News related to
next

VinFast plans to restart construction of its electric vehicle manufacturing complex in North Carolina this year, even as the Vietnamese automaker reported a deeper quarterly loss driven by rising costs tied to expansion, marketing and production ramp-ups.

The company said the project in Chatham County will move forward after earlier delays tied to supply-chain adjustments and financing decisions. The facility, once completed, is expected to anchor VinFast’s ambitions in the United States market, producing electric sport utility vehicles and battery packs aimed at competing with established global manufacturers.

The announcement came alongside financial results that showed losses widening in the final quarter of the year as the company continued investing heavily in overseas manufacturing capacity and global sales networks. VinFast, part of Vietnam’s conglomerate Vingroup, has been expanding aggressively beyond Southeast Asia in a bid to gain a foothold in one of the world’s largest electric-vehicle markets.

Chief executive Le Thi Thu Thuy said the company remained committed to its strategy of building a manufacturing presence close to customers in key markets. Executives argue that local production in the United States will help VinFast reduce logistics costs, navigate tariff regimes and qualify for incentives tied to domestic manufacturing under US clean-energy policies.

The North Carolina facility represents one of the most significant foreign manufacturing investments announced by a Vietnamese company. Plans call for an initial production capacity of around 150,000 vehicles annually once the site becomes operational. The project also includes battery production facilities and a supplier ecosystem expected to attract component manufacturers to the region.

Construction began after the project was announced with strong backing from state authorities, who offered incentive packages to attract the investment. Delays followed as the company reviewed construction schedules and adjusted financing strategies while global demand for electric vehicles experienced uneven growth. VinFast has now indicated work will restart this year as preparations move into the next phase.

The company’s financial statements showed that aggressive expansion continued to weigh on profitability. VinFast has been spending heavily on vehicle development, dealer networks, charging infrastructure partnerships and marketing campaigns in North America and Europe. These investments have expanded operating losses even as vehicle deliveries increased.

VinFast’s product portfolio currently includes several electric SUVs, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9 models, which target different segments of the global market. Early deliveries in the United States began with the VF 8, while additional models are being introduced gradually as the company builds service and distribution networks.

Industry analysts say VinFast’s strategy mirrors that of other emerging electric-vehicle manufacturers that are prioritising market share and brand recognition over short-term profitability. Building manufacturing capacity in major markets is seen as essential for competing with established automakers and benefiting from incentives tied to local production.

Global demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, though the pace has moderated in some markets as higher interest rates and infrastructure challenges influence consumer purchasing decisions. Established manufacturers including Tesla, General Motors and Ford have adjusted production plans in response to evolving market conditions, while new entrants continue pushing forward with long-term investments.

VinFast’s push into the United States comes as competition intensifies across the electric-vehicle sector. Chinese manufacturers have rapidly expanded production capacity and export volumes, while European and North American automakers are investing billions of dollars in battery technology and electric platforms.

Executives at VinFast argue that the company’s vertically integrated model, which includes battery development and vehicle production within the broader Vingroup ecosystem, gives it flexibility to adapt to changes in supply chains and technology. The company has also explored partnerships with technology firms and battery specialists as it scales manufacturing.

North Carolina officials have described the planned factory as a potential economic catalyst for the region, with expectations of thousands of jobs and the development of an automotive supply chain around the plant. Infrastructure upgrades and workforce training programmes are being planned alongside the project as authorities prepare for construction to accelerate.

VinFast’s global expansion forms part of Vietnam’s broader push to develop advanced manufacturing industries capable of competing internationally. The country has emerged as a major hub for electronics production, and policymakers have encouraged the growth of domestic companies capable of expanding into high-technology sectors such as electric mobility.

Financial markets have watched VinFast closely since its public listing in the United States, where its share price has experienced sharp swings amid changing investor expectations about the pace of growth in the electric-vehicle sector. Investors have been assessing the company’s ability to scale production, expand deliveries and narrow losses as global competition intensifies.

Meta Platforms has agreed to spend as much as $27 billion over five years to secure access to high-performance artificial intelligence infrastructure from Nebius Group NV, a move that underscores the escalating race among technology companies to expand computing capacity for advanced AI systems. The agreement gives Meta long-term access to specialised cloud infrastructure built around high-performance graphics processing units designed for training and running large-scale artificial […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai NextAud.io has secured an exclusive agreement with AdsWizz Inc. to sell advertising inventory across streaming audio and podcasts throughout key Middle East and North Africa markets, marking a strategic expansion in the region’s rapidly growing digital audio sector. The arrangement positions the Dubai-based digital audio advertising firm as the exclusive sales representative for AdsWizz advertising across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the […]

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – MyRepublic and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic collaboration to drive applied AI innovation through the co-development of AI training programs leveraging MyRepublic’s AI automation sandbox environment.

MoU signing ceremony between MyRepublic and Singapore Polytechnic.
MoU signing ceremony between MyRepublic and Singapore Polytechnic.

Powered by MyRepublic’s AI Automation Box, the sandbox offers secure, on-premise AI infrastructure designed for experimentation, prototyping and deploying intelligent automation solutions. Faculty and students will gain hands-on experience developing AI workflows, deploying Large Language Model (LLM) applications and building real-world automation solutions aligned with industry challenges.

The partnership extends beyond infrastructure to include co-development of AI training programmes, consultancy engagements, collaborative solution design, and industry attachment opportunities. By integrating applied learning with commercial deployment expertise, both organisations aim to drive innovation that results in measurable industry impact.

“Applied AI innovation happens when infrastructure, talent and real-world problems converge,” said Lawrence Chan, Chief AI Officer, MyRepublic. “Through this collaboration, we are providing industry-grade AI automation capabilities that empower educators and students to move beyond experimentation into deployment.”

“At Singapore Polytechnic, we believe that successful technology adoption starts with people. Tools matter, but real impact comes when teams have the skills, confidence, and hands‑on experience to apply AI meaningfully,” said Georgina Phua, Deputy Principal (Development), Singapore Polytechnic. “Through this partnership, SP and MyRepublic will work together on training and consultancy initiatives to support enterprises in exploring and building agentic workflows.”

Together, MyRepublic and SP aim to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen industry-academia collaboration and position Singapore at the forefront of applied AI capability development.

Hashtag: #MyRepublic #SingaporePolytechnic #Technology





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

MyRepublic Broadband Pte Ltd

MyRepublic is an award-winning telecom operator whose values lie in the future of connectivity, the next opportunity to disrupt, and innovations that will make a real difference. The provider’s priority is to redefine broadband and mobile connectivity in the markets it operates and empower customers to understand what a true modern connectivity experience can be.

Singapore Polytechnic

Singapore Polytechnic (SP), established in 1954, is a leading educational institution committed to shaping future-ready talent and driving innovation. With a staff strength of 1,400 and over 12,800 students across 30 full-time diploma courses and four common entry programmes, SP is known for its strong industry focus, mastery in teaching, and emphasis on lifelong learning.

SP champions innovation across key areas, such as pedagogy, digitalisation, sustainability, and industry engagement. Beyond education, SP plays a catalytic role in advancing business transformation. Through its 12 consultancy and technology innovation centres, SP offers tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of industry. Its SP Company and Workforce Transformation (SP CWT) framework guides enterprises in navigating technological shifts and building future-ready capabilities.

Visit www.sp.edu.sg to learn more.

Alibaba Group Holding is preparing to introduce an artificial intelligence service designed to help companies deploy autonomous digital assistants, positioning the technology giant to capitalise on growing demand in China for so-called “agentic AI” systems capable of carrying out real tasks with minimal human input. The planned service will allow corporate users to build and manage AI agents that can automate business processes such as data analysis, […]

Manchester United secured a 3–1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, strengthening their hold on third place in the Premier League table after a composed performance that underlined the club’s push for Champions League qualification. Goals at key moments and sustained pressure in the second half allowed the home side to overcome a determined Villa team and extend their advantage in the race for European places. […]

Shiba Inu has begun to recover momentum in the cryptocurrency market as traders focus on a key technical threshold that could determine the token’s next direction. The digital asset has been trading around $0.0000059, approaching a resistance level near $0.0000062 that analysts say could trigger a stronger bullish move if broken. Market participants have increasingly highlighted the importance of this price band following weeks of consolidation that […]

Advertisements
  • 63 percent of industrial leaders in Malaysia have already invested in energy efficiency and a further 33 percent plan to within 12 months – yet results remain fragmented and uneven
  • Energy consumes 25 percent of operating costs in Malaysia, and 61 percent say rising costs threaten profitability – but barriers have shifted since 2022, from cost to data, skills and organizational silos
  • Digital readiness in Malaysia reaches 84 percent, and 85 percent agree total cost of ownership should guide investment in energy efficiency – however, only 42 percent consistently apply this approach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Energy efficiency has become a board‑level margin and risk issue, but many industrial organizations in Malaysia are struggling to turn intent into sustained results, according to a new report from ABB.

Based on a survey of 2,700 senior decision‑makers across 15 countries and 15 industries, the study, developed in partnership with Sapio Research, finds that 63 percent of respondents in Malaysia have already invested in energy efficiency and a further 33 percent plan to within the next 12 months. Yet, progress is increasingly constrained by execution gaps.

Energy accounts for 25 percent of operating costs on average in Malaysia, and 61 percent of companies say rising energy costs continue to threaten profitability. For executives, the challenge has shifted from reacting to price spikes to managing persistent price volatility and structural exposure.

Compared to the global average, Malaysia shows an average energy cost burden (25% vs 25% globally), above-average profitability threat perception (61% vs 59% globally), and the highest level globally of digital readiness (84% vs 67% globally).

“Energy efficiency has become a foundation for business continuity, compliance, and long-term value creation. It’s a condition for market access,” explains S Kanavati, Vice President, Motion Services, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “Today, leaders care about optimizing energy use. What they struggle with is deployment, at scale, and over time.”

Execution, not intent, is now the differentiator

The study shows that digital readiness in Malaysia has reached 84 percent, with respondents already using or ready to deploy digital energy‑management tools. However, readiness alone does not guarantee results. Only 42 percent of Malaysia companies consistently apply total cost of ownership (TCO) when making investment decisions – despite 85 percent agreeing it should guide purchasing.

At the same time, responsibility for energy efficiency remains fragmented across executive management, operations, sustainability, maintenance and finance, with no single function clearly accountable.

“The barriers to energy efficiency have fundamentally changed,” adds Pearl Ong, Regional Service Manager, Asia, Motion Services, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd. ” Cost is no longer the main blocker for many organizations globally – it has fallen from 50 percent to 43 percent since 2022. What’s holding companies back now are organizational silos, skills gaps and a lack of usable data. That’s a critical inflection point. It tells us the challenge is helping businesses turn intent into repeatable execution.”

In Malaysia, the most significant barriers to energy efficiency are the costs (54%), the potential for downtime and disruption (44%), and a lack of specialist resource (36%).

Renewables alone are not enough

The research also points to a growing risk of ‘post‑renewables complacency’. Among organizations in Malaysia that have switched to renewable energy sources (43% of respondents), 37 percent report a reduced focus on energy efficiency.

While renewables lower the carbon intensity of energy, they do not reduce the volume consumed – meaning significant efficiency gains remain untapped, even for companies that have already secured green power. As a result, opportunities to strengthen resilience, control long‑term costs and reduce exposure to volatility are being left on the table.

When asked about their primary reasons for investing in energy efficiency, respondents in Malaysia said reducing energy costs (63%), complying with regulations (53%), and improving their resilience and competitiveness (49%).

The next phase of the industrial energy transition will be defined by delivery capability. While activity levels are high across businesses in Malaysia and globally, efforts remain shallow, lacking coordination and long‑term structure.

“To close the execution gap, ABB combines diagnostics with targeted modernization of motor‑driven systems, software‑based optimization tools, outcome‑based financing and lifecycle services,” concludes Pearl Ong. “End-to-end energy intelligence is another way we help industries outrun, leaner and cleaner – turning isolated initiatives into sustained performance gains.”

For the full report, visit this page.

Hashtag: #ABB

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

About ABB

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. To help the world’s industries outrun – leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 23,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Months before the current geopolitical crisis hit global markets, Asia Pacific (APAC) executives had begun shielding their businesses by shortening supply chains and focusing on regional trade. Forvis Mazars’ C-suite barometer 2026: Adapting in uncertainty shows this proactive approach, alongside with efficiency-driving AI investments, is now key to navigating today’s global challenges.
While the number of APAC leaders expecting revenue growth had dropped to 67% (down from 80% in 2025) ahead of this year, underlying business confidence had notably strengthened to 41% (up from 30% in 2025). This contrast, lower growth expectations yet stronger confidence, highlights a resilience paradox: leaders are separating financial outlook from global turmoil, actively reinventing their operations to endure anticipated shocks rather than waiting for conditions to improve.
Key findings for APAC:
  • Measured confidence amidst geopolitical volatility: Amidst ongoing geopolitical volatility, APAC leaders remain acutely aware of the shifting landscape. Notably, 29% cite geopolitical instability and social unrest as a top trend impacting their organisation over the next 12 months, outpacing the global average of 26% and tying with regulatory pressures. Consequently, growth expectations are tempered: while 83% still anticipate positive growth in 2026, this trails the global average of 92% and marks a decline from 84% in 2025.
  • Expansion turns inward: Driven by geopolitical and tariff risks, expansion plans have shifted to regional neighbours, with China (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%) as the top destinations.
  • AI is a net job creator: Defying global displacement fears, 43% of APAC leaders say AI has created new roles in their organisation, significantly outpacing the 28% who say it replaced them.
  • The sustainability gap: While 91% are confident in meeting reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical impacts of climate change.
The APAC resilience paradox: Building structural resilience despite lower revenue expectations
The anticipated dip in revenue expectations was primarily driven by converging pressures that have only intensified: economic uncertainty, political instability and intensifying competition. Yet, this foresight did not dampen investment. In a clear sign that businesses are fortifying their foundations, investment in human capital remains strong across the region, with 63% of APAC respondents plan to increase spending on acquiring new talent and 68% intend to upskill their workforce.
APAC’s underlying optimism is supported by a high level of operational readiness. Even as geopolitical instability remains a top concern, 76% of executives express confidence in their organisation’s preparedness to manage it. This sentiment extends to navigating supply chain challenges (85%) and new regulatory requirements (91%), showing that leaders are turning global disruptors into manageable areas of control.

Rick Chan, Managing Partner Singapore, Head of Audit & Assurance APAC and Member of Group Governing Board, Forvis Mazars, observed, “Asia Pacific has always had to move fast. The region’s businesses are built on agility – on reading the market, adjusting quickly and staying close to customers. That DNA is proving invaluable right now. The data shows leaders are transitioning from short-term firefighting to building lasting resilience. By investing in localised supply chains and AI, they are taking highly practical steps to insulate their operations against escalating geopolitical risks and secure long-term growth.”
The strategic pivot: strengthening intra-regional trade
The barometer reveals a fundamental change in how APAC firms plan to grow. Rather than facing global trade barriers head-on, executives are pivoting to markets closer to home. The top three expansion destinationsareChina (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%).
This inward shift is a direct, data-driven response to rising global tensions. A striking 67% of APAC leaders who revised their expansion plans this year cited geopolitical instability as the primary driver, making it the top catalyst for changing global strategies. Furthermore, 42% cite costs and operational issues due to tariffs as their biggest challenge when entering new markets. Facing these dual threats, APAC businesses have pragmatically shortened their supply chains to secure growth in neighbouring markets where geopolitical and tariff risks are more manageable.

The growth engine: AI as a workforce catalyst
In an environment where operational margins are under pressure, AI has become a critical tool for efficiency. Notably, the data indicate that AI is a net job creator in the region. 43% of APAC C-suite leaders report that AI has already prompted the creation of new roles, compared to 28% who report job replacements.

While 47% of executives rank AI as their top technology priority, their approach is disciplined. APAC leaders are prioritising high-impact applications such as forecasting (65%), knowledge acquisition, banking and retrieval (61%), client services, recommendations, relationships (61%), and operational efficiency, including automation (60%). Interestingly, they are achieving these gains with leaner investment; 41% (versus 35% globally) allocate less than 10% of their budget to AI, suggesting a focus on cost-effective, high-return AI adoption.
The blind spot: the sustainability gap – compliance versus operational resilience
While the report highlights strategic maturity in technology and trade, it reveals a critical disconnect in sustainability. Although 91% of APAC executives express confidence in meeting sustainability reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical and operational impacts of climate change. This disparity indicates that while they are confident in meeting regulatory expectations, the priority now is to bridge the gap between compliance and reality, specifically by strengthening supply chains and building physical resilience against tangible climate risks.
Chester Liew, Partner, Head of Risk Consulting & Sustainability, Forvis Mazars in Singapore, said, “High confidence in reporting compliance is an encouraging baseline, but paperwork does not protect operations. The foresight APAC leaders are demonstrating in navigating geopolitical risks must now be urgently applied to climate risks. With regulatory timelines providing some breathing room, the prudent next step is to pivot resources from disclosure to physical defence – ensuring that supply chains and physical assets can actually withstand extreme weather and emerging environmental shocks.”
Forvis Mazars’ 2026 C-suite barometer survey captures insights from 3,012 senior executives worldwide prior to the US-Israeli war with Iran in February 2026. This independent research was conducted in October and November 2025 and captures the views of C-suite leaders at for-profit organisations with annual revenues of over US$1 million across 40 countries, including 260 respondents from seven markets in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Findings reflect executive sentiments at the time of fieldwork.

Hashtag: #ForvisMazars #ForvisMazarsSingapore #APACBusiness #BusinessOutlook2026 #ExecutiveInsights #LeadershipTrends #AIAdoption #DigitalTransformation #Sustainability #ClimateResilience




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

Forvis Mazars in Singapore

About Forvis Mazars in Singapore
Forvis Mazars Group SC is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading professional services network. Operating as an internationally integrated partnership in over 100 countries and territories, Forvis Mazars Group specialises in audit, tax and advisory services. The partnership draws on the expertise and cultural understanding of over 40,000 professionals across the globe to assist clients of all sizes at every stage in their development. Forvis Mazars in Singapore is part of the Forvis Mazars Group. Our clientele benefits from the combined expertise of 400+ Singapore-based professionals and our international team.

About Forvis Mazars APAC
Present in Asia Pacific since 1997, Forvis Mazars operates in more than 15 countries and territories in the region and draws on the expertise of over 10,100 professionals in more than 60 offices. We work as one integrated team, leveraging expertise, scale and cultural understanding to deliver exceptional and tailored services in audit and accounting, as well as tax, financial advisory, outsourcing, consulting, sustainability and legal services.

| |

OpenAI is preparing to expand the capabilities of its widely used chatbot by bringing advanced video-generation technology from its Sora model into ChatGPT, a move that could transform how users interact with artificial intelligence and reshape the competition among global AI platforms. Plans under discussion within the company involve integrating Sora’s text-to-video generation system directly into ChatGPT, allowing users to create short videos simply by typing prompts […]

Nintendo’s newest Pokémon spin-off has delivered a powerful commercial debut, selling more than 2.2 million copies worldwide within its first four days and triggering a sharp rally in the company’s share price as investors respond to renewed momentum for the Switch 2 platform. The title, Pokémon Pokopia, launched globally on 5 March for Nintendo Switch 2 and rapidly climbed digital sales charts while physical editions sold out […]

Bittensor’s native cryptocurrency TAO climbed sharply on March 13, posting gains of about 12 per cent as enthusiasm around decentralised artificial intelligence networks and new training activity on its Templar subnet drew fresh investor attention. Market data showed the token breaking above the $210 resistance level and trading near $230 during the session, outperforming several major digital assets during the same period. The rally was accompanied by […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Apple is preparing to launch a new MacBook Pro powered by its next-generation M6 processor later this year, according to multiple industry reports and supply-chain disclosures, signalling another step in the company’s rapid push to refine its in-house silicon strategy. Information circulating within the technology supply chain suggests the updated MacBook Pro models will maintain the design language introduced with earlier Apple Silicon […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Autonomous taxi operations in Abu Dhabi are expanding across Yas Island as authorities push forward with plans to integrate self-driving transport into everyday mobility. The Integrated Transport Centre, operating under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, announced the extension of commercial driverless taxi services across the island, marking a further step in the emirate’s strategy to build a technology-driven transport ecosystem. The initiative […]

Matein Khalid The moment Qatar Energy declared force majeure and cut output at Ras Laffan, the largest LNG complex on the planet, once Iranian missiles and drones began raining down on America’s Gulf allies, I knew that the time had come to hedge Strait of Hormuz chokepoint risk with by buying the shares of US LNG colossus Cheniere Energy (LNG) at $220. Yet I was stunned to […]

Digital asset markets received renewed attention after Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong argued that tokenisation of financial assets could remove entrenched inequities in global finance by widening participation in investment markets and lowering structural barriers that historically limited access. Armstrong, speaking in comments circulated across financial and crypto industry platforms, said tokenisation could “strip away a huge amount of unfairness from the system by increasing asset access […]

  Motorists navigating through Dubai have reported unusual glitches in digital navigation systems, with some drivers briefly appearing to travel across open water or far from their actual locations on popular mapping applications. The phenomenon, noticed by commuters across parts of the emirate, has drawn attention to the growing vulnerability of satellite-based navigation systems to interference and technical anomalies. Drivers using applications such as Google Maps and […]

BlackRock has introduced a new exchange-traded fund offering investors exposure to ethereum alongside staking-based income, marking another step in the expansion of institutional products tied to digital assets. The fund, trading under the ticker ETHB, opened with more than $100 million in assets and generated over $15 million in trading volume during its first day on the market, signalling strong early demand from investors seeking yield in […]

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – i-Sprint Corporation today announced the successful completion of a management buy-out (MBO) of all its operating companies, and marks a pivotal milestone as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The transaction was led by the company’s existing management team in strategic partnership with KV Asia Capital.

i-Sprint Corporation Announces Successful Completion of Management Buy-Out in Partnership with KV Asia Capital

This landmark transaction ranks among the significant Identity and Access Management acquisitions in Asia. It underscores i-Sprint’s strategic importance in the region’s cybersecurity landscape as AI-driven threats, machine identity proliferation, and tightening regulatory requirements reshape cybersecurity across the region. The deal positions i-Sprint for its next phase of innovation and global expansion, as it continues to invest in next-generation capabilities, while expanding its footprint across the region.

This milestone firmly establishes i‑Sprint as one of the region’s largest independent IAM, Quantum Safe and Mobile cybersecurity provider.

Dutch Ng, Chief Executive Officer of i-Sprint, commented:
“This Management Buy-Out is a defining moment for i-Sprint and a testament to the strength of the business we have built and our deep belief in its future. Partnering with KV Asia Capital provides us with the strategic tools and capital to accelerate growth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus that define i-Sprint. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients, partners, and team—and excited about the future we’re building together.”

KV Asia Capital has a proven track record of scaling growth-stage companies across Asia. Their expertise and financial backing will enable i-Sprint to enhance product offerings, invest in cutting-edge R&D, and pursue new market opportunities with greater agility.

Lee Gan Ping, Managing Director, at KV Asia Capital, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with i-Sprint’s founders and management team, whose deep domain expertise and track record has earned the trust of Asia’s leading financial and government institutions. As identity and authentication become increasingly complex and relevant, we look forward to supporting the team in their next chapter of growth. Together, we will scale i-Sprint’s global footprint through accelerated R&D investments and strategic M&A.”

The existing management team will continue to lead the company, ensuring seamless operations and a continued focus on delivering innovative and superior products and services.
Hashtag: #iSprint

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

About i-Sprint Innovations

is a global leader in Digital Identity, Mobile Security, PQC App Migration, and Brand Protection solutions. For 25 years, i-Sprint has provided award-winning security solutions to financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government agencies worldwide.

About KV Asia Capital

is a private equity firm dedicated to partnering management teams and companies across Southeast Asia. The firm has a multi-year track record of successfully investing behind management teams to drive strategic transformation and growth of mid-market businesses into regional success stories.

Microsoft is intensifying efforts to expand the use of its artificial-intelligence platforms across Africa, positioning the technology group against rising competition from China’s DeepSeek and other global providers seeking influence in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Executives from the US technology company have outlined plans to deepen partnerships with governments, universities and technology startups across the continent, aiming to embed Microsoft’s AI tools into public […]

  • Strategic Investment of S$3-5 billion in Singapore to advance AI-ready data centre developments, supporting over 2 GW of AI-ready capacity globally, and driving technological innovation with international ecosystem partners.
  • First-mover advantage as one of Asia Pacific’s top three hyperscale data centre developers, with proven track record delivering large-scale campus developments in Malaysia, Thailand and India, supporting regional AI and cloud demand.
  • Pioneering sustainable energy solutions, including Singapore’s first floating hydrogen power generation model leveraging the nation’s strengths in maritime transport, port infrastructure and global energy supply chains and research into nuclear energy as a future clean power source for data centres.
  • Building an integrated innovation ecosystem in Singapore through partnerships with universities, research institutions and global technology companies, while supporting job creation and talent development initiatives for around 3,000 students and professionals.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a Singapore-headquartered digital infrastructure platform backed by Bain Capital, has announced ambitious plans to invest S$3-5 billion in Singapore to advance next-generation digital infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a leading AI and cloud hub in Asia Pacific.

BDC had announced its new strategic brand identity in early 2026 that reflects the Company’s position of being a leading hyperscale and AI-infrastructure builder with a growing network of mega-campus developments in Asia Pacific. With close to a decade of experience developing high quality data centres, BDC’s new brand identity reflects BDC’s reputation as platform built on disciplined execution, certainty of delivery, and the ability to scale with customers.

As AI and high-density workloads accelerate across Asia Pacific, customers are looking for partners who can offer world-class capabilities and local agility, provide bespoke solutions at scale, and deliver and operate with a proven track record.

With Singapore serving as its global headquarters, BDC is uniquely positioned to support hyperscale customers and global technology companies seeking high-performance, sustainable and scalable data centre platforms across Asia Pacific, while enabling global technology companies to establish and expand their presence in Singapore as they develop AI and digital capabilities in the region.

Over the past decade, BDC has established itself as one of Asia Pacific’s leading digital infrastructure developers and operators. The Company currently operates and develops hyperscale campuses across Malaysia, Thailand and India.

Building on strong relationships with global hyperscale customers and ecosystem partners, BDC is on track to expand its regional capacity to approximately 2 GW by 2030.

By deepening its investments in Singapore, BDC aims to support customers seeking world-class digital infrastructure expertise, strong technology partnerships and integrated energy solutions that enable the sustainable growth of AI workloads.

First-mover advantage

BDC is among the first data centre developers to foray into Malaysia, where the Company has several large-scale data centre campuses – both operational and under development.

BDC’s flagship MY06 campus is the Company’s first project in Johor, as well as the state’s first hyperscale data centre development. In addition, BDC is the first data centre developer in Southeast Asia to adopt a build-to-suit (BTS) model for hyperscale data centre construction. BDC was also among the first hyperscale operators in the region to deploy advanced liquid cooling technologies at scale, including cold plate liquid cooling, to support high-density and AI-driven workloads. BDC’s suite of sustainability initiatives at MY06 enabled the facility to achieve an annualised Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of below 1.2.

BDC is also the first in Southeast Asia to incorporate Prefabricated, Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) construction, an innovative method that assembles large building sections off site. This enabled BDC to complete MY06 within eight months, which is 40 per cent faster than traditional methods, while reducing on-site dust, waste and noise. This strategy is one of BDC’s key competitive advantages to support the growing needs of hyperscale customers in the region, including Singapore, who need to rapidly scale to meet increasing demand for more capacity to power AI-workloads.

BDC has built Malaysia’s first large-scale Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to treat effluent and convert it into high grade effluent water to cool its upcoming 400MW campus in Ulu Tiram, Johor. The WTP applies advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) technologies to deliver superior water recovery and quality. Since commencing operations in 2025, the WTP has been significantly reducing reliance on potable water. It further strengthens the long-term resilience of BDC’s operations and supports Johor’s broader environmental agenda.

The WTP has also attracted interest from regional public agencies. In 2025, BDC hosted a technical visit by representatives from PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, who were presented with an overview of the plant’s design and its use of advanced membrane technologies for sustainable water reuse in data centre operations.

BDC’s MY-06 Campus (Building 1) has achieved Singapore’s BCA Green Mark Platinum Award granted under the BCA-IMDA Green Mark International for Data Centres 2024 (GMDC: 2024) framework. The BCA Green Mark Award recognises developers, building owners and individuals who have made outstanding achievements in environmental sustainability in the built environment. BDC is the first data centre operator to achieve this recognition for a facility based outside of Singapore. Beyond project certification, BDC has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BCA International (BCAI) to support the international adoption of Singapore’s Green Mark standards in global data centre developments. Through this partnership, BDC will promote Singapore’s sustainable building standards globally while reinforcing the country’s position as a leading AI and green digital infrastructure hub in the region.

These capabilities are aligned with Singapore’s Green Data Centre (DC) Roadmap, which emphasises energy efficiency, sustainable resource use and the integration of green energy to support the growth of digital infrastructure. BDC’s experience in delivering high-efficiency campuses positions it well to contribute to these objectives through practical, deployable solutions.

Pioneering energy solutions

As AI workloads drive the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, energy resilience, data security and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. BDC is advancing a range of initiatives to explore alternative energy pathways and strengthen long-term power strategies.

A key collaboration is with Concord New Energy (CNE), where the partners are jointly developing Singapore’s first floating hydrogen power generation solution tailored for next-generation AI digital infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in advancing low-carbon energy pathways for the data centre sector.

BDC and CNE will also collaborate with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to support the development of Singapore’s hydrogen ecosystem, accelerating research, engineering and the deployment of scalable clean energy technologies for digital infrastructure applications.

In addition, BDC is working with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and HY to evaluate the potential of nuclear energy as a long-term clean power source for data centres.

BDC’s alliance with A*STAR IHPC and HY will leverage advanced modelling and engineering expertise to explore innovative low-carbon energy pathways that will support Singapore’s sustainable digital growth while reinforcing the nation’s position as a trusted global technology hub.

BDC has also established partnerships with global leaders in energy and energy storage technologies, including CATL, EcoCeres, SK Innovation. Through these collaborations, the partners will jointly explore the establishment of innovation and research platforms to advance the development and pilot deployment of clean energy solutions such as hydrogen and biomass energy, as well as next-generation energy storage technologies designed for tropical climates. These initiatives aim to enhance thermal management, improve safety performance and increase the power density of data centre energy storage systems.

These collaborations and pilot initiatives will also contribute to talent development and workforce capability building in Singapore’s digital infrastructure and energy sectors. Through joint research programmes, technology pilots and knowledge exchange with universities, research institutions and industry partners, BDC aims to support the development of specialised expertise in areas such as advanced energy systems, sustainable data centre design, and next-generation cooling and energy storage technologies.

The initiatives are also expected to create high-value job opportunities in Singapore, spanning engineering, energy systems research, digital infrastructure operations and advanced technology development. By nurturing local talent and strengthening cross-disciplinary capabilities, these efforts will help build a robust talent pipeline to support Singapore’s growing AI and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

These partnerships represent a strategic step in BDC’s long-term roadmap to diversify power sourcing pathways, enhance energy security, and future-proof its Singapore data centre portfolio amid evolving grid constraints and decarbonisation dynamics. They also reinforce Singapore’s position as a regional hub for AI-ready digital infrastructure, while supporting the nation’s broader ambitions in sustainable energy innovation and green economic growth. Furthermore, these advancements accelerate Singapore’s ambition to achieve its net zero emissions goal by 2050.

Advancing technology and ecosystem growth

BDC is also pushing the envelope in innovative and sustainable cooling solutions through collaborations with ecosystem technology partners such as Vertiv, Terahop and Teracule, which are subsidiaries of Zhongji Innolight, as well as Delta Electronics and Supermicro.

Many of these partners are established leaders in data centre cooling, power systems and high-performance computing infrastructure, and are active participants in the broader AI infrastructure ecosystem, working closely with leading chipmakers to support next-generation compute environments.

Through its collaboration with Teracule and Terahop, the subsidiaries of Zhongji Innolight, BDC is exploring opportunities to jointly develop next-generation liquid cooling modules and high-performance optical connectivity solutions tailored for AI data centre environments. By combining Innolight’s expertise in optical modules and high-speed interconnect technologies with BDC’s experience in hyperscale data centre design and operations, the partners aim to advance integrated solutions that enhance thermal efficiency, data transmission performance and system reliability for high-density AI workloads.

The collaboration will also explore the establishment of joint research and development initiatives in Singapore, bringing together industry, academia and research institutions to support innovation in AI infrastructure technologies. Through this industry–academia-research collaboration model, the partners aim to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced cooling and connectivity technologies while contributing to Singapore’s broader push to strengthen research, talent development and innovation within the digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Together, these alliances focus on the development of advanced liquid cooling architectures, high-density GPU cooling solutions, and energy-optimised HVAC systems designed to support increasingly compute-intensive workloads. These technologies are critical in enabling the efficient operation of AI infrastructure, particularly as rack densities and thermal loads continue to rise in next-generation data centre environments.

Driving regional connectivity

As a Singapore-headquartered digital infrastructure platform, BDC continues to strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional hub for digital infrastructure and AI-driven innovation. With its highly developed connectivity ecosystem, robust regulatory environment and strong international network links, Singapore plays a central role in enabling the growth of the digital economy across Asia Pacific.

In this context, Singapore serves as one of the primary regional hubs, supporting high-value and latency-sensitive digital services such as edge computing deployments, international data traffic management and regional digital service platforms.

To support the burgeoning demand for AI and cloud computing across the region, complementary infrastructure resources across Asia Pacific can help provide additional capacity for compute-intensive workloads, including AI inference, machine learning and large-scale data processing. This cross-border model enables Singapore to remain the connectivity and innovation anchor of the ASEAN digital ecosystem, while regional infrastructure supports the scaling of digital capacity.

BDC’s collaborations with ecosystem partners, including major telecommunications companies and global technology firms, also help expand connectivity networks beyond Asia Pacific, further reinforcing Singapore’s role as a key regional interconnection hub.

One such ecosystem partner is Zenlayer, a leading global edge cloud and connectivity provider with a well-established customer base across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. Through this partnership, BDC continues to strengthen its regional and international network connectivity anchored in Singapore.

This expanded network reach supports low-latency cross-border digital infrastructure integration, enabling hyperscalers to scale efficiently across markets while leveraging Singapore as one of the core regional gateways for digital services.

Catalysing Singapore’s AI-driven digital growth

Looking ahead, BDC will continue to leverage its operating model as a glocal platform, combining regional scale with deep local execution capabilities to expand across Asia Pacific. The Company’s strategy focuses on connecting key economic corridors, developing high-density, utility-integrated campuses, and working with ecosystem partners to align digital infrastructure growth with evolving energy pathways.

Anchored in Singapore as its strategic regional hub, BDC’s investments and partnerships contribute to the development of a robust digital infrastructure ecosystem that supports AI-driven workloads and cross-border connectivity.

BDC is also adopting an industry–academia–research collaboration mode, bringing together industry partners, universities and research institutes to accelerate innovation in AI infrastructure, advanced cooling technologies and sustainable energy systems. This integrated approach supports the development of new technologies while nurturing local talent and strengthening Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.

BDC’s initiatives in hydrogen, low-carbon power solutions and energy storage further contribute to the growth of Singapore’s green economy, catalysing investment in sustainable energy infrastructure and support the transition towards lower-carbon digital operations.

BDC’s efforts support the creation of high-value jobs and the development of specialised technical expertise in Singapore, spanning engineering, digital infrastructure and advanced energy systems. In addition, BDC will work with universities, research institutes and industry partners to support talent development initiatives, including internships, training programmes and collaborative research opportunities, contributing to the development of a strong local talent pipeline for Singapore’s AI and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Collectively, these contributions reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading AI and digital infrastructure hub in Asia Pacific, underpinned by resilient, efficient and sustainable infrastructure.
Hashtag: #BridgeDataCentres #Singapore

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

Bridge Data Centres

Bridge Data Centres (BDC) is a Singapore-headquartered hyperscale data centre provider delivering high-performance, next-ready infrastructure across Asia Pacific. Backed by Bain Capital, BDC operates in Malaysia, Thailand, India, and other high-growth markets, with the capability to deliver up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of capacity globally by 2030 through partnerships with sister platforms in Europe and the United States.

LG Energy Solution is preparing to commercialise an upgraded iron-based battery designed for large-scale energy storage, marking a strategic push by the South Korean manufacturer to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding global market for grid and renewable-energy storage systems. The company plans to introduce the higher-performance lithium-iron-phosphate battery model next year, seeking to strengthen its position in the energy storage sector at a time […]

Autonomous delivery robots are beginning to move beyond pavements and into urban streets, as robotics company Coco Robotics deploys a faster generation of machines guided by mapping technology originally developed for the global mobile game Pokémon GO. The company says its latest machine, known as Coco 2, can travel at speeds of up to 13 miles per hour while navigating city roads and bicycle lanes where local […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Property developers across the United Arab Emirates are expected to slow expansion plans and focus on preserving liquidity as conflict across the Middle East unsettles investor sentiment and weakens buyer appetite, according to an assessment by Fitch Ratings. The credit rating agency signalled that developers are likely to curb new project launches, delay land purchases and tighten spending while geopolitical uncertainty clouds […]

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA