OCC, Gordonstoun Japan Launch Summer Leadership Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- OCC Educational Corporation Limited has partnered with Gordonstoun Japan to launch Impact Challenge Summer 2026 in Wakayama, ahead of the planned opening of Gordonstoun’s first international boarding campus in Japan in 2027.

Announced on April 27, the summer programme will run in two sessions in August 2026 — Aug 2 to 7 and Aug 15 to 20 — for students aged 10 to 14, focusing on leadership development through humanitarian and environmental challenges.

The programme will include modules on sustainable economic resilience for Himalayan communities, marine plastic issues around Tomogashima Island, and a field implementation component in Nepal for selected participants.

In a statement, OCC said the initiative marked a significant step in bringing Gordonstoun’s educational philosophy beyond the United Kingdom, centred on resilience, service and global awareness.

The programme was designed by international humanitarian Linda Cruse, who will serve as Director of Co-Curricular at Gordonstoun Japan, while founding principal Natasha Dangerfield said the initiative aims to redefine education through responsibility and real-world engagement.

OCC is an Osaka-based institution with a 120-year history, while Gordonstoun is internationally known for its education model combining academic rigour, outdoor learning and service, and for educating generations of the British royal family.

-- BERNAMA

JPMORGANCHASE NAMED FIRST OLYMPIC GAMES BANKING PARTNER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- United States (US)-based financial services firm, JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPMorganChase) and The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have announced a landmark Worldwide Olympic Partnership, making JPMorganChase the first Global Banking Partner in Olympic history.

The agreement covers the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28 Games) and the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It also includes JPMorganChase becoming the Official Bank of Team USA and LA28, as well as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Games.

In a statement, JPMorganChase said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ambition and excellence, with a focus on supporting athletes and communities worldwide.

JPMorganChase Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Dimon said Olympians and Paralympians represent more than athletic achievement, noting their journeys mirror the aspirations of millions the firm serves globally, adding that the company is committed to supporting them beyond the Games.

Meanwhile, IOC President, Kirsty Coventry said this partnership will support the Olympic Movement worldwide, leveraging JPMorganChase’s global reach and expertise to deliver lasting benefits for athletes and communities.

Through the collaboration, JPMorganChase aims to strengthen the long-term financial health of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements while creating new opportunities for athletes, businesses and communities. The partners also plan to support athletes through initiatives such as financial health workshops via the IOC’s Athlete365 platform.

JPMorganChase will serve as the Worldwide Olympic Partner across asset and wealth management, private banking, and commercial and investment banking. In the US, it will also act as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Games in the retail banking category.

In line with IOC policy, revenues generated from the partnership will be redistributed to support global sports organisations, including National Olympic Committees, their athletes, and Organising Committees for the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games.

With operations in more than 60 countries and clients across over 100 markets, JPMorganChase brings extensive financial expertise to help drive economic growth and opportunity worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

ZHONGSHAN FIRMS SHOWCASE SMART MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA TRADE PUSH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The first overseas edition of Guangdong’s “Goods Go Global” trade promotion programme has brought more than 70 manufacturers from Zhongshan to Kuala Lumpur, showcasing consumer goods and smart manufacturing products over the weekend.

Held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the two-day event combined a business conference with an offline product exhibition aimed at helping Zhongshan companies expand their presence in Southeast Asian markets, according to a statement.

The programme, titled “Zhongshan Premium Products, Trade Connecting Southeast Asia”, featured more than 300 products across categories including smart home appliances, lighting systems, hardware, household goods, industrial equipment and rehabilitation robotics.

Participating companies included major Chinese manufacturers such as TCL, Changhong and Vatti, with organisers saying more than 20 firms conducted direct retail sales during the event, while around 30 companies focused on brand promotion and distributor outreach.

A dedicated exhibition zone branded “Intelligent Manufacturing Zhongshan” highlighted the city’s manufacturing capabilities, while additional displays introduced Zhongshan’s urban development, cultural heritage and tourism resources.

Representatives from Shopee also engaged participating firms to support digital market entry, discussing onboarding procedures, platform policies and local distribution opportunities in Malaysia.

During the event, organisers also announced the launch of a new trade platform in Johor Bahru designed to provide Zhongshan companies with a permanent base for product display, sales and business matching in Malaysia.

Alongside product promotion, officials from Zhongshan presented the city’s investment environment and appointed members of the Malaysian business community as advisers for future cooperation projects, saying the programme reflects broader efforts to diversify overseas market access.

-- BERNAMA

Helical Fusion Launches Helix Program “Official Partners” to Build Japan’s Industrial Coalition for Commercial Fusion Energy

 

^{Helical Fusion’s Integrated Demonstration Device, “Helix HARUKA,” currently under construction (photographed at the company’s dedicated workspace within the National Institute for Fusion Science in Gifu, Japan)} 


Multiple long-established Japanese companies join as inaugural partners in a shared push to build the fusion energy industry; Helical Fusion also completed the first close of its Series B round


TOKYO, April 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Helical Fusion Co., Ltd., a fusion energy company developing a Helical stellarator power plant, today announced the launch of Helix Program Official Partners, a new strategic partnership framework designed to bring together long-term industrial collaborators committed to advancing fusion from laboratory progress to real-world fusion power deployment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260427596284/en/ 

The Helix Program is Helical Fusion’s core initiative to realize commercially viable fusion energy in the 2030s. Rather than starting from a reactor concept alone, the program works backward from the three essential requirements for commercial fusion power: net electricity, continuous operation, and high maintainability. Based on this framework, Helical Fusion has adopted the Helical Stellarator as the reactor approach with the clearest pathway to achieving all three requirements in a fully operational fusion power plant, building on Japan’s decades-long research foundation in helical stellarator technology.

The first three companies to join as founding Official Partners are NICHIAS Corporation, Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., and Seno Kisen Co., Ltd. Each brings a business legacy spanning roughly a century or more. More importantly, they are joining not simply as suppliers or investors, but as long-term partners who share Helical Fusion’s ambition of helping build the fusion energy industry itself.

“Commercial fusion will not be realized by a startup alone, or by physics alone,” said Takaya Taguchi, Co-Founder and CEO of Helical Fusion Co., Ltd. “It requires a coalition of companies willing to apply the strengths they have built over generations to one of the most consequential industrial challenges of the next century. Helix Program Official Partners was created for that purpose.”

Unlike a conventional sponsorship program, Helix Program Official Partners is structured for companies that will work alongside Helical Fusion as active industrial collaborators. Participation is tied not only to strategic business alignment, but also to capital commitment. The framework is intended to support manufacturing and construction for Helix HARUKA, Helical Fusion’s Integrated Demonstration Device, and ultimately Helix KANATA, the company’s planned first commercial plant in the 2030s.

About Helix Program Official Partners

NICHIAS Corporation, founded in 1896, has supplied insulation, sealing, and high-performance industrial products to sectors that have underpinned modern industrial society, including shipbuilding, petroleum refining and petrochemicals, electric power, automobiles, construction, and semiconductors. Its participation reflects the view that the technologies required for large-scale industry in one era can become enabling technologies for a new energy system in the next.

Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., founded in 1887, has evolved through more than a century of manufacturing while building expertise in materials and textile-based technologies. Its decision to join points to a broader idea central to fusion commercialization: that advanced materials companies with deep manufacturing DNA may have an important role in shaping the infrastructure of future energy.

Seno Kisen Co., Ltd., founded in 1946 and built through decades of global maritime operations, brings expertise in industrial logistics, fleet management, and the movement of essential resources that sustain economies. Its participation underscores that future energy systems will not depend only on invention, but on the operational disciplines needed to move, deploy, and sustain large-scale assets in the real world.

The company is already advancing that roadmap in hardware. Manufacturing and construction are underway for magnet demonstration work for Helix HARUKA at a dedicated Helical Fusion workspace on the campus of the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki, Gifu.

In connection with this broader push, Helical Fusion also completed the first close of its Series B round, raising approximately JPY 2.7 billion. Investors in the round include NICHIAS Corporation, Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., Seno Kisen Co., Ltd., Ecrowd NEXT, Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., and MITANI SANGYO Co., Ltd., among others. Among these investors, NICHIAS Corporation, Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., and Seno Kisen Co., Ltd. are also participating as the Helix Program Official Partners. Including grants and loans, the company’s total funding to date has reached approximately JPY 9.8 billion. The company said this additional capital will support continued development under the Helix Program alongside the expansion of its industrial partnership network.

About Helical Fusion Co., Ltd.

Helical Fusion Co., Ltd. is a company working to commercialize fusion energy through the development of the Helical Stellarator. The company was founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), leveraging research achievements accumulated at NIFS.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260427596284/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Communications Design Office
Helical Fusion Co., Ltd.
contact@helicalfusion.com 

Source : Helical Fusion Co., Ltd.

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad Marks Another Year of Steadfast Operations and Sustainable Growth

 

(From Left) Chief Operating Officer, Azureen Azita Abdullah; Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani; Chairman, Datuk Anuar Ahmad and Chief Financial Officer, Mazlie Minhat at PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad's 44th AGM.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) reaffirmed its commitment to serving Malaysians through safe and reliable nationwide operations. Anchored on customer centricity, PDB continues to prioritise solutions that enhance convenience, accessibility and reliability for Malaysians.

Central to this effort is Setel, PDB’s proprietary digital platform, which has played a pivotal role in strengthening customer engagement and accelerating the adoption of cashless and seamless transactions nationwide. During FY2025, this digital capability was instrumental in supporting the successful rollout of the Government’s BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) subsidy framework, ensuring smooth implementation while maintaining continuous nationwide operations.

At its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, the Company shared that for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 (FY2025), sales volume reached a record high of 17.1 billion litres and profit after tax (PAT) was RM1.14 billion. PDB also declared a total dividend of 112 sen per share, including a 20 sen per share special dividend, reflecting a 100 per cent payout ratio.

FY2025 Highlights:

• Resilient Volume and BUDI95 enablement: Retail volumes remained stable, attributed by high Setel app adoption rate. With more than 11 million registered users nationwide, Setel was instrumental in facilitating the smooth implementation of BUDI95.

• Commercial agility: The Commercial segment recorded strong growth, led by aviation fuel demand and the delivery of Malaysia’s first locally blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) CORSIA certification. This milestone underscored PDB’s capability to support aviation decarbonisation while meeting stringent operational requirements.

• Sustainability and community: 303 stations were solarised, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 4695.6 tonnes CO₂e. The used cooking oil (UCO) collection initiative resulted in the collection of 749 tonnes of UCO, generating RM2.2 million for community beneficiaries. Additionally, the PETRONAS Malaysia Open sponsorship in collaboration with the Badminton Association of Malaysia supports the development of ~140 athletes annually. This demonstrated PDB's commitment to responsible operations and positive environmental and social impact.

• Sales volume: 17.1 billion litres, supported by high Jet A-1 and Commercial Diesel demand.

• Revenue: RM38.3 billion, supported by higher volumes despite lower average selling prices.

• PAT and dividend: PAT of RM1.14 billion, underpinned by disciplined cost management and focused operational execution; total dividend of 112 sen per share, including a 20 sen per share special dividend (100 per cent payout ratio).

The AGM was chaired by Chairman Datuk Anuar Ahmad and attended by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani, Chief Operating Officer Azureen Azita Abdullah, Chief Financial Officer Mazlie Minhat and other Board members.

Guided by the theme “Win the Moment, Shape the Next” and aligned with the Company’s Integrated Report 2025, the AGM reaffirmed PDB’s drive to remain resilient in facing challenges. It also underscored PDB’s focus on agility and disciplined execution in facing the future.

Azrul said, “FY2025 was a year that tested our discipline and resilience amid a dynamic operating environment. Our performance was anchored by the strength of our core businesses, supported by steady operations and growing digital adoption. Our priority is our customers, and we are committed to meeting their needs while remaining mindful of costs. Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities are to further strengthen our core, scale digital adoption and embed sustainability, ensuring the business remains resilient and well-positioned for the future.”

“While the outlook for the industry is expected to be challenging in the coming months, due to the impact of the crisis in West Asia, PDB remains committed to ensure meeting domestic fuel requirements will continue to be our priority,” Azrul added.

Despite ongoing global changes and shifting energy policies, PDB is prepared to perform well. The Company remains committed to keeping Malaysia moving by ensuring reliable supply, supporting national priorities and delivering sustainable value to shareholders. "

For further reading, visit FY2025 PDB’s Integrated Report at www.mymesra.com.my/ir2025 and Bursa Malaysia’s website at www.bursamalaysia.com under Annual Report.

Issued by
Corporate Communications
PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad

ABOUT PETRONAS DAGANGAN BERHAD

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad is the principal domestic marketing arm of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), which holds 63.94 per cent of its equity. Incorporated in Malaysia on 5 August 1982 and listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia on 8 March 1994, PDB has since established itself as Malaysia’s leading retailer and marketer of downstream oil and gas products.

The Company markets a wide range of high-quality petroleum products including motor gasoline, aviation fuel, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil, bunker fuel, lubricants, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bitumen.

In line with its strategy to grow beyond fuel, the Company has established Mesra Retail & Cafe Sdn Bhd in 2021 to drive its food and beverage (F&B) business and expanded its retail footprint with the PETRONAS Shop, which offers exclusive PETRONAS-branded merchandise and souvenirs.

PDB’s proprietary digital platform, Setel, underpins this ecosystem by driving convenience, efficiency and delivering a seamless, end-to-end customer experience. This digital capability positions the Company to strengthen customer connectivity and enhance value beyond fuel sales.

Since 2015, PDB has been certified as a constituent company member of FTSE4Good Index Series – a testament to the Company’s commitment to strong environmental, social and governance practices measured against globally recognised standards.

SOURCE: PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Dayang Ainul Mardiah Zainal
Tel: 03 – 2331 0236
Email: dayangainul_zainal@petronas.com.my

Name: Anisa Adnin Mohamad
Tel: 03 – 2392 3759 | 013 – 904 2724
Email: anisaadnin.mohamad@petronas.com.my

--BERNAMA

PETRONAS REINFORCES INDUSTRY RESILIENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS AT OGSE PARTNERS DAY 2026

Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management (third from right), alongside (from left to right) Mohd Razali Kamin, Senior General Manager, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; Terry Biusing, Chief Corporate & OGSE Officer, SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd; Ts Syed Saggaf, President, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC); Rashidah Alias, Vice President, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; PETRONAS; Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, Vice President, Group Strategic Relations & Communications, PETRONAS and Mohd Yazid Ja'afar, President/Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation officiating at the OGSE Partners Day.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS reaffirmed the importance of strengthening resilience, competitiveness and execution capability across Malaysia’s oil and gas service and equipment (OGSE) ecosystem at its OGSE Partners Day, held today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

 

Themed “Empowering Resilience”, the event brought together more than 800 participants, including vendors, association representatives, production sharing contractors, financial institutions and government agencies. 
 

In his keynote address, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management PETRONAS highlighted that the programme today aims to demonstrate a future-ready and resilient OGSE ecosystem that is financially sound, technologically capable, talent ready and governed with integrity.   
 

“The key areas of focus – from sustainability and digital operations to finance and talent development – are interconnected. Transformation does not happen in silos. It happens when technology, talent, capital and governance move forward together,” he said. 
 

The event featured a series of panel sessions exploring pathways to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and accelerate capability development across the supply chain. Discussions covered technology adoption, talent development and financing solutions, alongside the importance of deeper collaboration across the OGSE value chain. 
 

Panelists included representatives from the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) and the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), who shared perspectives on market volatility, global competition, sustainability requirements, technological shifts and evolving policy expectations. These discussions are aligned with the National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030, which aims to strengthen the regional competitiveness of Malaysian OGSE companies.  
 

PETRONAS also formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its Sustainable Vendor Financing Programme with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, UOB Malaysia, RHB Bank Berhad and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). Launched last year, the programme enhances vendors’ access to sustainable financing by leveraging sustainability disclosures, enabling them to tap into Bank Negara Malaysia’s financing facilities, including the Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF) and High Tech and Green Facility (HTG) and MIDF’s Sustainable & Green Biz Financing (SGBF). This initiative is aimed at supporting PETRONAS vendors in adopting more sustainable practices across their operations. 
 

The OGSE industry remains a key pillar in Malaysia’s economy, contributing between five to eight per cent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting more than 123,000 jobs nationwide.  
 

As a progressive energy and solutions partner, PETRONAS is committed to driving sustainable and inclusive growth by working closely with industry partners to strengthen ecosystem capabilities and foster a resilient, capable and competitive industry for the future.  

 

Issued by:  

  

Channels and Media Relations  

Group Strategic Relations & Communications  

PETRONAS  

  

SOURCE: PETRONAS 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:   

Name: Aisyah Mustapha Kamil
Tel: 012 3818 790 
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com  

--BERNAMA

Bitget Advances Multi Asset Push with #2 Global Stock Perpetuals Ranking in Q1 2026

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), ranked second globally in Stock Perpetuals market share in Q1 2026 according to TokenInsight’s Crypto Exchange Report Q1 2026. The result highlights the growing traction in equity-linked derivatives as demand expands beyond crypto-native assets into broader market exposure.

The broader shift toward tokenized and multi-asset trading is still in its early stages, but the direction is becoming clearer. According to the report, Stock Perpetuals averaged roughly $423 million in daily volume during the quarter, reflecting sustained growth in the segment. That trend aligns with Bitget’s TradFi tokenization thesis, published in February 2026, which projected annual stock trading volumes could rise from an estimated $100 trillion–$130 trillion today to $160 trillion–$200 trillion by 2030 as more equities move on-chain.

Bitget’s position reflects its early entry into the category, having launched stock perpetual futures in September 2025. In Q1 2026, Bitget captured 22.61% of the Stock Perpetuals segment, with average daily trading volume reaching $95.74 million. The exchange has steadily built a meaningful position in the category, demonstrating the industry shift towards an Universal Exchange strategy and its ability to support broader market exposure through tested trading infrastructure.

“This milestone reflects more than category growth. It shows that users are responding to a broader shift in how trading platforms should serve them,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Our focus is to build Bitget into a destination where users can move across crypto and TradFi assets with greater ease. Our performance in Stock Perpetuals is one step in executing that long-term vision.”

Beyond Stock Perpetuals, the report also highlighted Bitget’s strength in the broader exchange market. In Q1 2026, Bitget ranked fifth globally by total exchange market share, accounting for 7.70% of industry trading volume. Its share remained stable quarter over quarter, edging up 0.02 percentage points despite a broader market cooldown, solidifying Bitget’s top five position among its peers across both crypto-native and emerging traditional finance-linked trading activity.

Bitget’s performance in Stock Perpetuals reflects its broader Universal Exchange strategy, designed to bring together crypto and expanded market access within a single trading environment. The platform has already established a leading presence in tokenized equities, and its momentum in Stock Perpetuals points to a broader effort to build the infrastructure, liquidity, and access layers needed to support the migration of traditional market activity into on-chain and crypto-native trading environments.

To read the full report, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

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

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

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4870efa-2684-4373-8877-efa7d8eb65fe 

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

Resilience and Integrity of Malaysia's Professional Community Amidst National and Global Energy and Economic Challenges

 

Prof. ChM. Dr. Juan Joon Ching, President, Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM), representing Malaysia’s professional community across multiple disciplines, expresses its concern over the escalating national and global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, persistent supply chain disruptions, global energy pressures, and rising cost-of-living impacts affecting economies and societies worldwide.

These developments are placing sustained pressure on national resilience, particularly in relation to the affordability of essential goods and services, including healthcare, energy-dependent industries, and professional service delivery.

In this environment, BIM reaffirms that Malaysia’s professional community must continue to play a stabilising role by providing ethical leadership, evidence-based expertise, and practical solutions to support government, industry, and the rakyat in navigating these uncertainties.

BIM acknowledges the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen economic resilience and safeguard national well-being. In support of this agenda, BIM has taken proactive steps to deepen institutional collaboration and reinforce governance integrity.

Most recently, BIM formalised a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration strengthens the role of professional bodies in promoting integrity, transparency, and good governance—key foundations for national resilience during periods of economic and structural pressure.

In addition, BIM has initiated engagement sessions with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and key agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC). These discussions focus on coordinated strategies to strengthen industrial resilience, support trade continuity, enhance productivity, and ensure Malaysia remains competitive amid global economic disruptions.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐗 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦

In response to rising cost pressures, rapid technological transformation including artificial intelligence, and shifting workforce demands, professionals and graduates are actively seeking new pathways for career advancement and repositioning.
Against this backdrop, BIM is organising PROFEX 2026 – Professional Conference and Exhibition 2026, themed “Uniting Professions, Transforming Malaysia’s Future”, to be held on 29–30 September 2026.
 
PROFEX 2026 serves as a national platform connecting employers with qualified professionals, students, and graduates, bridging talent supply with evolving industry demand across Malaysia’s professional sectors. The event will also welcome participation from international delegates and professional bodies, further enhancing cross-border knowledge exchange and global networking opportunities.

The programme will focus on three core objectives: 
 

1. Strengthening awareness of professional career pathways, entry requirements, and progression opportunities
2. Promoting lifelong learning through certification, upskilling, and continuous professional development
3. Facilitating direct engagement between employers and potential talent for recruitment, internships, and career placement

Through this initiative, BIM aims to support structured talent development and strengthen Malaysia’s professional ecosystem in alignment with national economic priorities.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

BIM underscores the importance of integrity, accountability, and public trust among professionals, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. Professionals are called upon to uphold ethical standards, strengthen public confidence, and contribute constructively to national stability.

Through strengthened collaboration with key institutions such as MACC, MITI, MIDA, MATRADE, and MPC, BIM continues to position Malaysia’s professional community as an active partner in advancing governance integrity, economic resilience, and sustainable national development.

BIM calls upon all stakeholders to work collectively in strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness, safeguarding public trust, and ensuring that professional careers remain a key driver of national progress and future talent development. 

Issued by:
Prof. ChM. Dr. Juan Joon Ching
President, Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

SOURCE: Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Lisa Chong
Tel: +6012 672 3898
Email: lisa.chong@bim.org.my

--BERNAMA 

GECS Q1 2026: Malaysia’s finance professionals highlight rising geopolitical risks alongside economic concerns

ACCA-IMA survey records near-pandemic-low confidence as Middle East conflict drives energy costs and supply chain stress

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The ACCA and IMA Q1 2026 Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), conducted between 3 and 19 March, coincided with the outbreak of war in the Middle East, weighing heavily on global business sentiment.

For Malaysia, the implications are significant. As a key semiconductor hub, the country may experience some upward pressure on input costs due to disruptions in petrochemicals and other critical materials. As a net energy importer, it could also be affected by higher oil and gas prices. In addition, a stronger US dollar may place some pressure on the ringgit, potentially increasing import costs and foreign currency exposures.

Regionally, 33% of Asia Pacific respondents ranked geopolitical instability as their top risk priority in Q1 2026, above the global average of 25%. Cybersecurity risk ranked second globally at 17%, a concern that is relevant in Malaysia’s fast-digitalising economy.

Andrew Lim, Head of Maritime SEA, ACCA, said: “The Q1 2026 GECS findings are a sobering reminder of how deeply interconnected Malaysia’s economy is with global trade and geopolitical dynamics. Our position at the heart of Southeast Asia means that supply chain disruption, energy price volatility, and currency pressures hit us at multiple pressure points simultaneously. Finance professionals in Malaysia must now navigate an environment where the risks are not only economic but deeply geopolitical – and the two are increasingly inseparable.”

The survey showed a sharp decline in confidence, close to the series lows recorded at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, as firms grapple with the fourth major global shock this decade. Confidence also fell sharply among chief financial officers.

While an April ceasefire brought some market relief, uncertainty remain high, and energy and other commodity prices look set to remain elevated. Rising cost pressures were evident in Q1, with reports of increased operating costs at their highest since Q3 2022. With energy prices rising and supply chains under strain, pressures are expected to intensify.

Some indicators were more encouraging though. The Global New Orders Index registered a solid increase and is now at its historical average level. Meanwhile, the Global Employment Index, which captures the hiring and firing decisions of firms, also saw slight improvement, although it remains below its historical average.

Read GECS Q1 2026 here.

Source: ACCA

FOR MORE INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:
Email: newsroom@accaglobal.com

--BERNAMA

QINGYANG LEVERAGES AI, COMPUTING POWER TO TRANSFORM RURAL E-COMMERCE

A public welfare lecture about AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce.

 KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Qingyang is advancing its digital transformation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and "computing power" into rural e-commerce, enabling farmers and homemakers to become livestream sellers, or "Code Farmers".

At the Qingyang Electronic Commerce Association, training programmes on AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce are equipping participants with practical skills—from product selection and content planning to virtual human streaming—reshaping how local communities engage in online commerce.

The initiative is supported by the Qingyang National Computing Hub under China’s Eastern Data and Western Computing Project, which provides low-cost, low-latency computing resources, according to a statement.

This enables the use of AI tools such as virtual streamers, creating a development model that combines local computing power, AI applications and talent training to boost operational efficiency.

The results have been significant. Qingyang recorded total e-commerce sales of 6.91 billion Chinese yuan in 2025, with online retail contributing 3.27 billion Chinese yuan, up 12.7 per cent year-on-year. (100 Chinese yuan = RM 58.01)

Since 2023, more than 2,000 people have received hands-on e-commerce training, strengthening the region’s digital talent base.

As a result, local residents are shifting from traditional agriculture to digital entrepreneurship, using AI-powered platforms to market regional products nationwide. This transformation highlights how digital infrastructure and emerging technologies are driving new economic opportunities in rural China.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS inks MoU with Terengganu to Explore Nature-based Solutions Projects

Dato' Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham, Terengganu State Secretary (Centre) signs the MoU together with (Left to Right); Datuk Razali Idris, Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change; Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit; Gulia Sartori, Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS; Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Khairuddin Jaafar, Senior General Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Group Strategic Relations and Communications.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and the Terengganu State Government, through the Terengganu Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the state.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify and assess potential sites across Terengganu for Nature-based carbon projects that meet internationally recognised certification standards. These projects are intended to generate high-quality carbon credits while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and supporting environmental conservation.

The MoU was signed by PETRONAS Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, Giulia Sartori and Terengganu State Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham. The signing was also witnessed by Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit.

Commenting on the collaboration, Giulia Sartori said PETRONAS looks forward to working closely with the state to advance climate-positive initiatives that create shared value.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the state of Terengganu in advancing nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, enhance biodiversity and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities. This collaboration builds on PETRONAS’ long-standing presence in the state, and we look forward to delivering value for the state and supporting Malaysia’s overall climate ambitions together,” she said

Dato’ Mohd Azmi welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the role of Terengganu’s natural ecosystems and their potential to contribute to climate change mitigation.

“Terengganu is blessed with diverse natural ecosystems that hold significant potential for nature-based solutions. Through this collaboration with PETRONAS, we aim to contribute to Malaysia’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring environmental conservation brings lasting benefits to the people of Terengganu,” he said.

NbS comprises actions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions through conserving, protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems. Carbon credits generated through NbS are integral for PETRONAS in addressing residual and hard-to-abate emissions, complementing its Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Pathway.

Issued by
Channels & Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Aisyah Mustapha
Tel: +6012 3818 790
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

ENCORP BERHAD TAPS FRIM EXPERTISE TO INTEGRATE REFORESTATION SCIENCE INTO ESG ROADMAP

Encik Harzimi bin Mohd Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encorp Berhad, leads a tree-planting initiative at FRIM Forest Park Selangor in collaboration with Forest Research Institute Malaysia, reinforcing the Group’s ESG commitment.

KEPONG, April 20 (Bernama) -- Encorp Berhad (ENCORP) has initiated a specialised environmental programme in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), launching a dedicated tree-planting project at the institute’s campus in Kepong.

The initiative took place at the FRIM Forest Park Selangor, recently recognised as Malaysia’s sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site. Under the guidance of FRIM’s researchers, ENCORP employees planted 20 indigenous forest species. This collaboration prioritises long-term monitoring and high-survival rates, ensuring each sapling contributes meaningfully to the biodiversity of this globally recognised conservation site.

This event serves as a practical "field lab" for the ENCORP team. By working alongside FRIM researchers, the Group aims to integrate these high-survival indigenous species into the landscapes of its residential and commercial projects, ensuring that future residents benefit from genuine biodiversity.

Ahmad Harzimi bin Mohd Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encorp Berhad, said,

“As ENCORP enters its next chapter of growth, we are guided by the values that have shaped our first 25 years, resilience and responsibility. Our tree-planting project at FRIM’s national heritage site contributes directly to restoring indigenous forest species and protecting the environment. In a world where progress often erodes nature, we hope our actions inspire others to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future”.

ENCORP continues to advance its sustainability efforts through its Green Ventures arm which applies expertise in plantation infrastructure, land clearing, site preparation and logistics to projects such as palm oil replanting. This approach leverages the Group’s capabilities as a builder to support environmental restoration and responsible land management.

The event is also part of a refreshed 2026 sustainability roadmap that prioritizes employee volunteerism and quality-over-quantity environmental actions. It follows ENCORP’s ongoing spirit of muafakat and to embody the ideals of an “Enlightened Corporation.”

About Encorp Berhad
Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia (Ticker: ENCORP/6076), ENCORP is principally an investment-holding company. The Group is currently involved in three core businesses – property development, property investment and construction. For more information, visit www.encorp.com.my or follow us on facebook: @encorpbhd

SOURCE: Encorp Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Saidah Umairah
Tel: 03 6286 7777
Email: umairah@encorp.com.my

--BERNAMA

Allied Gaming & Entertainment Announces Strategic Transformation, with Plans to Finalize M&A and Accelerate AI and Token Initiatives in 2026

NEW YORK, April 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Gaming & Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: AGAE, “Allied” or the “Company”) announced that it has reached a comprehensive settlement of all outstanding matters with Knighted Pastures LLC and has concluded the related legal proceedings.

With these matters resolved, the Company has removed a significant source of external uncertainty and is entering a new phase focused on strategic execution, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.

Following the resolution, Allied expects to more effectively allocate management attention and operational resources toward advancing its established strategic initiatives, accelerating business integration, and enhancing overall operating efficiency.

The Company believes this transition will support a stronger foundation for sustainable long-term shareholder value creation.

Strategic Focus on AI and Tokenized Digital Asset Platform Expansion

Allied is advancing a new phase of strategic development centered on artificial intelligence and tokenized digital asset platforms. The Company plans to progressively implement AI- and token-enabled initiatives throughout 2026 through a combination of mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and internal development.

The Company is currently evaluating multiple potential M&A and partnership opportunities across AI infrastructure, cryptocurrency, and digital ecosystem applications, and expects to provide updates on these initiatives in the near term. The Company intends to complete the issuance of cryptocurrency “Allied Coin” in 2026, subject to applicable legal, regulatory, and operational considerations, as part of its broader strategic transformation and cryptocurrency development initiatives.

Leveraging a user base of more than 20 million across the Asia-Pacific region, Allied is developing a long-term growth strategy built around two core pillars:

I. Digital Infrastructure and Tokenized Asset Platform

The Company is focused on building a foundational platform anchored in:

• Optical communication networks
• Computing power resources
• Fiber infrastructure and related digital assets

Within this framework, Allied is actively exploring tokenization models and digital asset issuance structures designed to enable the commercialization and programmability of infrastructure-backed assets.

Core areas of focus include:

• Fiber network infrastructure and bandwidth assets
• Compute capacity and AI infrastructure resources
• Token-based utility frameworks and ecosystem-level digital asset models

The Company believes that integrating real-world infrastructure with tokenized utility layers has the potential to enhance liquidity, user engagement, and platform scalability over time.

II. AI-Driven Consumer and Token-Enabled Ecosystem

Allied is developing a multi-layered application ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence and enhanced by token-based engagement mechanisms, with an initial focus on:

1. AI Gaming and Entertainment Platforms

Including AI-enhanced interactive entertainment content, next-generation gaming platforms, and token-integrated Web3-enabled environments

2. AI Education Platforms

Including AI-enabled live learning platforms, intelligent education solutions, and token-based incentive and engagement models

3. AI-Enabled Smart Devices

Including AI-powered wearable devices, learning tools, and other intelligent consumer hardware connected to the broader digital ecosystem

These platforms and products will be developed through a combination of in-house innovation, strategic acquisitions, and external partnerships, enabling integration across content, platforms, and hardware.

The Company aims to build a connected online-to-offline intelligent ecosystem, supported by AI-driven personalization and token-based user engagement, and to explore diversified commercialization pathways across its user base.

James Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Gaming & Entertainment, stated:

“With the resolution of these matters, Allied is now fully focused on execution. We are actively advancing a range of M&A and strategic partnership opportunities and accelerating the development of our AI and tokenized digital asset initiatives.

“By leveraging our existing user base and infrastructure foundation, we believe we are well-positioned to build scalable platforms across gaming, entertainment, and education, supported by both AI-driven capabilities and token-enabled ecosystems.

“We expect to share meaningful progress in the near term and believe this strategy will unlock new growth drivers and long-term value for our shareholders.”

About Allied Gaming & Entertainment Inc.
Allied Gaming & Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: AGAE) is a global experiential entertainment company undergoing a strategic transformation into an integrated digital ecosystem platform, with a focus on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and technology-enabled growth opportunities.

Contact:
Investor relations: ir@alliedgaming.gg 

SOURCE: Allied Gaming & Entertainment

--BERNAMA 

SHANGPREE to Showcase Aesthetic Heritage at Beauty Asia Singapore, Expanding Global Presence via Amazon & Shopee by 2026

 

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHANGPREE, Korea’s premier aesthetic skincare brand, is accelerating its global expansion by participating in ‘Beauty Asia’ in Singapore. Following recent successful launches on Amazon US and Japan, the brand is set to officially enter Amazon Singapore and Shopee within 2026, strengthening its digital footprint across Southeast Asia.

■ "Esthetician’s Touch in Your Hands": Introducing the 'FF Program'

At the exhibition, SHANGPREE will present its iconic bestsellers alongside the newly launched ‘FF Program (Focus on Focus PROGRAM)’. The FF Program is a high-performance intensive care line designed to precisely analyze and restore skin balance disrupted by external stressors. Developed based on 36 years of aesthetic clinical data accumulated since 1990, the lineup embodies SHANGPREE’s core mission: bringing the meticulous care of a professional esthetician into the customer’s daily skincare ritual.

■ A K-Beauty Apex Trusted by Global Luxury Channels

Originating from an aesthetic spa in 1990, SHANGPREE has already proven its value within the world’s most selective luxury distribution networks, including Harrods in London and Barneys New York. Participation in Singapore’s Beauty Asia serves as a strategic milestone to further solidify SHANGPREE’s standing as a high-end skincare authority on the global stage.

■ From the US and Japan to Southeast Asia: A Vision for Global Leadership

Following its recent entry into major global markets, SHANGPREE is now focusing on reinforcing its distribution network in Southeast Asia.

"Our participation in Beauty Asia is an opportunity to prove SHANGPREE’s rigorous standards and 36-year heritage to the global market," said a representative from SHANGPREE. "With our recent expansion into Amazon US and Japan, and our upcoming 2026 launches on Amazon Singapore and Shopee, we are committed to building an environment where customers across Southeast Asia can easily experience our high-end aesthetic spa solutions."

# About SHANGPREE

SHANGPREE is a premium skincare brand born from an aesthetic spa in 1990. By evolving decades of clinical expertise into scientific mechanisms, the brand provides precise skin solutions trusted by global experts and luxury retailers worldwide. Its signature lineup includes world-renowned bestsellers such as the Marine Energy Eye Mask, Gold Premium Plus Modeling Mask, and Phyto Essence UV Sunscreen, all of which embody the brand’s commitment to professional-grade results.

• Official Website:  www.shangpree.com
• Instagram:  @shangpree.official

# Media Contacts
cs@shangpree.com 

SOURCE: SHANGPREE

Supratechnic Secures Sole Singapore Distribution Rights for Swiss Air Quality Leader IQAir; Launches Suprayi E-Commerce Platform

SINGAPORE, April 15 (Bernama) -- Supratechnic (S) Pte Ltd (“Supratechnic”), a subsidiary of SGX Mainboard-listed USP Group Limited and a leading regional distributor of marine, instrumentation, and healthcare solutions, announced it has secured sole nationwide distribution rights in Singapore for IQAir on 14 April 2026.

Founded in Switzerland in 1963, IQAir is an air quality technology brand trusted in hospitals and critical healthcare environments worldwide.

This appointment formalises and elevates Supratechnic's existing partnership with the Swiss manufacturer to the sole authorised distributor for Singapore. This milestone expands Supratechnic’s healthcare division and secures its role as a key provider of clinical-grade infrastructure.

Mr. Melvin Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Supratechnic, commented on the milestone: 
 

“Our objective was never merely to sell more units. Over the years, we have invested steadily in building the service infrastructure required to uphold IQAir’s exacting standards — from technical training and after-sales support to market-wide service coverage. This sole nationwide distributorship appointment is not the beginning of that journey, but a recognition of the work already done. Our responsibility now is to honour that trust by delivering consistently, at the highest standard, every day.”

 
Alongside this appointment, Supratechnic officially launched Suprayi, a digital platform curated for clinically proven health solutions. The name ‘Suprayi’ brings together ‘supra,’ representing excellence and standards above the ordinary, and ‘yi’ (医), the Chinese character for healing and medicine. Together, the name embodies the platform’s mission to provide trusted, effective, and elevated health solutions that support healthier living.

Operated directly by Supratechnic, Suprayi is the official e-commerce and advisory channel for IQAir products in Singapore. The platform provides customers with access to genuine IQAir products, local warranty coverage, expert technical advice, and dependable after-sales support from the authorised distributor. 

IQAir utilizes HyperHEPA filtration technology to capture ultrafine particles as small as 0.003 microns. This includes airborne contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, smoke, and combustion particles. The systems are independently tested and meet international safety certifications for use in hospitals and specialist clinics. 

Mr Jens Hammes, Chief Executive Officer of Incen AG (IQAir) said, “ 
 

““Our cooperation with Supratechnic began in 2004. I still remember how impressed I was by the team’s professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication when introducing the IQAir brand to Singapore. 

Since then, we have shared a common mission — to make clean, healthy air accessible to as many people in Singapore as possible. Securing sole nationwide distribution rights today reflects the strength of that long-standing partnership and our confidence in Supratechnic’s ability to represent IQAir at the highest standards.” 
 

The timing of this sole nationwide distributorship appointment reflects a market in transition. Singapore's persistent air quality challenges—from seasonal transboundary haze to urban emissions and VOCs from renovation materials and rising pet ownership in compact homes—have fundamentally changed how households, workplaces, and healthcare facilities think about indoor air.

SOURCE : Aegis Communication 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Jason Fong
Tel: +6012-8631134
Email: jason@aegiscomm.com.my 

--BERNAMA 

AM Best Withdraws Performance Assessment of Delta International Limited’s Affiliates

 

SINGAPORE, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Performance Assessment (assessment) of PA-2 (Excellent) of Delta Insurance New Zealand Limited (New Zealand) and Delta Underwriting Private Limited (Singapore). The companies are assessed on a consolidated basis under their parent, Delta International Limited (Delta). The outlook of the assessment is stable. Concurrently, AM Best has withdrawn the assessment as the company has requested to no longer participate in AM Best’s interactive performance assessment process.

This assessment reflects Delta’s strong underwriting capabilities, excellent governance and internal controls, strong financial condition, excellent organizational talent, and strong depth and breadth of relationships.

In AM Best’s view, the two affiliated companies exhibit several commonalities with one another and are regarded as strategically and financially important to Delta, providing access to businesses in certain geographic jurisdictions in the Asia Pacific region. Delta was founded in New Zealand in 2014 with local ownership and operates from offices in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.

AM Best assesses Delta’s underwriting capabilities as strong. Delta has consistently recorded profitable underwriting results over the past few years across a wide range of product lines and geographic regions. Delta has a highly specialised underwriting philosophy and risk selection process, supported by its in-house underwriting and claims management teams. This has enabled the organization to grow its premium base rapidly through product and geographic expansion over time. However, compared to its historical growth rate, the company recorded lower growth in recent periods due to challenging market conditions.

AM Best considers Delta’s governance and internal controls to be excellent. Delta has implemented a sophisticated framework for selecting capacity providers, which elevates the products and coverage it provides to its policyholders. This is complemented by Delta’s extensive use of internal and external audits, policies and procedures, quality reviews and ongoing monitoring.

AM Best assesses Delta’s financial condition as strong. Delta has a track record of profitable operations with stable income sources and positive cash flow. The organisation does not retain any insurance risk. In recent periods, the shareholders’ equity was negatively impacted by the company’s buy-out of the non-controlling interest in its subsidiaries, which was recorded directly against equity under NZ IFRS 10. Prospectively, AM Best expects shareholders’ equity to increase, supported by positive earnings generation.

AM Best assesses Delta’s organizational talent as excellent. Delta’s senior management is highly experienced in the company’s lines of business and in the geographic regions in which the group operates. The knowledge share and training programs within Delta further benefit its underwriting capabilities. AM Best expects continued development in the quality and quantity of Delta’s staff as the organisation grows.

AM Best assesses Delta’s depth and breadth of relationships as strong. While Delta has a relatively compact history, most capacity providers have partnered with the organisation since its inception. Delta offers multiple programs across several countries, which provides appropriate diversification. There is opportunity for advancement in Delta’s ability to retain and sustain long-term relationships.

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

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

Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415172133/en/

Contact

Yi Ding
Associate Director
+65 6305 5021
yi.ding@ambest.com

Victoria Ohorodnyk
Senior Director, Head of Analytics
+65 6303 5020
victoria.ohorodnyk@ambest.com

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

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

Source : AM Best