Scientists have uncovered a previously unseen protein interaction that appears to accelerate Parkinson’s disease by undermining the brain’s energy systems, offering what researchers describe as a promising route to therapies that tackle the condition at its biological roots rather than easing symptoms alone. The discovery links a specific molecular pairing to damage in mitochondria, the structures that supply energy to neurons, setting off a chain reaction that […]
Ubisoft is expanding its investment in generative artificial intelligence as project delays, cancellations and workforce reductions continue to weigh on one of the industry’s largest publishers, signalling a strategic bet that automation can stabilise pipelines and control costs while reshaping how blockbuster games are built. The company has been grappling with uneven release schedules and rising development budgets across its global studios, prompting leadership to prioritise tools […]
A major ransomware intrusion at a key manufacturing partner of Apple has intensified concerns over cyber resilience across global electronics supply chains, after attackers claimed to have stolen more than one terabyte of confidential data linked to unreleased products and internal operations. The attack, attributed to the criminal group RansomHub, targeted Luxshare, a long-standing supplier involved in assembling and producing components for flagship consumer devices. Information circulating […]
Electric motorbike maker Matter has outlined a $150 million investment programme running through the 2028 calendar year, signalling a sharp acceleration in its manufacturing capacity, product development and market reach as competition intensifies in the electric two-wheeler segment. The company has set an annual sales target of between 1.50 lakh and 1.80 lakh electric motorbikes by 2028, positioning itself among the more aggressive growth players in the […]
Bolna has raised $6.3 million in funding from General Catalyst, marking a significant capital infusion for the Bengaluru-based startup as it expands its voice orchestration platform designed for enterprises operating across multiple languages and customer touchpoints. The investment positions Bolna to deepen its presence in India-focused use cases while sharpening its technology for regulated sectors that demand reliability, security and compliance in automated voice interactions.
Founded to address the growing demand for natural, human-like voice interfaces in customer engagement, Bolna develops software that allows companies to design, deploy and manage AI-driven voice agents across telephony systems. The platform focuses on orchestrating speech recognition, natural language understanding, dialogue management and speech synthesis in a single workflow, enabling businesses to automate calls without sacrificing contextual awareness or linguistic nuance. The funding round underscores investor confidence in voice as a critical interface as enterprises look beyond chat-based automation.
Executives familiar with the company’s roadmap say the capital will be directed towards product development, hiring in engineering and applied linguistics, and expanding enterprise partnerships. Bolna has prioritised support for multiple Indian languages and dialects, a feature that has become central as companies in banking, insurance, logistics and commerce seek to reach customers outside metropolitan centres. Industry analysts note that voice automation in India faces distinct challenges due to code-switching, accent variation and noisy environments, making orchestration and model tuning more complex than in English-only deployments.
General Catalyst’s backing reflects a broader venture trend towards applied AI infrastructure rather than consumer-facing chatbots alone. Investors have increasingly focused on platforms that sit beneath applications, enabling enterprises to integrate AI safely into existing workflows. In Bolna’s case, the emphasis on orchestration allows companies to plug in different speech-to-text or text-to-speech engines, including proprietary or open-source models, while maintaining control over call logic and data handling. This flexibility has become attractive as organisations navigate data residency rules and sector-specific compliance obligations.
Voice AI adoption has accelerated as call centres confront rising costs and labour shortages, while customers continue to rely on phone-based interactions for sensitive or complex queries. Research firms tracking enterprise automation report that voice remains the dominant channel for high-value customer service in India, particularly in financial services and public-facing utilities. Bolna’s platform aims to complement human agents rather than fully replace them, handling routine calls and triage before escalating complex cases. Company officials have said this hybrid approach improves efficiency while reducing customer frustration associated with rigid interactive voice response systems.
Competition in the voice AI space has intensified, with global players offering end-to-end solutions and local startups focusing on language coverage and integration with domestic telecom infrastructure. Bolna differentiates itself by positioning as an orchestration layer rather than a monolithic model provider. This approach aligns with enterprise preferences to avoid vendor lock-in and to adapt quickly as speech and language models improve. Analysts also point to the growing importance of observability and analytics in voice systems, areas where Bolna has invested to give clients visibility into call outcomes, latency and error rates.
The funding arrives amid heightened scrutiny of AI ethics and transparency. Voice systems, in particular, raise concerns around consent, disclosure and bias. Bolna has stated that it builds safeguards into deployments, including clear disclosures when callers are interacting with automated agents and configurable controls to limit sensitive data capture. Such measures are increasingly demanded by enterprise clients as regulators and consumers push for responsible AI use.
Scientists have demonstrated a dependable method to generate large numbers of helper T cells from stem cells, removing a long-standing obstacle that has limited immune-based cancer treatments. The advance centres on mastering a developmental signal that decides which subtype of T cell emerges, allowing researchers to consistently produce the immune system’s key coordinators rather than a mixed and unpredictable population. Helper T cells do not usually kill […]
Wall Street trading desks are quietly reducing exposure to one of the most dependable strategies in the digital-asset universe, signalling a shift in how large financial players view risk and reward in crypto markets. The so-called bitcoin basis trade, long prized for delivering steady, low-volatility returns, is showing signs of strain as funding costs rise, spreads compress and market dynamics evolve. The basis trade involves exploiting the […]
BitGo set the price for its initial public offering at $18 a share, presenting itself to public-market investors as a steadier institutional infrastructure business rather than a bet on volatile crypto trading volumes. The pricing places the company at the lower end of expectations circulating among bankers and analysts, reflecting a cautious market for digital-asset listings even as broader equity indices show resilience. Founded in 2013, BitGo […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai United Arab Emirates has accepted an invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace, a new diplomatic initiative advanced by President Donald Trump that aims to promote stability, restore dependable governance and help secure peace in conflict-affected regions, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The acceptance places Abu Dhabi among the first governments to publicly align with the proposal, […]
Simulation gaming is entering a decisive phase as developers line up ambitious releases for 2026, aiming to blur the boundary between play, creativity and complex systems modelling. Studio roadmaps, technology showcases and early access builds indicate a year shaped by expansive virtual environments, advanced artificial intelligence and a growing crossover between entertainment, education and professional training. Momentum has been building through 2025, with simulation titles benefiting from […]
Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot, widely known as the robot dog, has moved from laboratory demonstrations into everyday industrial and public-sector settings, reflecting a shift in how mobile robotics is being adopted across inspection, safety and data-collection roles. The machine, marketed as Spot, is designed to traverse environments that are difficult or hazardous for humans, combining advanced mobility with sensors and autonomous navigation software. Developed by Boston […]
WebAssembly, commonly shortened to Wasm, has moved from a niche browser technology to a central pillar in discussions about cloud computing, security and cross-platform software development. Once seen mainly as a way to speed up web applications, it is now being positioned by major technology firms, developers and standards bodies as a foundation for a new generation of portable, high-performance applications that run consistently across environments. At […]
Wall Street posted a powerful advance during the latest trading session, adding an estimated $700 billion to the combined value of listed companies as investors pushed major indices higher on a mix of easing inflation signals, resilient corporate earnings and renewed appetite for growth shares. The move underscored the scale at which US equity markets can reprice within hours when sentiment aligns across sectors. The benchmark S&P […]
GitLab has issued urgent security updates to address multiple high-severity vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to bypass two-factor authentication and disrupt service availability, prompting strong advisories for organisations running self-managed instances to upgrade without delay. The company confirmed that patched versions 18.8.2, 18.7.2 and 18.6.4 for both Community Edition and Enterprise Edition close a set of flaws affecting authentication controls and system resilience. GitLab. com, the hosted […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai EDGE, a specialised business unit operating under Trust’s industrial solutions portfolio, has signed a dealership agreement with Allison Transmission, marking a strategic step that broadens its footprint in high-performance propulsion systems and aftersales support across key regional markets. The agreement positions EDGE as an authorised dealer for Allison Transmission’s fully automatic transmissions, covering sales, service, genuine parts and technical support. The partnership […]
Google has expanded its Workspace analytics by integrating detailed Google Meet usage metrics directly into the Gemini reports dashboard, giving organisations a consolidated, AI-driven view of how meetings shape productivity and collaboration. The rollout, confirmed for early 2026, allows administrators and managers to examine meeting duration, participation patterns, frequency, and engagement signals alongside broader Workspace data, marking a notable step in Google’s effort to embed artificial intelligence […]
Founded in the Lviv region in 2020, EcoEnergySol unites specialists and partner companies connected to renewable energy projects and solar generation initiatives. The organization focuses on strengthening the role of clean energy in Ukraine through educational outreach, information initiatives, and the promotion of environmentally responsible solutions. Its long-term mission supports broader national priorities such as energy security, gradual decarbonization, and the expansion of local renewable generation capacity. Within EcoEnergySol, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia recorded a landmark year for tourism in 2025, welcoming more than 122 million domestic and international visitors and generating close to $80 billion in total spending, according to official estimates and sector-wide assessments. The figures underline the scale and pace of change in a country long associated with pilgrimage travel but now positioning itself as a diversified global tourism destination. Data […]
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – The Jollibee Group has formally inaugurated its newest – and its largest commissary in Visayas and Mindanao province – in Danao City, on January 8, 2026, a state-of-the-art facility designed to power the company’s expanding manufacturing and logistics footprint across the rapidly growing VisMin region and the wider Philippines.
Jollibee Group officially inaugurates its largest, state-of-the-art commissary in Cebu, Philippines, strengthening its Visayas and Mindanao operations, supporting multiple brands, creating jobs, and advancing sustainable growth across the country.
The inauguration was attended by national and local government leaders, including Cristina Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; Pamela Baricuatro, Governor of Cebu Province; Ace Durano, Cebu Provincial Administrator; Nito Durano, Mayor of Danao City; and Carmen Durano, Vice Mayor of Danao City.
Milestone Facility for a High-Growth Region
The Danao facility is the fourth—and largest—Jollibee Group commissary in Cebu and its first multi-brand, state-of-the-art commissary in the Philippines. It comes at a time of accelerating economic momentum in VisMin, driven by a strong tourism rebound, the rise of BPO hubs, expanding agribusiness exports, and growing manufacturing clusters—factors that continue to drive employment, consumer spending, and demand across the region.
Outfitted with advanced automation and integrated systems, the commissary is designed to support increasing demand across multiple Jollibee Group brands while generating efficiencies by consolidating equipment and production capabilities. This allows the Group to scale responsibly while upholding its standards for food quality, consistency, and operational excellence.
Supporting Brand Expansion and Same-Store Growth
The Danao Commissary supplies key ingredients and products for the Group’s major brands, including Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Burger King. These brands continue to expand their store networks in VisMin while sustaining same-store sales growth.
The facility strengthens the Group’s supply chain by supporting distribution centers serving Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, as well as select areas in Luzon—ensuring reliability and scalability as the company accelerates its nationwide expansion.
Economic Impact
Speaking during the program, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque highlighted the broader economic impact of the investment.
“Every new commissary that the Jollibee Group opens represents more jobs, more security, and more growth for our local industries,” Roque said. “As we open more commissaries, we are also encouraging more investments in our country while strengthening our supply chain.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Joseph Tanbuntiong, Chief Executive Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and Global Head of Jollibee Brand, underscored the strategic importance of the new facility to both the company’s domestic and global growth.
“The opening of the Danao Commissary is both a reflection of our journey and a new beginning,” Tanbuntiong said. “Accelerating our growth by building on the strong momentum in Visayas and Mindanao is critical to our Philippine business.”
The investment also highlights the Jollibee Group’s confidence in Cebu as a strategic hub for manufacturing and logistics.
“This commissary underscores our confidence in Cebu—its people, its capability, and its role in our growth today and in the long term,” he added.
Community Impact and Sustainability
Beyond strengthening operational capacity, the Danao Commissary is expected to deliver shared value for local communities, generating close to 500 jobs, with over 60% of the workforce coming from Danao City. At full capacity, the commissary will create 800 jobs.
Sustainability features were integrated into the facility’s design and operations in line with the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow agenda. From Day 1 of commercial operation, the Danao Commissary operates on 99% renewable electricity from geothermal sources. It is also equipped with roof-mounted solar panels, rainwater-harvesting systems, energy-efficient equipment, and wastewater treatment systems—supporting responsible, future-ready growth.
Tanbuntiong said the inauguration marks the beginning of a shared journey among stakeholders involved in the project.
“The success of the Danao Commissary is a shared success—for Danao, for Cebu, and for the nation. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.”
Hashtag: #Jollibee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Jollibee Group
Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the “Company”) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the “Jollibee Group”) with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.
The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The Company has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.
A research team from the University of Tokyo has outlined a new approach to training large language models that aims to curb sensitive data leakage while preserving performance, addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing artificial intelligence developers as regulation tightens worldwide. The study, titled Crypto-LLM, proposes encrypting large volumes of training text before it is fed into a model, preventing the system from memorising personal […]
AD Ports Group has agreed to acquire full ownership of Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard, one of Spain’s long-established shipbuilding and repair facilities, for a total consideration of €11.2 million, extending the Abu Dhabi-based group’s industrial footprint across the Mediterranean and reinforcing its push into offshore wind support services. The transaction is being executed through SAFEEN Drydocks, a subsidiary within Noatum Maritime, marking a further step in AD Ports […]
Dubai-based developer Binghatti Properties has unveiled a Mercedes-Benz-branded residential mega project near Meydan in Nad Al Sheba, a move that highlights the growing pull of branded residences as a premium asset class within the emirate’s property market. The scheme, launched in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, reflects a broader recalibration in buyer preferences towards design-led, globally recognisable labels that promise both lifestyle cachet and investment appeal. Valued at about […]
Dubai authorities have unveiled a detailed model of the Emaar Properties Station on the future Blue Line of the Dubai Metro, setting out plans for what is expected to become the world’s tallest metro station when it opens in 2029. Rising 74 metres above ground, the structure is designed to serve as both a transport hub and a prominent architectural landmark along the expanding rail network. The […]
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Bigo Live, one of the world’s fastest-growing social live streaming platforms with over 600 million registered users across over 150 countries, has announced the seventh edition of its annual flagship event, the BIGO Awards Gala. Themed “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS,” the highly anticipated ceremony will take place at KBS Hall in Seoul on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrating the passion and creativity of its global community of content creators over the past year.
BIGO Awards Gala 2026
This year’s theme, “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS” captures the spirit of the event, where the energy of Bigo Live’s creators will illuminate Seoul. The Gala will honour the dedication and talent of the platform’s creators and families, turning each moment into a shared celebration that is both unique and unforgettable. Seoul was selected as the host city for this year’s BIGO Awards Gala as it stands at the intersection of creativity, technology and culture, reflecting the vibrant and globally connected community that Bigo Live continues to build.
The star-studded event will welcome over 1,200 global guests, including those from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Africa. The festivities will begin with a public red-carpet event, offering a first glimpse into the energy and vibrancy of the event.
“Seoul’s dynamic energy is the perfect backdrop for our 2026 Gala,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “‘SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS’ is more than a theme, it’s a reflection of how our creators illuminate the platform with their talent and passion. We are thrilled to bring our global community together in this vibrant city to celebrate their achievements and the powerful connections they’ve built.”
The ceremony will honour over 200 content creators and families for their outstanding contributions over the past year, with winners receiving a trophy and in-app rewards, with select honourees also featured on prominent digital billboards in Gangnam’s high-profile media district, extending recognition beyond the platform.
The evening will also feature a diverse lineup of captivating performances, from live music to band shows by international artists, including special appearances by South Korean girl groups FIFTY FIFTY and tripleS, creating an immersive atmosphere where global creativity meets a shared rhythm.
As the night pulses with excitement, Bigo Live will also unveil an exclusive blind-box collection featuring its friendly mascot, mini-Dinos, bringing an extra spark of surprise to the night.
For viewers worldwide, the BIGO Awards Gala 2026 will be broadcast live on Bigo Live’s Music Live House channel (Bigo ID: music) and the official Bigo.tv website. The live broadcast will begin with the Red Carpet at 3:00 pm (GMT+9), followed by the Gala Ceremony at 7:00 pm (GMT+9). Viewers in the live room can vote for their favourite content creators and families during the gala night for three special awards: “MOST POPULAR BROADCASTER,” “MOST POPULAR FAMILY,” and “GALA STAR.”
To join Bigo Live’s global community and tune into the BIGO Awards Gala 2026, download the Bigo Live app or visit the official website. Follow Bigo Live on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.Hashtag: #BigoLive #BIGOAwardsGala2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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www.jollibeegroup.com
