• 66% of responding senior leaders say AI has already driven significant productivity improvements across their organization
• 41% of respondents anticipate returns on AI investments in under a year
• 72% of large enterprises surveyed (1,001 – 5,000 employees) report AI-driven productivity gains compared with 55% of SMEs
• Around 85% said interoperability, choice and transparency of AI systems is important

LONDON, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new study from IBM (NYSE: IBM) reveals enterprises across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are already reporting significant productivity gains from using AI, with many expecting returns on their investments (ROI) within the next year. However, the findings suggest small to medium sized enterprises (SME) and public sector organizations are falling behind larger, private sector firms in boosting productivity with AI.

“The Race for ROI,” a new IBM report produced in partnership with Censuswide, surveyed 3,500 senior executives across ten countries, and reveals 66% of respondents said their organizations have achieved significant operational productivity improvements using AI. 

In addition, approximately one in five respondents said their organization has already realized ROI goals from AI-driven productivity initiatives, with a further 42% on average expecting to achieve ROI within 12 months across cost reduction (41%); time savings (45%); increased revenue (37%); employee satisfaction (42%) and increased Net Promoter Score (43%).

Further productivity benefits are expected from the introduction of AI Agents, with 92% of leaders expecting that agentic AI will deliver measurable ROI within two years.

According to the study, business areas achieving the biggest AI-driven productivity gains are software development and IT (32%), customer service (32%), and procurement (27%). At the same time, executives reported the top three benefits of enhanced productivity as greater operational efficiency (55%), enhanced decision-making (50%), and augmented workforce capabilities such as automating repetitive tasks (48%).

However, the gains are not evenly distributed across all types of organizations. While 72% of large enterprises surveyed reported productivity gains from AI, only 55% of SMEs say the same. The research also indicates that public sector organizations are in the earlier stages of realizing AI’s full potential, with only 55% reporting significant productivity improvements to date.

AI Transforming Business Models

Across EMEA, the data shows that leaders are increasingly using AI to enable strategic business transformation. Of the 66% of respondents who reported significant productivity gains, nearly a quarter (24%) credit AI with fundamentally changing their business models.

Strikingly, around a third of respondents are already using AI to change their operations in ways such as accelerating innovation timelines (36%); shifting to continuous AI-driven decision-making instead of periodic planning cycles (32%); and redesigning value streams around AI rather than automating existing steps (32%, and around 2 in 5 intend to do so across all these areas.

Nearly half of all senior leaders surveyed (48%) said that AI is augmenting workforce capabilities. For example, with the time saved from greater productivity, executives said employees are spending more time on tasks such as developing new ideas (38%), strategic decision-making and planning (36%), and engaging in creative work (33%), the report finds.

Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice President and Chair, IBM EMEA and Growth Markets, said:

“The true value of AI for business goes far beyond individual productivity – it’s about strategic transformation. Our research suggests that, while we are still in the foothills of AI adoption, enterprises in EMEA are seeing meaningful productivity gains from infusing AI into their operations, with many redesigning their business models.

“On the question of technology autonomy, the response was emphatic: enterprises want to use technology on their terms, with transparency, choice and flexibility baked in.”

Prioritizing open systems, interoperability and choice

The study found that openness, interoperability, and choice are critical priorities for all types of organizations adopting AI. 85% of respondents emphasized the importance of transparency in AI systems and models, ensuring that the technology operates ethically and responsibly. Similarly, 84% stressed the need for interoperability, enabling seamless integration of AI tools into IT systems to maximize efficiency and adaptability.

A further 85% said they valued having the flexibility to choose and adapt AI solutions or providers as needs evolve, underscoring strong demand for autonomy.

Overcoming risk and complexity

While the findings suggest companies are progressing towards greater ROI on AI, it also identified concerns about security, privacy and ethics – including the risk of data breaches and the trustworthiness of AI – as the top barrier to scaling successful AI pilots, cited by 68% of respondents. Similarly, IT complexity challenges, such as integrating AI with legacy systems, was cited by 68% of senior leaders surveyed.

To accelerate ROI from AI, the report outlines five priorities for enterprise leaders:

• Establish an effective operating model for AI: Establishing a common and universally understood approach for AI transformation across the organization, such as a federated or hub-and-spoke model, along with clear ownership, is crucial for delivering return on investment.
• Cultivate AI literacy and a culture of innovation, from the Board to entry-level: In the coming years, AI tools will become increasingly embedded in every interaction. Knowledge of how and why to use these tools across teams and functions will help the organisation to adapt and thrive as AI capabilities and the opportunities they create continue to evolve.
• Get comfortable with uncertainty and rapid change: The world is moving into an era of AI everywhere. AI tools will be embedded and procured into every interaction layer we have – whether it is search engines, the device people interact with or the companies they engage with. Success in this era means developing a culture that embraces change and uncertainty, and enables rapid, purposeful innovation.
• Understand the risks around AI deployment: As with any technology, AI must be applied with caution and a detailed understanding of regulatory, reputational and operational risks. Enterprises should apply AI governance tooling to monitor and mitigate potential risks, such as unauthorized data sharing and unwanted bias.
• Establish a cross company “AI Board” to mitigate risk: The AI Board’s role is to define ethical principles and risk appetite and review higher risk AI use cases before they are implemented. This, combined with increased AI literacy, will give business units a high level of autonomy to implement AI use cases with confidence.

To discover more about how AI is helping unlock opportunities for growth and innovation in EMEA, including across major industry sectors, download the ‘The Race for ROI” report here.

Research Methodology 

This report is based on a survey conducted by IBM in partnership with Censuswide in September 2025, involving over 3,500 senior business leaders (aged 25+). This included 500 respondents in each of the following markets; UK, Germany, France, UAE and Saudi Arabia and 200 respondents in Spain, Italy, Poland, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Respondents were drawn from organizations which currently use AI tools, representing a range of industries, including Finance, Public Sector, Retail, Telecoms, and Energy.

Quotas were set to ensure an even split of responses from organizations of different sizes based on number of employees. The categories were split as follows: under 250 employees, 250 – 1,000 employees, 1,001 – 5,000 employees, over 5,000 employees.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Learn more at IBM.com.

Media Contact

Gregor Hastings
IBM EMEA Communications
gregor.hastings@ibm.com

Reconstructed Shock-Resistant Structure and Streamlined Exterior

TOKYO, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of a new addition to the G-STEEL line of G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches, which combines signature toughness with a sleek metal exterior. The new GST-B1000D features a minimalist design with an enhanced fit.

Guided by the Casio Purpose —”Through the power to put wonder at hand, bring new levels of joy to lives one by one” — the company continues to bring unprecedented value to the world. Born from a developer’s passion to create a watch that would not break, G-SHOCK timepieces bring wonder and inspire people with their tough structure and advanced functionality.

The new GST-B1000D is a shock-resistant watch with a contemporary minimalist design that expresses the beauty of metal while delivering a very comfortable fit.

The watch features a newly developed compact module equipped with Tough Solar and Mobile Link* functionality using Bluetooth®. This enables a slim profile and lightweight design without compromising functionality, providing enhanced comfort on the wrist.

The streamlined bezel features a combination of straight and circular hairline finishes, along with mirror polishing, to bring out a refined metal texture. The octagonal case and the brick pattern on the dial are inspired by the design of the DW-5000C, the first-ever G-SHOCK.

The GST-B1000D-1A reflects G-SHOCK DNA with its inset dial, which employs accent colors inspired by the first G-SHOCK: red symbolizing the passion to take on challenges, blue representing water resistance, and yellow signifying outstanding shock resistance. The minimalist design is versatile enough to complement any style, from business to casual to outdoors.

 

 

Leading global enterprises are already using Xponential to drive real business impact 

Enables leaders to deploy AI with speed, quality, and scale

ASHBURN, Va., Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, today announced Xponential, a next-generation AI orchestration blueprint. Already a proven framework utilized by leading global enterprises, Xponential simplifies the complexity that often stalls large-scale AI adoption. The architecture seamlessly integrates people, processes, and technology to deliver measurable results, accelerate modernization, and helps enable businesses to operationalize AI securely and responsibly.

“Business leaders are eager to capture the promise of AI, but too often they get stuck in pilots or struggle to scale,” said Raul Fernandez, President and CEO of DXC. “DXC is uniquely positioned to help, with deep industry expertise, proven AI capabilities, and a track record of transforming complex operations. Xponential provides a blueprint that combines human expertise with AI, embeds governance and security from day one, and continuously evolves as AI matures –helping enterprises move from vision to value with speed and confidence.” 

As enterprises navigate a transitional AI era, many still lack a cohesive strategy connecting AI to their people and processes. Xponential provides a structured, repeatable blueprint for orchestrating AI across technology, embedding governance from day one, and delivering early wins that help organizations scale with speed and confidence. At the heart of Xponential are five interdependent pillars:

• Insight – Embedded governance, compliance, and observability to ensure responsible AI. 
• Accelerators – Proprietary and partner-built tools that speed up deployment and increase efficiency. 
• Automation – Agentic frameworks and protocols that optimize AI across processes. 
• Approach – Human+ collaboration that combines skilled professionals and AI to amplify outcomes. 
• Process – A delivery methodology with the flexibility to start small, achieve early wins, and scale rapidly across the enterprise.

DXC is helping global enterprises build, deploy, and scale AI with the Xponential framework across industries: 

• At Textron, a multi-industry company, DXC implemented AI-powered automation and workflow optimization, cutting service desk tickets by 20% and proactively resolving network issues for 32,000 employees.  
• The European Space Agency (ESA), an intergovernmental organization that collaborates internationally and supports European industry and the economy through space technology and research, is working with DXC to implement ASK ESA, an AI-powered platform that unifies data, accelerates research, and enhances collaboration across the agency. 
• Singapore General Hospital,Singapore’s largest tertiary hospital and ranked among the world’s best, partnered with DXC to develop the Augmented Intelligence in Infectious Diseases (AI2D) solution, using AI-driven insights and collaborative human+AI decision-making to guide antibiotic choices for lower respiratory tract infections with 90% accuracy and improve patient care while combating antimicrobial resistance.  
• Ferrovial, a global infrastructure company, is working with DXC to develop AI Workbench, a generative AI offering which combines consulting, engineering and secure enterprise services. Leveraging more than 30 AI Agents making real-time decisions, Ferrovial is already using AI Workbench to enhance operations for more than 25,500 employees.

To scale these proven results, DXC leverages its global team of 50,000 full-stack engineers and AI-first facilities including Innovation Centers, Centers of Competency, and Centers of Excellence across six continents. This worldwide network empowers DXC to accelerate responsible AI adoption, deliver measurable business impact, and help enterprises operationalize AI at scale across industries and regions.

To learn more about AI at DXC, visit our website.

About DXC Technology
DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading global provider of information technology services. We’re a trusted operating partner to many of the world’s most innovative organizations, building solutions that move industries and companies forward. Our engineering, consulting and technology experts help clients simplify, optimize and modernize their systems and processes, manage their most critical workloads, integrate AI-powered intelligence into their operations, and put security and trust at the forefront. Learn more on dxc.com.

 

Celebrate the festive season with memorable stays, indulgent dining, and family experiences in the heart of Johor Bahru

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Just minutes from the Johor–Singapore Causeway, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru sets the stage for a meaningful year-end escape filled with warmth, flavour, and festive cheer. Whether it’s a weekend staycation, a family getaway, or a culinary indulgence, guests can look forward to celebrating the holidays surrounded by heartfelt hospitality and city charm.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Johor Bahru, the hotel combines the comfort of Hilton hospitality with easy access to the city’s vibrant shopping and cultural attractions. Families can unwind in spacious rooms with connecting options, enjoy poolside relaxation, or explore nearby destinations such as Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, KOMTAR JBCC, and LEGOLAND Malaysia, all within reach from the hotel’s doorstep.

“DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru has always been a place where families and friends connect,” said Mike Williamson, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru. “This year, we’ve designed experiences that bring people closer, celebrating meaningful moments, comforting food, and the warmth of the holidays, all in a setting that feels like home.”

A Festive Stay to Remember
Whether for a short getaway or a festive family holiday, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru offers the perfect retreat just across the border. Guests can unwind in modern rooms with city or Straits views, relax by the outdoor pool, or enjoy the hotel’s wellness amenities including a jacuzzi, steam room, and 24-hour fitness centre.

Families will find the hotel particularly inviting, with spacious connecting rooms, a kids’ pool, and a dedicated children’s corner at Makan Kitchen. Little travellers are greeted with a special welcome pack, while festive workshops such as gingerbread decorating and pizza-making sessions at Tosca bring the holiday spirit to life.

The hotel’s Year-End Festive Stay & Dine Packages, starting from RM630++ per night, include breakfast and dinner for two, making it an excellent choice for families and couples alike. As part of the Hilton portfolio, guests enjoy exclusive Hilton Honors benefits, from seamless check-in experience via the Hilton Honors app to confirmed connecting rooms when booked directly through Hilton channels, a feature designed to make family stays and group getaways even more convenient.

Located in Johor Bahru’s Central Business District, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s best attractions, shopping, and heritage landmarks. KOMTAR JBCC, City Square, and Mid Valley SouthKey are just minutes away, while Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, and LEGOLAND Malaysia offer plenty to explore. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary weekend shuttle service to Mid Valley SouthKey and Johor Premium Outlets, making every outing effortless.

Flavours of the Festive Season
A highlight of any stay, Makan Kitchen invites guests to indulge in a multi-cultural dining journey through Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. Known for its vibrant live cooking stations and diverse breakfast buffet spreads, the restaurant’s festive line-up this year features a series of seasonal favourites from 16 November to 31 December 2025.

The Makan Kitchen Festive Eve Dinner Buffet on 24 December will feature highlights such as Whole Turkey brined for 12 hours, Beef Wellington, and Winterberry White Chocolate Log. The celebration continues with the Christmas Day Dinner Buffet and High Tea Buffet on 25 December, where guests can enjoy Sous Vide Wagyu Rump, Seafood on Ice, Turkey & Cranberry Pot Pie, and Laksa Johor. Festivities culminate with the New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet on 31 December, featuring Whole Smoked Beef Short Ribs, Honey Harissa Glazed Lamb, and a Malaysian-inspired churrasco grill.

For an elevated celebration, Tosca Italian Trattoria presents refined seasonal menus in an al-fresco style poolside setting, including the Festive Eve 7-Course Dinner and New Year’s Eve 7-Course Dinner, featuring dishes such as Scarlet Prawn Carpaccio, 72-hour Sous Vide Short Ribs, and Herbs-Crusted Halibut. Children can delight in the Yuletide Noel Kids Menu, with comforting favourites like Creamy Mushroom Soup, Spaghetti Turkey Ham Carbonara, and Double Chocolate Gelato.

Guests can also unwind at Axis Lounge with two signature festive experiences, the Festive High Tea Set for Two (RM108 nett per set, with an optional Birthday Tea Party add-on) and the Festive Tiffin High Tea Set (RM128 nett per set), each featuring handcrafted sweets and savoury treats inspired by local flavours.

For those celebrating at home, The Food Store’s Yuletide Takeaway Collection offers premium roasts and desserts including the Portuguese Christmas Turkey Pie, Angus O.P. Ribs, and Strawberry Shortcake Yule Log, perfect for sharing with loved ones and making home celebrations merrier.

For more information on dining, please contact us at +607 268 6868, email JohorBahru.FB@hilton.com or make a reservation for Makan Kitchen or Tosca.

For more information on rooms, please visit DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru, call +60 7-268 6868, or email johorbahru.info@hilton.com to book your next stay.

HONG KONG, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — American Express Hong Kong today announced the refresh of “AMEX GOURMET CLUB“, its signature dining program designed to bring Cardmembers an expanded suite of dining privileges and elevated culinary experiences across more than 300 restaurants and bars serving more than 20 global cuisines. The refresh builds on recent dining initiatives, including the Two-for-One Dining Experience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences for Cardmembers.

From cozy neighborhood gems to acclaimed fine dining destinations, AMEX GOURMET CLUB caters to everyday cravings and special celebrations alike. The enhanced program offers everything from Two-For-One Dining Experience to curated savings and exclusive perks, making each meal more rewarding and every bite a moment to savor.

Walter Liu, Head of Asia Region, American Express, said “For today’s diners, food is a way to connect, celebrate, and explore. With AMEX GOURMET CLUB, we’re bringing our Cardmembers richer and more rewarding culinary experiences – offering  diverse choices, greater value, and elevated excitement for culinary discovery.”

Savor More, Spend Less

• Cardmembers can enjoy up to 30% savings at participating popular restaurants featuring Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean and other cuisines, from now until December 31, 2025^[1].
• Cardmembers can enjoy an exclusive treat at 30 selected restaurants – a complimentary drink for everyone at the table, from now until November 19, 2025^[1].
• Cardmembers can also enjoy complimentary canapés upon purchase of designated drinks at 20 participating bars, from now until December 31, 2025^[2].

Indulge in Premium Dining

• With the new Two-For-One Dining Experience, American Express Platinum Card Members can enjoy two specially curated set dinner menus for the price of one^[3] at 16 of Hong Kong’s top-rated restaurants, including MICHELIN-starred restaurants,^[4] until February 28, 2026.
• Existing Platinum dining privileges include up to 40% savings at over 140 premium dining outlets, as well as HK$2,000 year-round Global Dining Credit^[5].

Vote and Win Dining Delights

• Eligible Basic Cardmembers may participate in “Members’ Favorite Restaurants” campaign, to vote for their top pick of restaurants upon login and registration at go.amex/luckydrawiform_en, from now until November 30, 2025. Successful voters will have a chance to win exciting prizes in a lucky draw with 10 top prize winners can each be entitled to a special dining experience for two at L’Envol at The St. Regis Hong Kong (valued at HK$4,813) along with HK$3,000 statement credits^[6].

Terms and Conditions apply to all benefits and offers, which may be subject to designated booking requirements, redemption cap, spending requirements, blackout dates and exclusions.^[7] For more about AMEX GOURMET CLUB, please visit the dedicated page.

– End –

ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS

American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security and service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. With over a hundred million merchant locations across our global network, we seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations.

For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com/hk, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and ir.americanexpress.com.

[1] For full list of restaurants and Terms & Conditions, please visit partner.diningcity.asia/#/home?program=amexdining2025

[2] For full list of bars and Terms & Conditions, please visit partner.diningcity.asia/#/home?program=amexchill2025

[3] Eligible Cardmembers can enjoy a complimentary designated dinner menu upon the purchase of a designated dinner menu (Buy-One-Get-One-Free).

[4] For details and Terms & Conditions, please visit partner.diningcity.asia/#/home?program=amexb1g1

[5] Eligible from January 7 to December 31, 2025. For details and Terms & Conditions, please visit go.amex/plat_gdc_en

[6] Each Eligible American Express Card account can only register once by Basic Cardmember and each participant is only eligible to win 1 award during the whole promotion period. Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 60684. For details and Terms & Conditions, please visit  go.amex/diningluckydraw_en

[7] Under the law of Hong Kong, intoxicating liquor must not be sold or supplied to anyone who is under 18 years old in the course of business.