutions and operational excellence across our entire business, we exceeded our first year Cost2Compete run rate savings target. We anticipate the further strengthening of customer collaborations to drive growth and the benefits of the second year of Cost2Compete initiatives to position us well to navigate the business environment in 2025. We will continue to allocate capital that prioritizes organic investment to drive future profit growth while returning capital through dividends and share repurchases to deliver shareholder value,” Zallie concluded.

* Reported results are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles “GAAP.” Adjusted financial measures are non-GAAP financial measures. See section II of the Supplemental Financial Information entitled “Non-GAAP Information” following the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

 Table

Business Review 

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Texture & Healthful Solutions

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Food & Industrial Ingredients – LATAM 

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Food & Industrial Ingredients – U.S./Canada 

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Dividends and Share Repurchases

For full-year 2024, the Company paid $210 million in dividends to shareholders and in the fourth quarter, declared a quarterly dividend of $0.80 per share that was paid in the first quarter of 2025. During 2024, the Company repurchased 1.65 million outstanding shares of common stock at a net cost of $216 million. To support total shareholder return, the Company is dedicated to continuing to return value to shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases.

2025 Full-Year Outlook

The Company expects its full-year 2025 reported and adjusted EPS to each be in the range of $10.75 to $11.55.

This guidance does not consider extraordinary changes in current tax rates, tariffs or trade, or food regulations.

This expectation excludes any acquisition-related integration and restructuring costs, as well as any potential impairment costs.

The Company expects full-year 2025 net sales to be up low single digits, reflecting greater volume demand, partially offset by price mix and foreign exchange impacts. Reported and adjusted operating income are expected to be up mid-single-digits for full year 2025.

The 2025 full-year outlook assumes the following: Texture & Healthful Solutions operating income is expected to be up mid-single-digits to high single-digits, driven by sales volume growth; Food & Industrial Ingredients LATAM operating income is expected to be up mid-single-digits; Food & Industrial Ingredients US/CAN operating income is expected to be flat to down low single-digits; and All Other operating income is anticipated to approach breakeven profitability.

Corporate costs for full-year 2025 are expected to be up mid-single-digits to high single-digits.

For full-year 2025, the Company expects both a reported and adjusted effective tax rate of 26.0% to 27.5%.

Cash from operations for full-year 2025 is expected to be in the range of $800 million to $950 million, which reflects a reversion to investing in working capital balances as net sales are expected to grow. Capital expenditures for the full year are expected to be approximately $400 to $450 million.

For the first quarter of 2025, the Company expects net sales to be down low single-digits compared to the same quarter last year, with operating income expected to be up high single-digits.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

Ingredion will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 8 a.m. CT/9 a.m. ET, hosted by Jim Zallie, president and chief executive officer, and Jim Gray, executive vice president and chief financial officer. The call will be webcast in real-time and can be accessed at https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/events-and-presentations. A presentation containing additional financial and operating information will be accessible through the Company’s website, and available to download a few hours prior to the start of the call. A replay will be available for a limited time at https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/financial-information/quarterly-results.

About the Company

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in nearly 120 countries. With 2024 annual net sales of approximately $7.4 billion, the Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, and industrial markets. With Ingredion’s Idea Labs® innovation centers around the world and more than 11,000 employees, the Company co-creates with customers and fulfills its purpose of bringing the potential of people, nature and technology together to make life better. Visit ingredion.com for more information and the latest Company news.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, among others, any statements regarding the Company’s expectations for full-year 2025 reported and adjusted EPS, net sales, reported and adjusted operating income, segment and All Other operating income, corporate costs, reported and adjusted effective tax rate, cash from operations, working capital, and capital expenditures, the Company’s expectations for 2025 first quarter net sales and reported and adjusted operating income, and any other statements regarding the Company’s prospects and its future operations, financial condition, volumes, cash flows, expenses or other financial items, including management’s plans or strategies and objectives for any of the foregoing and any assumptions, expectations or beliefs underlying any of the foregoing.

These statements can sometimes be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “pro forma,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “propels,” “opportunities,” “potential,” “provisional,” or other similar expressions or the negative thereof. All statements other than statements of historical facts therein are “forward-looking statements.”

These statements are based on current circumstances or expectations, but are subject to certain inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control. Although we believe our expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, investors are cautioned that no assurance can be given that our expectations will prove correct.

Actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by these statements, based on various risks and uncertainties, including effects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the impacts on the availability and prices of raw materials and energy supplies and volatility in foreign exchange and interest rates; changing consumption preferences relating to high fructose corn syrup and other products we make; the effects of global economic conditions and the general political, economic, business, and market conditions that affect customers and consumers in the various geographic regions and countries in which we buy our raw materials or manufacture or sell our products, and the impact these factors may have on our sales volumes, the pricing of our products and our ability to collect our receivables from customers; future purchases of our products by major industries which we serve and from which we derive a significant portion of our sales, including, without limitation, the food, beverage, animal nutrition; the uncertainty of acceptance of products developed through genetic modification and biotechnology; our ability to develop or acquire new products and services at rates or of qualities sufficient to gain market acceptance; increased competitive and/or customer pressure in the corn-refining industry and related industries, including with respect to the markets and prices for our primary products and our co-products, particularly corn oil; price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and shortages affecting inputs to our production processes and delivery channels, including raw materials, energy costs and availability and freight and logistics; our ability to contain costs, achieve budgets and realize expected synergies, including with respect to our ability to complete planned maintenance and investment projects on time and on budget as well as with respect to freight and shipping costs; operating difficulties at our manufacturing facilities and liabilities relating to product safety and quality; the effects of climate change and legal, regulatory, and market measures to address climate change; our ability to successfully identify and complete acquisitions or strategic alliances on favorable terms as well as our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses or implement and maintain strategic alliances and achieve anticipated synergies with respect to all of the foregoing; economic, political and other risks inherent in conducting operations in foreign countries and in foreign currencies; the behavior of financial and capital markets, including with respect to foreign currency fluctuations, fluctuations in interest and exchange rates and market volatility and the associated risks of hedging against such fluctuations; the failure to maintain satisfactory labor relations; our ability to attract, develop, motivate, and maintain good relationships with our workforce; the impact on our business of natural disasters, war, threats or acts of terrorism, the outbreak or continuation of pandemics, or the occurrence of other significant events beyond our control; the impact of impairment charges on our goodwill or long-lived assets; changes in government policy, law, or regulation and costs of legal compliance, including compliance with environmental regulation; changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liability; increases in our borrowing costs that could result from increased interest rates; our ability to raise funds at reasonable rates and other factors affecting our access to sufficient funds for future growth and expansion; security breaches with respect to information technology systems, processes, and sites; volatility in the stock market and other factors that could adversely affect our stock price; risks affecting the continuation of our dividend policy; and our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. If we do update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and others should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections. For a further description of these and other risks, see “Risk Factors” and other information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ingredion Incorporated
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)


Above is a reconciliation of our expected full-year 2025 GAAP ETR to our expected full-year 2025 adjusted ETR. The amounts above may not reflect certain future charges, costs and/or gains that are inherently difficult to predict and estimate due to their unknown timing, effect and/or significance. These amounts may include, but are not limited to, adjustments to GAAP ETR for acquisition and integration costs, impairment and restructuring costs, and certain other items. We generally exclude these adjustments from our adjusted ETR guidance. For these reasons, we are more confident in our ability to forecast adjusted ETR than we are in our ability to forecast GAAP ETR.

CONTACTS:
Investors: Noah Weiss, 773-896-5242
Media: Rick Wion, 708-209-6323

SOURCE : Ingredion Incorporated

Meltwater-Snapchat Integration To Provide Brands, Agencies With Enhanced Social Listening

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Meltwater has announced a groundbreaking integration with Snap Inc, becoming the first social listening platform to provide Snapchat-specific insights for brands and agencies.

This new partnership enables brands and agencies to optimise their advertising and content strategies on Snapchat, which boasts 443 million daily active users.

Meltwater Chief Product Officer, Chris Hackney highlighted the importance of video content on social media and expressed enthusiasm about how this partnership will allow brands to create more impactful campaigns and deepen audience connections.

“It is fantastic to see Snapchat leaning into the power of social listening, and enabling brands to better understand how they are performing on this important platform,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Snap Inc Global Head of Revenue Partnerships, Ali Rana said Meltwater's integration with Snapchat represents a new milestone in social listening, emphasising how it helps brands stay informed, competitive and engaged with their audiences.

Through the integration, Meltwater customers can surface and analyse content coming from public Snapchat profiles, including Stories, saved Stories, and Spotlight videos, via Snapchat's Public Profile API.

Meltwater’s listening analytics are geared towards marketing teams who want to boost their Snapchat presence and drive better campaign results. By analysing trends and best-performing stories, brands and agencies can gain deeper audience insights and improve content performance on Snapchat.

Key benefits of the integration include the ability to analyse campaign engagement, measure brand exposure through image recognition, optimise content strategies, gain deeper audience insights, spot emerging trends, and benchmark competitors' content performance on Snapchat.

With this integration, Meltwater is well-positioned to support brands in navigating the competitive landscape of social media marketing and ensure they have the insights needed to reach audiences on Snapchat for years to come.

-- BERNAMA



Tuesday, 4 February 2025

Americhem’s R&D Centre In India To Enhance Colour Development, Customer Support





KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Americhem Inc has launched a new research and development (R&D) centre in Silvassa, India, located at Olive Industrial Park, to strengthen its service capabilities across India and Southeast Asia.

The 4000-square-foot centre will offer specialised testing services for masterbatch colour development, particularly for melt spinning and textile manufacturing customers. It will also provide field and technical services to support customer-specific requirements.

“This investment demonstrates Americhem's dedication to fostering innovation, expanding capabilities, and supporting customers as they grow alongside these dynamic markets,” said Americhem Managing Director for India and Southeast Asia, S. Mani in a statement.

Meanwhile, its Operations Director for India, Toshan Simaiya highlighted the benefits of the new centre, noting that it will allow the company to be closer to customers, provide nimble support, enable faster colour development, real-time communication and quicker approvals.

The centre will be led by Head of R&D – Fibers for Americhem India, Sandeep Bhamare, who will ensure smooth collaboration between Americhem’s Pune site and the new facility.

On the other hand, its Head of Sales and Marketing Textiles/Fibers, Krunal Bodne emphasised that customers could have colour matches completed the same day, significantly speeding up time-to-market.

The R&D centre began operations in late 2024 and is strategically located five kilometres from Bhilad Highway NH-48, with future access to the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway.

Americhem operates 10 manufacturing plants and maintains sales offices throughout the world.

-- BERNAMA

Monday, 3 February 2025

ZENAS BIOPHARMA TO PRESENT AT GUGGENHEIM SMID CAP BIOTECH CONFERENCE ON FEB 5

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Zenas BioPharma Inc, a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company, has announced its management team will present in a fireside chat at the Guggenheim SMID Cap Biotech Conference on Feb 5.

According to a statement, the presentation will be available via a live webcast, and an archived replay can be accessed under the "Events and Presentations" section of the Investor & Media Relations page on the Zenas BioPharma website.

Zenas is committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialisation of transformative immunology-based therapies, aiming to improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases.

-- BERNAMA

GENERALI MALAYSIA APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM TO ACCELERATE GROWTH

Generali Malaysia is pleased to appoint Ms. Soo Wai Har as Chief Executive Officer of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad and Mr. Lee Chee Fooi as Chief Distribution Officer of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Generali Malaysia has announced the appointments of Soo Wai Har as the new Chief Executive Officer of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, and Lee Chee Fooi as Chief Distribution Officer of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad. These new appointments are in alignment with Generali Malaysia’s strategy for sustainable growth and its aspiration to become a Lifetime Partner to its customers.

Prior to joining Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Soo Wai Har served as the Chief Commercial Lines Officer at Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad, holding over two decades of insurance industry experiences. Known for her dynamic leadership and deep industry knowledge, she has spearheaded innovation and operational excellence across various roles in Finance, Sales and Marketing, Distribution, and Operations. A passionate advocator for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she has been pivotal in championing inclusive initiatives at Generali Malaysia. Soo Wai Har succeeds Rebecca Tan, who will be transitioning to the role of President Director & Chief Executive Officer PT Asuransi Jiwa Generali Indonesia.

Lee Chee Fooi brings with him a wealth of experiences in the general insurance industry, having helmed the role of Chief Agency Officer at Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad. He has held various senior leadership roles across diversified distribution channels whilst building and leading high-performing insurance agency networks.

“Congratulations to Wai Har and Chee Fooi. As Generali Malaysia experiences significant profitable growth, it is prime time for us to invest in our People and strengthen our leadership in accordance with our Lifetime Partner commitment. I’m confident that Wai Har and Chee Fooi, both being seasoned industry professionals, have the proven leadership, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to drive Generali Malaysia’s strategic goals and future success,” said Fabrice Benard, Country Head of Generali entities in Malaysia.

Fabrice Benard will continue to serve as the Country Head overseeing both Generali entities in Malaysia, ensuring seamless leadership and execution of Generali Malaysia’s strategic priorities.

For more information, please visit www.generali.com.my.

SOURCE: Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Media Relations
Name: Sheena Ho (Brand Marketing & Communications)
Tel: 012-3091193
Email : sheena.ho@generali.com.my

Name: Samantha David (Brand Marketing & Communications)
Tel: +6016 314 1085
Email: samantha.david@generali.com.my

--BERNAMA

SOLIDUS LABS' TRADE SURVEILLANCE ACADEMY TO BRIDGE KNOWLEDGE GAP IN FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Solidus Labs, the category-defining leader in cross-asset trade surveillance and risk monitoring, has launched the first-of-its-kind Trade Surveillance Academy (TSA), a publicly available training programme aimed at addressing the knowledge gap in the emerging field of trade surveillance.

Designed by practitioners, for practitioners, TSA provides comprehensive, practical training grounded in real-world insights. As financial regulations tighten and instances of market abuse rise, institutions face growing challenges in equipping teams with the expertise needed to combat manipulation schemes across diverse venues, products, and asset classes.

Solidus’ TSA directly addresses this need by equipping compliance, risk, and regulatory officers with robust training content to oversee effective trade surveillance and investigations across all asset classes, according to a statement.

Solidus Labs Vice President of Professional Services & Investigations, Spiro Antonopoulos said these initiatives are part of a broader effort to set a new standard for trade surveillance practices across all asset classes.

“Through the Trade Surveillance Academy and our Professional Services offerings, Solidus Labs is creating a future where compliance professionals are empowered with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to excel in their roles,” he said.

TSA offers over five hours of on-demand video lectures, interactive assessments and quizzes, and a certificate of completion. Open to the public, the programme is led by seasoned experts with decades of experience in trade surveillance, compliance, and market integrity.

It empowers professionals with the practical skills and credentials they need to confidently navigate today’s complex regulatory landscape.

The TSA programme is complemented by Solidus Labs' Trade Surveillance platform, HALO, and its Professional Services team, which provides tailored solutions for clients, including advanced training, regulatory support, and model calibration.

With extensive experience in on- and off-chain investigations, Solidus' team is committed to helping compliance teams streamline their surveillance and compliance programmes.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, 1 February 2025

MODELLA AI'S GENERATIVE AI CO-PILOT PATHCHAT RECEIVES FDA BREAKTHROUGH DEVICE DESIGNATION




BOSTON, Jan 31 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Modella AI, a pioneer in generative and agentic artificial intelligence for biomedicine, is proud to announce that its cutting-edge generative AI co-pilot, PathChat DX, has been granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This recognition underscores PathChat DX’s potential to transform diagnostic workflows and improve patient outcomes in pathology.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250128288933/en/
 
The FDA’s Breakthrough Device Designation is reserved for medical devices that offer significant advantages over existing standards of care, addressing unmet medical needs or providing critical advancements in healthcare. PathChat DX, which is an extension of the PathChat model recently published in Nature and developed in the Mahmood Lab, led by Faisal Mahmood, PhD at Mass General Brigham. PathChat integrates advanced generative AI and multimodal analysis which are designed to assist pathologists in diagnosing complex cases with greater accuracy and efficiency. PathChat leverages a unique combination of pathology foundation models, pretrained on extensive histology image and image-text datasets, and a custom trained multimodal large language model (MLLM) to analyze high-resolution pathology images and clinical data.

With this designation, Modella AI will benefit from prioritized FDA review and increased collaboration with the agency, expediting the development and commercialization process for PathChat DX. The designation highlights the FDA’s recognition of the platform’s potential to address critical challenges in pathology, including diagnostic variability and increasing case volumes.

“The Breakthrough Device Designation is a testament to the transformative potential of PathChat DX as one of the first generative AI tools specifically trained for human pathology,” said Dr. Jill Stefanelli, CEO of Modella AI. “This milestone brings us closer to our mission of using generative and agentic AI to accelerate diagnostic workflows.”

“PathChat DX represents a transformative step forward for pathologists at every stage of their career. By enhancing diagnostic precision and potentially accelerating the time to diagnosis, it addresses critical needs in patient care, where timely and accurate decisions directly impact treatment outcomes,” said Alexander Lazar MD, PhD, Professor & Surgical Pathologist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Scientific Advisor to Modella AI. “With the rising demands and challenges in pathology, including growing workloads and burnout, tools like PathChat DX offer an opportunity to help pathologists improve both their efficiency and resilience in our complex field.”

About Modella AI

Modella AI (www.modella.ai) is a Boston-based biomedical AI company dedicated to advancing healthcare through the development of cutting-edge generative and agentic AI technologies. By combining expertise in artificial intelligence and pathology, Modella AI aims to deliver innovative solutions that empower clinicians, improve patient outcomes, and transform medical workflows.

Disclaimer: The FDA Breakthrough Device Designation does not imply FDA clearance or approval. PathChat DX is currently undergoing further testing and evaluation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and clinical safety requirements. This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Modella AI management. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. 

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