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Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited Steps In as Investor, Perfecting Galaxy’s Capital Framework for Its Korean IPO Drive

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As a pioneer in the AI entertainment technology space, Galaxy Corporation delivered growth against the market tide in the first half of 2025: its sales hit 126 billion Korean won and net profit reached 13 billion Korean won. This marks a twofold increase in sales from the entire year of 2024, representing a pivotal shift from losses to profitability. Such a strong performance has significantly bolstered the company’s confidence and momentum in preparing for its 2026 listing on the KOSDAQ (Korea Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) market—operated by the Korea Exchange (KRX). Currently, Galaxy’s valuation has surged to 1 trillion Korean won.

ADATA Technology, a giant in the storage industry, and Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited, a “Jay Chou concept stock” listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, successively announced in 2025 that the two parties had jointly injected 50 million US dollars into Galaxy through a fund, becoming its important strategic investors.

Star Plus Legend specializes in IP creation and operation, with its core strength lying in building iconic celebrity-driven IPs. Centering on Mandopop superstar Jay Chou and renowned Chinese fitness coach Liu Keng-hung, the company has developed two flagship IPs: CHOUCHOU (Jay Chou’s official Nijgen-style personality) and Coach Liu. Together with its broader IP portfolio, these two core IPs have amassed a cumulative fan base of 280 million, establishing Star Plus Legend as a formidable force in the global cultural entertainment industry. Since its launch in 2019, the CHOUCHOU IP has forged partnerships with over 200 brands worldwide, driving cumulative sales of authorized co-branded products to exceed RMB 1 billion.

Mandopop superstar Jay Chou and his official nijigen-style personality “CHOUCHOU”
Mandopop superstar Jay Chou and his official nijigen-style personality “CHOUCHOU”

In the realm of content and scenario-based operations, Star Plus Legend has seamlessly integrated the CHOUCHOU IP into Jay Chou’s “Carnival” World Tour. For example, during Jay Chou’s Bangkok concert, the company joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to include the CHOUCHOU giant figure attraction in TAT’s recommended CityWalk routes. In July 2024, it also hosted the CHOUCHOU World Tour in Tokyo Tower exhibition at Tokyo Tower in Japan—further expanding the IP’s global footprint. Additionally, Star Plus Legend launched the “Hundred International Trend Artists Co-creation Initiative,” teaming up with artists from China, South Korea, the United States, Thailand, and beyond to craft new artworks and derivatives centered on the CHOUCHOU IP. This move marks a milestone step in the company’s push to internationalize its IP operations.

In media operations, Star Plus Legend tailored Jay Chou’s first outdoor reality show, “J-Style Trip”, in 2020. Across three seasons, the show has sustained immense popularity, with its ratings consistently topping all variety shows in the same time slot on its broadcasting channel.

The celebrity IPs under Star Plus Legend—particularly those linked to Jay Chou—boast enormous commercial potential, a robust fan base, and strong market appeal. Star Plus Legend’s entry as a strategic shareholder of Galaxy is more than just a resource integration; it is a two-way empowerment of brand influence. This partnership is poised to significantly elevate both entities’ global visibility and unlock a broader range of international collaboration opportunities.

MIMO Launches: The End of the AI Storage Mismatch


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – Today marks the end of an era of compromise for AI infrastructure. Ridger launches MIMO, the industry’s first true AI-Native storage architecture, purpose-built to finally meet the demands of diverse AI workloads, from large-scale training to real-time inference.

MIMO-PR-Large

MIMO represents a fundamental breakthrough at the architectural level. Designed from the ground up for AI scenarios, it delivers precise performance matching across the full spectrum of AI applications. The innovative architecture not only achieves quantum leaps in performance but also sets new standards in power efficiency, making sustainable computing compatible with extreme performance.

“The AI industry has been waiting for a storage system that truly understands its needs,” stated the technical lead. “With MIMO’s memory-tier performance and native GPU access protocols, data flow is no longer a bottleneck for AI acceleration, but a driving force. We’ve finally enabled storage to keep pace with AI computing power.”

The product’s core advantages manifest in three dimensions: memory-tier throughput with microsecond-level latency enabled by native GPU access, revolutionary physical-layer data mobility, and industry-leading power efficiency. Crucially, these breakthrough capabilities require no modifications to existing infrastructure while delivering performance previously only achievable with in-memory systems.

Testing data reveals that MIMO delivers orders-of-magnitude performance improvements over traditional solutions across various AI workloads. Its innovative data migration architecture enables seamless global movement of petabyte-scale datasets, removing barriers for distributed training and international collaboration.

Effective immediately, Ridger is initiating an Early Access Program, offering product testing and technical exchange opportunities to select customers and partners. This initiative will allow leading AI enterprises and research institutions to be among the first to experience this transformative storage solution.

Hashtag: #Technology #ESG #AI #GPU #Enterprise #Finance #Storage #Flash #Compute



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

Ridger

Ridger is a global technology pioneer building next-generation computing&storage infrastructure for the AI era. Born in the East and operating worldwide, Ridger challenges conventional paths to create new technological paradigms.

The team unites seasoned experts from global storage leaders with visionary AI architects, all driven by a shared mission to democratize cutting-edge technology, rejects incremental improvements and hollow prestige, focusing exclusively on foundational breakthroughs that deliver tangible value and sustainable impact.

From architecture to implementation and from service to empowerment, Ridger provides end-to-end solutions that help clients worldwide ascend to their highest summits.

NAVER D2SF-backed Nota AI Lists on KOSDAQ, Embarking on Global Expansion in AI Model Compression and Optimization

  • Successfully listed on KOSDAQ with unique competitiveness for AI lightweighting and optimization technology

  • Driving rapid annual revenue growth through collaborations with global leaders including NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics, and Qualcomm

  • Focusing post-IPO efforts on developing a next-generation optimization platform and expanding global markets

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NAVER D2SF–backed Nota AI, a company specializing in AI model compression and optimization technologies, announced its listing on the KOSDAQ market as of November. NAVER D2SF, NAVER’s corporate venture capital (CVC), made an early investment in Nota AI shortly after its founding in 2015 and has since continuously supported the company’s growth. Through its KOSDAQ listing, Nota AI has once again demonstrated the growth potential of its unique AI lightweighting and optimization technologies.

Nota AI
Nota AI

Nota AI has secured technological competitiveness through its independently developed AI model optimization platform, ‘NetsPresso®,’ and its on-device AI solutions. AI lightweighting and optimization technology is gaining significant global attention as it effectively reduces the burden of surging adoption and operational costs associated with high-performance AI models, whose recent emergence has increased enterprises’ expenditure on AI implementation.

AI model optimization technology of Nota AI is currently being advanced through collaboration with global industry leaders, including NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics, Qualcomm, Arm, and Sony. This technology is increasingly recognized as a core capability, particularly with the growth of Physical AI sectors such as autonomous driving and robotics. Furthermore, Nota AI was named one of the ‘2025 Global Innovative AI Startups 100’ by CB Insights this year.

Furthermore, Nota AI continues to expand the applicability of AI across diverse industries including industrial safety, traffic control, selective surveillance, retail, and healthcare through ‘Nota Vision Agent(NVA),’ a video monitoring solution that applies a generative AI-based Vision-Language Model(VLM) to on-device environments.

Nota AI is focusing its post-IPO efforts on enhancing its AI optimization technology competitiveness and expanding its target markets where Edge AI can be utilized. The company plans to strengthen its market position through proactive sales and marketing targeting global semiconductor companies and device manufacturers in key markets such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and will heavily invest in developing a next-generation platform capable of optimizing an even wider variety of AI models. In particular, strategic collaborations with global embedded industry leaders are expected to increase market share and drive sales growth in high-growth sectors like defense and aerospace.

Nota AI has secured a broad base of global clients, including Fortune Global 500 companies and the UAE’s Dubai Roads and Transport Authority(RTA), driving rapid annual revenue growth. The company achieved more than double its revenue, increasing from approximately $2.52 million in 2023 to approximately $5.89 million in 2024. Nota AI is targeting approximately $10.17 million in revenue for 2025 and aims to achieve a turnaround to profitability by 2027.

Myungsu Chae, CEO of Nota AI, said, “This IPO is a crucial strategic decision that goes beyond mere capital procurement, serving instead as a definitive opportunity to earn the trust of the global market and establish a robust foundation for exponential future growth. We will continue to lead innovation across industries through our AI optimization technologies and realize the vision of ‘AI Everywhere,’ enabling intelligent systems to operate seamlessly across diverse environments.”

Creative Secondary School Open Day: Nurturing Today’s Minds for a Sustainable Tomorrow


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – The community unites this year under the theme of sustainability. Friends and families are warmly invited to the vibrant CSS Open Day 2025 at Creative Secondary School on Saturday, 15 November 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event showcases how students are empowered to become thoughtful global citizens, equipped to build a better future.

“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world.”
“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world.”

In anticipation of the school’s 20th anniversary in 2026, two decades of fostering innovation and responsibility will be celebrated. The event also marks the 40th anniversary of the primary and kindergarten schools, Creative Primary School (CPS) and Creative Primary School’s Kindergarten (CPSKG), in 2025.

The inquiry-based learning model within the IB MYP, IBDP, and HKDSE curricula has a transformative impact. Teaching strategies are employed to cultivate critical and creative thinking, drive academic excellence, and support personal growth, while nurturing confidence, responsible citizenship, and international-mindedness.

Sign Up
Interested parties for the CSS Open Day 2025 can fill in the Online Form (forms.gle/5JimXqKQAYk2jFa77)

More Information


Open Day Highlights

  • Meeting students, parents, teachers, faculty, and student support teams
  • Enjoying live student performances and showcases of their work
  • Participating in student-led, interactive charity booths
  • Touring the learning spaces and facilities, including the Design Technology Centre, Visual Art Studios, STEAM Education Suite, Music centres, recording and digital composing facilities, Black-box Drama Theatre, School Library, Chinese Arts & Culture Hub, Indoor & Outdoor Multi-sports spaces, Gym facilities, and Bouldering Wall

Admissions Talks

There will be two Admissions Talks during the CSS Open Day. Students and parents can choose to attend one of the sessions or simply explore the CSS campus on that day.

  • Session 1: 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
  • Session 2: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.


When
Saturday, 15 November 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location
Creative Secondary School, 3 Pung Loi Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Free Shuttle Bus Service
Operating from 10:30 a.m. between Hang Hau MTR Exit A and CSS every 15 minutes (On Ming Shing Street, near Green Minibus 109M station)

Walking to Our Campus
The campus is only a 15-minute walk from Hang Hau MTR station, making it a quick and pleasant journey.

Parking
Please note that no parking is available on campus. Extra time is recommended to find parking in nearby lots. Parents can make use of the hourly parking facility provided by the residential property Oscar by the Sea right opposite the school if necessary.

Points to Note

● Priority for booking the CSS Open Day 2025 will be given to families who are applying for 2026/27 entry


Hashtag: #CSS #OpenDay #啓思中學 #直資中學開放日 #CreativeSecondarySchool




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

SAMURAI Paint Celebrates 28 Years of Excellence with the Launch of Its First-Ever Car Spray Paint Series

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SAMURAI Paint, the internationally trusted name in motorcycle spray paints, proudly celebrates its 28th anniversary with a major milestone — the launch of its first-ever car spray paint series.

(Name from Second Left to Right)  1.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Loh Shin Siong (Non-Executive Director) 2.⁠ ⁠Ms Lim Lay Yong (Executive Director & Chief Operation Officer) 3.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Chong Huat (Independent Director) 4.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Siang Kai (Non-Executive Director & Lead Independent Director) 5.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Chang Chor Choong ( Non-Executive Director) 6.⁠ ⁠Mr. Ian Ong Yoke En (Founder, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer) 7.⁠ ⁠Mr. Hau Hock Khun (Independent Director)
(Name from Second Left to Right) 1.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Loh Shin Siong (Non-Executive Director) 2.⁠ ⁠Ms Lim Lay Yong (Executive Director & Chief Operation Officer) 3.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Chong Huat (Independent Director) 4.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Siang Kai (Non-Executive Director & Lead Independent Director) 5.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Chang Chor Choong ( Non-Executive Director) 6.⁠ ⁠Mr. Ian Ong Yoke En (Founder, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer) 7.⁠ ⁠Mr. Hau Hock Khun (Independent Director)

This exciting expansion marks a new chapter for the brand, which has built its reputation since 1997 on quality, creativity, and customer-focused innovation. For nearly three decades, SAMURAI Paint has been the go-to choice for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide, recognized for its advanced technology, long-lasting durability, and professional-grade finishes that are easy to use.

Today, the brand extends its expertise to a broader audience — bringing the same craftsmanship, technology, and passion for innovation to car owners.

A Bold Step Forward: From Two Wheels to Four

For years, car owners have faced a common frustration — finding an exact color match for vehicle touch-ups has often been costly, time-consuming, and unreliable. Addressing this gap, SAMURAI Paint has leveraged 28 years of coating expertise to develop a new color-matching aerosol spray system for automobiles.

At the heart of this innovation is SAMURAI’s proprietary color-mixing technology, allowing users to customize and fine-tune shades with exceptional precision before application. Supporting this breakthrough is the brand’s post-fill technology, which fills paint directly into cans without traditional machinery — improving efficiency, customization, and product consistency.

By transforming a long-standing challenge into a DIY-friendly solution, SAMURAI Paint evolves into a comprehensive automotive coating brand defined by innovation, precision, and performance.

New Headquarters, New Era

Coinciding with its 28th anniversary, SAMURAI Paint has also inaugurated its new headquarters in downtown Johor Bahru, symbolizing a major step forward for the company and its people-first philosophy.

Built to encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation, the new HQ provides a modern, inspiring workspace for employees while complementing ongoing operations at its manufacturing facility. The city-based office also helps attract new talent and features eight purpose-built livestream studios, reinforcing SAMURAI Paint’s growing digital presence and customer engagement worldwide.

Driving Sustainability Through Partnerships

Even as the brand expands, sustainability remains a cornerstone of SAMURAI Paint’s vision. Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ian Ong Yoke En emphasized the company’s commitment “Each year, more than fifteen billion aerosol cans are discarded globally. Recognizing the scale of this environmental challenge, SAMURAI Paint is actively developing solutions to address it.”

Aligned with this goal, the company is building strategic partnerships with key players in the global automotive and aerosol industries, particularly across India and the United States. These alliances aim to create mutually beneficial collaborations, strengthen SAMURAI Paint’s international footprint, and accelerate its entry into larger markets.

28 Years Strong — Building the Future of Color

Looking ahead, SAMURAI Paint remains driven by innovation, sustainability, and expansion. Guided by Mr. Ong’s belief that “where there is market, there is talent — and where there is talent, there is opportunity,” the company continues to empower its people and push the boundaries of coating technology.

With its forward-thinking mindset, people-oriented culture, and commitment to sustainable innovation, SAMURAI Paint is poised to shape the future of automotive coatings — proving that after 28 years of excellence, its spirit of innovation still burns bright. For more information, please log on to www.samurai2kaerosol.com

Birkin International Hotel Launches Food Bank Program and Achieves ASEAN Record for ESG Systems Deployment at Opening

MALACCA, Malaysia, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Birkin International Hotel today marked a historic milestone with the official launch of its Food Bank Program and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Secretariat of Domestic Trade and Service Industry, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) Putrajaya and Melaka.

MoU signing between KPDN and Birkin International Hotel marks a new step in community sustainability. The hotel makes history with ASEAN Records and another milestone now recognized beyond ASEAN with its inclusion in the Asia Records.
MoU signing between KPDN and Birkin International Hotel marks a new step in community sustainability. The hotel makes history with ASEAN Records and another milestone now recognized beyond ASEAN with its inclusion in the Asia Records.

The ceremony, held at Ballroom 2 of Birkin International Hotel, was attended by representatives from government agencies, hospitality partners, and members of the media. The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Mr. Simon Tan, General Manager of Birkin International Hotel, followed by a keynote address from the representative of KPDN. The signing of the MoU formalized a collaborative partnership to strengthen sustainability and social welfare initiatives in the local community.

Birkin Food Bank Program: Sharing Beyond Hospitality

The Birkin International Hotel Food Bank Program aims to address food insecurity among local communities by redistributing surplus food from hotel operations and partner suppliers to those in need.

This initiative aligns with the hotel’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework under the Community category and supports its mission to achieve zero food waste. Through the program, Birkin pledges to contribute 50 to 100 food packs per month, sourced from untouched buffet items and event surplus, ensuring that food is repurposed to support underprivileged families across Melaka.

ASEAN Record: First & Largest ESG Systems Deployment at Launch by a Five-Star Hotel

During the event, Birkin International Hotel was officially recognized by the ASEAN Records Organization for achieving the milestone of “First & Largest ESG Systems Deployment at Launch by a Five-Star Hotel”, featuring 12 initiatives across five sustainability categories.

In a pleasant surprise, the ASEAN Record Committee announced that Birkin’s achievement had surpassed regional boundaries, earning the hotel an official place in ASIA Records.

This recognition underscores Birkin’s leadership in sustainable hospitality and operational innovation — setting a new regional benchmark for environmental performance and community responsibility.

12 ESG Systems Implemented

Water (4): In-house RO water bottling system, rainwater harvesting, smart irrigation reuse system, and sewage treatment plant.

Energy (2): Smart HVAC system and motion-sensor LED lighting across guest and back-of-house areas.

Waste (2): On-site composting system and minimization of single-use plastics.

Mobility (3): EV charging stations, dedicated EV shuttle service, and EV patrol bike for hotel security.

Community (1): Food Bank Program (Bank Makanan Birkin).

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

“Birkin International Hotel strives to set the standard for responsible hospitality,” said Mr. Simon Tan, General Manager of Birkin International Hotel. “Our ESG systems are not just operational measures — they reflect our core belief that true progress comes from balancing business success with environmental care and social responsibility.”

Reflecting on the dual recognitions received, Mr. Tan shared, “Being honored by both ASEAN and ASIA Records is deeply humbling. It reaffirms our commitment to lead through innovation and sustainability. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that every step toward responsible hospitality makes a difference — not just for our hotel, but for the future of our planet.”

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic Food Bank handover, a media interaction session, and a luncheon prepared by Birkin Kitchen, celebrating community collaboration and shared purpose.

About Birkin International Hotel

Birkin International Hotel (BIH) is a new coastal haven located in Klebang, Melaka, offering guests the perfect blend of seaside serenity and the cultural charm of heritage Melaka. Guided by the principles of excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, BIH delivers unforgettable experiences while fostering strong community ties.

Caregility and MOD3RN Care Partner to Modernise Healthcare Delivery in Australia

WALL, N.J. and BARANGAROO, Australia, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Caregility Corporation, a global enterprise telehealth leader dedicated to connecting care for patients and clinicians everywhere through innovative virtual care and AI-powered solutions, today announced a strategic reseller partnership with MOD3RN Care, a leading Australia-based technology solutions provider. The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of virtual care and AI-enabled care models across Australia to strengthen clinical capacity, improve patient safety, and reduce staff burnout.

The partnership aligns with growing momentum across Australia’s public and private sectors to modernise care delivery through hybrid models that combine clinical excellence with digital efficiency. Under the agreement, MOD3RN Care will distribute Caregility’s Connected Care™ Platform and edge AI devices throughout the region, supporting hospitals and health systems as they adopt scalable, secure, virtual care programmes spanning inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, and home settings.

Australia’s health systems are facing many of the same workforce challenges the U.S. experienced during and following the pandemic,” said Nicholas Rorris, CEO of MOD3RN Care. “Caregility’s Connected Care Platform and Virtual Nursing workflows have demonstrated how technology can extend nurses’ reach, ease workloads, and deliver safer, more consistent care. Together, we’re helping Australian hospitals augment, not replace, clinicians with intelligent tools that add more care minutes to their day.”

Caregility customers have achieved measurable results after implementing virtual care models, including:

  • A leading health system reducing nursing turnover from 23% to 14% in one month
  • A 200-bed deployment earned back 780 hours for bedside staff in a single month
  • Another health system reducing average Length-of-Stay (LOS) by 0.7 days

The Caregility Connected Care Platform powers a full suite of clinical workflows, including Virtual Nursing, Virtual Observation, and multi-specialty Virtual Consults, using integrated edge AI devices and sensors to improve care efficiency. Deployed across more than 1,100 hospitals globally, the platform offers embedded Epic EHR integration, proactive device monitoring, remote updates, and uptime performance exceeding 99%.

“Virtual and AI-supported care models are becoming a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery globally,” said Mike Brandofino, President and COO of Caregility. “Partnering with MOD3RN Care gives us a trusted onshore collaborator to help Australian providers tap into proven models that improve staff efficiency and patient outcomes.”

Caregility will localise hosting within Australian data centres to ensure compliance with national data sovereignty and privacy requirements. The partnership sets the stage for collaboration with leading public and private healthcare organisations as they explore new ways to support the clinical workforce through technology.

About Caregility
Caregility Corporation is a global leader in enterprise telehealth, uniting patients and clinicians through secure, scalable, and AI-powered virtual care solutions. The Caregility Connected Care™ Platform supports hospitals and health systems worldwide, enabling seamless care delivery across settings, from inpatient care to hospital-at-home. Today, Caregility connects care in more than 1,100 hospitals across 85 health systems, with over 19,000 contracted bedside sensors hosting over six million virtual care sessions annually.

About Modern Care
MOD3RN Care has over 65 years of combined experience delivering technology solutions to Australian businesses. With global reach and a strong local presence, MOD3RN Care helps organisations modernise infrastructure, enhance innovation, and prepare for tomorrow’s landscape. As a Platinum Distributor and Global Partner of 3verest, MOD3RN Care enables clients to realise the full potential of next-generation cloud and digital transformation solutions.

US Media Contact: 
Jess Clifton 
Director of Marketing 
jclifton@caregility.com 
(678) 360-9043 

AUS Media Contact:
Sharon Grant
COO & Marketing Director
Sharon@mod3rncare.com
+61 403 678 568

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On the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf 2025 Forum in Bahrain… Al Salam Bank Marks One-Year Milestone for ASB Capital with USD 5.8 Billion in Assets Under Management

  • Launched in Q4 2024 during Gateway Gulf 2024 in Bahrain
  • Assets under management (AUM) have grown 30% to USD 5.8 billion.
  • Introduced diverse investment products including the ASB State Street Global Equity Fund, ASB MENA Equity Fund, ASB Technology Fund, and ASB Sukuk Fund.
  • Played a key role in regional issuances with total size in excess of USD 2 billion
  • Scheduled to launch the XASB Sukuk ETF.

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Al Salam Bank (Trading Code: SALAM on Bahrain Bourse; SALAM_BAH on Dubai Financial Market), one of the fastest growing financial groups in the region, celebrates the one-year anniversary of its asset management and investment banking arm, ASB Capital, marking a year of steady growth, product innovation, and regional expansion since its launch in 2024 during Gateway Gulf in Bahrain.

Rafik Nayed, Al Salam Bank Group CEO and ASB Capital Managing Director
Rafik Nayed, Al Salam Bank Group CEO and ASB Capital Managing Director

Launched in November 2024, ASB Capital today manages USD 5.8 billion in assets, reflecting the trust of a growing global client base. Over the past year, the firm has strengthened its presence with the launch of several investment solutions, including the Global Equity Fund in partnership with State Street, MENA Equity Fund, Technology Fund, and Sukuk Fund, providing clients with diversified access to global and regional markets.

The past year also witnessed significant momentum across ASB Capital’s advisory and portfolio management mandates, expanding both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporates, and institutional clients.

As part of Al Salam Bank’s integrated financial services ecosystem, ASB Capital has been instrumental in driving the Group’s investment and capital markets activities. In 2025, the firm was instrumental in several regional issuances including Bapco Energies, Kuwait International Bank, and Solidarity Bahrain. In this space, several mandates have also been signed since then, reflecting ASB Capital’s strategic position in the regional landscape.

ASB Capital is also scheduled to launch XASB Sukuk ETF in partnership with Xtrackers by DWS, broadening access to fixed-income investments and reinforcing ASB Capital’s innovation-led approach to asset management.

On the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf Forum, Rafik Nayed, Al Salam Bank Group CEO and ASB Capital Managing Director, commented: “ASB Capital’s first year marks a pivotal chapter in Al Salam Bank’s long-term growth story. Our focus has been on building trust, deepening client relationships, and expanding our investment offerings. The growth in AUM, the launch of new funds, and the success of our capital markets transactions all reflect our commitment to delivering value to our clients. ASB Capital stands today as one of the region’s leading asset and wealth management firms, and we remain focused on unlocking new opportunities.”

Both Al Salam Bank and ASB Capital continue to leverage Bahrain’s robust ecosystem to scale their operations regionally, advancing their shared vision of providing holistic, client-centric financial solutions across banking, asset management, and investment advisory.