Saturday, 19 September 2026

CIGRE 2026: CHINT Highlights Advanced Power Technologies For Europe

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- CHINT, an integrated power and energy solutions provider, has showcased its advanced power technologies at CIGRE 2026 in Paris to support the modernisation of electricity networks and growing energy demands of the digital economy.


“As the age of AI, renewable energy and electrification reshape Europe's power landscape, customers are increasingly looking for partners that can deliver integrated, reliable and future-ready power solutions rather than standalone products.


“At CHINT, we see this transformation as an opportunity to drive innovation and create value for our customers,” said CHINT Global Vice President Beibei Zheng in a statement.


Held in August, CIGRE 2026 brought together power industry leaders and stakeholders, with CHINT’s engineering specialists engaging with utilities, contractors, consultants and technology partners on applications including high-voltage transmission, substation modernisation and sustainable power distribution.


CHINT also showcased two solutions, namely the 750 kilovolts Natural Ester Oil-immersed Power Transformer, designed to support the development of high-capacity transmission networks, and the Data Center Power Pod, an integrated power solution designed to support the infrastructure required by next-generation digital facilities.


The transformer combines high-voltage performance with enhanced environmental protection and safety. It supports lower-carbon power infrastructure while enhancing fire safety, contributing to the sustainable modernisation of Europe’s power networks.


Beyond the two featured products, CHINT also presented a wide array of solutions spanning transmission and distribution, energy storage and digital infrastructure. Its presence at CIGRE reflected its focus on delivering integrated solutions and supporting customers throughout the lifecycle of increasingly complex energy projects.


Operating in more than 140 countries and regions, CHINT aims to support the development of power infrastructure capable of meeting today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities as Europe invests in a more secure, sustainable and digitally enabled energy future.


-- BERNAMA


Tuesday, 15 September 2026

PETRONAS INVESTS IN FUTURE TALENT THROUGH EDUCATION SPONSORSHIP

 

Table

Datuk Ir. (Dr) Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President of MPM (third from left); Ruslan Islahudin, Senior Vice President and Group Chief Human Resources Officer, PETRONAS (fifth from left) and Akmal Niza Ahmad, Senior General Manager of Education and Human Capital Investment, Group Human Resource Management, PETRONAS (fourth from right) having a light moment with PPKES recipients after the awards presentation ceremony.  



KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS welcomed more than 600 outstanding young Malaysians as recipients of its flagship PETRONAS Powering Knowledge Education Sponsorship (PPKES) programme, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to empowering the next generation through access to education and opportunities to build meaningful careers.
 
Comprising high-achieving Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 2025 leavers from diverse backgrounds across the country, the scholars were selected through a rigorous process that assessed academic performance, leadership qualities and active participation in cocurricular activities.
 
This year, PETRONAS has broadened its sponsorship pathways to support evolving talent needs across the PETRONAS Group value chain. In addition to disciplines such as electrical engineering, petroleum engineering, economics and law, the programme now includes architecture, civil engineering, and real estate and property management to support KLCC Holdings, as well as marine engineering, naval engineering and maritime engineering to strengthen the maritime talent pipeline for MISC Group.
 
The scholars will pursue undergraduate studies in their respective fields at leading institutions locally and abroad, including Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, as well as selected universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, South Korea and Japan.
 
PETRONAS Senior Vice President and Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Ruslan Islahudin, noted that the sponsorship is more than an investment in the scholars’ education. It is a trust placed in them to become future leaders and contribute meaningfully to the nation.
 
“The world you graduate into five years from now will not be the world we know today. Every generation that has faced great uncertainty has also had the opportunity to shape what comes next. So, over the next five years, build more than a good transcript. Build sound judgement, resilience, curiosity and humility. PETRONAS believes in every one of you. Carry this sponsorship as a trust to honour. Lift others as you have been lifted and help make this country stronger than the one placed in your hands today,” said Ruslan, at the award ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
 
PETRONAS has committed RM230 million to the PPKES programme this year to support deserving students in pursuing higher education and realising their aspirations. Since its inception in 1975, the programme has supported more than 40,000 Malaysians, with a total investment of over RM4 billion.
 
Formerly known as the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme, the PPKES programme forms part of PETRONAS’ broader Powering Knowledge initiative, which reflects the company’s continued investment in education as a catalyst for individual advancement and national progress.
 
Through Powering Knowledge, PETRONAS continues to expand access to quality education and create pathways for young Malaysians to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to thrive in a changing world. The initiative also contributes to PETRONAS’ Sustainability Agenda and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.
 
Issued by: 
 
Channels and Media Relations  
Group Strategic Relations & Communications  
PETRONAS  

 
SOURCE: PETRONAS  

Tuesday, 18 August 2026

AM Best Withdraws Zhibao Re Credit Ratings Amid Investor Transition

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has withdrawn the credit ratings of Malaysia’s Zhibao Labuan Reinsurance Company Limited (Zhibao Re), as the company has chosen not to participate in AM Best’s interactive rating process for the time being, in light of an investor transition.

AM Best in a statement said it has placed Zhibao Re’s financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb-” (Good) under review with developing implications.

The status reflects the anticipated change in ownership at Zhibao Technology Inc (Zhibao Technology), Zhibao Re’s ultimate parent, following the announcement of a definitive Securities Purchase Agreement on July 31, under which Zhibao Technology agreed to issue new securities to a group of investors.

The transaction is expected to close in August 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory and exchange approvals. Upon completion, the credit rating agency expects the new investors to obtain majority ownership and control of Zhibao Technology.

AM Best said the under review with developing implications status reflects uncertainties in Zhibao Re’s strategic role, the financial condition of the new investors, as well as the parental influence of Zhibao Technology on Zhibao Re.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Bitget Reports 18x Growth in rToken Trading Activity as Tokenized Markets Mature in July

 

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug 11 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has released its July 2026 Transparency Report, highlighting growing adoption of tokenized financial markets as users increasingly incorporated tokenized equities into broader trading and investment strategies. The report also outlines continued expansion across unified trading infrastructure, AI-powered investing, institutional products and onchain finance as tokenized assets become more deeply integrated into digital markets.

The month saw rToken surpassing US$100 million in assets under management within five weeks of launch, reaching approximately US$114 million by July 6. During the same period, cumulative trading volume reached US$671.37 million, including average daily trading volume of US$19.75 million, with more than 100,000 users trading rTokens. The report also found daily trading-user penetration increasing 18-fold from launch, while 42.87% of first-time buyers increased their positions within seven days, reflecting growing engagement beyond initial purchases.

Industry research published during the month reinforced Bitget’s position across trading infrastructure. CryptoRank found that Bitget recorded the lowest slippage for large tokenized equity trades and the highest balanced displayed liquidity within 50 basis points among the exchanges analysed. The CoinGlass 2026 Derivatives Market Report ranked Bitget second globally for ETH liquidity depth with US$81.37 million in order-book depth and fourth globally for BTC liquidity depth, while TokenInsight reported nearly US$70 billion in TradFi perpetual trading volume on Bitget during Q2 2026.

“Tokenized assets are only as strong as the market behind them. Investors don’t care how many assets an exchange lists if they can't trade them efficiently.," said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. "DeFiLlama latest research shows that Bitget delivers the deepest liquidity and execution for tokenized equities among the exchanges evaluated. As adoption grows, that's what will decide which platforms investors continue to trust.”

Beyond market activity, Bitget continued to expand the infrastructure supporting tokenized finance. During July, the exchange enabled more than 100 tokenized U.S. stocks to be used as collateral within its Unified Trading Account, introduced GetAgent Playbook to extend AI-powered trading into tokenized investing, and released an institutional cross-asset collateral playbook exploring capital efficiency across crypto and tokenized assets.

Bitget Wallet also surpassed 100 million users, expanding stablecoin payment connectivity and tokenized asset access through new integrations including Robinhood Chain and Assetback. Beyond product development, Bitget expanded its Blockchain4Youth partnership with UNICEF's Game Changers Coalition from eight to eleven countries, extending blockchain, AI and financial literacy education to more young people worldwide.

The July Transparency Report reflects the continued evolution of tokenized markets as users increasingly integrate tokenized assets into active trading, portfolio management and cross-asset investing. The report reflects Bitget’s continued investment in market infrastructure, liquidity and institutional products, as tokenized finance becomes more integrated across retail and institutional markets.

To read the 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, 500+ 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 such as 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 | X | 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/ae92863f-91bb-49ee-bcab-2100ead8e0f4 

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.

Friday, 7 August 2026

Levoit Singapore Launches Fresher Air Campaign In Support Of Community Chest

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Home wellness brand Levoit Singapore has launched the “Fresher Air for Every Home” campaign in support of Community Chest, combining in-kind product donations, sales-linked contributions and a public donation initiative.

Running until Jan 14, 2027, the six-month campaign aims to support cleaner and more comfortable indoor environments for individuals and families in need amid an increased risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore, according to a statement.

According to Levoit Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA), citing the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), has forecast warmer and drier conditions in Singapore and the surrounding region from June to October 2026, which may increase the risk of transboundary haze.

Levoit Regional Business Director, Oscar Mei said growing concerns over haze and indoor air quality reinforced the company's belief that access to cleaner air should not be a privilege, adding that its partnership with Community Chest aims to make healthier indoor environments more accessible to those in need.

As part of the campaign, Levoit Singapore will donate 100 Core 200S Smart Air Purifiers to Allkin Singapore through Community Chest for use at Allkin Singapore’s Transitional Shelter service, which provides temporary accommodation and social work support to individuals and families working towards stable, long-term housing.

The company will also contribute five per cent of proceeds from eligible Core Series Air Purifiers sold between July 15 and Oct 14, 2026, to Community Chest, with the contribution expected to amount to at least SG$12,000. (SG$1 = RM3.19)

Funds raised will support critical social service programmes and projects serving communities in need across Singapore. Community Chest currently supports more than 300 programmes and projects, benefiting over 94,000 social service users annually.

Members of the public can also donate through the official Community Chest donation QR code displayed at the Dasher Smart Home Showroom throughout the campaign. Donations made via the QR code will be channelled directly to Community Chest and are separate from Levoit Singapore’s pledged sales contribution.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 5 August 2026

HOLAFLY IDENTIFIES TOP INTERNATIONAL ALTERNATIVES TO ICONIC DESTINATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Holafly has identified the best international alternatives to some of the world's most iconic travel destinations in its first Travel Dupe Index, which compares visual and cultural similarity, accommodation costs, overtourism, accessibility and social momentum.

According to Holafly in a statement, destinations such as Venice, Aspen, Kyoto and Ibiza remain enduringly popular, but travellers are increasingly seeking comparable scenery and cultural experiences without the crowds, queues and higher prices associated with major tourist hotspots.

Unlike traditional "dupe" rankings, every alternative in the index is located in a different country from the destination it replaces, allowing travellers to discover a genuinely new destination while retaining a similar atmosphere and appeal.

The study found that the strongest alternative to Venice is Ghent, Belgium, whose mediaeval canals and historic architecture offer a similar experience while facing significantly lower tourism pressure.

The ranking also highlights Banff, Canada, as an alternative to Aspen, United States; Jeonju, South Korea, instead of Kyoto, Japan; and Budva, Montenegro, instead of Ibiza, Spain, with travellers saving up to 83 per cent on accommodation costs, depending on the destination.

Holafly said international travel dupes are emerging as an alternative to overtourism, enabling visitors to enjoy similar landscapes, architecture and cultural experiences while reducing travel costs and avoiding peak visitor numbers.

To compile the index, Holafly compared 10 iconic destinations with international alternatives using a weighted scoring model. The destinations were assessed based on visual and cultural similarity, accommodation savings, overtourism contrast, accessibility, and social momentum, including social media and online search trends.

The company added that each alternative had to be located in a different country from the original destination, with the methodology designed to highlight destinations that offer similar experiences, better value and fewer crowds while encouraging travellers to discover new places.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 29 July 2026

The a2 Milk Company Advances Global Leadership in Beta-Casein Science with New Research Presented at NUTRITION 2026


New findings presented at the American Society for Nutrition Annual Meeting build on more than two decades of research exploring the role of beta-casein protein in digestive health, nutrient utilization and beyond.
 
  • The a2 Milk Company presented new clinical and preclinical research at NUTRITION 2026, the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting held July 25-28 in National Harbor, Maryland.
  • The research program included two studies presented by The a2 Milk Company and company-funded studies led by investigators at Purdue University and Nova Southeastern University.
  • Together, the studies examined infant growth and safety, protein utilization, digestive tolerance, gastrointestinal biomarkers and the gut-brain axis, building on more than two decades of research in A1- and A2-type beta-casein protein.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, July 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The a2 Milk Company today announced new clinical and preclinical research presented at NUTRITION 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. The studies examined infant growth and safety, protein utilization and gastrointestinal biomarkers, and the respective roles of lactose and beta-casein in digestive tolerance.

The presentations included two studies from The a2 Milk Company and company-funded research conducted by Purdue University and Nova Southeastern University investigators. They add to the company’s research program focused on naturally occurring beta-casein variants and their potential effects on digestion and health.

New Research Highlights

New Clinical Study Demonstrates Safety and Growth of Infant Formula Made with Milk Free from A1 Beta-Casein

The a2 Milk Company presented results from a randomized, double-blind controlled trial evaluating the growth and safety of infant formula made with milk free from A1-type beta-casein protein (A1PF) in healthy term infants.

The Growth Monitoring Study, a clinical trial required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for new infant formulas, demonstrated that infants fed A1PF formula experienced normal growth throughout the 16-week study period, meeting the FDA's predefined non-inferiority criteria when compared with a commercially available infant formula.

Beyond meeting the study's primary endpoint, additional analyses found that infants receiving the A1PF formula:
  • Achieved significantly greater average weight gain (3,577.78 vs. 3,376.50grams), compared with those receiving conventional formula – approximately 6% greater weight gain
  • Demonstrated significantly greater length gain (12.88 vs. 12.08 cm) compared with infants fed conventional formula – approximately 6.6% greater length gain
  • Had significantly higher weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores at 16 weeks.
According to Kirsty Armstrong, Senior Global Research Manager at The a2 Milk Company, the findings demonstrate that the A1PF formula was safe, nutritionally adequate, and supported infant growth.

New Preclinical Study Examines Protein Efficiency and Gastrointestinal Biomarkers

Research presented by Armstrong examined the protein component of an infant formula made with A1PF milk using the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC INTERNATIONAL) Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) Official Method 960.48.

Key findings included:
  • Higher adjusted PER compared with casein controls
  • Elevated antioxidant status
  • Reduced gastrointestinal inflammatory markers
  • Improved intestinal barrier function markers
  • Higher lactase gene and protein expression
Together, these findings suggest use of A1PF milk in formula may support improved protein quality and create a more favorable gastrointestinal environment for nutrient utilization. Additional research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

Purdue University Researchers Advance Understanding of Milk Protein and Digestive Health i

Purdue University investigators independently conducted the research, with funding provided by The a2 Milk Company. The studies examined the role of A1- and A2-type beta-casein in digestion and metabolism, further contributing to the growing body of scientific evidence on milk protein biology.

Purdue investigators also presented additional research exploring the biological mechanisms underlying A1- and A2-type beta-casein, including studies on gastric emptying, glucose metabolism, and redox biology.

"Our goal is to better understand the factors that contribute to dairy tolerance and digestive health," said Dennis A. Savaiano, Ph.D., Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University. "These studies advance our understanding of how naturally occurring differences in milk proteins may influence digestive physiology and metabolic responses, while highlighting the importance of continued clinical research to better understand these complex interactions."

Nova Southeastern University Researchers Examine Links Between Milk Protein Type and Inflammation Markersii

Researchers at Nova Southeastern University independently conducted the research, with funding provided by The a2 Milk Company. Led by neuroscientist Dr Richard Deth, the study explored how naturally occurring differences in milk proteins may influence inflammation in the gut and brain.

"These findings provide new insight into how a natural variation exhibited by a milk protein may influence communication between the gut and brain," said Richard Deth, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. "Understanding these biological pathways helps advance our knowledge of the relationship between nutrition, inflammation and cognitive function.

Building on More Than Two Decades of Scientific Leadership

The NUTRITION 2026 presentations build upon an expanding body of clinical and preclinical evidence examining the differences between A1- and A2-type beta-casein proteins.

Research conducted over the past two decades has shown that milk free from A1-type beta-casein has been associated with improved digestive comfort and reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, lower markers of inflammation, higher antioxidant levels, specifically in individuals with lactose intolerance, and emerging benefits for cognition and quality of life in older adults.

Unlike conventional milk, milk free from A1-type beta-casein does not preferentially release the peptide beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) during digestion, a proposed mechanism that researchers continue to investigate as part of understanding digestive and physiological differences between beta-casein protein types.

"For more than two decades, The a2 Milk Company has invested significantly in in vitro, pre-clinical and clinical studies to bring us to the level of understanding we now have," said Dr. Andrew Clarke, Chief Scientific Advisor at The a2 Milk Company. "The research presented at NUTRITION 2026 reflects our long-standing commitment to advancing research into A1 protein free dairy and helping expand the evidence base for healthcare professionals, researchers and consumers worldwide."

About The a2 Milk Company

The a2 Milk Company is a dairy nutrition company that develops products made with milk containing only the A2-type beta-casein protein. For more than 25 years, the company has worked alongside scientists around the world to advance understanding of beta-casein protein science.

The company has products and trading activities across New Zealand, Australia, Greater China, North America and selected emerging markets. Its infant nutrition products are available in key international markets, including China, Australia and Vietnam.

For more information, visit The a2 Milk Company website.

Contact

Katie Pawelczyk, MS, RD
Kpawelczyk@foodminds.com
__________________________________
i Sujani S, Mysore Saiprasad S, Dong J, Deth R, Eaton T, Savaiano, DA. Differential Effects of Lactose-Free A1/A2 Versus A2/A2 Milk on Digestive Discomfort and Gut Inflammation in Adults with Perceived Dairy Intolerance. Poster Presented at: NUTRITION 2026, American Society for Nutrition Annual Meeting; July 25-28, 2026; National Harbor, MD. Poster No. E-94

ii Deth R, Rose N, Dong J, Eshraghi R, Armstrong K, Blum J, Ridling E, Clarke A. A Novel Gut-Brain Connection: Differential Influence of Conventional vs. A1 Protein-free Milk Consumption on Inflammation-Related Gene Expression. Poster presented at: NUTRITION 2026, American Society for Nutrition Annual Meeting; July 25-28, 2026; National Harbor, MD. Poster No. E-16 


SOURCE: THE A2 MILK COMPANY LIMITED