$400,000 Up for Grabs as most innovative new product ideas will be picked live in London on the 14^thof November

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, today announced that Manchester United legend-turned-entrepreneur and global content creator Rio Ferdinand OBE¹, and entrepreneur and broadcaster Sara Davies MBE², will lead the judging panel at Alibaba.com’s CoCreate Pitch, a new global competition spotlighting the next generation of product-based innovation in the UK and Europe. The overall judging panel will consist of representatives from the UK, Germany, France and the US – including crowdfunding platform Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor – joining Rio and Sara. Kickstarter is the official Crowdfunding Partner of CoCreate Pitch 2025³.

Set to take place during Alibaba.com’s inaugural sourcing and e-commerce event CoCreate Europe in London on 14^th November, the competition will see 30 finalists pitch their product ideas live to the judging panel with ten winners receiving up to $20,000 worth of prizes. The grand winner will receive $200,000 to help develop their product⁴, out of a total prize pool of $400,000 worth of prizes. CoCreate has been hosted in Las Vegas since 2023, bringing together thousands of SMEs under one roof to collaborate, forge sourcing relationships and unlock growth. Alibaba.com is now expanding the global footprint of this event with the launch of CoCreate Europe.

Rio Ferdinand says: “On the pitch I learnt the value of ambition, fresh ideas and determination, and those same qualities have guided me in building a successful business career. As a judge at CoCreate Pitch, I’m looking forward to sharing those experiences and supporting the next generation of innovative product-based start-ups in Europe.”

Sara Davies says: “I’ve spent several years spotting new business ideas and helping to turn them into a reality, so being asked to judge Alibaba.com’s CoCreate Pitch competition felt like a perfect fit. There is a lot of untapped potential amongst Europe’s entrepreneurs, and I’m keen to hearing fresh product ideas and helping to kickstart new businesses.”

Kuo Zhang, President, Alibaba.com, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Rio and Sara as judges to CoCreate Pitch at the inaugural CoCreate Europe conference in London in November. We look forward to welcoming SMEs from across the continent to join us in person at the event, and are excited to bring this unique sourcing ecosystem conference to Europe for the first time.”

The pitch competition is the marquee programme of CoCreate 2025, Alibaba.com’s SME-focused b2b event that brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers and investors for a full day programme of product innovation and business building.

After the successful edition in the US in Las Vegas in September this year, the European edition will be held on 14^th November 2025 in London for the first time, offering a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to connect and grow.

It will provide insights on – and access to – Alibaba.com’s cutting-edge tools, supplier network, and AI-powered sourcing tools AI Mode and Accio that automate the entire sourcing process, connecting buyers with 200,000+ verified suppliers across 76 industry categories and 200 million product listings. In addition, it will highlight its Trade Assurance which helps SMEs gain greater confidence and reliability in their supply chain. Combined, these offerings save SMEs time and allow them to focus on growing their businesses.

The event will also feature keynotes and panels on topics ranging from how to cut business costs and build resilient supply chains, to harness AI for growth, scale beyond borders and tap into the trends set to shape 2026 and beyond. In addition, there will be a plethora of networking opportunities for sellers, connecting them with sourcing professionals, suppliers, investors and SME influencers.

More info at: https://www.alibabacocreate.com/

Notes to editors

¹Rio Ferdinand OBE is a former Manchester United footballer widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. He has won six Premier League titles, the 2008 UEFA Champions League and represented England at three World Cup tournaments.

Beyond his legendary football career and impactful presence in the media, Rio has established himself as a savvy and strategic businessman. As President of New Era Ingenious, a talent and creative agency specialising in athlete-led content and brand partnerships, and a global content creator through his digital channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, Rio continues to shape the future of sport and media.

With investments across a range of successful ventures, he has proven that his talents extend far beyond the pitch. From property and lifestyle brands to tech and media, he’s built a diverse portfolio that reflects both his business acumen and vision.

²Sara Davies is a British entrepreneur, broadcaster and investor. She is best known as the founder of Crafter’s Companion, a multimillion-pound crafts company she launched while at university. She also starred on BBC’s Dragons’ Den for six years, becoming the youngest-ever female investor to appear on the show.

³As part of their strategic partnership with Alibaba.com, Kickstarter will offer a cohort-based coaching programme for pitch winners who plan to launch their crowdfunding campaigns within 12 months of the event. Finalists who launch campaigns on Kickstarter within this timeframe will receive exclusive benefits on both platforms, including homepage feature listing on Kickstarter.com, newsletter placements, coaching from Kickstarter experts, and promotional spotlights on both platforms’ marketing channels.

⁴CoCreate Pitch total cash pool comprises 50% non-dilutive prize and 50% in credits and support.

How to join CoCreate Europe, London, 14^th November (InterContinental Hotel – The O2)

Tickets are available now at https://www.alibabacocreate.com/. Attendees can choose from General, Premium or VIP admission, each offering full access to sessions, networking opportunities exclusive event experiences.

About Alibaba.com

Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.

The campaign highlights Malaysia Airlines’ premium Business Class experience while also rewarding Economy Class travellers with exceptional comfort and value across international routes

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Continuing its globally recognised “Time For” campaign, Malaysia Airlines is proud to introduce Time for Comfort in the Skies, inviting travellers to rediscover the joy of premium flying at 30,000 feet. Designed to highlight the airline’s hallmark Malaysian Hospitality, the campaign brings together comfort, exclusivity, and value across both Business and Economy Class.

The campaign runs from 7 – 22 October. travellers can enjoy up to 20% off Business Class fares on international routes for immediate travel until 31 August 2026. Members of the airline’s Enrich loyalty programme will enjoy priority access on the 7^th and 8^th October with an additional 5% discount as well as special redemption discount. Non-members are encouraged to sign up for free to unlock more exclusive perks. Available for a wide selection of destinations across Malaysia Airlines’ global network, these special fares give travellers more reasons to take to the skies — whether it’s a leisure escape to London or Brisbane, a cultural journey to Dhaka or Hong Kong, or a quick retreat within Malaysia to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Tawau, or Penang.

Business Class: Elevated Comfort

As part of this journey, Business Class passengers can enjoy comfort and premium amenities across Malaysia Airlines’ fleet, including aboard its latest A330neo aircraft. Beyond the skies, guests benefit from priority services, access to the Golden Lounge and partner lounges worldwide. Onboard, thoughtful touches from the MH Signature Drink on arrival to gourmet dining with Chef-on-Call elevate the premium experience. Passengers can also stay connected with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi via MHconnect, available on selected aircraft for all guests, regardless of cabin class or loyalty tier.

Economy Class: Comfort with Value

Economy Class travellers can look forward to the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality in every detail of their journey. Guests have the option to pre-book meals for a more seamless and personalised experience, while those who choose to order onboard can indulge in the airline’s celebrated Best of Asia menu, which brings authentic regional flavours to the skies. From hearty favourites to lighter choices for little explorers, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to make dining part of the journey itself. Onboard, travellers can stay entertained with a wide selection of movies, shows, and games, while enjoying the convenience of complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi via MHconnect.

A Stress-Free Journey for Families

Travelling with little ones can often be daunting, but Malaysia Airlines is set on making it a seamless experience through its MH Junior Explorer programme, created to keep little travellers happy and parents at ease. Young flyers receive curated Kids’ Activity Packs, filled with engaging items that turn the flight into an adventure from the moment they board. Mealtimes become a highlight too, with fun and nutritious Junior Explorer meals crafted to delight young taste buds. Parents are encouraged to pre-order these meals to ensure their children don’t miss out. Onboard entertainment also caters to kids, with a wide selection of age-appropriate shows, movies, and games to keep them engaged from take-off to landing.

With these thoughtful touches, Malaysia Airlines transforms every journey into an elevated experience for families, leisure seekers, and premium explorers. More than just travelling from point A to B, each flight becomes a shared journey of discovery, comfort, and joy in the skies.

Bonus Side Trip Expands to Eight Destinations – Discover Kuching!

Malaysia Airlines invites global travellers to discover Kuching, Sarawak, the latest destination in its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme. In partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Board, the addition of Kuching opens the gateway to Borneo’s lush rainforests, diverse wildlife and vibrant living culture – offering long-haul passengers the chance to enrich their journey with an authentic side trip. As the world looks ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Malaysia Airlines encourages guests to make every trip more rewarding by adding a Bonus Side Trip and uncovering Malaysia’s hidden gems along the way.

Travellers can book their flights via the official Malaysia Airlines website at www.malaysiaairlines.com or the mobile app or through authorised travel agents worldwide.

About Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering premium and full-service travel options to, from, and within the country. As the gateway to Asia and beyond, the airline carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse heritage. Malaysia Airlines embodies the nation’s rich traditions, cultures, and cuisines, delivering an unparalleled experience through its signature Malaysian Hospitality across every customer touchpoint.

Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) – a global aviation organisation comprising a range of aviation and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel needs.

As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines offers enhanced connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or download the Malaysia Airlines app for the latest promotions at your fingertips.

Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group. 

The campaign highlights Malaysia Airlines’ premium Business Class experience while also rewarding Economy Class travellers with exceptional comfort and value across domestic and international routes

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Continuing its globally recognised “Time For” campaign, Malaysia Airlines is proud to introduce Time for Comfort in the Skies , inviting travellers to rediscover the joy of premium flying at 30,000 feet. Designed to highlight the airline’s hallmark Malaysian Hospitality, the campaign brings together comfort, exclusivity, and value across both Business and Economy Class.

The campaign runs from 7 – 22 October 2025, offering up to 20% off fares for business Class and economy class for Malaysia’s domestic routes and international destinations for immediate travel till 31 August 2026. Members of the airline’s Enrich loyalty programme will enjoy priority access on the 7th and 8th October with an additional 5% discount as well as special redemption discount. Non-members are encouraged to sign up for free to unlock more exclusive perks. Available for a wide selection of destinations across Malaysia Airlines’ global network, these special fares give travellers more reasons to take to the skies — whether it’s a leisure escape to London or Brisbane, a cultural journey to Dhaka or Hong Kong, or a quick domestic retreat to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Tawau, or Penang

Business Class: Elevated Comfort
As part of this journey, Business Class passengers can enjoy comfort and premium amenities across Malaysia Airlines’ fleet, including aboard its latest A330neo aircraft. Beyond the skies, guests benefit from priority services, access to the Golden Lounge and partner lounges worldwide. Onboard, thoughtful touches from the MH Signature Drink on arrival to gourmet dining with Chef – on- Call elevate the premium experience. Passengers can also stay connected with complimentary unlimited Wi – Fi via MHconnect, available on selected aircraft for all guests, regardless of cabin class or loyalty tier.

Economy Class: Comfort with Value
Economy Class travellers can look forward to the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality in every detail of their journey. Guests have the option to pre – book meals for a more seamless and personalised experience, while those who choose to order onboard can indulge in the airline’s celebrated Best of Asia menu, which brings authentic regional flavours to the skies. From hearty favourites to lighter choices for little explorers, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to make dining part of the journey itself. Onboard, travellers can stay entertained with a wide selection of movies, shows, and games, while enjoying the convenience of complimentary unlimited Wi – Fi via MHconnect.

A Stress – Free Journey for Families
Travelling with little ones can often be daunting, but Malaysia Airlines is set on making it a seamless experience through its MH Junior Explorer programme , created to keep little travellers happy and parents at ease. Young flyers receive curated Kids’ Activity Packs, filled with engaging items that turn the flight into an adventure from the moment they board. Mealtimes become a highlight too, with fun and nutritious Junior Explorer meals crafted to delight young taste buds. Parents are encouraged to pre – order these meals to ensure their children don’t miss out. Onboard entertainment also caters to kids, with a wide selection of age – appropriate shows, movies, and games to keep them engaged from take – off to landing.

With these thoughtful touches, Malaysia Airlines transforms every journey into an elevated experience for families, leisure seekers, and premium explorers. More than just travelling from point A to B, each flight becomes a shared journey of discovery, comfort, and joy in the skies.

Bonus Side Trip Expands to Eight Destinations – Discover Kuching!
Malaysia Airlines invites global travellers to discover Kuching, Sarawak, the latest destination in its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme . In partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Board, the addition of Kuching opens the gateway t o Borneo’s lush rainforests, diverse wildlife and vibrant living culture – offering long – haul passengers the chance to enrich their journey with an authentic side trip. As the world looks ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Malaysia Airlines encourages guests to make every trip more rewarding by adding a Bonus Side Trip and uncovering Malaysia’s hidden gems along the way.

Travellers can book their flights via the official Malaysia Airlines website at www.malaysiaairlines.com or the mobile app or through authorised travel agents worldwide.

About Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering premium and full -service travel options to, from, and within the country. As the gateway to Asia and beyond, the airline carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Mal aysia’s diverse heritage. Malaysia Airlines embodies the nation’s rich traditions, cultures, and cuisines, delivering an unparalleled experience through its signature Malaysian Hospitality across every customer touchpoint.

Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) – a global aviation organisation comprising a range of aviation and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at ser ving global air travel needs.

As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines offers enhanced connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or download the Malaysia Airlines app for the latest prom otions at your fingertips.

Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group.

Strategic growth, innovation in AI-ready infrastructure, and sustainability leadership reinforce CtrlS’ position as a frontrunner in India’s data center services industry

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that CtrlS Datacenters (CtrlS) has been conferred the 2025 India Competitive Strategy Leadership Recognition in the data center services industry for its outstanding achievements in technology innovation, strategic expansion, and sustainability initiatives. This recognition highlights CtrlS’ ability to deliver customer-focused solutions while strengthening its value position in India’s rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. CtrlS demonstrated excellence in both, successfully aligning its strategy with the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and large language model (LLM) workloads. “CtrlS has demonstrated a strong competitive strategy based on aligning to the changing customer needs and addressing the need for AI workloads as well as building edge datacenters for AI inferencing.” said Nishchal Khorana, associate partner at Frost & Sullivan.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Hyderabad, CtrlS has adopted a long-term strategy of expansion, technology innovation, and client-centric service delivery. With 16 operational data centers across nine Indian markets and a growing international presence, CtrlS is on track to achieve 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity, supporting India’s growing digital economy. Its recent launches in Patna, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata highlight its diversified approach—combining hyperscale campuses, mid-sized facilities, and edge data centers—to address customer requirements across Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III cities.

Innovation is central to CtrlS’ competitive strategy. The company operates Rated-4 facilities, backed by an operational capacity exceeding 250 megawatts (MW), offering high uptime commitments and industry-leading power usage effectiveness (PUE). Its facilities integrate direct liquid cooling, modular architectures, and ultra-high-density rack configurations to manage the complex demands of AI-driven workloads. “This distinction isn’t just an award, it is a validation that customers, partners, and the wider market see CtrlS as a strategic enabler in a data-driven world. At CtrlS, we believe India deserves infrastructure that competes globally, not just locally. This honour reinforces our commitment to AI-ready campuses, sustainable power models, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. This proves that we are not only expanding capacity but also setting new benchmarks for ourselves and the industry at large.” said Sridhar Pinnapureddy, Founder & CEO, CtrlS Datacenters.

Beyond infrastructure, CtrlS enhances customer experience through adaptable colocation solutions, from dedicated racks to customized campuses, supported by managed services that ensure cost efficiency and operational continuity. The company’s partner ecosystem, including collaborations with Oracle, Google Cloud, ConnectiviTree, and Genie Networks, further strengthens its competitive position and enables seamless access to cloud and connectivity solutions.

CtrlS’ focus on sustainability is equally noteworthy. Committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, the company has launched solar power initiatives such as its GreenVolt1 farm in Nagpur, which will provide 100 MW of renewable energy. It has achieved LEED Platinum certification for facilities in Mumbai and Chennai, and it continues to expand renewable energy integration across its campuses. These measures underscore its dual commitment to supporting client sustainability goals while minimizing environmental impact.

Frost & Sullivan commends CtrlS for setting new benchmarks in competitive strategy. By combining cutting-edge technology, resilient infrastructure, and a sustainability-first philosophy, the company is shaping the future of India’s data center services industry and delivering value to enterprises navigating the digital economy.

Frost & Sullivan presents the Competitive Strategy Leadership Recognition to companies that demonstrate outstanding strategic development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in competitive positioning. This recognition honors forward-thinking organizations that redefine their industries through innovation and growth excellence.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.

Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:
Tarini Singh
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com 

About CtrlS Datacenters: 
CtrlS Datacenters Ltd, which began its operations in 2007, operates 15 datacenters across eight key markets. The company is leading the charge on embracing renewable energy for a sustainable future. CtrlS Datacenters has announced its plans to explore new overseas markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with Thailand being the first international market foray. For more information, please visit www.ctrls.com.
LinkedIn, Twitter 

For media queries, please contact:
Y V Phani Raj
VP, CtrlS Datacenters
phaniraj.yv@ctrls.in

New partnership empowers creators with seamless action camera workflows from capture to production, allowing storytellers to focus on creativity.

KEY POINTS

• Seamless capture-to-edit workflow: GoPro’s capture tech + ASUS creator tools
• First Windows app with GoPro Cloud + 360° support: StoryCube delivers AI-powered workflows
• Exclusive offer: Up to six-month GoPro Premium+ subscription for ASUS laptop users
• Most powerful ProArt P16 laptop: Up to GeForce RTX™ 5090, ideal for 8K 360° editing

FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ASUS today announced a collaboration with GoPro to streamline 360° video workflows from capture to editing. By combining GoPro’s capture technology with ASUS ProArt‘s creator-focused tools, the partnership reduces friction in the creative process and helps storytellers focus on their craft.

World’s first Windows app with GoPro Cloud and 360° media

StoryCube is an ASUS-engineered, AI-powered content-management solution and the first Windows app to support both GoPro Cloud media and 360° video. Users can view and download all content, preview native .360 files, and reframe MAX/MAX2 footage using GoPro Player. Content can then be drag-and-dropped into Adobe® Premiere Pro® or CapCut (included with ProArt laptops).

StoryCube also offers AI scene categorization for photos, videos, and 360° footage, helping users classify popular activities like biking, surfing, and snowboarding. AI-powered search allows grouping by activity, time, device, or GPS location. Its AI model, trained on GoPro imagery, ensures fast, secure, and streamlined workflows.

Exclusive GoPro subscription bundle

Selected ASUS laptop buyers receive complimentary GoPro Premium+: six months for ProArt users and three months for Zenbook/ ASUS Vivobook users. The subscription provides unlimited GoPro cloud storage.

Best-in-class creator laptop – ProArt P16

The flagship ASUS ProArt P16 maximizes GoPro’s True 8K footage from the MAX2 360 camera. It features up to a 50 TOPS AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 GPU for fast rendering, real-time previews up to 16K, and AI-powered stitching, reframing, and upscaling.

ProArt P16 supports 10-bit 4:2:2 color, dual AV1 encoders, and AI tools for stabilization, interpolation, and smooth 4K/8K playback. The ASUS Lumina Pro OLED display offers 1600 nits peak brightness, 120Hz VRR refresh rate, and 65% reduced reflections.

Shaping the future of creativity!

This collaboration is just the beginning, with exciting initiatives, products, and technologies coming soon for storytellers worldwide.

Partnership integrates Claude into select internal and external development tools and enterprise products, aiming to deliver new productivity gains for IBM clients

ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Anthropic today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of enterprise-ready AI by infusing Anthropic’s Claude, one of the world’s most powerful family of large language models (LLMs), into IBM’s software portfolio to deliver measurable productivity gains, while building security, governance, and cost controls directly into the lifecycle of software development.

IBM_LOGO_1

Through the partnership, Claude will be integrated into select IBM software products, starting with IBM’s new AI-first integrated development environment (IDE), designed with advanced task generation capabilities for enterprise software development lifecycles (SDLC), including software modernization.

The IDE is available in private preview to select IBM clients and in early testing, more than 6,000 early adopters within IBM are using the new IDE, reporting productivity gains averaging 45 percent, translating to meaningful cost savings while maintaining code quality and security standards.

As organizations move from AI experimentation to production deployment, they need solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise infrastructure and meet strict IT requirements. IBM brings proven capabilities in enterprise software delivery, hybrid cloud architecture, and regulated industry expertise to ensure AI tools work within the complex realities of global business operations. 

“IBM has been the backbone of enterprise technology for decades because we understand what it takes to deploy at scale in mission-critical environments,” said Dinesh Nirmal, SVP, Software at IBM. “This partnership enhances our software portfolio with advanced AI capabilities while maintaining the governance, security, and reliability that our clients have come to expect. We’re giving development teams AI that fits how enterprises work not experimental tools that create new risks.”

“Enterprises are looking for AI they can actually trust with their code, their data, and their day-to-day operations,” said Mike Krieger, Chief Product Officer at Anthropic. “Claude has become the go-to AI for developers at the world’s largest companies because of our focus on safety and reliability. This partnership with IBM lets us bring that same level of dedication to even more enterprise teams while building the open standards that will make AI agents genuinely useful in business environments.”

Automating the Software Development Lifecycle
Using industry leading LLMs such as Claude, the new IBM IDE is built to enable developers to be more productive. It works in multiple languages and modes, but examples of potential leading use cases to help developers execute tasks across aspects of the software development lifecycle include:

• Application modernization at scale: Automated system upgrades and framework migrations and multi-step refactoring with context-awareness across large-scale codebases.
• Intelligent code generation and review: AI assistance that understands enterprise architecture patterns, security requirements, and compliance obligations.
• End-to-end orchestration: From initial development through testing, deployment, and maintenance, orchestrates modernization, testing and remediation tasks seamlessly while maintaining context across sessions.
• Security-first development: Embedding security directly into workflows, enabling “shift-left” vulnerability scans, expedited FedRAMP hardening and facilitating quantum-safe cryptographic migration.

A Guide for Enterprise AI Agents with MCP Servers
As part of the partnership, IBM has created, and Anthropic has verified Architecting Secure Enterprise AI Agents with MCP. A first-of-its-kind guide focusing on the Agent Development Lifecycle (ADLC), a structured approach to designing, deploying and managing enterprise AI agents. As organizations standardize on agentic AI to drive autonomous decision-making and intelligent automation, traditional IT processes will likely no longer be sufficient. This new ADLC methodology provides businesses with a purpose-built, enterprise-ready approach for the development, operations and security requirements for Enterprise AI agents.

Beyond enhancing IBM’s software portfolio, IBM is contributing its enterprise technology leadership to advance open standards for AI deployment. IBM will contribute enterprise-grade assets to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) community, including best practices guides, reference architectures, and open-source tooling developed from IBM’s experience deploying AI across thousands of client environments.

IBM is exploring plans to include Claude into additional IBM products as part of a product integration approach. Together, IBM and Anthropic are shaping the future of enterprise AI, one that empowers developers, drives transformation, and delivers long-term value for clients and society. 

Statements regarding IBM’s and Anthropic’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

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 a 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. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact:

Elizabeth Brophy
IBM
Elizabeth.Brophy@ibm.com 

Shenzhen-listed Beyondsoft expands its tech network beyond Beijing and Tokyo to Singapore, offering companies support on digital transformation

SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global IT services and digital transformation group Beyondsoft recently opened its third global Innovation Lab in Singapore after launching similar concepts in China and Japan.

The new lab builds on the existing capabilities of its international headquarters in Singapore in regional artificial intelligence (AI) consulting and delivery, Big Data, AI-powered analytics, and digital transformation services, said Ben Wang, founder and chairman of Beyondsoft, at the launch of the Beyondsoft Singapore Innovation Lab earlier this month.

“We hope that the new lab will become a space where ideas converge, and where enterprises collaborate, test and refine AI applications before scaling them across South-east Asia and beyond,” he said.

More than just a physical space, the Beyondsoft Singapore Innovation Lab serves as a platform for cross-border innovation, linking talent and resources across countries, cultures and industries, he added.

Beyondsoft’s Beijing Innovation Lab was established earlier, specialising in connecting investors with AI start-ups focusing on digital transformation. Its Tokyo Innovation Lab, launched in June this year, focuses on AI integration and Web3 technologies.

The Beyondsoft Singapore Innovation Lab now joins the network as a regional launchpad for innovation, designed to accelerate AI adoption across South-east Asia. The Singapore lab focuses on integrating AI, also known as AI+, into specific industries including healthcare and green energy.

“We aim to bring in the best and most successful technology and products from our other overseas and regional markets, including the United States and China, to this new innovation lab to feed the local market,” Wang added.

He noted that Singapore’s conducive business environment, government incentives and deep talent pool make it an ideal location to test and refine technologies before scaling them globally. “Innovation doesn’t just come organically, it comes from collaboration across locations where you leverage your strengths,” he said.

The company believes that a business’s competitiveness comes not only from technological breakthroughs, but also from building an open and win-win ecosystem with its partners.

The launch of the Beyondsoft Singapore Innovation Lab on Sept 18 coincides with the parent company’s 30th anniversary and 10 years in Singapore. Founded in 1995 in China, Beyondsoft has since expanded to more than 80 branches worldwide, serving a wide range of Fortune 500 clients across industries.

Giving companies a boost

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the country’s nonfinancial outbound direct investment reached US$143.85 billion (S$184.6 billion) in 2024, up 10.5 per cent year-on-year. Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America have emerged as key destinations.

With years of overseas market experience, Beyondsoft has moved from helping global companies enter China to supporting Chinese firms expanding overseas, carried out by catering to the local market, providing compliance advisory and technology implementation.

Chen Chao, senior vice-president at Beyondsoft, said Chinese companies have shifted from simply exporting products to building a technology-driven and systematic ecosystem. “They no longer just sell products. They do research and development, build supply chains, and provide branding and other services, which allows them to integrate into global markets.”

The Singapore Innovation Lab supports this trend. It offers AI readiness assessments, educational workshops and customised roadmaps for companies looking to adopt AI in their operations. Wang added that while large enterprises traditionally lead digital transformation, AI now makes it accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well.

“SMEs love using new technology to improve operations, but in the past, digital transformation was too costly,” he noted. “AI changes this as it allows for faster transformation by leveraging external tools and capabilities.”

New partnerships in Singapore

Beyondsoft’s ecosystem approach already bears fruit. At the launch, the company inked Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Meijin Hydrogen Energy, ULearning, and Baison Software – each representing a different sector and strategic direction.

Meijin Hydrogen Energy, for example, partners with Beyondsoft to digitise and optimise its energy systems.

Said Meijin Hydrogen Energy’s chairwoman Yao Jinli: “Digitalisation and intelligentisation are pivotal directions for the high-quality development of the energy industry. Future competition in the energy sector will not only revolve around resources but also technology, algorithms and innovation.

“This collaboration will accelerate the implementation of our digitalisation strategy, providing a replicable transformation pathway for the energy industry and setting a new benchmark for high-quality development.”

ULearning collaborates with Beyondsoft to co-develop professional training platforms across Asean. “Singapore is a global education hub,” said ULearning general manager Christina Ng, who added that they “see this partnership as a way to build model success cases here and expand them across Asean”.

Baison Software works with Beyondsoft to support Chinese retail brands expanding into South-east Asia. “Beyondsoft is not just a tech provider but a strategic partner,” said Baison Software Chairman and chief executive officer Huang Fei, who added that the two partners are developing solutions to help retail brands achieve digital transformation in Singapore and Asean.

Meanwhile, Pull-Tab Coffee, a fast-growing food and beverage brand that Beyondsoft has strategic ties with, leverages the group’s data analytics to better understand customer demographics and improve product development. “Big data helps us understand what our customers want – from packaging colour to sweetness levels,” said Pull-Tab Coffee founder Sui Hongjiang.

Looking ahead, Beyondsoft plans to replicate the innovation lab model in other strategic markets, including Japan and the US. That strategy lies in Wang’s conviction that AI is not just a technology but a new way of doing business.

“AI signals a shift from centralised workflows to decentralised ecosystems,” he said. “You do what you’re good at and find partners whose services you can leverage. You no longer need to build everything yourself.”

CONTACT: Business Time: kngchar@sph.com.sg, Charlotte