Category: Business

A celebration of Kettal’s 60th anniversary at NeoCon 2026 with Kettal Workplace, a complete workplace ecosystem integrating architecture, furniture, acoustics, lighting, and adaptable environments.

A special NeoCon conversation with Eames Demetrios on June 8 exploring the lasting infl uence of Charles and Ray Eames on contemporary workplace design

Chicago, Illinois June 9: Kettal, the contemporary design company known for its architectural approach to indoor and outdoor environments, will return to NeoCon 2026 from June 8–10 with Kettal Workplace. Focused on the evolution of the contemporary workplace through fl exible environments, architectural systems, and human-centered design, the showcase refl ects Kettal’s expansion beyond furniture into a broader workplace offering integrating architecture, atmosphere, lighting, acoustics, seating, and collaborative environments.

At the core of the presentation is the idea that the workplace is shifting away from static offi ce layouts toward more fl uid environments designed around changing patterns of work and interaction. The showroom brings together workstations, meeting areas, acoustic rooms, retreat spaces, lounge environments, lighting, and architectural systems into one integrated workplace approach.

Among the highlights will be the evolution of the Eames Pavilion System into workplace and interior applications. Rooted in Charles Eames and Ray Eames’ enduring ideas around prefabrication, modular construction, and human-scaled environments, the adaptable architectural system explores how fl exible structures can shape contemporary workplace experiences through collaborative workspaces, informal meeting areas, and retreat environments. Developed in partnership with the Eames Offi ce and grounded in extensive archival research into Charles and Ray Eames’ residential projects of the 1940s and 1950s, the Eames Pavilion System translates the Eameses’ pioneering architectural concepts into a fully engineered modular construction system designed for fl exibility, interior adaptability, and long-term evolution. Conceived as an integrated kit of parts with repeatable structural modules, interchangeable roof types, facade infi lls, glazing, textiles, and accessory offerings, the system refl ects Charles and Ray Eames’ belief that architecture should function as an adaptable framework for life and work rather than a fi xed object. Emphasizing spatial generosity, material clarity, and the relationship between architecture and human experience, the presentation refl ects Kettal’s broader approach to creating environments that move between exterior, architectural, and interior confi gurations.

India , June 9 : AirAsia X today formalised a Memorandum of  Agreement with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia , also known as Lembaga  Kaunselor Malaysia, reinforcing its commitment to emergency preparedness, psychosocial  support capabilities, and safety resilience across its regional network. 

The signing ceremony took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was witnessed by Yang  Berhormat Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development,  Malaysia and Captain Saravanan Subramaniam, Chief Safety & Quality Officer at AirAsia Group.  The collaboration integrates professional psychosocial support into the Group’s humanitarian  assistance and crisis response framework, strengthening its emergency preparedness  ecosystem. 

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate in areas including emergency response  preparedness, deployment of registered counsellors during crises, psychosocial first aid ,disaster response exercises, and specialised training programmes for AirAsia Group personnel  across all AOCs. 

Through the partnership, BOC will provide trained registered counsellors to support employees,  survivors, victims and family members affected during emergencies or crisis situations across  the Group’s operational network. 

The collaboration will also see both parties jointly enhancing emergency response protocols and  operational readiness through simulation exercises, knowledge sharing initiatives and continuous capability development programmes. 

Captain Suresh Bangah, Group Chief Operations Officer, AirAsia Group said:

“Safety  and the wellbeing of our guests has always been at the core of everything we do at AirAsia. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening not only operational preparedness,  but also the human aspect of a crisis response through professional psychosocial support. 

By working together with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia, we are reinforcing our ability to  provide timely care, compassion and assistance to affected individuals, families and to our  Allstars during challenging situations, while continuing to strengthen our overall emergency  response framework across the region.”

Tuan Haji Sadli bin Osman, CEO Malaysian Board of Counsellors Malaysia said:

“This collaboration marks an important step in strengthening psychosocial support services and humanitarian response capabilities within the aviation industry. Through this partnership, registered counsellors under the Board of Counsellors Malaysia will contribute their expertise in providing emotional support, psychological first aid and counselling assistance during emergencies and disaster situations. We commend AirAsia for recognising the importance of mental well-being and psychosocial care as part of a comprehensive safety and emergency response ecosystem.” 

As part of the collaboration, AirAsia Group will also facilitate transportation and logistical support for counsellors deployed during emergency response situations, training programmes  and simulation exercises across selected destinations within the AirAsia network, enhancing  preparedness for Group-related incidents. 

The MOA further reflects both organisations’ shared commitment towards promoting a stronger  culture of safety, resilience and preparedness, while ensuring compassionate care remains an  integral component of crisis management and humanitarian response.

The name change from AirAsia X to AirAsia Group Berhad is subject to shareholder approval at the  company’s 19th Annual General Meeting and registration by the Companies Commission of Malaysia .

Mumbai, June 09: Armour Entertainment, a leading celebrity talent management company, today announced a strategic initiative to broaden its engagement with industry partners. Spearheaded by seasoned industry expert Prarthana Ajmani who is the Founder & CEO, the move reaffirms the company’s deep-rooted dedication to the craft of film making and sustained growth of the artists it represents.

Operating independently at the forefront of the film industry, Ajmani has been instrumental in leading and shaping the acting careers of some of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed names. Through a meticulous & validated hands-on approach, Armour Entertainment has built an elite roster of powerhouse performers, including the likes of Shefali Shah, Sidhant Gupta, and Ronit Roy, among others. 

The company operates with the highest standards enabling secure partnerships with artists. Their expertise in navigating the complexities of the entertainment business, backed by principles and proven processes, has cemented Armour Entertainment as a trusted, formidable force in talent representation. Building on this legacy, Armour Entertainment is now taking a progressive step to fortify the broader entertainment landscape. 

“The entertainment landscape is rapidly evolving, and I have always believed that a collaborative ecosystem can unlock exponentially larger opportunities for artists,” said Prarthana. “Our commitment has always been, and remains, steadfastly dedicated to the craft and to our talent. By strengthening our relationships with industry peers, we are not only looking out for the artists but also hope to contribute to the collective growth and expand possibilities for the industry as a whole.”

Recognizing that the modern entertainment sector thrives on synergy, these forward-looking associations would be designed to align seamlessly with the best interests of acting talent, fostering an environment where shared expertise, resources, and expansive networks translate into unprecedented avenues for artists.

Mumbai, 09th June 2026 – The Park Navi Mumbai invites guests to discover the vibrant food traditions of Southern India through its specially curated South Indian Food Festival, a celebration of the authentic and diverse flavours of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Chennai and the iconic Udupi region.

Bringing together time-honoured recipes, regional specialties and traditional cooking styles, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of South India under one roof. From comforting classics and coastal favourites to aromatic biryanis and indulgent desserts, the festival promises a memorable dining experience inspired by the region’s rich heritage.

Adding an interactive element to the celebration, guests can enjoy live cooking stations featuring freshly prepared favourites such as Mangalore Bun with Kurma Curry, an assortment of Dosas, Appams, and Tawa Puttu Paratha, crafted to order by the hotel’s chefs.

The elaborate spread showcases a variety of signature dishes including Udupi Sambar, Kerala Style Sambar, Kirai Masiyal, Gongura Pappu, Urulai Poriyal, Madras Style Mutton Curry, Chicken Gassi, Mutton Gassi, Chettinad Mutton Sukka, Chicken Kurma, Malabar Fish Curry, Alappuzha Fish Curry, and Podi Roasted Fish, highlighting the distinctive flavours and traditions of each region.

The festival also features a selection of celebrated rice preparations and biryanis, including Ambur Biryani, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, and Udupi Style Vegetable Pulao, prepared using authentic ingredients and traditional spice blends.

Guests can conclude their journey through Southern India with an enticing dessert selection that includes a variety of Payasams, coconut-based delicacies, date-infused sweets, traditional regional favourites and contemporary desserts inspired by South Indian flavours.

Speaking about the festival, Rahul Makhija, General Manager, The Park Navi Mumbai, said:

“At The Park Navi Mumbai, we believe that food is one of the most authentic ways to experience a region’s culture and traditions. With Dakshin Utsav, our endeavour is to showcase the incredible diversity of Southern Indian cuisine by bringing together cherished recipes, distinctive regional flavours, and time-honoured cooking techniques from across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Udupi region.

Beyond the food, we wanted to create an experience that celebrates the warmth, hospitality, and culinary heritage of South India. From live cooking stations and traditional specialties to iconic biryanis and regional desserts, every element of the festival has been thoughtfully curated to offer our guests a memorable journey through one of India’s richest and most celebrated culinary landscapes.”

Event Details:

Festival: Dakshin Utsav – Where every bite tells a story of tradition, spice and culture

Venue: The Park Navi Mumbai

Dates: 10th June – 13th June

Time: 7:30 PM onwards

Format: Chef-Curated Theme Dinner

Reservations: 7710098860

New Delhi: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s leading IT services and consulting company, has been conferred with the Special Recognition Award as the Largest Employer among IT/ITeS Exporters at the STPI Tech Summit 2026: India’s Next Leap.

The recognition highlights TCS’s outstanding contribution to employment generation, talent development, and the sustained growth of India’s information technology and IT-enabled services (IT/ITeS) export sector.

As one of the country’s largest private-sector employers, TCS has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for technology professionals across India while fostering innovation, digital transformation, and skill development. The company continues to invest significantly in workforce training, emerging technologies, and future-ready capabilities, strengthening India’s position as a global technology powerhouse.

The award, presented during the STPI Tech Summit 2026, acknowledges TCS’s enduring commitment to nurturing technology talent and supporting the expansion of India’s digital economy. Industry leaders noted that the company’s large-scale employment initiatives have contributed substantially to enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global IT services and exports.

The recognition also underscores the critical role played by the IT/ITeS industry in driving economic growth, generating high-value employment, and advancing India’s vision of becoming a leading global digital innovation hub.

TCS’s achievement reflects the broader success of India’s technology ecosystem, which continues to attract global demand for digital services, innovation, and skilled talent. Through its sustained focus on workforce development and export excellence, TCS remains a key contributor to the continued growth and resilience of the Indian IT industry.

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 June 2026 – Malaysia’s commitment to building sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and strengthening digital infrastructure resilience took centre stage at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26), where the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) participated in a high-level panel discussion on the future of AI development in the region.

Representing MDEC, Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Vice President and Head of the Digital Adoption Division, joined industry experts for the session titled “AI Sovereignty – Building Advantage Amid Global Dependencies.” The discussion examined how Malaysia and ASEAN can accelerate AI adoption while balancing the need for sovereign technological capabilities with the benefits of trusted global partnerships.

Organised by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), ETCon26 was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, and ecosystem stakeholders to explore the intersection of energy, AI, and digital infrastructure in driving the nation’s future competitiveness. The event also featured participation from government agencies and ministerial leadership, underscoring the strategic importance of digital transformation and energy transition initiatives.

During the panel session, Ir. Wan Murdani highlighted the importance of developing resilient digital ecosystems that support Malaysia’s ambitions to become a leading digital nation and AI-driven economy. The discussion aligned closely with MDEC’s ongoing efforts to accelerate digital adoption, strengthen technological capabilities, and create an environment that enables innovation while safeguarding national interests.

Panelists explored several critical enablers required to support the growth of sovereign AI ecosystems, including policy frameworks, talent development, data governance, cloud infrastructure, computing capacity, and sustainable energy resources. The conversation also emphasised the increasing importance of integrating AI development strategies with energy infrastructure planning to ensure scalability and long-term sustainability.

Joining Ir. Wan Murdani on the panel were Lyantoniette Chua of AI Safety Asia and Khalil Nooh, Chief Executive Officer of Mesolitica. The session was moderated by Christine Yong Wei Ling of TNB, who guided discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing countries seeking to establish competitive AI ecosystems amid evolving global technological dependencies.

The panel highlighted the need for ASEAN nations to collaborate on AI advancement while maintaining strategic autonomy in critical areas such as data management, infrastructure development, and talent cultivation. Speakers also stressed that trusted international partnerships remain essential in accelerating innovation and enabling access to global expertise and technology.

The session concluded with strong engagement from attendees, reflecting growing regional momentum toward developing secure, scalable, and energy-aligned AI ecosystems. Participants expressed optimism that continued collaboration between government, industry, and technology stakeholders will help position Malaysia as a key player in the regional AI landscape while supporting broader economic and digital transformation goals.

ETCon26 continues to serve as an important platform for advancing dialogue on the convergence of energy, digital technologies, and innovation, as Malaysia seeks to strengthen its competitiveness in an increasingly AI-powered global economy.

Powering forward: Bringing more than two decades of AV expertise and industry experience, Tom will play a pivotal role in supporting PPDS’ accelerating growth ambitions as the company continues its drive to become the preferred brand for premium, energy efficient dvLED installations across North America. 

Amsterdam, 09 June 2026: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of highly experienced sales professional and self proclaimed Pro AV ‘veteran’, Tom Keefe, as its new Director of Sales dvLED North America.  

Continuing to attract among the AV industry’s most accomplished and sought after talents, Tom’s appointment will play an integral role in PPDS’ continued growth trajectory and long term ambitions in North America, which includes establishing Philips Professional Displays as the preferred partner for premium indoor and outdoor dvLED projects. 

Based in Buffalo, New York, and a father of two, Tom has built an impressive 23 year career in the AV industry, including the past seven years specialising exclusively in dvLED solutions. 

An AVIXA CTS holder, he brings extensive market knowledge and a track record of success to the PPDS team, with proven expertise in sales, business development, category management, marketing strategy, brand building, distribution, partner relationship management, and market analysis, to name a few. 

Primed for growth

Reporting to Senior Director North America, Bruce Wyrwitzke, Tom’s core responsibilities as Director of Sales dvLED North America will include, among others, developing and defining PPDS’ organisational sales structure and executing its go to market strategy. 

His experience will enable PPDS to further advance its tailored regional approach across North America, enhance engagement with sales and management teams, partners, and customers, while also increasing awareness of the Philips LED portfolio, delivering exceptional visual performance and stand out energy efficiency possibilities. 

On Philips booth C9000 and available for meetings during InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas next week, Tom joins PPDS during a period of exceptional growth, both nationally and internationally, achieving exponential success for Philips dvLED installations in retail, corporate, public venues, sports stadiums, houses of worship, and more. 

PPDS’ recent entry into outdoor LED has further extended project opportunities, as demand for the technology continues to grow. 

A land of opportunity

According to market forecasts, the global LED display market is expected to grow from US$2.41 billion in 2026 to approximately US$3.46 billion by 2035, with the United States continuing to lead in revenue generation. This growth is being driven by rising demand for LED solutions across key sectors, including retail, transportation, entertainment, and digital out of home (DooH) advertising – all of which remain key markets for PPDS. 

Discussing his new role, Tom said: “My background in sales, business development, and product management and business development, along with my dvLED experience empowers me with the tools required to continue driving and improving the PPDS performance in North America. 

“My goal as Director of Sales for DVLED is to leverage the premier reputation we have built and to expand our value to partners. I have always been impressed by Philips Professional Displays and the strong reputation the PPDS team has built in the AV industry. The company has a proud track record of continually offering innovative, leading edge products designed for professional grade applications. I’m excited that I get to be part of this fantastic team of professionals.” 

Bruce, who will also be in attendance and available at InfoComm 2026, added: “The opportunities for dvLED are clear and, at PPDS, we have been working hard to ensure we deliver the solutions our partners and customers crave. Indoor or outdoor, small, large or highly creative by design, we have the portfolio to match any project need and requirement, no matter how ambitious it may be. 

Angela Lin, Commercial Head NA at PPDS, added: “With Tom, we have someone with the knowledge and experience to take our dvLED business to the next stage, bringing our solutions to an even wider audience. I wish him every success in the role.” 

To arrange a meeting with a member of the PPDS team at InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, please contact Michael Garwood by email at Michael@BeesBuzzPR.com or message via WhatsApp on +44 7300 841 927.

New Delhi, June 08: RAH Infotech, a value-added cybersecurity distributor, has entered into a strategic partnership with 1Kosmos, a specialist in digital identity verification and passwordless authentication, to extend the reach of its identity security platform across enterprises in India.

Through this partnership, RAH Infotech will offer 1Kosmos’ full suite of capabilities spanning identity proofing, passwordless authentication, document verification, liveness detection, and adaptive access to organisations operating in sectors where the integrity of digital identity carries the highest operational and regulatory stakes. These include banking and financial services, government and public sector, healthcare, telecom, and IT/ITeS.

Identity has quietly become the most exploited entry point in enterprise cybersecurity. Attackers are no longer simply stealing passwords they are bypassing authentication entirely through stolen credentials, AI-driven deepfake impersonation, social engineering, and account takeover. For organisations managing remote workforces, digital customer onboarding, and privileged system access, the exposure is significant and growing. Regulatory expectations around data protection and access governance are tightening in parallel, adding compliance pressure to an already stretched security function.

The 1Kosmos platform addresses this directly by unifying identity proofing and authentication within a single framework removing the disconnect that has historically existed between verifying who someone is and granting them access. For Indian enterprises, practical deployment spans secure employee onboarding, remote workforce access, customer identity verification, privileged access protection, fraud prevention, and helpdesk-based account recovery. Organisations can also reduce operational drag from password reset volumes and strengthen accountability across privileged user activity.

Ashok Kumar, Founder and Managing Director, RAH Infotech, commented: “Verification and authentication have been treated as separate problems for too long and that gap is exactly where attackers operate. The question organisations need to answer today is not just whether a credential is valid, but whether the person presenting it is genuinely who they claim to be. AI-driven impersonation has made that distinction urgent in a way it simply wasn’t three years ago. 1Kosmos brings identity proofing and passwordless authentication together in a way that closes that gap. Our role is to ensure Indian enterprises can deploy this with the local implementation depth, channel support, and sector-specific context that makes the difference between a technology purchase and a working solution.”

“Organizations across the world are facing a sharp rise in identity-based attacks, including AI-driven impersonation, social engineering, and credential compromise,” said Siddharth Gandhi, Co-Founder and APAC COO of 1Kosmos. “Our partnership with RAH Infotech extends our reach across India and South Asia, expanding access to digital identity proofing and passwordless authentication technologies for workforces, customers, and citizens. Together, we are helping organizations deploy the 1Kosmos platform to verify the real person behind every digital interaction while reducing friction for users.”

The 1Kosmos platform includes passwordless authentication built on biometrics and FIDO standards, AI-powered identity proofing, document validation, liveness detection, workforce and customer identity access management, privileged access protection, and risk-based adaptive authentication.

The partnership reflects a broader shift underway in enterprise security thinking one where identity is no longer a supporting function but a primary control layer. As hybrid working, digital customer journeys, and remote onboarding become standard operating conditions, the ability to verify and authenticate users with confidence has moved from a compliance consideration to a core resilience requirement.

Applications open for key roles across four GRI governance bodies

Amsterdam, June 8 –A recruitment call has commenced, seeking experienced professionals to help guide the strategy, priorities and standard-setting activities of GRI – the global leader in impact reporting.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds and from all geographic regions are encouraged to apply to vacancies on the following governance bodies:

• GRI Supervisory Board: Oversees GRI’s strategic direction, governance, and long-term priorities.

• Global Sustainability Standards Board(GSSB): The independent standard-setting body responsible for developing and issuing the GRI Standards.

• Due Process Oversight Committee: Oversees and safeguards the independence and due process of GSSB standard-setting activities.

• Stakeholder Council: The forum that provides advice and recommendations on key strategic issues to the above three bodies.

GRI’s governance reflects the multi-stakeholder approach – bringing together global knowledge and expertise from five defined groups: business, civil society, labor, mediating institutions, and investors.

The recruitment runs from 8 June until Sunday 2 August, 23:59 CEST 2026, with successful candidates beginning their two-year terms effective January 2027.

Jane Diplock, Chair of the GRI Supervisory Board, said:

“GRI’s strength is reinforced by the people and perspectives that shape our governance. At a time when transparency and accountability matter more than ever, these roles offer a meaningful opportunity to help guide the future of sustainability reporting. We encourage professionals from around the world to bring their knowledge, insights and lived experiences to contribute and demonstrate a meaningful global impact.”

A research team led by Professor Han-Yong Bae of the Department of Chemistry at Sungkyunkwan University(SKKU), in collaboration with Professor Junsuk Huh of the Departments of Chemistry and Institute of Quantum Information Technology at Yonsei University, announced the first development of a novel silylium Lewis acid organocatalysis. This technology employs an ion-pair catalyst combining a diethylsilylium — with a weakly coordinating anion, enabling the direct installation of sulfonamide groups into functionalized ketone compounds, including β-ketoesters, which had previously been difficult to react using conventional catalytic methods.

The catalytic system developed in this study represents a major advance in the field of reductive sulfonamidation, which enables precise control over nitrogen–carbon bond formation in the synthesis of complex molecular structures. Instead of conventional transition-metal catalysts or high-pressure hydrogen gas, the researchers implemented new catalytic reaction conditions in which a powerful silylium ion pair is generated in situ by combining trityl tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate with diethylsilane. Diethylsilane simultaneously serves dual roles as both a reductant and a silylium precursor, while the resulting novel catalyst operates with precise control over not only reaction rate but also substrate activation and selectivity.

Notably, this study achieved in a single reaction vessel a series of steps — including the reduction of ketimine intermediates — for which conventional tertiary silylium catalysts had shown very low conversion rates. Through this reaction, alkyl β-amino ester derivatives were successfully synthesized in yields of up to 95%, realizing an sustainable process in which scale-up reactions proceed smoothly without solvent, metal, hydrogen gas, or other additives.

In addition to experimental results, the research team elucidated in detail how this new catalytic system operates through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS). Beyond merely developing a new reaction, the team scientifically demonstrated that secondary silylium ions exhibit stronger Lewis acidity than tertiary silylium ions due to lower steric hindrance, and that they activate substrates more effectively in ion-pair formation with weakly coordinating anions.

Professor Han-Yong Bae stated, “This study is highly significant in that it proposes a new approach of in situ catalytic system based on secondary silylium ions,” adding, “We expect it to find broad application in various carbon–heteroatom bond-forming reactions going forward.“

Professor Junsuk Huh noted, “Validated through both experimental and theoretical approaches, this technology will serve as a fundamental platform applicable to the synthesis of high-value compounds including natural products, pharmaceuticals, and diverse organic materials — as exemplified by the antidiabetic drug sitagliptin.“

This research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning, the Ministry of Education, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Sungkyunkwan University, and Yonsei University. It was published online on May 26, 2026, in the prestigious international journal Advanced Science.