Vocalbeats.AI Partners with NTU Singapore to Establish the Vocalbeats.AI-Turing AI Scholarship for Singapore’s Next Generation of AI Talent

SINGAPORE, April 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company, today announces a partnership with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) to establish the Vocalbeats.AI‑Turing AI Scholarship. The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony at NTU on April 1.

The scholarship aims to recognise and support exceptional undergraduates enrolled in the College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS) at NTU, reflecting Vocalbeats.AI’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent in Singapore. Recipients of the scholarship will be encouraged to apply for internships, mentorships, and career pathways within the company, as Vocalbeats.AI continues to grow its team in tandem with the expanding global reach of its products and services.

Marco Lai Jinnan, CEO of Vocalbeats.AI, said: “Voice AI is reshaping how people connect across languages and cultures. This scholarship is our commitment to ensuring we have the world-class talent to advance that frontier, and our experience working with NTU students and graduates has shown us what is possible when the brightest young minds take on real-world challenges. We look forward to creating more of those opportunities for students who are ready to build the future of voice AI with us.”

The scholarship comes at a time when demand for AI engineering talent continues to outstrip supply globally. In Singapore, the National AI Strategy 2.0 has set an explicit goal of tripling the nation’s AI practitioner pool, calling directly on industry to co-invest in building that capacity alongside universities, including NTU.

Professor Luke Ong, Dean of NTU’s College of Computing and Data Science and Vice President (AI & Digital Economy), said: “This partnership highlights the importance of industry-university collaboration in developing AI talent. The Turing AI Scholars Programme at NTU combines rigorous training in AI and computing with masterclasses, hands-on research opportunities, and international immersion experiences. With Vocalbeats.AI’s support, our students will have valuable opportunities to engage with industry, apply their skills, and contribute to Singapore’s growing AI ecosystem.”

Vocalbeats.AI has already been contributing to Singapore’s AI talent capacity-building objectives. In 2025, the company strengthened its university partnerships, welcoming students from local universities into its internship programme. One of the graduates from NTU has since transitioned into a full-time role and is currently contributing to the company’s research capabilities.

About Vocalbeats.AI

Vocalbeats.AI is a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company dedicated to innovating intelligent, user-friendly products and services designed to improve everyday life with more lifelike, intuitive, and accessible voice AI. Its expanding portfolio of AI-powered applications — spanning productivity, wellness, and beyond — is increasingly being embraced by a diverse global user base.

Beyond developing applications, Vocalbeats.AI is redefining how people interact with AI. Powered by an international team of engineers, designers and researchers, the Company pushes the boundaries of voice and AI technology to empower people everywhere to work smarter, connect more meaningfully, and live better.

For more information, please visit www.vocalbeats.ai.

Media contact: media@vocalbeats.com 

SOURCE: Vocalbeats

PDI Technologies Targets EMEA Retailers With AI Solutions At UNITI Expo 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- PDI Technologies, a global leader enabling smarter operations across the convenience retail and energy sectors, announced its return to UNITI Expo 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany, as a Cooperation Partner.

The company is set to demonstrate its connected ecosystem of solutions, emphasising the role of trusted operational data and practical artificial intelligence (AI) applications in driving smarter business decisions for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) retailers.

In a statement, PDI Technologies executive vice president and general manager, International, Dawn Desai stated that retailers require tools to react faster and operate with greater accuracy.

Desai highlighted that PDI’s advantage stems from the quality of its operational data, which supports proven innovations for customers to act with confidence, whether through automation, enhanced visibility, or AI capabilities.

UNITI expo, Europe’s premier trade fair for the service station and car wash industries, will convene top decision-makers from over 100 countries from May 19 to 21. The event will feature innovations across key areas, including Technology, Payment & Logistics, and Shop & Convenience.

Visitors to Hall 5, Stand 5B21 will observe how PDI assists fuel and convenience retailers in streamlining their operations. The featured solutions include Orbis Web for real-time back and head office visibility, improved logistics control for deliveries and fleets, and enhanced security and point of sale (POS) execution.

The ecosystem also provides tools for increased profitability, including advanced loyalty programmes designed to drive repeat visits and larger basket sizes, and data-driven, AI-supported dynamic pricing strategies.

PDI will further contribute to the event's educational agenda through the UNITI “International Forum”. Its vice president, Fuel Pricing & Logistics, Mark Evans, will lead a session titled “Three Forces Shaping the Future of Global Roadside Retail”.

The presentation will address shifts in the global energy landscape affecting fuel supply and pricing, the integration of AI in operational decision-making, and the evolving expectations surrounding sustainability across the sector.

-- BERNAMA

KYMETA UNVEILS FUTURE-READY MULTI-ORBIT SATCOM TERMINAL

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Kymeta Corporation, a flat-panel satellite terminal manufacturer, has launched its new Kestrel u5, a compact multi-orbit satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal designed for unmanned systems, national security operations, and high-speed industrial mobility.

The terminal enables seamless connectivity across multiple networks and constellations, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), and elliptical orbits, allowing users to adapt to diverse mission requirements.

Built for demanding environments, the Kestrel u5 features a lightweight, low-profile, and rugged design suitable for operations on land and at sea. It supports full-duplex communication and remote upgrades, ensuring future-ready performance in rapidly evolving operational landscapes.

According to Kymeta in a statement, the terminal incorporates a no-moving-parts architecture for easy installation on unmanned vessels and next-generation vehicles.

Its durability-focused design includes shock absorption and advanced radome technology, enabling high performance even in harsh conditions, including exposure to water and extreme environments.

The Kestrel u5 is also equipped with Low Probability of Detection/Interception (LPD/LPI) capabilities, offering a low thermal signature supported by low power consumption and a passive cooling system, enhancing operational security and resilience.

Beyond defence applications, the terminal is suitable for commercial use in sectors such as rail, construction, mining, and agriculture, where it can be mounted on vehicles to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity.

The Kestrel u5 is now available for order, with production units expected to be released within the next month, followed by broader availability as Kymeta scales production to meet demand.

-- BERNAMA

STRAY KIDS PREMIERE BIORÉ UV GLOBAL ANTHEM FILM

"YOUR ONE AND ONLY. Biore Global Brand Event" Held in Seongsu, South Korea

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Kao Corporation’s sunscreen brand, Bioré UV, hosted its “YOUR ONE AND ONLY. Bioré Global Brand Event”, unveiling its global campaign “SUNLIGHT IS YOUR SPOTLIGHT.” with a first-ever anthem film premiere featuring Stray Kids.

The event marked the global debut of the anthem film for “Endless Sun”, a track written, composed, and produced by Stray Kids. All eight members appeared on stage, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and engaging with fans during a live talk session.

The campaign underscores Bioré UV’s strategy to position sunlight as a source of empowerment while reinforcing its core value of high ultraviolet (UV) protection with everyday comfort. As part of its global expansion, Kao highlighted South Korea as a key strategic market, announcing a full-scale market entry for the brand.

Kao Vice President of the Skincare (Bioré) Business Division, Emi Kobayashi in a statement said South Korea represents a critical hub in the company’s global strategy, citing its advanced and competitive skincare market as a key growth driver.

The event also featured appearances by Natsuki Deguchi, the actress featured in Bioré UV’s Japanese commercials, who demonstrated the newly launched Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence in South Korea, highlighting its lightweight texture and finish.

During the anthem film segment, Stray Kids shared production anecdotes, including filming in Australia and creative elements behind key scenes. Members also discussed the message behind “Endless Sun”, describing sunlight as a “spotlight” symbolising confidence and individuality.

Interactive demonstrations using UV imaging showcased the effectiveness of Bioré UV products, while members engaged in light-hearted activities on stage, further energising the audience.

Closing the event, the group expressed appreciation to fans and reiterated the campaign’s message of confidence and self-expression, encouraging audiences to “shine under the sun” alongside Bioré UV.

-- BERNAMA

 

MOROCCO’S FRMF WELCOMES CAF APPEAL RULING

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has welcomed the decision of the CAF Appeal Board, which confirmed that competition regulations were not properly enforced during a recent interrupted match, reinforcing the integrity and consistency of international tournaments.

From the outset, the FRMF maintained a clear stance emphasising the strict application of governing regulations. The federation’s approach throughout the process was guided solely by this principle.

Following its appeal, CAF upheld the FRMF’s position, providing clarity on the regulatory framework and reaffirming the conditions necessary for proper conduct in continental competitions.

The federation stated it acted fully in compliance with all relevant legal and procedural frameworks, consistently focusing on upholding its rights and protecting the integrity of the tournament.

“This decision strengthens the consistency and credibility of international competitions, particularly within African football,” the FRMF noted in a statement.

The FRMF reaffirmed its commitment to the fair and consistent application of competition rules across all continental and international football bodies.

Looking ahead, the federation is turning its attention to the upcoming sporting calendar, including the FIFA World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for this summer.

The FRMF also commended all participating nations in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), highlighting the continued strength and dynamism of African football.

-- BERNAMA

Walton Global Launches U.S. Land Fund for International Investors

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Walton Global (“Walton”), a leading real estate investment, land banking and land asset management company, announces the launch of the U.S. Land Income & Growth Fund for offshore investors. The fund is a private investment vehicle focused on income generation and long-term capital appreciation through U.S. residential land aimed at resolving the housing supply imbalance across the country.

The fund completed its first close in October 2025 and is structured for international investors, seeking exposure to U.S. real assets. The launch follows Walton Global’s earlier introductions of a publicly offered fund in Japan and a registered investment vehicle in Hong Kong, reflecting continued overseas demand for U.S. land-backed strategies.

The hybrid strategy provides short- to mid-term financing to large national U.S. homebuilders in positions that are secured by first-lien interests in residential land, with the land title held as collateral, generating income from interest payments. At the same time, the fund acquires pre-development residential land in U.S. metropolitan areas characterized by population growth, housing undersupply, and sustained homebuilder demand

“The fund is intended for institutional and high-net-worth investors seeking stable income and long-term growth through U.S. real asset exposure,” said Tim Haywood, Managing Director, Middle East at Walton Global. “Walton Global has decades of experience identifying assets that are positioned for value creation through entitlement progress and eventual sale to builders.”

The strategy is designed for earlier opportunities in the housing value chain, where capital is secured by land rather than finished housing or consumer demand. For international investors, U.S. residential land offers exposure to long-term housing demand with a structure that emphasizes asset backing and capital discipline. The focus on land-secured positions is intended to limit reliance on leverage or market timing, which has become a priority for investors amid ongoing market volatility.

The fund has been certified as Shariah-compliant by Masryef Advisory, expanding access for investors with Islamic finance and ethical investment mandates that require tangible, asset-backed structures.

The U.S. Land Income & Growth Fund is available to qualified investors through multiple global investment platforms including: Swissquote, Moventum, Capital Platforms, Momentum, Capital International Group, Universal Platform, Veri-Global, and Veritas Life.

Additionally, the fund is registered in the Cayman Islands and regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and is managed by U.S. Land Manager (BVI) Limited, an affiliate of Walton’s parent company, with Walton Global Holdings, LLC responsible for sourcing, structuring, and managing land-related activities.

About Walton Global

Walton Global is a privately-owned, leading land asset management and global real estate investment company with more than 85,000 acres of land under ownership, management and administration in the United States and Canada, totaling $4.54 billion. With more than 47 years of experience, Walton has a proven track record of land investment projects within the path of growth in the fastest-growing metropolitan areas. A total of $2.96 billion has been distributed to over 87,000 investors located in 91 countries. The company works closely with top U.S. home builders, developers and industry partners. Business lines include fixed-income products, builder land financing, development projects, DST offerings, and various fund structures. For more information, visit walton.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260317157482/en/ 

Contact

MEDIA CONTACT:
Allison Worldwide
waltonglobal@allisonworldwide.com 

Source : Walton Global

--BERNAMA 

Skild AI Expands Generalized Robot Intelligence Across Industries With ABB Robotics, Universal Robots, and NVIDIA

 

Skild AI is partnering with ABB Robotics and Universal Robots to deploy its omni-bodied robot brain across industries and applications, from factory floors to collaborative systems, without task-by-task reprogramming


PITTSBURGH, March 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skild AI, a pioneer in building generalized robot intelligence for any embodiment, today announced expanded collaborations with NVIDIA, ABB Robotics, and Teradyne Robotics’ Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) to deploy its AI-powered robot brain across multiple industries and applications. The company’s technology is to be shipped to production environments, including high-precision assembly for NVIDIA Blackwell systems with Foxconn.

Skild AI’s mission is to bring AI into the physical world through its general-purpose robotics foundation model, Skild Brain. It is an omni-bodied brain designed to control any kind of robotic hardware – any robot, any task, one brain. This enables a powerful data flywheel: the brain can combine data from different robot deployments and use it to improve itself, which in turn helps scale additional deployments that generate even more data.

Skild AI’s partnership with these robotics OEMs will accelerate this data flywheel through the large-scale deployment of Skild Brain. Conventionally, industrial robots must be carefully programmed by human experts, task by task, which is difficult to scale and often impossible to automate. Skild’s omni-bodied AI brain offers a fundamentally different approach: learning directly from data.

“Robotics is at an inflection point similar to where LLMs were a few years ago,” said Deepak Pathak, CEO of Skild AI. “Advances in hardware, simulation, and large-scale AI training are making general-purpose robot intelligence possible. By training an omni-bodied intelligence that transfers skills across embodiments and environments, we’re shifting from programming tasks to building systems that continuously learn and improve, even during deployment.”

“This partnership helps us to bring automation and robotics for SMBs and non-traditional manufacturing and unlocks large-scale deployment of Skild Brain,” said Abhinav Gupta, President at Skild AI.

Building Omni-Bodied Intelligence With NVIDIA’s Open Robotics Platform

Training a robotic foundation model requires a large diversity of data, a process known as pretraining. For large language models such as ChatGPT, this data can be gathered from the Internet, but in robotics, there is no equivalent “Internet of robot data.” Skild AI’s approach is to leverage (a) internet scale human videos and (b) large-scale robot simulations.

To realize this, Skild AI leverages NVIDIA’s open robotics platform, using the open NVIDIA Isaac Lab and NVIDIA Isaac Sim robot learning and simulation frameworks and the Newton physics engine to create physically accurate simulations. These tools allow the Skild Brain to simulate millennia of experience in realistic digital environments, across tasks and settings, before deploying in the real world. Once the Skild Brain is pretrained, it is then finetuned using small amounts of real robot data.

To extend learning beyond the limits of collected real-world data, Skild AI incorporates NVIDIA Cosmos world foundation models to generate and augment synthetic data, improving robustness and sim-to-real transfer. Once trained, the generalized robot brain runs on systems powered by NVIDIA Jetson, enabling real-time, low-latency AI inference on deployed robots.

“Physical AI is transforming the world’s largest industries,” said Deepu Talla, Vice President of Robotics and Edge AI at NVIDIA. “Built on NVIDIA’s open robotics platform and accelerated computing, Skild AI’s generalized robot brain demonstrates how foundation models trained in simulation can be deployed on real robots at scale.”

Deploying Generalized Robot Intelligence With ABB Robotics and Universal Robots

Through its collaboration with NVIDIA, Skild AI is working closely with ABB Robotics and Universal Robots to integrate its omni-bodied brain into their robot portfolios. By embedding Skild Brain’s shared intelligence layer into widely deployed industrial robots, manufacturers can extend automation into more dynamic, highly variable, and complex applications without needing to build task-specific code for every workflow.

“At ABB Robotics, we see more autonomous and versatile robotics (AVR™) as the enabler for the next era of flexible and efficient manufacturing,” said Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics. “Integrating Skild AI’s generalized robot intelligence into our portfolio will help customers scale industrial-grade automation more quickly and address increasingly complex applications scenarios across a broad range of industries.”

“Universal Robots was founded to make automation simple and accessible,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, CEO, Universal Robots. “Working with Skild AI and NVIDIA allows us to bring advanced AI capabilities to our cobots — enabling them to handle more dynamic, variable tasks across industries.”

“This partnership helps us to bring automation and robotics for SMBs and non-traditional manufacturing and unlocks large-scale deployment of Skild Brain,” said Abhinav Gupta, President, Skild AI.

Early Success in Advanced Manufacturing

Skild AI is working with partners to deploy its solution in enterprise applications for advanced manufacturing. In partnership with Foxconn, Skild AI is planning to ship its omni-bodied brain to control dual-arms on NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPU production lines, performing complex assembly operations requiring precise manipulation and adaptability.

About Skild AI

Skild AI builds omni-bodied robot intelligence: AI-powered robot brains designed to operate any kind of robot for any application. By training foundation models and deploying them in real-world environments, Skild AI is advancing adaptable, intelligent robotics across industries. Today’s announcement with robot OEMs marks a key milestone in moving this technology towards generating real-world economic value.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e616c088-edb9-4604-ba40-89b88498bc7b

Contacts:

Aditya Raghunathan
aditya@skild.ai

Skild
press@skild.ai 

SOURCE: Skild AI