HUNTSVILLE, Ala., May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On April 24, 2026, the Annual General Meeting of Hexagon AB ("Hexagon") resolved to distribute all shares in its wholly-owned subsidiary Octave Intelligence plc ("Octave") to Hexagon's shareholders. Octave's Swedish depository receipts ("SDRs") will be listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and Octave's class B ordinary shares will be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York ("Nasdaq New York").

Octave has prepared a prospectus regarding the admission to trading on Nasdaq Stockholm of the company's SDRs that will each represent one (1) underlying class B ordinary share in Octave. The prospectus has been approved and registered by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Octave has filed its Registration Statement on Form 10 and amendments thereto under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the listing of its class B ordinary shares on Nasdaq New York. The Registration Statement on Form 10 has become effective.

The prospectus and the registration statement are now available on the Hexagon and Octave websites, www.hexagon.com and www.octave.com.

The last day for trading in Series B shares in Hexagon including the right to receive Octave's shares or SDRs is May 20, 2026. The first day of trading in Series B shares in Hexagon excluding the right to receive Octave's shares or SDRs is May 21, 2026. The record date for the distribution is May 22, 2026.

The first day of trading in Octave's SDRs on Nasdaq Stockholm is expected to be May 25, 2026, and delivery of Octave's SDRs is expected to occur on May 26, 2026.

The first day of "when-issued" trading in Octave's class B ordinary shares on Nasdaq New York is expected to be May 21, 2026. The first day of regular-way trading in Octave's class B ordinary shares on Nasdaq New York is expected to be May 28, 2026.

Following the distribution, holders of SDRs may convert their SDRs into Octave class B ordinary shares. Information about such conversion is available on the Hexagon and Octave websites, www.hexagon.com and www.octave.com.

Expected timetable

May 20, 2026 Last day of trading in Series B shares in Hexagon including right to receive Octave's shares or SDRs in the distribution

May 21, 2026 First day of trading in Series B shares in Hexagon excluding right to receive Octave's shares or SDRs in the distribution

May 21, 2026 Expected first day of "when-issued" trading in Octave's class B ordinary shares on Nasdaq New York

May 22, 2026 Record date for the distribution

May 25, 2026 Expected first day of trading in Octave's SDRs on Nasdaq Stockholm

May 25, 2026 First day to request conversion of Octave's SDRs to Octave's class B ordinary Shares

May 28, 2026 Expected first day of regular-way trading in Octave's class B ordinary shares on Nasdaq New York

Advisors

Morgan Stanley, Rothschild & Co and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) are lead financial advisors to Hexagon and Octave in relation to the distribution and listings of Octave. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Mannheimer Swartling Advokatbyr? AB and Arthur Cox LLP are legal counsel to Hexagon and Octave as to U.S., Swedish and Irish law, respectively, in relation to the distribution and listings of Octave.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:   

Elizabeth Chwalk, VP, Investor Relations, Octave +1 401 749 - 0278, elizabeth.chwalk@octave.com

About Octave:

Octave provides mission-critical software that empowers organizations to make informed decisions across every stage of the asset lifecycle - Design, Build, Operate and Protect - where performance, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable and failure is not an option. 

Turning complex operational data into actionable intelligence, Octave connects expertise, real-world conditions and enterprise-scale insight to improve performance, resilience and incident response where it matters most. 

Octave has approximately 7,200 employees in 45 countries. Learn more at octave.com and follow us on LinkedIn. 

Important information:

This communication does not constitute an offer to exchange, sell or buy securities. There shall not be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication contains forward-looking statements, including with respect to the distribution, timing of regular way trading and other matters. When used in this communication, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "project" and "will" are intended to identify forward-looking statements. They may involve risks and uncertainties, including technological advances, product demand and market acceptance, regulatory approvals or other requirements, the effect of economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, foreign currency exchange rates and other risks. These forward-looking statements reflect the views of Octave's management as of the date made with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. All of these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by Octave's management and are believed to be reasonable, though are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Octave disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the actual results of Octave's operations and the development of the markets and the industry in which Octave operates or other outcomes suggested by such forward-looking statements may differ materially from those described in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements contained in this communication.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

With new leadership team in place, the firm is well positioned for strategic growth led by innovation and accountability

St. Louis, Mo., May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lori Olin, Vice President, Communications

press@introba.com

Introba Appoints Ziad Hanna President

With new leadership team in place, the firm is well positioned for strategic growth led by innovation and accountability

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - May 12, 2026 - Introba, a global engineering and consulting firm, today announced that Ziad Hanna has been appointed president, bringing a seasoned industry leader to guide the firm's global strategy, strengthen performance and accelerate growth.

Hanna brings more than 35 years of multidisciplinary experience across the industry, with a track record of leading complex businesses, building strong teams and advancing growth, operations, performance and business development. In his new role, he will lead Introba's global business while working closely with regional leaders to sharpen the firm's strategic direction, deepen client relationships and pursue disciplined growth.

A key priority will be advancing Introba's strategy and performance in North America, a region with significant opportunity and impact for the business. Hanna also will focus on growth across Introba's global markets through enhanced client engagement, expanded market opportunities, operational discipline and potential strategic investments aligned with the firm's long-term direction.

"Ziad's appointment is an important moment for Introba," said Introba CEO Matthew Cummings. "He brings the experience and energy needed to lead this global business - translating our strategic priorities into actionable plans and accelerating growth."

Hanna will work with Introba's regional leadership team, including Karl Miller, senior vice president and regional director, U.S. and Canada; David Glossop, regional director, U.K. and Europe; and Paul Jacobsen, regional director, Australia. He will also collaborate with leaders from Sidara's other global infrastructure brands, including TYLin and Landrum & Brown.

"Introba has an extraordinary foundation of talented people with deep technical expertise and a purpose-driven approach to solving complex challenges for clients," Hanna said. "I'm honored to be selected for this role and to lead a world-class team of problem solvers as we combine cutting-edge digital solutions with emerging innovations and industry-leading sustainability strategies to transform the built environment."

The appointment follows the launch of Introba's new brand platform and comes at a pivotal time for the firm as it moves forward with renewed focus on strategy, growth, operational performance and market leadership.

Prior to joining Introba, Hanna successfully set and implemented strategic growth for the building division of a global engineering and professional services business. He became a key player in engineering for data centers, healthcare facilities, and industrial infrastructure, while growing an award-winning team.

Hanna is a member of the Ordre des ing?nieurs du Qu?bec (OIQ); Association Qu?b?coise pour la Ma?trise de l'?nergie (AQME); American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE).

He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Washington University in St. Louis, a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the American University of Beirut, a master's degree in civil engineering from McGill University, and a master's degree in building engineering from Concordia University.

About Introba: Introba is a global engineering and consulting firm with specialists in the U.S., Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia. It partners with clients to improve the performance, reliability, and sustainability of the built environment through mechanical, electrical, technology, security, and fire systems engineering, supported by digital advisory, systems integration, and sustainability consulting services.

Guided by curiosity, ingenuity, and accountability, Introba serves public and private organizations across healthcare, aviation, education, science and technology, transportation, and commercial development to deliver solutions that meet today's needs and adapt to tomorrow's demands.

Introba was formed in 2022, through the merging of Integral Group - pioneers of deep green engineering - and Ross & Baruzzini - a leading technology, security, and engineering firm founded in 1953.

Contact Info

Lori Olin

press@introba.com

Attachment

Ziad Hanna

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Mavenir Dipilih sebagai Mitra Strategis Small Cell Setelah Uji Coba yang Berhasil

RICHARDSON, Texas, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, perusahaan perangkat lunak berbasis cloud yang membangun jaringan seluler dengan konsep yang mengintegrasikan AI sejak tahap perancangan, hari ini mengumumkan bahwa perusahaannya telah dipilih sebagai mitra strategis teknologi small cell oleh MagtiCom, penyedia telekomunikasi terbesar di Georgia, untuk proyek penerapan small cell secara nasional. Mavenir akan memasok seluruh rangkaian teknologi small cell 4G dan 5G miliknya, yang mencakup solusi perangkat keras, perangkat lunak, manajemen, dan orkestrasi.

MagtiCom menetapkan Mavenir sebagai mitra teknologi small cell pilihannya setelah berhasil menyelesaikan uji coba pada awal tahun ini. Penerapan di tingkat nasional diperkirakan akan dimulai pada Q2 2026, diawali dengan pengujian beta bagi pelanggan prioritas di segmen residensial, kantor kecil, dan perusahaan sebelum peluncuran penuh pada akhir tahun ini.

MagtiCom menyediakan berbagai layanan telekomunikasi yang komprehensif, termasuk layanan telepon seluler, internet fiber optik, IPTV, dan VoIP bagi lebih dari 3 juta pelanggan, serta terus mempertahankan posisinya sebagai pemimpin pasar. Perusahaan ini menghadirkan konektivitas berkinerja tinggi dan menempati peringkat ke-6 dunia untuk kecepatan internet seluler 5G dalam uji konektivitas Ookla.?

Vasil Melikidze, Chief Technology Officer untuk MagtiCom, mengatakan: "Sebagai operator telekomunikasi terbesar di negara ini, MagtiCom dikenal dengan konektivitas kelas dunia. Internet seluler yang andal dan berkualitas tinggi kini menjadi bagian tak terpisahkan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Oleh karena itu, kami berkomitmen menghadirkan pengalaman terbaik bagi pelanggan kami di tempat mereka tinggal, bekerja, dan bepergian. Kemitraan dengan Mavenir sebagai penyedia teknologi tepercaya untuk peluncuran small cell kami semakin memperkuat misi tersebut-memungkinkan kami memperluas kapasitas jaringan secara optimal, meningkatkan jangkauan di dalam ruangan, serta mendukung meningkatnya permintaan akan layanan data seluler berkecepatan tinggi. Kolaborasi strategis ini akan meningkatkan pengalaman digital bagi pelanggan kami dan memperkuat peran MagtiCom dalam mendorong babak baru inovasi seluler di Georgia."

Sachin Karkala, Executive Vice President & General Manager IMS & RAN untuk Mavenir, mengatakan: "Peluncuran small cell secara nasional untuk MagtiCom ini benar-benar menegaskan kemampuan Mavenir dalam mentransformasi pengalaman pengguna seluler dalam skala besar. Mulai dari penerapan di segmen residensial hingga perusahaan dan wilayah pedesaan, solusi small cell kami menghadirkan kapasitas, jangkauan, dan efisiensi energi yang dibutuhkan operator dalam faktor bentuk berikut yang mudah diimplementasikan?mudah diterapkan, sepenuhnya otomatis, sangat skalabel, dan adaptif. Kami bangga dapat bermitra dengan MagtiCom untuk mendukung agenda inovasinya, serta membantu memperluas konektivitas seluler berkinerja tinggi dan pengalaman digital yang unggul bagi pelanggan di seluruh Georgia."

Portofolio small cell Mavenir terdiri dari solusi yang berbasis cloud sepenuhnya yang menghadirkan jangkauan 4G dan 5G di lingkungan dalam ruangan (indoor), di luar ruangan (outdoor), perusahaan, wilayah pedesaan, dan jaringan privat. Rangkaian small cell Mavenir yang dapat ditingkatkan melalui perangkat lunak dirancang untuk meningkatkan kapasitas dan jangkauan jaringan sekaligus mendukung berbagai skenario penggunaan tingkat lanjut di sektor Industri 4.0, layanan kesehatan, ritel, penerbangan, maritim, dan komunikasi petugas tanggap darurat.

1. Berdasarkan data dari dua kuartal pertama pada tahun 2025, jaringan seluler Magti menempati peringkat ke-6 dunia dari segi kecepatan internet - 1 Tahun bersama Magti 5G: Peluang Baru, Pengalaman Digital, dan Pengakuan Internasional. 

Tentang Mavenir

Mavenir menghadirkan jaringan cerdas, otomatis, dan dapat diprogram melalui pengembangan solusi perangkat lunak yang mengutamakan telekomunikasi, berbasis cloud, dan mengintegrasikan AI sejak tahap perancangan untuk operator seluler. Keahlian mendalam perusahaan ini di bidang telekomunikasi telah terbukti melalui implementasi bersama dengan lebih dari 300 operator secara global di lebih dari 120 negara, yang secara bersama-sama melayani lebih dari 50% pelanggan di dunia. Mavenir menggabungkan pengalaman telekomunikasinya yang mendalam dengan keahlian cloud dan IT serta keahlian sains data yang sangat penting untuk memecahkan tantangan nyata yang dihadapi pelanggan. Solusi perangkat lunaknya yang telah terbukti mengintegrasikan AI sejak tahap perancangan, sehingga membawa masa depan yang sepenuhnya berbasis AI dan membantu operator bertransformasi menjadi perusahaan teknologi. Untuk mendapatkan informasi selengkapnya, kunjungi  www.mavenir.com

Kontak Media

Kontak Humas Mavenir:

Emmanuela Spiteri

PR@mavenir.com

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

*The first‑in‑class antibody program is designed to selectively target pathogenic cells, with the potential to deliver deeper and more durable disease control than current therapies.

*The agreement strengthens Boehringer Ingelheim's growing immunology pipeline and builds on other recent research partnership announcements.

Ingelheim, Germany and Waltham, Mass., U.S., May X, 2026 - Boehringer Ingelheim and Immunitas Therapeutics today announced a global licensing agreement for a preclinical antibody program being developed for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The program is designed to selectively target cells that play a central role in driving chronic inflammation, with the goal of achieving sustained disease control for patients who do not respond adequately to current therapies.

Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. While current therapies have improved outcomes for some patients, many experience limited or diminishing benefit over time. New approaches that address the underlying drivers of inflammation are needed to achieve longer‑lasting disease control.

Unlike therapies that block individual inflammatory signals, the licensed Immunitas antibody program is designed to target pathogenic cells localized at the sites of inflammation.  By targeting this subset of pathogenic cells, the approach has the potential to provide deeper and more durable benefit across a range of inflammatory conditions.

"This agreement expands our growing pipeline in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and reflects our commitment to developing treatments that can deliver meaningful, long‑term benefit for patients," said Carine Boustany, US Innovation Unit Site Head and Global Head of Immunology and Respiratory Diseases at Boehringer Ingelheim. "By complementing our existing portfolio with this differentiated preclinical program, we aim to address areas where current treatment options fall short."

"This program is the result of insights into human biology that Immunitas explored extensively preclinically. Partnering with Boehringer Ingelheim enables us to advance this novel therapeutic into clinical development with a global organization that has deep expertise in immunology and drug development," said Amanda Wagner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Immunitas Therapeutics. "We believe this collaboration has the potential to translate our science into new treatment options for patients living with chronic inflammatory diseases who need better solutions."

The agreement further strengthens Boehringer Ingelheim's growing pipeline in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and builds on a series of recent partnerships in this therapeutic area. Boehringer Ingelheim will leverage its global research, development, manufacturing and commercialization capabilities to advance the program toward clinical development and, ultimately, to patients worldwide.

Under the terms of the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim will obtain worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the antibody program. Immunitas Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive near-term and future development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments totaling up to ?407.5 million, in addition to tiered royalties on future sales. Further details of the agreement are not being disclosed.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

About Immunitas Therapeutics

Immunitas is a clinical stage precision immunotherapy company dedicated to discovering and developing novel treatments for patients with cancer and autoimmune disease. The company was founded in 2019 by Longwood Fund with leading scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Broad Institute, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Immunitas is supported by a strong syndicate of investors including Agent Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments, Evotec, Leaps by Bayer, Longwood Fund, M Ventures, Medical Excellence Capital, and Novartis Venture Fund. To learn more, visit www.immunitastx.com.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Analysis of 9.5 million AI citations shows real-world expertise is driving visibility in AI search

SAN FRANCISCO, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meltwater, the global leader in actionable intelligence for PR, Communications and Marketing teams, today released new research showing LinkedIn is the #2 most cited source by AI models, second only to YouTube. An analysis of 9.5 million AI citations across 16 B2B categories using Meltwater's GenAI Lens reveals the content that AI platforms prioritize, and why authentic, expert-driven content is emerging as a critical driver of B2B brand visibility.

How AI is changing the way information is found

AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Microsoft Copilot are fundamentally changing how people search for and consume information. When people turn to AI assistants for recommendations, research, or decision-making, the brands and products highlighted - or omitted - directly influence awareness, reputation, and buying behavior. In fact, research from 6sense shows that 94% of B2B buyers use LLMs during their buying process.

As AI becomes a primary source of information, optimizing for visibility inside AI-generated answers is no longer optional. For B2B brands who want to stay top of mind for buyers, Meltwater's research underscores why LinkedIn is critical to a brand being discoverable in AI search.

What content AI models prioritize and cite

This research breaks down the specific signals and content types on LinkedIn that influence what AI models choose to cite. Several key patterns emerged, including:

Individual voices drive the majority of visibility. Approximately 75% of LinkedIn citations came from individual member profiles and 25% come from Company Pages. While individual member content tends to get cited more often, balancing individual and corporate content remains important.

Structured content performs best. The most frequently cited LinkedIn content, including articles and posts, consistently feature clear formatting (bullet points, numbered lists), strong headings, named entities, and quantitative data.

AI rewards relevance over reach. More than half of citations (51%) came from members with less than 10k followers, showing that AI models prioritize clarity, expertise, and usefulness over popularity alone.

LinkedIn dominates Tech, Professional Services, FinTech and Marketing. The platform performs especially well where questions are professional, technical, or decision-driven, ranking LinkedIn in the top 5 in citations for B2B searches across key industries, including Technology & SaaS, Consulting & Professional Services, Financial Services & FinTech, Marketing & Advertising, and HR & Talent.

Third-party and user-generated content have an edge. Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and YouTube account for 47.5% of AI citations, compared to 15% from peer review sites and 18.7% from company websites.

"For the last twenty years, the job of a brand was to be discoverable. In an AI-first world, the job is to be the answer. LLMs are now the first stop for decisions that used to take hours of research - and if your brand isn't being cited, you're not in the consideration set," said Chris Hackney, Chief Product Officer at Meltwater. "What this data makes clear is that AI models aren't looking for the loudest voice in the room - they're looking for the most credible voice. Organizations that are discoverable in reputable earned media, credible with structured, factual content, and consistent with the channels they engage on, are the ones that will show up when decisions are being made."

"Product and brand discovery doesn't happen in stages anymore - it starts with a question and ends with an AI assistant's answer," said Davang Shah, Vice President of Marketing at LinkedIn. "If your brand isn't showing up in LLMs, you're not just missing awareness, you're missing the moment of decision. That's why being discoverable, credible and consistently cited isn't a nice-to-have, it's what defines your buyability and determines whether your products or solutions get considered and ultimately get bought."

To read the full report, visit: https://www.meltwater.com/en/resources/linkedin-gen-ai-visibility-report

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Costello

Corporate Communications Director

pr@meltwater.com

About Meltwater

Meltwater is the global leader in actionable intelligence for PR, Communications, and Marketing teams. By analyzing 1.3 billion pieces of content daily, Meltwater transforms media, social, and AI signals into intelligence that leaders rely on to make faster, more confident decisions. With 27,000 customers worldwide, Meltwater is the intelligence platform global brands trust to stay ahead. Meltwater: Intelligence you can act on.

Learn more at meltwater.com.

Copyright 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

Gothenburg, Sweden, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rail operators face increasingly diverse onboard Internet connectivity requirements, driven by differences in fleet types, vehicle architecture, space constraints, and operational priorities. To meet those needs, Icomera, a wholly owned subsidiary of Equans, today announced the launch of the XS1, a compact, connectivity‑focused rail router designed for deployments where reliable onboard connectivity is the primary requirement.

Connectivity-first 5G rail router, ready for LEO satellite

The Icomera XS1 is built on Icomera's established X-series software architecture, already deployed at scale across live rail fleets worldwide, supporting large numbers of onboard systems and serving millions of passenger journeys every day. The XS1 brings together aggregated connectivity across 5G cellular, private trackside, and low-Earth‑orbit (LEO) satellite networks into a single onboard service layer. This includes support for Starlink, where Icomera is an authorised reseller, alongside other satellite connectivity options.

Designed for simpler deployments and fleet modernisation

While high-performance onboard computing platforms play a vital role in many fleets, there are also deployments where simplicity, ease of installation, and right‑sized capability matter most. The XS1 has been designed for these scenarios, offering operators a smaller and lighter rail‑grade router that delivers secure, high‑quality connectivity without unnecessary hardware complexity.

It is well suited to fleet modernisation projects and space‑constrained vehicles such as metros, light rail, and regional trains, with a compact form factor that supports more modular and distributed onboard connectivity designs, enabling easier installation and retrofit, and dedicated migration designs to help simplify transitions from earlier-generation routers.

A complementary addition to Icomera's router portfolio

"The XS1 expands our portfolio of rail-specific connectivity products, complementing the flagship Icomera X7 router" explains Damien Convert, Chief Business Officer. "While the X7 combines high‑performance connectivity with substantial built-in computer processing power and storage to support multiple, resource‑intensive applications, the XS1 is optimised for deployments where reliable connectivity is the priority, and onboard computing plays a less central role".

Together, the two routers give operators greater flexibility to select the right technology for different vehicles, operating models, and needs, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach across a fleet.

Proven operations at fleet scale

Like other Icomera products, the XS1 operates within the company's established People, Processes, and Tools model for managed rail connectivity. Dedicated service delivery teams, clearly defined operational processes, and purpose-built cloud tools combine engineering ingenuity with operational intelligence and long-term partnership. Together, they enable Icomera to deliver connectivity at scale - not only in trials, but across live passenger fleets - with predictable performance, structured lifecycle management from deployment through long-term support, and clearly defined service levels.

The XS1 is entering customer trials ahead of broader availability later in 2026.***

BEIJING, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Presiden AS Donald Trump akan melakukan kunjungan kenegaraan ke Tiongkok pada tanggal 13-15 Mei atas undangan Presiden Tiongkok Xi Jinping, seperti diumumkan Kementerian Luar Negeri Tiongkok pada hari Senin.

Di tengah ketegangan geopolitik yang berkepanjangan dan pemulihan global yang rapuh, dunia sangat menyoroti apakah kedua pemimpin tersebut dapat semakin menstabilkan hubungan Tiongkok-AS serta menghadirkan kepastian yang sangat dibutuhkan bagi situasi internasional.

Menjaga hubungan Tiongkok-AS tetap berada di jalur yang tepat

Bagi banyak pengamat, KTT tersebut mencerminkan satu harapan utama: stabilitas dalam hubungan bilateral.

Wawancara yang dilakukan CGTN menunjukkan kesamaan pandangan di kalangan ahli bahwa diplomasi antarkepala negara telah lama menjadi "jangkar" stabilitas tersebut.

Seperti yang disampaikan Wu Xinbo, dekan Institut Studi Internasional di Universitas Fudan, diplomasi antarkepala negara semacam itu "menentukan arah dan nuansa" hubungan bilateral.

Sun Taiyi, Lektor Kepala di Christopher Newport University, juga menyebutkan bahwa komunikasi langsung antarpemimpin dapat membantu mengurangi ketidakpastian, mencegah kesalahan perhitungan, serta menunjukkan bahwa stabilitas tetap menjadi prioritas utama.

Selama setahun terakhir, kedua pemimpin tersebut terus menjalin komunikasi melalui panggilan telepon dan pertemuan tatap muka di Busan, Korea Selatan, yang membantu mencegah kesalahan perhitungan besar dan menjaga stabilitas hubungan secara keseluruhan.

Seperti yang disebutkan presiden Xi kepada Trump di Busan, "Di tengah berbagai tantangan dan gejolak, kita harus tetap berada di jalur yang tepat, menghadapi situasi yang kompleks, serta memastikan kapal besar hubungan Tiongkok-AS terus berlayar dengan stabil."

Metafora tentang "mengemudikan kapal" tersebut tercermin dalam kemajuan yang nyata.

Sejak tahun 2025, berdasarkan konsensus strategis yang dicapai kedua kepala negara, tim ekonomi dari kedua pihak telah mengadakan beberapa putaran pembicaraan. Sementara itu, eskalasi tarif berskala besar untuk sementara waktu telah dihentikan. Putaran baru konsultasi dijadwalkan berlangsung di Korea Selatan pada tanggal 12-13 Mei, tepat menjelang KTT Beijing.

LONDON, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TMF Group, a leading provider of compliance and administrative services, today launches the 13th edition of the Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI), which shows that operating across borders is becoming more demanding as regulations diverge and reporting obligations expand.

The GBCI analyses 81 jurisdictions representing over 90% of the world's economy, ranking them from most (1) to least complex (81) to do business in. Based on 292 indicators per jurisdiction, the report focuses on the challenges businesses face across accounting and tax, legal entity management and employment requirements.

Hong Kong, SAR and New Zealand are among the top 10 least complex jurisdictions for doing business globally. These jurisdictions have consistently ranked as low complexity, given a stable, simple regulatory environment and robust digital infrastructure supporting it.

India ranks as the 13th most complex jurisdiction, with a federal structure in which central and state regulations intersect. While new reforms add layers of complexity in the short term, these changes, alongside a more business-oriented policy direction, have the potential to open new opportunities for foreign firms in the long term.

Japan, Taiwan and Singapore rank among the medium-to-low complexity jurisdictions. Japan's (54th) efforts to attract inward investment include simplified processes for international financial firms, initiatives to attract highly skilled foreign talent and preferential tax treatment for asset managers. Taiwan, ROC (50th), combines ongoing digital transformation with investment-friendly programmes, despite regulatory and geopolitical challenges. Singapore (47th) continues to benefit from strong digitalisation, alignment with international accounting standards, a low corporate tax rate, a competitive corporate tax regime, and an extensive network of double tax treaties.

The top 10 most complex jurisdictions worldwide are led by Latin American and EU jurisdictions.

Greece ranks for the third consecutive year as the most complex jurisdiction in the world, mainly due to frequent legislative changes and ongoing regulatory reforms. Mexico is the second most complex, driven by frequent regulatory changes, unpredictable administrative requirements, evolving digital requirements and unclear expectations by the tax authorities. Brazil ranks as the third most complex, with a multi-layered tax system and frequent regulatory changes and heavy compliance demands, alongside inconsistent rules at federal, state, and municipal levels.

Top and bottom 10 jurisdictions (1= most complex, 81= least complex)

1. Greece                  72. Curacao

2. Mexico.                73. Malta

3. Brazil                       74. British Virgin Islands

4. France                     75. Czech Republic

5. Turkey                     76. New Zealand

6. Colombia                77. Netherlands

7. Bolivia                     78. Hong Kong, SAR

8. Italy                          79. Jersey

9. Argentina                 80. Denmark

10 Peru                         81. Cayman Islands

LONDON, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TMF Group, penyedia terkemuka layanan kepatuhan dan administrasi, hari ini meluncurkan edisi ke-13 Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI), yang menunjukkan bahwa operasional lintas negara menjadi semakin menantang karena perbedaan regulasi dan meluasnya kewajiban pelaporan.

GBCI menganalisis 81 yurisdiksi yang mewakili lebih dari 90% perekonomian dunia, lalu memberi peringkat dari yang paling kompleks (1)hingga paling tidak kompleks(81) untuk berbisnis. Berdasarkan 292 indikator per yurisdiksi, laporan ini berfokus pada tantangan yang dihadapi pelaku usaha dalam bidang akuntansi dan perpajakan, pengelolaan entitas hukum, serta persyaratan ketenagakerjaan.

Hong Kong, Daerah Administratif Khusus dan Selandia Baru termasuk dalam 10 yurisdiksi paling tidak kompleks untuk berbisnis secara global. Yurisdiksi ini secara konsisten menempati peringkat dengan kompleksitas rendah karena memiliki lingkungan regulasi yang stabil dan sederhana, serta didukung infrastruktur digital yang kuat.

India berada di peringkat ke-13 sebagai yurisdiksi paling kompleks, karena adanya struktur federal yang menyebabkan regulasi pusat dan negara bagian bersinggungan. Meski reformasi baru membuat regulasi bertambah kompleks dalam jangka pendek, perubahan ini dan kebijakan yang semakin mendukung dunia usaha dapat membuka peluang baru bagi perusahaan asing untuk jangka panjang.

Jepang, Taiwan, dan Singapura termasuk dalam kelompok yurisdiksi dengan tingkat kompleksitas menengah hingga rendah. Jepang (peringkat ke-54) terus berupaya menarik investasi masuk melalui penyederhanaan proses bagi perusahaan keuangan internasional, inisiatif untuk menarik talenta asing yang sangat terampil, serta perlakuan pajak khusus bagi pengelola aset.

Taiwan, Republik Tiongkok (peringkat ke-50), memadukan transformasi digital yang terus berjalan dengan program yang ramah investasi, meski menghadapi tantangan regulasi dan geopolitik. Singapura (peringkat ke-47) tetap mendapat manfaat dari digitalisasi yang kuat, penyelarasan dengan standar akuntansi internasional, tarif pajak perusahaan yang rendah, pajak perusahaan yang berlaku kompetitif, serta jaringan perjanjian penghindaran pajak berganda yang luas.

Daftar 10 yurisdiksi paling kompleks di dunia dipimpin oleh yurisdiksi di Amerika Latin dan Uni Eropa.

Yunani kembali menjadi yurisdiksi paling kompleks di dunia untuk tahun ketiga berturut-turut, terutama akibat seringnya perubahan undang-undang dan reformasi regulasi yang masih terus berjalan. Meksiko menempati posisi kedua sebagai yurisdiksi paling kompleks karena perubahan regulasi yang kerap terjadi, persyaratan administrasi yang sulit diprediksi, persyaratan digital yang terus berkembang, serta ekspektasi yang belum jelas dari otoritas pajak. Brasil berada di posisi ketiga sebagai yurisdiksi paling kompleks, dengan sistem perpajakan yang berlapis, regulasi yang sering berubah, serta tuntutan kepatuhan yang tinggi, ditambah aturan yang berbeda-beda di tingkat federal, negara bagian, dan kota.

Daftar 10 yurisdiksi teratas dan terbawah (1 = paling kompleks, 81 = paling tidak kompleks)

1. Yunani                  72. Curacao

2. Meksiko               73. Malta

3. Brasil                    74. Kepulauan Virgin Inggris

4. Prancis                 75. Republik Ceko

5. Turki                      76. Selandia Baru

6. Kolombia              77. Belanda

7. Bolivia                 78. Hong Kong, Daerah Administrasi Khusus

8. Italia                       79. Jersey

9. Argentina               80. Denmark

10 Peru                       81. Kepulauan Cayman

MIAMI, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DutyFreeFood.com, a next-generation global marketplace dedicated to food, beverages, spirits, confectionery, gourmet products, and premium consumer brands, today announced the official opening of its early enrollment program for vendors, wholesalers, importers, distributors, premium brands, strategic suppliers, and investors ahead of its anticipated Fall 2026 launch.

DutyFreeFood.com is being developed to bring duty-free experience directly to consumers, retailers, importers, and wholesalers around the world -- without the need to travel, visit an airport, board a plane, or cross a border.

No airport required. No boarding pass required. Duty-free shopping from the comfort of your home.

Reimagining Duty-Free Food & Beverage Shopping for the Digital Age

For decades, duty-free shopping has been limited mainly to airports, cruise terminals, border stores, and international travel zones. Consumers had to travel in order to access attractive pricing on premium food, spirits, beverages, chocolates, confectionery, gourmet products, and international brands.

DutyFreeFood.com was created to challenge that outdated model.

By combining global e-commerce, brand partnerships, supplier networks, wholesale opportunities, and digital marketplace technology, Duty-reeFood.com aims to offer consumers, wholesalers, importers, retailers, and international buyers access to premium products at duty-free or duty-free-equivalent value -- directly online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Open 24/7 -- When Airports Slow Down, DutyFreeFood Keeps Selling

Traditional duty-free retail depends heavily on passenger traffic, tourism, airline activity, airport access, and geopolitical stability. When flights are delayed, airports slow down, borders tighten, or travel decreases, traditional duty-free stores can suffer.

DutyFreeFood.com introduces a more resilient model:

Digital-first.

Global.

Open 24/7.

Accessible from home.

Built for consumers, wholesalers, importers, and brands.

Less dependent on airport foot traffic.

When airports slow down, DutyFreeFood.com keeps selling.

A Global Marketplace for Food, Spirits, Beverages & Premium Brands

DutyFreeFood.com is being designed as a premium online destination where shoppers and business buyers will eventually be able to discover and purchase products across major duty-free and travel retail categories, including:

* Spirits

* Wines and champagnes

* Beers

* Zero-proof spirits

* Soft drinks

* Energy drinks

* Mineral waters

* Gourmet foods

* Chocolates

* Confectionery

* Coffee and tea

* Caviar

* Smoked salmon

* Luxury snacks

* Premium grocery products

* International food brands

* Travel retail exclusives

* Wholesale food and beverage lots

The platform is intended to serve both direct-to-consumer shopping and business-to-business opportunities for wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters, and global suppliers.

A Marketplace Built for Wholesalers, Importers & Global Suppliers

DutyFreeFood.com is not only being created for consumers. The company also sees a major opportunity to become a powerful digital marketplace for wholesalers, importers, exporters, distributors, and authorized suppliers around the world.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 May 2026 - In a bold bid to reshape the future of retail, Siam Piwat Group has unveiled NEXTOPIA at its flagship Siam Paragon, the world's first prototype for a global sustainability platform that turns eco-conscious living into an immersive, everyday experience.

Chief Executive Officer Chadatip Chutrakul introduced the project during The Economist's 5th annual Sustainability Week Asia, recently held in Bangkok, positioning NEXTOPIA as more than a response to necessity but as a genuine driver of business leadership and vision.

The vision for the future of retail is built on three interconnected pillars: co-creation with founders and partners, collaboration with tenants and communities, and customers. Together, they redefine retail as a platform shaped by shared purpose, creativity, and participation. This extends to redefining customer relationships through trust, inspiring customers to visit more often, spend more time, and deepen engagement within our ecosystem.

"Sustainability is no longer optional," Chutrakul said. "We must accelerate and make a bold move. Real, lasting impact is never created alone. It requires co-creation across industries, united by purpose, in a place that captures the world's attention and inspires change for the greater good."

Launched in November 2025, the 15,000-square-meter attraction at Siam Paragon, a global landmark that draws more than 200,000 visitors daily, including a significant share of international tourists aims to move sustainability "beyond awareness into joyful and engaging experiences in everyday life," she added.

Developed with more than 50 partners, NEXTOPIA operates under the theme "Co-creating Communities for a Better World." It features infrastructure contributions from companies including B.Grimm, SCG, Indorama and Kasikornbank, incorporating solar energy, sustainable materials, advanced water systems, and cooling and clean air technologies.

The project has achieved zero waste to landfill, cut energy consumption by 47%, reduced water use by 34% and lowered carbon emissions from construction materials by 59%. Within a year, water savings are projected to be equivalent to the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Over two years, decarbonization efforts will deliver the environmental benefit of creating a vast urban park.

NEXTOPIA is Thailand's first multi-tenant retail building to earn EDGE Advanced certification for resource efficiency and a two-star Fitwel rating. It also received the Best in Building Health Award 2026 from Fitwel, achieving top scores for its design and quality-of-life features.

Tenants must adhere to some 50 sustainability criteria covering waste management and value chain practices, with many exceeding standard industry benchmarks. Siam Piwat developed the framework over three years to help partners adopt sustainable practices quickly while cutting costs and unlocking new value.

Interactive elements at NEXTOPIA invite visitors to participate directly, with kinetic floors and bicycles that generate electricity for redeemable rewards, alongside exhibits featuring Thailand's largest collection of recycled art, created by artists from waste collected nationwide. ECOTOPIA, the country's biggest eco-store, stocks more than 110,000 sustainable products, many recycled or upcycled, sourced from around 300 Thai communities and small businesses.

The project has also brought together more than 30 local communities and global organizations, including the United Nations, World Food Programme, UNDP Biofin and WWF, to exchange knowledge and ideas.

More than a shopping destination, NEXTOPIA functions as a living laboratory for experimenting and exchanging ideas that retail and real estate developers worldwide could adapt. It marks a strategic evolution for Siam Piwat, transforming the company from a premier retail developer into what it describes as "a global sustainability platform" that links businesses, people and innovation.

This shift aligns with intensifying global pressure on companies to meet their sustainability commitments under the Paris Agreement, as brands and consumers increasingly demand verifiable environmental action.

With NEXTOPIA, Siam Piwat is betting that the future of retail lies not just in selling goods, but in creating spaces where sustainability feels tangible, measurable and above all inspiring.

Setting a new benchmark for co-created, revolutionary retail, NEXTOPIA offers a scalable model that delivers both business value and meaningful impact ? one that can be adopted globally.

Hashtag: #SiamParagon  #NEXTOPIA  #Sustainability  #PrototypeCity  #NetZero  #TheEconomist  #SustainabilityWeekAsia 

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 May 2026 - Global digital business services leader TP (ex-Teleperformance) today reported that its award-winning AI-powered collections solution, TP.ai FAB Collect, matched human-level customer satisfaction scores while delivering a 40% debt recovery rate in live client deployments.

Collections are emerging as a critical lever for both financial performance and customer retention. Regional institutions including the Asian Development Bank have identified digital transformation of financial services and credit infrastructure as a strategic priority across Asia, while rising consumer delinquencies are increasing pressure on banks to modernise servicing and collections operations.

However, debt collection remains one of banking's most complex challenges, as lenders struggle to improve recovery rates without damaging customer relationships. AI-driven, human-supported debt collection models are emerging as a potential way forward to help lenders tackle rising credit risk and changing borrower behaviour. TP.ai FAB Collect is designed by training AI on decades of human collections expertise and deploying it where volume demands scale, so human advisors can focus on preserving customer relationships.

From Recovery to Relationship Management

TP.ai FAB Collect empowers lenders to operationalise more predictive, customer-centric engagement at scale, moving beyond traditional recovery models without adding friction to the customer experience. Built on TP's proprietary TP.ai FAB (Foundational AI Backbone) framework, the solution integrates advanced analytics, AI-driven decisioning, and omnichannel engagement to improve recovery outcomes while maintaining compliance and customer trust.

"We trained our AI on 40 years of human collections expertise. Now it handles the first wave, so our human advisors can focus on the conversations that truly matter. TP.ai FAB Collect has produced results across debt recovery, promise-to-pay and overall customer satisfaction." explains Assaf Tarnopolsky, TP's Chief Business Development & Customer Officer, APAC.

When deployed by a leading financial institution, TP.ai FAB Collect's AI agents achieved a customer satisfaction (CSAT) score that was slightly higher than human agents while also achieving a 40% debt recovery rate. At a leading telecommunications company, AI agents adapted outreach to customers based on local payment behaviour, achieving a 7%-point improvement in the pay-to-contact ratio compared to the human-only model. The solution also improved recovery performance over time while reducing collections costs by 40% compared to a human-only model.

TP.ai FAB Collect was recognised with a 2026 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award by the Business Intelligence Group and was named Technology of the Year by the Excellence in Customer Service awards.

https://www.tp.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearetpgroup/

https://x.com/wearetpgroup

https://www.facebook.com/wearetpgroup

https://www.instagram.com/wearetpgroup/

Hashtag: #TPAPAC  #TPaiFAB 

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

BDC intends to further deploy HVO-powered energy solutions across its data centres in Asia Pacific and beyond

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 May 2026 - Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a Singapore-headquartered hyperscale data centre provider, and EcoCeres, a global leader in the innovation and commercialisation of renewable fuels and green molecules, have successfully completed their inaugural Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)-powered backup fuel pilot in Asia Pacific at BDC's data centre campuses.

HVO is a next-generation renewable fuel derived from 100% waste-based feedstock and serves as a high-quality drop-in substitute for conventional fossil diesel. It requires no modifications to existing backup generators and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent.

The pilot covered the full range of emergency backup power scenarios, including generator startup, load transfer and sustained operations under data centre conditions, with all performance and emissions targets met. In addition, BDC has completed large-scale HVO testing across multiple locations. Building on the success of the pilot, BDC intends to further deploy HVO-powered solutions across its data centre campus in Asia Pacific and beyond.

Eric Fan, CEO of Bridge Data Centres, said: "Sustainability is core to BDC's strategy. As AI workloads continue to scale across the region, we are committed to advancing innovative clean energy solutions that reduce our carbon footprint while meeting the performance and reliability requirements of our hyperscale customers. The success of our inaugural pilot in Asia Pacific demonstrates that HVO-powered backup fuel is a feasible and replicable concept for other high-growth data centre markets."

Matti Lievonen, CEO of EcoCeres, said: "Decarbonising data centres is one of the most urgent and technically demanding challenges in the net zero transition, and we are proud to partner with Bridge Data Centres to demonstrate that HVO is ready to perform at scale in real-world operations. By proving that waste based renewable fuels can meet stringent reliability and performance requirements in existing diesel backup systems, this pilot offers a practical way for operators to significantly reduce emissions while maintaining the highest standards of reliability."

The milestone comes after BDC and EcoCeres signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly pilot and promote HVO adoption in data centre operations.

BDC and EcoCeres will collaborate further to develop common standards and practical guidelines to support broader HVO adoption across the data centre industry.

The partnership is part of BDC's wider push to advance clean energy solutions for data centres, which includes developing Singapore's first floating hydrogen power generation solution tailored for next-generation AI data centres.

https://www.bridgedatacentres.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgedc/

Hashtag: #BridgeDataCentres,  #RenewableEnergy,  #HydrotreatedVegetableOil 

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The expansion comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in large-scale infrastructure, smart cities, and modern workplaces. In these environments, security is no longer a standalone function but an integrated, data-driven capability. Nedap's access management solutions enable organizations to manage identities, assets, and access rights across complex, connected environments--bridging the physical and digital worlds to improve security, efficiency, and control.

"Saudi Arabia is a key growth market for Nedap, both in terms of scale and long-term development," said Maarten Van Cauwenberghe, Managing Director META & APAC. "We see increasing demand for solutions that help organizations manage identities, access, and security policies across complex environments. Establishing a local presence allows us to support our partners and engage closely with customers in enabling the deployment of integrated solutions that can scale and adapt over time."

Nedap's solutions include AEOS, its access control platform, as well as identity and access management solutions, mobile access, RFID readers, and locker management. Built on open architecture, these solutions integrate seamlessly with third-party systems, supporting organizations in managing access, identities, and security processes across complex environments.

"As projects in Saudi Arabia continue to grow in scale and complexity, a local presence has become essential," said Junaid Ul Haq, Country Director for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. "By strengthening our team on the ground, we work closely with partners and customers to support the implementation of solutions that help enable secure and efficient operations, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions."

With its new office in Saudi Arabia, Nedap aims to strengthen collaboration with regional partners and support partners and organizations in managing secure, scalable environments across the Kingdom.

For more information, please visit the Nedap in Security website.***

Brings X-Net to Latin America to Support SME Foreign Trade Payments

SANTIAGO, CHILE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 May 2026 - XTransfer, the world's leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, participated in the Chile Fintech Forum 2026 as Platinum sponsor and introduced X-Net in Latin America for the first time. X-Net is a globally unified B2B cross-border settlement network and risk management platform designed to connect banks and financial institutions with SMEs, supporting more efficient, secure, and inclusive cross-border payment solutions as China?Latin America trade continues to expand.

Despite rising trade volumes, SMEs still faced "last-mile" friction in cross-border payments. Fragmented domestic rails and local banking practices often required payments to pass through multiple intermediaries and currencies, increasing cost, processing time, and operational failure points. Reliance on USD settlement further added double-conversion fees and FX constraints that could trap working capital and reduce margin predictability. Meanwhile, tighter fraud controls and stricter Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements made compliance checks more complex and harder to scale, which could leave legitimate businesses facing friction with onboarding difficulties, account restrictions, or frozen funds.

Introducing X-Net

XTransfer developed X-Net as an infrastructure purpose-built for B2B cross-border trade. The hybrid network works with regulators, banks, and payment institutions to advance standards for fund-flow design, product integration, and risk control. As a settlement and risk-control layer linking financial institutions to import-export enterprises, X-Net aims to standardise collections, payouts, and compliance workflows across participants, helping SMEs access secure, compliant, and seamless payment infrastructure once reserved for multinationals.

The LatAm market potential

Latin America is growing and upgrading fast. XTransfer data shows collections from the region rose 94% year-on-year in 2025, outpacing China's 8% export growth there and signalling a shift toward secure, compliant collections. The XTransfer Export PMI, a sample survey of XTransfer's 800,000 SME users, selecting over 3,000 companies nationwide, also points to strong fundamentals, with Latin America's export order index at 56.47 and price index at 57.81 in March 2026, above global readings of 53.85 and 56.15.

Violas Xiao, Singapore and LatAm CEO of XTransfer, said, "Emerging markets are central to XTransfer's expansion, and in Latin America. Next, we'll deepen coverage in Brazil and Mexico while expanding into growth markets like Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina, improving minor-currency liquidity and risk automation so SMEs can pay and collect more predictably and compliantly."

https://www.xtransfer.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn

https://x.com/xtransferglobal

https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/

https://www.instagram.com/xtransfer.global

Hashtag: #XTransfer  #Chile  #FintechForum  #Crossborder  #Payment  #SMEs 

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Paris, France, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 12, 2026 -- Atos, a global leader in AI-powered digital transformation, today announced the signing of a Master Collaboration Agreement with Backbase, the creator of the AI-Native Banking OS. The agreement strengthens collaboration between the two companies to support financial institutions in accelerating AI-native transformation while maintaining control, compliance, and resilience in increasingly complex and regulated environments across International Markets including Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Portugal, Spain, Southeast Europe, Switzerland and Turkey.

As Financial institutions are under increasing pressure to innovate with AI while maintaining strict control over data, operations, and regulatory compliance, Atos and Backbase will support clients in modernizing their banking platforms while ensuring that transformation remains secure, governed, and aligned with specific sovereignty requirements.

The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration across opportunity development, professional services, delivery enablement, training, and joint go-to-market initiatives. Together, Atos and Backbase will support banks and financial institutions in modernizing customer journeys, enhancing digital engagement, and delivering seamless, customer-centric banking experiences.

The collaboration combines Backbase's AI-Native Banking OS with Atos' expertise in AI-powered transformation, systems integration, sovereign cloud, cybersecurity, and large-scale services delivery. By aligning their complementary capabilities, the two companies aim to help financial institutions build agile, resilient, and future-ready digital banking environments.

Daniele Principato, head of International Markets, Atos, said: "This agreement with Backbase reflects our commitment to helping financial institutions in International Markets harness the power of AI in a secure and scalable way. The demand for resilient and future-ready banking platforms continues to grow across all our markets and by combining our global expertise with strong partners and our regional leadership, we are well positioned to support our clients in navigating transformation with confidence and control."

Ricardo Ribelles, global VP partnerships and alliances, Backbase, added: "Atos brings the sovereign cloud infrastructure, integration depth, and regional reach that banks in these markets need. Together we close the gap between a bank's AI ambitions and the reality of running those capabilities at scale - inside a governed, compliant architecture that meets local data sovereignty requirements."

This agreement further reinforces Atos' role as a trusted partner to the financial services sector, supporting secure, sovereign cloud-driven, and AI-native transformation programs, while leveraging Backbase's deep banking and agentic technology expertise to accelerate innovation and modernization.***

Saat mengomentari transaksi tersebut, Head of Capital Markets EVF, Dinh Ngoc Bao, mengatakan: "Kami senang dapat bermitra dengan EMGA untuk memperoleh fasilitas pembiayaan ini dari OPEC Fund. Transaksi ini merupakan pencapaian penting dalam strategi EVF untuk memperluas akses pembiayaan bagi sektor UMKM di Vietnam, yang menjadi salah satu penggerak utama pertumbuhan ekonomi dan inovasi di negara tersebut."

"Kami memiliki kesamaan visi dengan OPEC Fund dalam mendukung kewirausahaan serta mendorong pengembangan sektor swasta yang berkelanjutan. Kami meyakini kemitraan ini menjadi landasan yang kuat untuk kolaborasi yang lebih luas di masa mendatang. Dengan demikian, kami dapat memperkuat dukungan bagi bisnis, mempercepat pertumbuhan ekonomi, serta menciptakan peluang jangka panjang di pasar modal internasional."

Head of Investment Banking dan Managing Director EMGA, Sajeev Chakkalakal, mengatakan, "Kami senang dapat merampungkan transaksi pertama ini serta mendukung visi berkelanjutan EVF terhadap sektor UMKM dan aksi iklim di Vietnam. Kami menikmati pengalaman yang sangat positif saat bekerja sama dengan OFID, mitra jangka panjang kami, dalam upaya mereka memperluas eksposur mereka di sektor keuangan Vietnam."

Head of Operations dan Managing Director EMGA, Jeremy Dobson, menambahkan, "Fasilitas pendanaan ini semakin memperkuat rekam jejak kami di Vietnam dan menjadi kali pertama kami bekerja sama dengan lembaga keuangan bukan bank (LKBB) di negara tersebut. Kami meyakini pembiayaan utang ini akan membantu diversifikasi sumber pendanaan EVF, dan kami menantikan peluang kerja sama lanjutan dalam waktu dekat."

EVF General Finance Joint Stock Company (EVF) merupakan salah satu lembaga keuangan bukan bank terkemuka di Vietnam yang dibentuk pada tahun 2008 dan berkantor pusat di Hanoi. Perusahaan ini menyediakan beragam layanan keuangan, termasuk pembiayaan korporasi, perbendaharaan, dan penghimpunan dana, dan solusi pinjaman bagi klien institusi maupun ritel. Perusahaan yang tercatat di Bursa Efek Ho Chi Minh dengan kode saham "EVF" ini telah menjalin kemitraan yang kuat dengan berbagai lembaga keuangan domestik dan internasional, sekaligus turut mendorong pertumbuhan sektor swasta dan ekonomi UMKM di Vietnam.

Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA), dengan kantor di London dan New York, membantu lembaga keuangan dan korporasi yang membutuhkan utang atau modal ekuitas baru. Tim multinasional EMGA menggabungkan pengalaman puluhan tahun yang diperlukan untuk menyelesaikan transaksi atas nama klien mereka di pasar negara berkembang dan ekonomi perbatasan di seluruh dunia, termasuk Vietnam yang terus menjadi pasar penting. Dengan rekam jejak yang telah terbukti dalam pembentukan modal dan penasihat strategis di berbagai siklus ekonomi, EMGA terus memperluas jangkauan geografis dan layanan yang ditawarkannya, mengukuhkan posisinya di industri sebagai salah satu bank investasi khusus terkemuka yang berfokus pada pasar negara berkembang.

Kontak info@emergingmarketsglobaladvisory.com

  

Ever dreamed of sleeping in a suite inspired by the legendary clay court? Or being pampered with VIP access to Roland-Garros? Perhaps even feeling the thrill of watching the live broadcast of the final from the other side of the world? These are just some of the exclusive experiences offered by ALL Accor - the booking platform and loyalty programme of the Accor Group - to celebrate Roland-Garros, from May 18th to June 7th.

Official supplier of Roland-Garros since 2015, ALL Accor, a key partner of major sporting events, became an official partner of France's leading tennis tournament in 2024. This long-standing collaboration brings together two areas of expertise that naturally align: world-class hospitality and tennis excellence. Today, it offers guests a total immersion in the tournament's atmosphere, whether on the court, in a private lounge, or across hotels available on ALL.com around the world.

The activation at a glance:

* ALL Accor presents the first-ever rebranding of a palace in the colors of Roland+Garros: Le Royal Monceau -  Raffles Paris goes far beyond simply adopting the tournament's colors; it reinterprets its codes space by space, through a scenography built around dichroic glass, light, and clay-inspired textures. In the inner courtyard, the pool area is reimagined as an artistic installation: An ochre clay platform blurs the boundaries between a poolside setting and a competition court. From an outdoor pool transformed into a tennis court; In the Royal Monceau Suite, the mashrabiya ceiling in the bathroom reinterprets the fa?ade of court Philippe- Chatrier, casting graphic shadows across the marble. Finally, the Royal Film Club - the hotel's private cinema - will screen matches live in an intimate setting, complete with homemade popcorn and signature dishes, offering a way to experience Roland-Garros without ever leaving the Parisian palace

* Pullman and MGallery: Roland-Garros unfolds around the world: The rebranding extends far beyond the doors of the Parisian palace. Internationally, ALL Accor is

transforming some of the most iconic hotels of its loyalty programme in the colours of Roland- Garros, offering guests an immersive experience in the world of the tournament, whether they are in Tokyo, Shanghai or S?o Paulo.

* Taking a break in the ALL Accor x Roland-Garros lounge: From May 24 to June 7, from lunch through dinner, ALL Accor will welcome its members into a lounge entirely imagined by Potel et Chabot's creative studio in collaboration with Marseille-based artist Sarah Espeute. Known for her evocative aesthetic and sustainable approach, she has created a series of artworks and accessories that express sport in a poetic way.

* The dedicated campaign "Enjoy a number one treatment":  To be treated with the same level of attention as the world's greatest champions? This is the message behind ALL Accor's campaign dedicated to its collaboration with Roland-Garros. Photographed and filmed across several of the hotels within the ALL Accor portfolio, including the iconic MGallery Molitor Paris just steps from the stadium, this campaign, with its refined aesthetic, showcases the hospitality expertise that defines ALL Accor and the wider Accor Group. The campaign can be viewed: here. 

"With ALL Accor, we are transforming loyalty into an experiential platform built around our members' passions. Our partnership with Roland-Garros is a powerful illustration of this: an iconic event whose excitement we extend far beyond the courts, bringing the world of the Grand Slam into the very heart of the hotels available on ALL.com across the globe. From our private suite within the stadium to experiences rolled out internationally, we give our members the opportunity to feel the thrill of the tournament - whether courtside or on the other side of the world - with a number one treatment, just like the greatest champions." Mehdi Hemici, Chief Loyalty & E-Commerce Officer, Accor

HOUSTON, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Persona AI today announced a research and development collaboration with Under Armour (NYSE: UAA) to learn how advanced performance materials will support the next generation of humanoid robotics operating in demanding environments.

The robots made by Persona AI will operate in physically intensive, high-risk environments such as welding, heavy manufacturing, extreme heat exposure, and hazardous material handling. This automation is designed to reduce strain and improve safety for human workers. Through this collaboration, Persona AI is working to establish a global standard for robot-specific performance gear, ensuring the next generation of humanoids is as protected, agile, and resilient as the humans they support.

As Persona AI continues to develop and test its systems for industrial applications, the company is evaluating how external material layers may enhance durability, thermal regulation, and overall humanoid performance in real-world conditions. This collaboration brings together Persona AI's robotics expertise and Under Armour's innovative approach to creating materials designed for high-performance use.

The joint effort focuses on early-stage research and testing, examining how different textiles behave under conditions such as heat, friction, repetitive motion, and more. "We chose to work with Under Armour because of their track record of innovation with these types of performance materials," said Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Persona AI. "As we develop humanoids for intense and potentially hazardous environments, this collaboration helps us understand how advanced materials can enhance long-term reliability, thereby informing solutions to better protect workers in the field."

"This is an opportunity to apply our innovation expertise in a new context," said Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Design Studio, Development, and Testing at Under Armour. "Robotics presents a fascinating new design challenge, and we aim to play a leading role in shaping performance solutions for these environments. As humanoid systems take on more physically demanding roles, we see real potential to create new market opportunities, and we're exploring how concepts like thermal management, abrasion resistance, and flexibility translate beyond sport."

About Persona AI, Inc.

Persona AI, Inc. a pioneering robotics company headquartered in Houston, Texas, is at the forefront of developing intelligent humanoid robots specifically designed for a wide array of industrial applications.

Persona AI leverages a rich heritage of expertise, drawing from decades of experience in crafting sophisticated robotics for demanding environments, including space and deep- ocean exploration. This unparalleled background enables the company to address real- world labor challenges with innovative and robust solutions. Learn more about Persona AI

persona.ai

Persona AI Media Contacts

Jared Bruder

Director of Marketing

Persona AI

pr@persona.ai

713.305.6158

Jonathan Reichel

Principal Marketing Architect

Persona AI

reichel@persona.ai

(409) 549-3892

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