TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4596) today announced that its groundbreaking myopia management device, Kubota Glass, will make its international debut at ASEAN International Optics Fair Bangkok 2025, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 9-11, 2025.

Addressing Asia’s Myopia Crisis

With half of the world’s population projected to become myopic by 2050, childhood myopia progression has emerged as a critical public health challenge, particularly across Asia where prevalence rates are among the highest globally. Current treatment options remain limited, creating an urgent need for innovative, effective solutions.

Breakthrough AR × Optical Technology

Kubota Glass represents a paradigm shift in myopia management through its proprietary AR × optical technology, which projects actively stimulated defocus onto the retina to suppress myopia progression. The device is engineered for maximum convenience and compliance, requiring only two hours of daily wear while maintaining rigorous safety standards in full compliance with ISO regulations.

“This technology has the potential to transform how we approach myopia management globally,” said Dr. Ryo Kubota, President and CEO of Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings. “Our pilot studies have demonstrated remarkable outcome, and we’re excited to bring this innovation to the Asian market where the need is most acute.”

Innovative Design Features

Kubota Glass incorporates several breakthrough features that set it apart in the myopia management landscape:

• Ultra-lightweight design at just 40g for comfortable daily use
• Smart monitoring capabilities to track usage and treatment compliance
• Non-invasive approach offering an alternative to daily eye drops
• ISO 15004-2 certified safety standards for ophthalmic instruments
• Convenient 2-hour daily wear fitting busy family schedules

Small-scale pilot studies in the United States and Taiwan have shown encouraging preliminary results, including a high responder rate of up to 92%, with ongoing research continuing to evaluate the device’s long-term efficacy and safety profile.

Strategic Asian Market Entry

The Bangkok exhibition will provide ophthalmologists, optical retailers, and optometrists from across ASEAN—including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia—with exclusive hands-on experience with Kubota Glass technology.

Early adoption of Kubota Glass represents not only a solution to meet growing patient needs, but also a significant competitive advantage for eye care professionals in rapidly growing optical and ophthalmic markets.

The company is committed to accelerating its expansion throughout Asia through strategic partnerships and comprehensive practitioner support.

About Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings

Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Kubota Vision Inc., are dedicated to translating innovation into a comprehensive portfolio of pharmaceutical and medical device solutions that preserve and restore vision for millions worldwide. Under the mission of “Innovation for Vision,” the company focuses on developing next-generation ophthalmic technologies, including advanced myopia management solutions, contributing to improved quality of life globally.

For more information about Kubota Glass and the company’s vision care portfolio, visit www.kubotaholdings.co.jp/en/index.html

Asia’s leading accounting, finance, and business technology event will bring together 4,000+ professionals, 130+ solution providers, and 100+ speakers.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 will take place on October 22-23, 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, bringing together more than 4,000 accountants, finance leaders, and business decision-makers from across Asia.

Now in its 8th edition, the show has become the region’s most influential platform for technology adoption and business strategy. The 2025 program will feature:

• 130+ solution providers showcasing innovations in accounting, finance, HR, payroll, payments, digital banking, e-commerce, and cross-border growth.
• 180+ expert speakers, including Violet Lim, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Lunch Actually Group, Lip Kiam Tan, Partner, Assurance & Advisory, Moore Singapore, Monica Divik Agarwal, Group Head of People & Talent, MoneyHero Group, Carmen Wee, Board Member, Workforce Singapore, Mason Tay, Director of Global Markets Growth, TripAdvisor and Shivajini Seelan, Managing Partner, JS Partners
• New ‘People’ and ‘Customer & Commerce’ stages for SME leaders, with sessions on employee engagement and retention, cross-border expansion, sales enablement, and sustainable success.
• The Start-up Pavilion, highlighting the next generation of accounting, fintech, and business technology innovators.

“Asia’s businesses face rising costs, digital disruption, and increasing global competition. The Accounting & Business Show Asia provides the solutions and strategies leaders need to stay ahead,” said Laura Binns, General Manager at Terrapinn.

The event is free to attend, with registration now open. Attendees will gain access to all sessions, earn CPD credits, and network with peers shaping the future of business in Asia.

Event Details
October 22-23, 2025
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
Register Free: https://www.terrapinn.com/ABShowAsia2025event 

PR Newswire is the official news distribution partner of Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025.

About Terrapinn

Terrapinn is a global events company that brings together decision-makers, innovators, and leaders across industries to share ideas, forge partnerships, and drive growth. With a track record of delivering world-class exhibitions and conferences, Terrapinn empowers professionals to connect and discover the future of their industries.

Media Contact:
Jessica Foong
Terrapinn Holdings Ltd.
Email: jessica.foong@terrapinn.com 

SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Official KPOP LLC (“K-Diamonds”), a Delaware limited liability company, today announced a landmark agreement with KPOP DAO LLC ($KPOP), a Wyoming-registered decentralized autonomous organization, to create the world’s first immersive web3 fandom ecosystem dedicated to K-pop and Korean culture.

The new ecosystem will introduce web3-native fan missions, token-gated experiences for $KPOP token holders, and immersive cultural events that reward active participation with exclusive access, recognition, and digital collectibles—all designed to elevate fan voices and unite millions of fans worldwide. By blending blockchain innovation with fan engagement, K-Diamonds will transform the way global communities celebrate K-culture, ushering in a new era of participatory fandom.

“K-Diamonds is about aligning passion with purpose—empowering fans to participate, contribute, and be recognized,” said TJ Marbois, Co-founder and CEO of K-Diamonds. “Together, we’re not just reimagining fandom engagement; we’re shaping a cultural movement.”

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to redefine the relationship between fans, artists, and culture itself, transforming fandom into a more interactive, rewarding, and community-governed experience. Fans will gain a direct voice in shaping campaigns, co-creating experiences, and celebrating cultural narratives they cherish—powered by decentralized decision-making and transparent governance.

Why Now: Global demand for K-culture is exploding, with K-pop driving billions of streams, sold-out world tours, and unmatched fan engagement across social platforms. At the same time, Web3 adoption is reshaping how communities connect, collaborate, and create value. By combining these forces, K-Diamonds and KPOP DAO are seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine fandom—transforming passive audiences into active participants and recognized contributors in the cultural economy.

“In the coming weeks, we will finalize the scope of this collaboration, invite additional strategic partners, and advance our discussions with leading web3 tech companies, global K-artists, K-influencers, and cultural innovators. Together, these partnerships will accelerate our ability to bring this vision to life,” stated Justin Lee, Co-founder & Chief Strategist.

About Official KPOP LLC (“K-Diamonds”) Official KPOP LLC, branded as K-Diamonds, is a Delaware-based company dedicated to building an immersive Web3 utility ecosystem that empowers K-pop fans worldwide through token-enabled experiences, participatory campaigns, and cultural engagement.

About KPOP DAO LLC ($KPOP) KPOP DAO LLC is a Wyoming-registered decentralized autonomous organization structured to govern, fund, and advance community-driven initiatives across the global K-pop and Korean culture ecosystem.

Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the development of the K-Diamonds and KPOP DAO ecosystem. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including market conditions, regulatory developments, technological challenges, and the ability to form strategic partnerships. Neither KPOP DAO LLC nor Official KPOP LLC undertakes any obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Press Contact:
Official KPOP LLC (“K-Diamonds”)
Email: media@kdiamonds.io

KPOP DAO ($KPOP)
Email: team@officialkpop.com

BANGKOK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “Smart Salt,” an innovative low-sodium salt developed by Paul Patsapong Chomchey, a Ph.D. candidate at Chulalongkorn University and Executive MBA alumnus, has won a Gold Medal and Special Award at the 2025 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival. Using Nano Chitosan technology, Smart Salt cuts sodium by more than half while preserving full flavor, offering a breakthrough solution to the global health challenge of excessive salt consumption. 

Paul Patsapong Chomchey, a graduate of Chulalongkorn University’s Executive MBA Program, Class 37, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, has won both a Gold Medal and a Special Award at the 2025 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) for his innovation “Smart Salt. “The event was held from August 8–10 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in California. 

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation Management for Entrepreneurs (CUTIP program) at Chulalongkorn University, Paul’s invention was selected by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) as one of the country’s standout innovations for global competition. 

A Prestigious Global Stage 

The SVIIF 2025, certified by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), featured over 300 innovations from 75 countries, including Thailand, the United States, Germany, China, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Greece, and New Zealand. The event is an international platform that brings together top inventors and innovators worldwide to showcase inventions, research, and innovations, exchange knowledge; build networks; foster creative ideas; and commercialize new developments. 

Paul noted that SVIIF is not just a showcase but a rigorous competition where participants present their work before panels of experts in science, medicine, business, and technology, as well as investors and the public. Judging focuses on novelty, real-world application, social and health benefits, and commercial potential. 

What is “Smart Salt”? 

“Smart Salt” was developed to tackle the global problem of excessive sodium intake. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily sodium limit of 2,000 mg, most people consume 5,000–6,000 mg—nearly triple the guideline. This imbalance is linked to more than 2.5 million deaths annually from sodium-related diseases. 

Existing alternatives, such as potassium chloride, often compromise taste or raise health concerns. Paul’s solution, “Smart Salt,” uses Nano Chitosan—extracted from shrimp, shellfish, and crab shells—combined in small amounts with sodium chloride. This formulation reduces sodium content by 50–60% while maintaining a salty taste. Nano Chitosan activates the tongue’s salt receptors, sending signals to the brain similar to traditional salt, effectively “tricking” the body into perceiving the same flavor. 

Tested and Proven 

Over six months of lab research and collaboration with restaurants showed that Smart Salt could seamlessly replace regular salt in dishes and broths—such as Japanese-style shabu soup—without compromising flavor. This breakthrough makes it particularly valuable for patients and older adults who must limit sodium but still wish to enjoy their meals. 

Breaking the “Less Salt, Less Flavor” Mindset 

A key challenge, Paul explained, was consumer perception. Many believe cutting salt automatically means cutting taste, since salt enhances the umami flavor that gives food savory richness. Smart Salt addresses this challenge by delivering full flavor with less sodium—a combination that could have broad applications in restaurants, hospitals, and the global food industry. 

Currently, Smart Salt is being developed into a ready-to-drink shabu broth and a crystal (solid) version expected to launch within a year. The innovation is also undergoing patent registration. 

A Global Health Impact  

“Being selected by the NRCT to represent Thailand at such a prestigious international event was a great honor,” said Paul. 

“Smart Salt stood out among many health-focused innovations at SVIIF 2025 and won both the Gold Medal and Special Award because it addresses a global health crisis—excessive sodium consumption. This innovation is a proud example of how Thai ingenuity can make a positive global impact in medicine, nutrition, and the food industry.” 

Paul Patsapong credited both his Ph.D. program (CUTIP) and his Chula Executive MBA education for giving him the tools to move his innovation forward, particularly in business modeling, strategy, and venture capital. 

Acknowledgments and Advice to Innovators 

Paul expressed his gratitude to his advisors and supporters:

• Professor Dr. Sanong Ekgasit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (Project Advisor) 
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanis Saengchote and the faculty of the Executive MBA program, for their support and guidance. 
• Chef Danial Dusit Proprasit, owner of the Seoul in One restaurant, and chefs from Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, who assisted in product testing. 

Finally, Paul offered words of encouragement to aspiring innovators: “You don’t need to start with something big. Begin with something small, close to you, and that you care about. Innovation can come from combining new ideas with technology to improve lives. Take action, study, and think about the impact your idea can have. A small beginning can lead to global opportunities. Thailand needs fresh, creative energy to bring our innovations to the world.” 

Read the full article at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/261904/

About Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/

Serving on Colombia’s central bank advisory committee, EBANX has partnered with MOVii to enable Bre-B payments for global businesses in Latin America’s third-largest digital market

BOGOTA, Colombia and CURITIBA, Brazil, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following Brazil’s Pix blueprint, Colombia has launched its own instant payment ecosystem called Bre-B with the same core features: interoperability, 24/7 availability, and immediate settlement. As of today (October 6, local time in Colombia), Bre-B begins full-scale operations nationwide, following a pilot phase that began on September 23. Through EBANX, a global technology company specializing in cross-border payment services for emerging markets, global merchants can offer Bre-B to Colombian customers from day one. To facilitate this access, the fintech has partnered with MOVii, Latin America’s first Banktech, which provides a complete issuing and acquiring payment infrastructure for individuals and businesses. 

More than 30 million people have already registered to use Bre-B, according to Colombia’s central bank, representing 76% of the country’s adult population. At the same time, only 18% have access to credit cards, according to the latest report from the institution. World Bank data shows that Colombia has one of the lowest credit card penetration rates in Latin America. This figure has remained stable since 2022, while the share of Colombians making electronic transfers continues to grow, highlighting a shift in preference toward alternative payment methods for online shopping.

“Bre-B is a game-changer for Colombia’s digital economy, just like Pix was for Brazil. That is why bringing it to our platform from day one was so important to us. We want Colombian consumers and businesses to be part of this transformation right from the start,” said Eduardo de Abreu, VP of Product at EBANX. “Colombians can shop with global brands using the same instant, secure payment method they use locally. It is about bringing world-class e-commerce right at their fingertips without any barriers,” added Katherine Roa, CCO at MOVii.

Colombia’s digital economy has been growing at double-digit rates since 2019 and is set to surpass USD 52 billion in 2025, ranking third in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico, according to Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) data sourced by EBANX. As Pix has done in Brazil, Bre-B’s instant payment features are poised to fuel this momentum by streamlining transactions for both consumers and businesses, potentially driving the digital market to USD 73 billion by 2028.

Breaking down Bre-B: similarities and differences to Pix

EBANX was one of only two fintechs invited by the central bank of Colombia to sit on the Interdisciplinary Committee for Interoperable Payments that advised local authorities on building Bre-B. This collaboration led to features inspired by nearly five years of lessons from Brazil’s Pix rollout, such as QR code payments, user identification through keys (like ID, phone number, and email), mandatory interoperability for instant transfers, and time-based transaction limits to prevent fraud.

“We process more real-time payments in Brazil than almost anyone else and handle transactions for 20% of all Pix users. Being able to share that experience and know-how with Colombian regulators and help them sidestep some of the bumps we hit early on with Pix was really rewarding,” Eduardo de Abreu emphasized.

But Bre-B is not a copy of Pix. While Brazil built a single rail between financial institutions to make its payment system interoperable, Colombia developed a new ecosystem on top of existing infrastructure. Bre-B bridges established account transfer services that could not connect before, like Transfiya and EntreCuentas, with new solutions like Credibanco and Visionamos. It was also designed to welcome new integrations down the road.

Single connection

Through its partnership with MOVii, EBANX enables global companies to integrate with Bre-B through a single connection. This is made possible by the MOVii Smart Router, a solution that provides access to all of Bre-B’s nodes and intelligently routes transactions based on usage models and fees. This technology selects the most efficient path to optimize operations, making MOVii the first “sponsor bank” to connect to all of Bre-B’s nodes.

“The central bank’s biggest challenge was ensuring standardized and universal operation across different systems. They solved it by providing and managing two core technological components: a centralized directory (DICE) that maps all users and an Operational Settlement Mechanism (MOL) that moves funds instantly between financial entities’ accounts at the central bank, eliminating interbank credit risk and delays,” Abreu explained.

Another important difference between Bre-B and Pix is what is available right out of the gate. For now, the Colombian ecosystem only handles person-to-person transfers (P2P) and consumer-to-merchant payments (P2M). Future plans include bringing government entities into the mix, which would allow people to pay taxes and for public services (P2G), plus enable government subsidy disbursements (G2P). Features like recurring payments for subscription-based services and bulk transfers for payroll and high-volume payouts are also in the pipeline.

Financial inclusion: how Bre-B will digitize Colombia’s economy

Beyond driving interoperability, efficiency, and security, Bre-B will be a key element in accelerating Colombia’s financial inclusion as it is connected to Cajas de Compensación Familiar (Family Compensation Funds, in English), institutions that provide social benefits, subsidies, and services to 42% of Colombia’s population.

“Many of these people had to withdraw cash from ATMs to buy things because they were traditionally excluded from the financial system. Now they have a digital payment option that lets them shop online, pay for services, and tap into the digital economy in ways that were not possible before,” stated Hernando Rubio, MOVii CEO.

Bre-B had already issued over 80 million payment keys, averaging nearly three per customer. “This shows the country’s appetite for a modern, inclusive payment solution. People are ready for change and hungry for better financial tools,” said Eduardo de Abreu.

ABOUT EBANX

EBANX is the leading payments platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, EBANX enables global companies to offer hundreds of local payment methods across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end-users alike.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

ABOUT MOVii

MOVii is a Banktech that provides a complete issuing and acquiring payment infrastructure for Latin America. The company provides a portfolio of over 20 solutions—including acquiring, pay-in/pay-out, card issuing, digital wallets, cross-border payments, and BIN sponsorship—all supported by its proprietary regulatory licenses and robust cloud-based technology. MOVii drives a new generation of payment infrastructure to enable open and inclusive banking. Its mission is to empower any individual or business to digitally pay and get paid through a single API connection, regardless of social or economic status.

Website: https://www.empresas.movii.com.co/
LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com/company/movii

Media Contact:
Shan Huang
shan.huang@ahgstrategies.com 

SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fortune today unveils Most Powerful Women in Asia 2025, honoring 100 leading women who are transforming business across Asia’s major financial, consumer, and technology centers, among others. Their innovative strategies and leadership are driving market growth, scaling new platforms, and shaping Asia’s business landscape.

2025 Fortune MPW Asia October/November Cover

The 3rd edition of the Fortune Most Powerful Women Asia includes business leaders based in 14 markets: mainland China (20), Singapore (15), Hong Kong SAR (13), India (8), Thailand (8) Japan (7), Australia (6), South Korea (5), Philippines (5), Vietnam (4), Malaysia (4), Taiwan (2), Indonesia (2), and Macau SAR (1).

The Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Business in Asia 2025:

1. Tan Su Shan, CEO, DBS Group
2. Grace Wang, Cofounder, Chairwoman and CEO, Luxshare Precision Industry
3. Meng Wanzhou, Deputy Chairwoman, Rotating Chairwoman, CFO, Huawei
4. Bonnie Y Chan, CEO, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing
5. Kathy Yang Chiu-chin, Rotating CEO, Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn)
6. Malina Ngai, Group CEO, AS Watson
7. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech
8. Choi Soo-yeon, President and CEO Naver
9. Makiko Ono, President and CEO, Suntory Beverage and Food
10. Mitsuko Tottori, President and CEO, JAL Group

In compiling the list, Fortune evaluated company scale and health, career momentum, influence, innovation, and efforts to drive social impact.

Additionally, Fortune has spotlighted 12 Asian icons – influential women who have excelled in arts and culture, sports, and public leadership. Among them are the stars of BLACKPINK – Lisa, Jennie, Rose and Jisoo, Oscar-winning Malaysian screen legend Michelle Yeoh, Filipina tennis trailblazer Alex Eala, and Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo.

To celebrate the MPW Asia 2025 honorees, Fortune is hosting an award ceremony and leaders’ breakfast at the Fortune Innovation Forum in Malaysia on November 17-18.

The Most Powerful Women Asia 2025 list and stories are available on Fortune.com/asia and on newsstands across Asia starting today, October 7.

About Fortune
Fortune is a global multi‑platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award‑winning reporting for those who want to make business better. Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks and holds companies accountable around the world. Its iconic franchises include the Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Fortune Southeast Asia 500; Most Powerful Women, and World’s Most Admired Companies; Fortune convenes leaders at world‑class events including the Fortune Global Forum and Brainstorm Tech.

Media contact
ashleigh.nghiem@fortune.com

SYDNEY, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global management consultancy firm Argon & Co is predicting traditional software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models could be obsolete by as early as 2028, in a new white paper exploring the future of enterprise and Industry 5.0.

The white paper, “IRIS. Enlightened AI with real ROI”, predicts that Australian enterprises will rapidly abandon traditional SaaS models as AI application agility, customisation capabilities, and economic pressures force a fundamental reinvention of the entire software category.

According to the paper, Argon & Co’s predictions suggest the following trajectory:

• Right now AI engagement options (the “experience layer”) are evolving rapidly as users can increasingly tailor how they receive AI insights, for instance receiving a company’s financial reports in the form of an audio explanation, as a series of interactive charts, or even explained via dynamic chatbot.
• In the next 6 months, we’ll see a proliferation of new AI applications working together far more seamlessly through an emerging category called “AI Platforms”. These platforms could be “cloud-based” (hosted on cloud infrastructure like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), “on-premise” (deployed within an organisation’s own infrastructure) or “AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS)” (AI services connected via APIs and pre-built components).
• In 12 months, businesses will start to notice that consumers are capturing more benefits from AI than they are, leading companies to explore how to better connect personal use of AI with their own operations.
• In 18 months, the lines between human and machine interaction will have blurred to the point where we reach Industry 5.0, where humans and AI work side-by-side in more natural, integrated ways.
• In 24 months, intellectual “superpowers”, such as Artificial General and Super Intelligence, could begin tackling major global challenges in health, the economy, and society, giving us tools we’ve never had before.
• In 36 months, software-as-a-service revenues will be so sharply damaged by new AI innovation that the entire industry will need to completely reinvent itself, or become obsolete.

The paper also explores the multiple competing AI forces creating market confusion right now , and resulting in a form of “industry paralysis”, in which many enterprises are currently stuck at AI proof of concept or strategy setting, instead of implementation.

As an antidote to the current paralysis, Argon & Co has launched AI and data for operations consultancy “IRIS” in APAC, with the paper’s author Aiden Heke appointed as Managing Director.

IRIS delivers the functionality promises of SaaS platforms but with the exponential potential of AI, at a fraction of the cost, without the punitive licensing regimes of legacy providers, and currently with a targeted 10x return on investment (ROI) for clients.

It can strategically inform a company’s AI strategy, implement multiple AI and automation solutions already in production with clients, and manage this new category of AI software through a proprietary AI enterprise platform.

Among IRIS’ case studies, one major real estate developer reduced HR effort by 70% through AI assistants, while a global drinks brand cut ERP processing effort by 70% and accelerated content creation 5x with GenAI tools.

These examples demonstrate how what would once have taken months and millions to deliver can now be achieved in weeks at a fraction of the cost, enabling enterprises to remain on schedule and realise project benefits far beyond expectations.

As the entire world races to adapt to the new AI-based reality, decision-making around enterprise software in particular will become increasingly critical, according to Argon & Co.

Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co said: “We’re witnessing the beginning of the end for traditional SaaS, to the point where committing to a multi-year SaaS platform rollout could potentially be career-ending for an executive. We’ve given SaaS until 2028 before it’s phased out, but that may actually be generous given the speed at which companies are racing to capture the AI opportunity.

“Traditional SaaS models based on punitive licensing regimes and vendor lock-in will simply not be able to compete against unlimited customisation, true data ownership, and ROI that makes traditional software investments look like highway robbery.

“And by turning a 6-month, million-dollar project deliverable into a 9-week sprint at a fraction of the cost, we are already showing that AI transformation isn’t the future, this is happening right now. The smart money is already moving away from traditional software licensing, and Australian enterprises that don’t wake up to this reality will be left behind. So the question isn’t whether SaaS will die. The question is whether you’re willing to cling to that sinking ship and go down with it – or reinvent yourself and sail.”

Aiden Heke, Managing Director of IRIS, said: “Throughout my career, I’ve watched brilliant executives become paralysed by choice when it comes to decision-making around data management and enterprise software. But never before have I seen such paralysis and stranded pilot programs as we are seeing now when it comes to the complexity of AI options.

“Australian productivity also continues to lag other developing countries, and this is a millstone around our collective economic necks. Invention is not our issue – the technology is here. What we need is to urgently yet securely plot our way to new levels of productivity through the adoption of technologies like AI.

“In my new role, I look forward to helping these executives cut through the noise and find solutions that deliver true transformational change. We are living in very exciting times because AI can actually deliver immediate business value without the traditional risks of technology adoption. So I hope to turn AI skeptics into AI success stories, creating a competitive edge for clients in a global market where AI adoption will separate the leaders from the laggards.”

Argon & Co (Argon&Co) is a global management consultancy that specialises in operations strategy and transformation. Its expertise spans supply chain planning, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, finance, and shared services, working together with clients to transform their businesses and generate real change.

Its people are engaging to work with and trusted by clients to get the job done.

Argon & Co has 17 offices across Europe, Australasia, America, Asia and the Middle East.