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  • Monash University Malaysia to Host Strategy Session for SMEs on Navigating 2026 Business Shifts

    Businesses operating in Malaysia and across ASEAN will get a timely roadmap for 2026 at an upcoming strategy session hosted in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia. The event will bring together industry leaders to unpack policy shifts, talent strategies, and growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

    Scheduled for April 23, 2026, at EQ Kuala Lumpur, the session is designed for both Australian SMEs operating in Malaysia and local enterprises preparing to scale. Organisers say the programme will focus on delivering practical insights, regulatory clarity, and actionable strategies that businesses can immediately implement.

    Monash University Malaysia to Host Strategy Session for SMEs on Navigating 2026 Business Shifts

    Industry Leaders to Share Insights

    The session will feature a strong lineup of speakers offering perspectives across policy, finance, talent, and technology:

    • Ong Kian Ming will discuss how businesses can remain competitive amid shifting dynamics in the ASEAN region.
    • Surin Segar will address evolving SST regulations and the financial strategies SMEs need to prioritise.
    • Ibrahim Sani will explore ways to unlock Malaysia’s talent pool and build future-ready teams.
    • Low Choy Huat will highlight the role of resilient organisational culture and AI-driven talent strategies.
    • Karen Khaw will focus on bridging the skills gap through industry–academia collaboration.

    Additional academic perspective will be provided by Meera Sivasoathy, Professor of Practice in Digital Media and Communication.

    Focus on Practical Outcomes

    The session aims to go beyond theory, equipping attendees with clear, actionable guidance on navigating regulatory changes, leveraging talent, and embedding technology into business strategy. With ASEAN markets undergoing structural shifts, the event positions itself as a critical touchpoint for companies seeking to stay competitive.

    Event Details:

    • Date: April 23, 2026
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Venue: EQ Kuala Lumpur

    Seats are limited, and organisers are encouraging early registration. Participation is subject to acceptance of the event’s data privacy policy.

    With a strong emphasis on strategy, talent, and policy alignment, the session is expected to offer valuable direction for businesses preparing for the challenges and opportunities of 2026.

  • AAEON Looks to Break New Ground in AI Robotics Development with the Release of the CEXD-INTRBL

    Available for preorder on the company’s e-commerce platform, the CEXD-INTRBL provides an all-in-one system for AI-optimized robotics development.

    AAeon

     

    Taipei, Taiwan – Apr 16: Leading-edge AI platform provider AAEON (Stock Code: 6579) today announced the release of the CEXD-INTRBL, an open robotics development system from its Embedded Computing Business Unit. Featuring an Intel Core Ultra X7 Processor 358H CPU, an integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU, and NPU 5.0, the CEXD-INTRBL provides up to 180 TOPS of AI performance. As such, AAEON has noted the product is designed to target emerging AI development segments such as humanoid robotics and autonomous vehicle platform building.

    The CEXD-INTRBL’s I/O lends itself to the system’s target market, with a notable feature being its two FAKRA connectors, which offer support for up to eight GMSL camera inputs. Other interfaces for peripheral device installation include four USB Type-C ports for the LiDAR, infrared, and depth sensors required for robotics, as well as a 22-bit GPIO through a HAT 40. Elsewhere, the system hosts four 2.5GbE LAN ports with IEEE 1588 PTP (Precision Time Protocol) alongside an external CANBus port.

    For OS support, the CEXD-INTRBL is compatible with Windows 11 (64-bit) and Ubuntu 25.04, or Ubuntu 24.04 and later.

    “We pride ourselves not only on how quickly we are able to leverage new technologies, but also on our dedication to building unique, creative solutions to address the needs of our customers,” said Kevin Chiu, Vice President of AAEON’s Embedded Computing Business Unit and Design Support Division. “From the outset we were confident we could create an all-in-one development system with the potential to usher in the next generation of advanced robotics, and with the CEXD-INTRBL, we feel we have succeeded in doing so.” Chiu added.

  • Auctor Raises $20M Led by Sequoia Capital to Build the AI System of Action for the Enterprise Software Implementation Market

    Enterprise software implementations fail because of fragmented institutional knowledge and tools. Auctor fixes that with one unified system built for the work itself. 

    New York City, New York – Apr 16; Hundreds of billions are spent on software implementation each year, yet 50 percent of projects fail to meet deadlines, and one out of every six exceeds budgets by over 200 percent.

    Today, Auctor, the AI-native system of action for the entire software implementation lifecycle, emerges from stealth. It enables professional services teams and system integrators to deliver faster, more consistently, and smarter with every project.

    Auctor has raised a total of $20 million, including a Series A led by Sequoia Capital with participation from M12, Microsoft’s Venture Fund, HubSpot Ventures, Workday Ventures, OneStream, Y Combinator, Tercera, and Dig Ventures.

    William Sun, the Co-Founder and CEO of Auctor, said, “Enterprise software has transformed how every industry operates, but it only creates value when it’s actually implemented well. That’s why we built Auctor: one system for the entire lifecycle, so humans can focus on the high-judgment work clients need, while Auctor handles the rest.”

    Professional services and implementation teams still rely on a patchwork of meetings, spreadsheets, documents, and internal knowledge to manage discovery, scoping, solutioning, and delivery. As a result, requirements, decisions, and context are fragmented across systems and stakeholders, with no single source of truth. This fragmentation leads to misalignment, rework, margin erosion, and delayed time-to-value for customers.

    “As HubSpot moves upmarket, faster and smarter implementations aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential. Auctor is built specifically to solve that problem, giving system integrators and services teams an AI-native platform that brings together critical project context and turns weeks of manual work into minutes. We’re excited to support a team that’s creating an entirely new category and solving a problem that matters for our partners and customers,” says Adam Coccari, Managing Director at HubSpot Ventures.

    Auctor’s AI-native system of action is purpose-built for how implementation work actually runs in practice. It curates execution-ready artifacts like rough orders of magnitude, resource plans, process flows, user stories, and more – already aligned and ready for delivery.

    As a result, users and teams always know what was decided, why it was decided, and how it impacts the rest of the engagement. Most importantly, Auctor helps companies standardize what great looks like, turning their best work into repeatable, reusable practices across every project. 

    Auctor is already seeing top teams across leading software ecosystems fundamentally change how they run implementations. Customers are driving upwards of 80% efficiency gains across discovery and design, improving margins and even shifting toward fixed-fee models. 

    “The improvement in collaboration and delivery quality has been immediate. As we continue to scale globally, Auctor is becoming a core enabler of how we operate,” said Dan Buffham, CIO of Valiantys, Atlassian’s largest global partner, which serves 65 Fortune 500 companies. 

    The results extend across the entire implementation lifecycle. One team used Auctor to respond to an RFP (request for proposal) over a single weekend with just one person, secured the opportunity, and closed it within two days — work that previously required weeks and multiple team members. Separately, a principal consultant at a large enterprise software company produced a comprehensive manufacturing scoping guide in roughly 10 minutes, replacing a three-week manual effort.

    The market dynamics driving Auctor’s growth are structural. 

    Implementation firms are caught between a talent model that doesn’t scale and a competitive environment that won’t wait. Senior consultants are spread too thin. Junior staff lack institutional knowledge. Mid-project swaps mean someone is always ramping up. The firms that figure out how to run leaner without sacrificing quality will take market share from those that don’t. 

    For system integrators stuck in margin-constrained models where delivery costs scale linearly with headcount, the math is straightforward: Auctor can unlock multiple points of EBITDA margin by fundamentally changing the way of operating.

    Julien Bek, partner at Sequoia Capital, who recently wrote a viral thought leadership piece (Services: The New Software), says, “For every dollar spent on software, six are spent on services. Auctor is building the agentic operating system for software implementation to go after those six dollars.” 

     

     

     

  • Robinhood Targets 1 Million Learners Through Classroom Financial Education by 2030

    Robinhood Markets, Inc. has announced an ambitious commitment to expand financial literacy, aiming to reach one million individuals through classroom-based education programmes by 2030. The pledge was highlighted during a policy panel on Capitol Hill, where Senior Director of International Government and External Affairs Chloe Barz outlined the company’s evolving strategy.

    The initiative will extend across a wide spectrum of learners, including school and college students, educators, athletes, community leaders, and nonprofit partners. The company said its approach is designed to support individuals at key financial transition points, equipping them with practical knowledge to manage change and plan effectively.

    A cornerstone of the effort is Robinhood’s flagship Money Drills™ programme, which now partners with 18 universities across the United States. New additions to the network in 2026 include the University of Arizona, Boise State University, and University of Wisconsin–Madison. These courses are designed to deliver essential financial skills in an accessible format while offering academic credits that contribute toward graduation.

    Building on this foundation, the company plans to launch a new phase of the programme—Money Drills: Readiness—later this year. The initiative will specifically target active-duty military personnel, helping them navigate financial decisions as they transition to civilian life.

    “Accessible financial education has always been central to our mission, and we are now significantly scaling our reach,” said Chloe Barz. “This commitment allows us to expand existing programmes while introducing new, tailored learning opportunities that meet people where they are.”

    The push aligns with findings from the World Economic Forum, which highlight experiential learning—or “learning by doing”—as the most effective way for individuals to build investment knowledge. The research also indicates a strong preference for financial institutions as trusted sources of education, ahead of traditional media, social platforms, and formal schooling.

    The announcement coincides with Robinhood’s second annual Financial Education Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together policymakers, educators, athletes, and nonprofit leaders. The event features workshops, panel discussions, and specialised sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration and expanding access to financial literacy resources, particularly for underserved communities.

    With this expanded push, Robinhood is positioning itself at the forefront of classroom-based financial education, combining in-person learning with its existing digital tools to help build long-term financial confidence among the next generation.

  • PM Modi Highlights Nine Pledges for Sustainable and Healthy Living

    Apr 15 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon people to adopt nine collective pledges focused on building a healthier, cleaner, and more developed India, while addressing a public gathering in Mandya, Karnataka.

    He said the initiatives are aimed at supporting the vision of a “developed Karnataka and a developed India,” with emphasis on individual responsibility and community participation.

    Among the key pledges, the Prime Minister highlighted water conservation and efficient water management as a top priority. He also urged people to actively participate in tree plantation under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

    Modi further stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public and religious places, promoting local products through the “Vocal for Local” initiative, and encouraging domestic tourism.

    He also called for the adoption of natural and chemical-free farming practices, increased consumption of nutritious millets, and reduced use of cooking oil to promote better health.

    In addition, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to embrace yoga, fitness, and community service as part of their daily lives.

    The appeal, he said, is aimed at building a more responsible society that contributes actively to national development while protecting nature and improving public health.

  • Plum BodyLovin’ Redefines Play in Body Care With A Bold New Identity & 16 Exciting Launches

    Mumbai, April 14: Plum BodyLovin’, the six-year-old body care extension of new-age beauty brand Plum, has unveiled a refreshed independent identity with elevated, design-led packaging across its portfolio, marking a new growth phase for one of India’s fastest-growing body care brands.

    The relaunch introduces 16 new products across four summer-themed collections, alongside the brand’s entry into the lip care category with playful, design-forward lip balms. The expansion reflects BodyLovin’s continued focus on expressive, sensorial beauty experiences.

    At the core of the launch are four new fragrance-led collections, each built around contrasting scent profiles:

    • Petals on the Rocks – floral notes blended with zesty citrus
    • Boardroom in Bora Bora – dragon fruit fused with jasmine
    • Matcha, But Disco – matcha with warm vanilla undertones
    • Tropic Of Discussion – tropical breeze paired with creamy coconut

    Each collection includes a shower gel, body lotion, and body mist designed for layering and mix-and-match use based on mood and preference.

    The brand has also introduced Glassic Lip Balms, featuring high-shine finishes and collectible charm packaging. The range includes variants such as Gossippin’ Ginger Ale, Popcorn N’ Pilates, Kaapi Tiramisu, and Banoffee For Brekkie, offering tinted and gloss-based formulations.

    With this relaunch, BodyLovin’ strengthens its positioning in body care while expanding its footprint across adjacent categories. Existing bestsellers—including Vanilla Caramello Body Lotion, Vanilla Vibes Body Mist, and Hawaiian Rumba Shower Gel along with 50+ SKUs, will transition into the refreshed design language, creating a more unified and elevated portfolio.

    The brand now scales to over 60 SKUs, priced between ₹350 and ₹700, maintaining accessibility while strengthening its premium sensorial positioning. The packaging overhaul introduces brighter, bolder visuals aimed at enhancing shelf presence and reinforcing brand recall.

    Speaking on the relaunch, Shankar Prasad, Founder & CEO, Plum, said:

    “BodyLovin’ has built strong consumer love across categories, and this next phase is about scaling that with a sharper, more distinctive identity. We’re doubling down on what makes the brand special, while building a stronger, more future-ready portfolio.”

    Stuti Sethi, Brand Lead, Plum BodyLovin’, added:

    “This rebrand is about letting BodyLovin’ be more expressive, defined, and intentional across fragrance, design, and experience. We are also leaning into summer with fresher, more playful fragrance worlds, while the move into lip care is a natural extension of our sensorial approach.”

    With its latest relaunch, Plum BodyLovin’ aims to further strengthen its position as a category-defining body care brand in India’s evolving beauty and personal care market.

  • Chhattisgarh Announces Major Property Fee Cut for Women

    Apr 15 (BNP): The Chhattisgarh Cabinet on Wednesday approved a significant decision to reduce land registration charges by 50% for properties registered in the name of women. The move is aimed at encouraging women’s ownership of property and strengthening their financial independence.

    In a separate decision, the Cabinet also approved a 25% concession in stamp duty for defence personnel, ex-servicemen from Chhattisgarh, and their widows. This benefit will apply to property purchases worth up to ₹25 lakh within the state.

    The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar.

    Officials said the measures are designed to support social welfare, improve financial inclusion, and provide targeted benefits to women and defence families in the state.

     

  • Chhattisgarh plant blast kills 9, injures 15

    Raipur, Apr 15 (BNP): At least nine people were killed and 15 others injured in a major accident at a power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh, officials said.

    Preliminary reports indicate that the incident was caused by a boiler explosion at the facility, triggering a serious industrial mishap. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

    Authorities have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Efforts are underway to provide medical assistance and support to those affected, while further details are awaited.

     
     

  • Government Notifies SEZ for Tata Semiconductor Project in Dholera

    Apr 15 (BNP): The government on Wednesday approved and notified a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be developed by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Pvt Ltd in Dholera, Gujarat. The proposed zone will focus on electronic hardware, software, and IT/ITeS services.

    The project includes a planned investment of ₹91,000 crore to set up India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

    The proposal was cleared by the Board of Approval, the highest authority for SEZ-related decisions, which is headed by the Commerce Secretary.

    The SEZ is expected to support large-scale manufacturing, attract investment, and boost India’s presence in the global semiconductor supply chain.

  • Australia to get first female Army Chief in historic move

    Canberra, Apr 15 (BNP): Australia has announced that its Army will be led by a woman for the first time in its 125-year history, marking a historic milestone in the country’s military leadership. Susan Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will take over as Chief of Army in July as part of a broader reshuffle of the defence force leadership.Australia to get first female Army Chief in historic move

    She will succeed Simon Stuart, who has held the position since July 2022.

    The landmark appointment underscores Australia’s efforts to enhance gender diversity and inclusivity within its armed forces. Lieutenant General Coyle brings extensive operational and strategic experience and is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the Australian Army.

    Officials said further details regarding the transition and leadership changes will be announced in due course.