New initiatives will reach more than 4,000 youths in Singapore, introduce semiconductor concepts from age 10, and connect emerging talent across Asia

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s semiconductor sector is widening its talent pipeline, with new initiatives reaching students from primary-school age through to university, while giving youths more opportunities to experience the industry first-hand and build connections across the region.

The global semiconductor industry will need more than one million additional skilled workers by 2030, according to Deloitte, intensifying competition for engineers and technical talent. The scale of the challenge means the industry needs to widen the pipeline earlier and strengthen connections between technical education and industry.

Announced by the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), the initiatives include a primary-school engagement pilot, a three-year partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC), a semiconductor future makers camp and SSIA’s first regional student talent exchange.

“Building talent does not start at hiring. Semiconductors are behind almost everything we use, yet much of the industry remains unseen by young people,” said Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director of SSIA.

“It is not about asking children to choose a career early. It is about widening what they can imagine for their future and giving them the exposure and connections to see where they could contribute.”

MORE FIRST-HAND EXPOSURE TO SEMICONDUCTOR CAREERS

Under a three-year partnership between SSIA and NYC, the semiconductor industry will support up to 1,000 Job Taster opportunities and 300 industry mentors, alongside broader industry engagement expected to reach more than 4,000 youths.

Part of the SG Youth Plan, the partnership will provide opportunities including micro-work experiences, job shadowing, company learning journeys, project challenges and short-term work attachments, alongside mentoring by semiconductor professionals.

“As we expand Job Taster and mentoring opportunities under the SG Youth Plan, our partnership with SSIA will give youths first-hand exposure to the semiconductor industry and connect them with professionals who can help them better understand the pathways and possibilities ahead,” said David Chua, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council.

MAKING SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY VISIBLE EARLIER

At the primary-school level, SSIA will introduce a two-year pilot for students aged 10 and above using LEGO® Education’s Computer Science & AI solution, coupled with semiconductor context provided by SSIA and industry.

The pilot aims to reach more than 600 students. Using physical models, programmable motors and colour sensors, students will explore coding, computational thinking and age-appropriate AI concepts while learning how chips enable sensors, smart devices, robots and AI applications.

SSIA and ams OSRAM are also developing a Semiconductor Future Makers Camp for children and youths aged seven to 16, planned for 2027. As Founding Industry Partner, ams OSRAM will contribute engineers, mentors and hands-on experiences around light, sensing and semiconductor technologies.

CONNECTING EMERGING TALENT ACROSS ASIA

SSIA also launches its first Regional Student Talent Exchange, bringing together more than 50 students and educators from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Participants span disciplines including IC design, VLSI and embedded systems, electronics engineering and manufacturing, wearable electronics and computer science. The exchange will connect them with peers, industry leaders and Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem before they enter the workforce.

 “By bringing students from different markets and technical disciplines together early, we want them to build the relationships and regional perspective they will need in an industry where innovation, manufacturing and supply chains cross borders,” said Wee Seng.

“Semiconductors are a regional and global industry, and the talent driving this sector must have the same international outlook. Early opportunities for students to engage with industry and peers across borders can help build the networks, knowledge and perspectives that will shape their future careers,” said H.E. Trần Phước Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Singapore.

“NIELIT greatly values its collaboration with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), which provides a meaningful platform for strengthening India–Singapore cooperation in the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The participation of students and faculty from NIELIT Deemed to be University campuses in the SSIA Regional Exchange and Summit 2026 is an important step towards providing our young talent with international exposure, industry insights and opportunities for knowledge exchange.

“Through this collaboration, NIELIT and SSIA are creating valuable avenues for academic–industry engagement, capacity building and development of globally relevant semiconductor talent. We look forward to further deepening this partnership and building stronger bridges between the semiconductor ecosystems of India and Singapore,” said Prof. M. M. Tripathi, Director General, NIELIT.

MILAN, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Donghai County brought its crystal and handcrafted press-on nail industries to Milan on September 23 for a gathering of designers, businesses and cultural representatives. The event, held under the theme “Crystal Shines Across the World, Commerce Connects the Future,” coincides with the 10th anniversary of Donghai’s designation as a “World Capital of Crystal” by UNESCO. It offers the county’s makers an opportunity to build relationships within the international fashion community and reach new markets.

Crystal has long been part of Donghai’s identity; handcrafted press-on nails have become another distinctive local craft. Crystal trade exceeded 60.6 billion yuan in 2025. The county also produced more than 300 million pairs of press-on nails—over 70% of China’s total—with annual sales of 15 billion yuan. Its products reached more than 30 countries and regions.

About 60 guests gathered for the opening, among them Geng Xiewi, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in Milan; Marco Griguolo, Metropolitan City of Milan Councillor for Infrastructure; Guo Mingzhou, Deputy Head of Donghai County; Stefano Di Marino, a China-Italy friendship ambassador; and representatives from the Italy–China Economic & Business Development Association (ASEIIC), the China Chamber of Commerce in Italy, fashion businesses, buyers, design schools and the media.

At the event, Jiangsu Donghai Crystal Industry Development Group Co., Ltd. introduced an initiative to bring international designers and other creative professionals together with Donghai’s crystal and press-on nail makers. New crystal and press-on nail products created in collaboration with Italian designers were unveiled, bringing Chinese and Italian design influences together in pieces visitors could see firsthand.

Visitors could also explore an open exhibition of crystal pieces and press-on nails from Jiangsu Jingcheng Shangjia Press-On Nails Co., Ltd., Donghai Jingyun Fuli Culture Co., Ltd., Donghai Ji Ming Yang Culture Development Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Jingyiyi Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd., and Lianyungang Yuenuo Beauty Co., Ltd.

With its crystal heritage and flourishing handcrafted press-on nail industry, Donghai brought two expressions of local creativity to Milan—and opened the door to new collaborations with the international fashion community.

Capture The Spark with intuitive shooting, full-frame quality and creator-friendly features

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nikon Asia announced the Nikon Z5IIC, a full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera featuring Nikon’s Z mount and designed to make high-quality photography and video more accessible through intuitive, automatic shooting modes.

The Z5IIC delivers the same level of performance as the Z5II (released in April 2025), which offers advanced shooting functions that support a wide variety of shooting scenes and situations, yet makes it easy for even first-time camera users to express themselves through images. The mode dial offers scene modes, a first for a Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera, that automatically optimises colour, brightness, and other imaging settings according to the scene selected. It also features a dedicated button that gives users instant access to Imaging Recipes^[1] created by Nikon and leading creators, to easily capture impressive photos and video without concern for shooting settings.

The top of the camera features a smooth, streamlined design that slips easily in and out of a bag, helping users capture everyday moments without missing a shot. An ergonomically designed grip that fits comfortably in the hand, together with powerful image stabilisation, minimises the camera shake that results in blurring, while AI-powered autofocus (AF) makes it easy to capture crisp, clear photos and video.

In addition, the Z5IIC supports video recording in 4K UHD at up to 60 fps^[2] and Full HD at up to 120 fps, providing greater flexibility for editing. The camera can also be used for live streaming simply by connecting it to PC via USB cable, and offers a range of video features, including a REC lamp that clearly shows when recording is in progress, and support for Nikon’s proprietary N-Log, making it ideal for video creation.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

Z5IIC: Key features

1. User-friendly shooting with 15 scene modes for first-time mirrorless camera users

The Z5IIC is Nikon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera to feature scene modes on the mode dial. The settings allow even first-time camera users to immediately enjoy taking pictures and recording videos. The camera supports 15 different scenes, from everyday subjects such as portraits, pets, and food to more challenging scenes such as night landscapes and twilight. By simply selecting the desired scene, the camera automatically adjusts more than six settings, including white balance and Picture Control. In addition, Imaging Recipes, image presets created by Nikon and leading creators, can be registered on the camera and quickly recalled using the dedicated button. This streamlines operation while shooting and allows users to easily capture photos and video that express the mood and feel they want, without post-processing.

2. AI-powered autofocus and vibration reduction for easier handheld shooting

The Nikon Z5IIC is designed to support users who prefer a more hands-off approach to photography. Nikon’s proprietary AI-powered autofocus uses deep-learning technology to detect 10 subject types. In AUTO mode, the camera can also analyse and recognise subjects and scenes, automatically optimising settings including aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and autofocus.

For low-light shooting, focus acquisition is possible down to -10 EV, helping users focus in challenging environments such as concerts, dinner events and night street scenes.

For handheld shooting, the Z5IIC features 5-axis in-body Vibration Reduction (VR), providing up to 7.5 stops^[3] of compensation effect. This helps reduce the effects of camera shake when capturing stills and video, including while users are on the move.

3. Portable design for travel and everyday photography

The Z5IIC features a smooth, streamlined design that slips easily in and out of a bag, making it ideal for everyday photography. The stable grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, helping users respond quickly when a photo opportunity appears.

The large 3.2-inch vari-angle monitor enables shooting from a variety of positions, from low angles to selfies. Just as on a smartphone, familiar touch controls such as double-tap, pinch in/out, and swipe can be used intuitively for playback as well as for focusing and shutter releases. A design with careful attention to dust- and drip-resistance, combined with a body that uses magnesium alloy in key areas for added rigidity, enables worry-free shooting outdoors.

The Z5IIC is also available in two colours, black and silver, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.

4. High-quality full-frame imaging with EXPEED 7

The Z5IIC is equipped with a backside-illumination CMOS sensor and the same EXPEED 7 image-processing engine found in Nikon’s flagship model. When used with NIKKOR Z lenses, it delivers photos and video of a quality far superior to that possible with a smartphone. The camera beautifully reproduces everything from the subtle gradations of a sunset sky and natural bokeh to dark scenes such as night landscapes, while minimising noise and blur. What’s more, the Z5IIC features the Film Grain function^[4] introduced with the Nikon Zf (released in October 2023), making it easy to capture photos and video with a nostalgic film look.

5. Flexible video features for creators, vloggers and live streaming

The Nikon Z5IIC supports video recording at up to 4K UHD 60 fps and Full HD 120 fps, as well as slow-motion recording at 4× and 5× normal speed^[5], giving users greater flexibility for creating short-form video content. A REC lamp and red frame indicator on the monitor display also make it easy to confirm when recording is in progress.

For content creators, Product Review Mode smoothly shifts focus to an item brought close to the camera, making it easier to record product reviews and demonstrations. The Z5IIC also supports UVC/UAC for webcam use via a direct USB connection to a PC.

For users looking to explore more advanced video production, the camera supports H.265 10-bit (MOV) and N-Log^[6] recording, making it suitable for a range of uses from vlogging and short-form content creation to live streaming.

6. Additional features

• In a first for Nikon, [Fish]^[7] has been added to the subject-detection options.
• High-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 14 fps enables users to capture decisive moments of fast-moving subjects.
• The Pre-Release Capture function can be set to record up to one second before the shutter is released in High-Speed Frame Capture +^[8] mode, which enables continuous shooting at up to 30 fps.
• A camera-simulation function that helps users learn about shooting settings through hands-on experience and learning content that provides photography tips categorised by theme have been added to SnapBridge^[9], which enables the automatic transfer of images to a smartphone.
• Support for Nikon Imaging Cloud enables smooth post-shooting data management.
• Recording of N-RAW^[10] video to an SD memory card is also supported.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From September 23 to 24, Reconova (07656.HK) made its debut at PTE Asia 2026, the inaugural Asian edition of Passenger Terminal Expo, in Singapore. The company showcased a range of embodied AI products and solutions, including its baggage transfer robot and intelligent passenger processing solutions, demonstrating how embodied intelligence can enhance airport operations and productivity. The exhibits attracted strong interest from airport operators, industry experts, and aviation stakeholders from across Asia.

According to ACI data, airports across Asia and the Middle East are entering an unprecedented cycle of infrastructure investment, with approximately US$240 billion expected to be invested over the next decade in new airports, terminal expansion, and modernization. At the same time, demand for technologies such as AI and automation continues to grow.

Reconova has been deeply engaged in smart aviation for nearly a decade, with its solutions now deployed at more than one-third of China’s civil airports. Building on years of technological development and large-scale project delivery experience, the company is systematically adapting its products and solutions to meet the evolving digitalization and automation needs of airports across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

As a provider of productivity-focused commercial robotics, Reconova has developed a full-stack embodied intelligence technology architecture spanning visual perception, cognition, reasoning, and execution. Its technology stack is built on capabilities including vision foundation models, with visual agents serving as a core capability and embodied robots as a strategic extension.

The AntOne baggage transfer robot and related solutions showcased at PTE Asia 2026 demonstrate how this technology strategy is being applied to real-world airport operations.

Reconova’s participation in PTE Asia 2026 marks another important step in its international expansion. Through an asset-light, deep-collaboration model, the company aims to bring its technologies and technical standards to global markets. Its international strategy initially focuses on leading airports in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, establishing reference projects before expanding to other major airports across these regions and further into Europe and the broader Asia-Pacific market.

Reconova’s intelligent passenger processing solution is currently undergoing a proof of concept (PoC) at Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan, while the AntOne baggage transfer robot is being introduced to markets including Europe and Japan.

TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often called a “silent disease” because its early stages may cause few noticeable symptoms. Taiwan has one of the world’s highest burdens of end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. Approximately 1.5 million Taiwanese adults are estimated to have Stage 3–5 CKD, yet fewer than 10% of patients are aware of their condition. These challenges highlight the need for reliable tools that support earlier risk identification and precision disease management.

Leadgene Biomedical, a Taiwanese developer of antibodies and diagnostic technologies, was invited to the 9th Japanese Society of Uremic Toxin (JSUT) Symposium in Tokyo this May. During the event, Dr. Fang Teh-Chao, Professor of Nephrology at Taipei Medical University, presented “Precision Management of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins in Chronic Kidney Disease: The Role of Indoxyl Sulfate Monitoring.”

Dr. Fang explained that conventional renal assessments, including serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), may not show significant changes until considerable kidney damage has occurred. Increasing research on the gut–kidney axis indicates that gut microbiota imbalance can contribute to the production of protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs). Among these, indoxyl sulfate (IS) is recognized as an important biomarker associated with renal decline and systemic inflammation.

Because IS binds strongly to blood proteins, it is difficult to remove through conventional clearance mechanisms. Evidence suggests that IS levels begin to rise during Stage 3 CKD. Accurate and consistent monitoring may therefore help clinicians evaluate disease status and identify opportunities for earlier intervention.

Leadgene’s Indoxyl Sulfate (IS) ELISA Kit attracted considerable attention at the symposium. Compared with conventional methods requiring sophisticated instruments and complex workflows, the kit is designed to improve testing efficiency and reproducibility, making routine IS monitoring more accessible to medical and research institutions.

Precision CKD management is also moving toward an integrated approach involving dietary fiber, nutritional adjustments, microbiome modulation, and continuous biomarker monitoring.

Dr. Yung-Chun Chuang, Chairman of Leadgene Biomedical, said the symposium demonstrated Taiwan’s growing contribution to precision renal care. “Our goal is to bring Taiwan-developed innovations to the global stage,” he stated. The Leadgene® Indoxyl Sulfate (IS) ELISA Kit has received regulatory approvals in the EU, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, and Vietnam, while the company continues to advance into the Japanese and U.S. markets.

Leadgene aims to help translate gut–kidney axis research into practical tools for earlier clinical assessment and more informed CKD management.

Reeracoen Group x Rakuten Insight survey finds Malaysian businesses taking a measured approach to hiring and investment, with the strongest domestic-market focus among six ASEAN markets surveyed

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysian businesses are responding to cost and inflation pressures with operational discipline and a sharpened focus on the domestic market, according to new findings from The Great Restructuring: ASEAN Consumer & Business Pulse Survey 2026.

Published by Reeracoen Group, a leading Asia-based recruitment and HR solutions group, in partnership with Rakuten Insight, an online market research subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., the study finds that 75% of Malaysian businesses identify their home market as their top growth opportunity, the strongest domestic orientation recorded in the survey.

A more focused approach to hiring and investment

Malaysian businesses are concentrating on strengthening existing operations while taking a more selective approach to workforce growth. Selective hiring is the most common hiring stance, cited by 36% of businesses, while 7% are expanding headcount.

Yohei Yagi, Country Manager, Reeracoen Malaysia, said:

“Malaysian employers continue to hire for critical roles, but hiring decisions are becoming more focused and aligned with longer-term business priorities. Companies that strengthen operational efficiency while continuing to invest in the capabilities they need for growth will be better positioned to capture opportunities as conditions evolve.”

Investment follows a similar pattern with 16% of Malaysian businesses increasing investment and 46% maintaining current levels as they concentrate resources on operational priorities and sustainable growth.

Domestic market takes centre stage

Malaysia stands apart from its ASEAN peers in where businesses see their next opportunities. Three in four Malaysian businesses (75%) identify the domestic market as their leading growth opportunity—the highest proportion among the six markets surveyed.

This domestic-first approach comes as businesses contend with higher costs and changing economic conditions. The findings show a market placing greater emphasis on strengthening operations, managing resources carefully and building from opportunities closer to home.

Consumers adjust financial priorities

Malaysian consumers are also adjusting their financial priorities in response to current economic conditions. Among Malaysian consumers surveyed, 88% say they are spending more cautiously, with food prices (64%), fuel and transport costs (46%) and household bills (38%) among the pressures shaping spending decisions.

Financial priorities are also shifting as households respond to current conditions. More than half of the respondents (54%) cite seeking additional income sources, while 41% are saving more.

Collin Leow, Country Director, Malaysia & Thailand, Rakuten Insight, said:

“Malaysia’s findings show a market adapting pragmatically to changing economic conditions. Businesses are placing greater emphasis on domestic opportunities and operational discipline, while consumers are adjusting their spending and financial priorities. Together, these trends point to a more deliberate approach to growth rather than a retreat from opportunity.”

Taken together, the findings point to a measured approach to growth, as businesses focus on domestic opportunities, workforce priorities and operational discipline while consumers adjust to continued cost pressures.

For the full six-market findings, including country-by-country profiles and a Leadership Playbook of eight strategic priorities for regional expansion, download The Great Restructuring: ASEAN Consumer & Business Pulse Survey 2026.

Download the report at:

https://www.reeracoen.com.my/en/events/asean-consumer-business-pulse-survey-2026?utm_source=my_press_release&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=asean_report

About Reeracoen Group

Reeracoen is a leading Asia-based recruitment and HR solutions group, connecting talent with forward-thinking organisations across the region. With 9 offices across 6 major Asian markets, Reeracoen combines deep local market expertise with cross-border recruitment capabilities to support sustainable business growth.

Beyond recruitment, Reeracoen provides market intelligence, workforce insights, salary research, and employer advisory services, helping organisations make informed talent and business decisions in an evolving regional economy.

Reeracoen’s commitment to service excellence has been recognised through multiple industry awards, including Best Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency (2025, 2026), Client Service Excellence Award (2026), Best International Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency (2024), and Best Executive Recruitment Agency (2024).

For more information, visit https://www.reeracoen.com.my/.

About Rakuten Insight, Inc.

Rakuten Insight, Inc. is a wholly-owned online market research subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global leader in internet services headquartered in Tokyo.

Established in 1997 as AIP Corporation and integrated into the Rakuten Group in 2014, Rakuten Insight operates a research panel focused on 12 major Asian markets and the United States, with a panel network spanning 60 countries and regions.

With offices in 11 countries and regions, the company provides market research for more than 500 leading companies worldwide. Rakuten Insight Singapore serves as a regional hub providing multi-lingual and multi-functional operational support for clients across Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit https://insight.rakuten.com.

Avalara’s new agent hub brings together specialized AI agents to execute complex tax and compliance workflows while keeping people in control of the decisions that matter

SYDNEY, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avalara, Inc., the agentic AI leader in global tax and compliance, today unveiled Avalara Aviator at its CRUSH customer and partner conference. The new agent hub for tax and compliance turns days of manual work into minutes of oversight, with an audit-defensible record for every action.

As businesses expand across markets, channels, and business models, tax and compliance requirements are becoming more interconnected, more digital, and increasingly real-time. For years, tax software has automated individual compliance tasks, but much of the work between those tasks has remained manual and siloed. Avalara Aviator is designed to close that gap with intelligent agents that can understand context, coordinate work, monitor variance, and take action. Humans delegate the work while remaining in control of the decisions.

“Our customers need a system they can trust to get real work done,” said Hugo Sarrazin, Chief Executive Officer at Avalara. “Avalara Aviator fulfills that need. It’s built on more than 22 years of closed-loop compliance data, which informs every calculation, every filing, and every report. And that’s what enables us to turn days of manual compliance work into minutes of confident oversight.”

A turning point for compliance

For years, tax software has automated discrete compliance tasks, such as calculating taxes, filing returns, and managing exemption certificates. While that sped up each task, finance professionals have been left bridging the gaps between them, such as having to manage configurations, interpret reports, chase approvals, and understand how to construct business logic to meet their requirements.

Avalara is the first company to bridge these industry-wide deficits by bringing specialized AI agents, tax and compliance workflows, and Avalara’s trusted compliance technology into a connected agent hub. This helps customers move from understanding what needs to happen to getting the work done.

Customers interact with Avalara Aviator in plain language through Avi, its orchestrator AI agent. Avi can orchestrate by reaching out to “lead agents” that oversee key areas like research, certificates, and returns. The agents validate, reconcile, proactively surface insights, and execute compliance work, while keeping people in control of decisions requiring judgment and oversight.

The initial Avalara Aviator experience supports compliance operations, including capabilities that help customers:

• Map products to tax codes
• Report transaction and tax liability data
• Validate exemption certificates
• Auto-generate tax matrices
• Analyze results across multiple applications
• Configure custom rules

For example, a customer can describe a needed tax rule in plain language. Avi then drafts the rule, simulates its impact on past transactions, and flags any conflicts with other rules. The customer reviews and approves the change before Avi activates the rule.

Avalara Aviator is initially being delivered to existing customers at no additional cost. Over time, Avalara plans to extend agentic capabilities across more of the compliance lifecycle and into the ERP, e-commerce, finance, and collaboration platforms customers already use. The goal is to make Avalara’s trusted tax and compliance platform available wherever work is happening.

Built for trust, accuracy, and control

Generic AI tools can struggle with complex, multi-step workflows that require context, accuracy, and continuity over time. They can’t connect to critical business systems fast enough to be useful, and they aren’t purpose-built for the accuracy that business-critical workflows demand.

In contrast, Avalara Aviator combines agentic AI with the compliance infrastructure Avalara has built for more than 22 years. That includes proprietary data and learnings from the market’s most trusted tax and compliance platform.

The result is an agentic experience designed to go beyond plausible answers and deliver source-backed, explainable, and expert-verified outcomes customers can understand, trust, and defend.

Preya Chandan, Senior Tax Accountant with Singer Equipment Company, Inc., a distributor of foodservice equipment and an Avalara Aviator beta customer, said the technology has changed how she approaches her work.

“As a tax accountant focused on audit readiness, I need tools that go beyond answering questions to help me think about the ones I haven’t asked yet,” Chandan said. “Avalara Aviator does that in one place, explaining taxability in plain language, surfacing considerations I might have missed, and providing trusted research I can rely on for detailed, defensible work.”

Industry analysts say that a combination of usefulness and defensibility is particularly important as AI moves deeper into regulated business processes.

“Agentic AI adoption in finance has moved well beyond exploration, and the question is now about how to broadly scale its use,” said Kevin Permenter, Research Director at IDC. “Finance teams are prioritizing agentic AI because they see it as an important operational capability. Scaling that impact depends on security and compliance, data quality and governance, and reliable outputs. That’s why many finance organizations lean toward agent capabilities that sit directly alongside their core SaaS systems, where existing security controls and financial data models are already established.”

The next era of agentic tax and compliance

Avalara Aviator advances Avalara’s broader vision for agentic tax and compliance: intelligent systems that find and manage risk before it finds you. It’s designed to not only monitor but proactively recommend actions. Upcoming enhancements will include features such as self-healing, in which agents examine changes to your business and recommend fixes to root discrepancies before they can turn into filing liabilities. It will be able to catch anomalies unloading a traditional human review onto an agentic worker.

Avalara Aviator will be generally available following next month’s Avalara CRUSH Europe event.

About Avalara
Avalara is the agentic AI leader in global tax and compliance. For more than two decades, Avalara’s trusted tax content, deep compliance expertise, proprietary data, and technology have helped customers succeed on a global scale. Avalara now pairs that foundation with agentic AI to help businesses execute complex compliance work while keeping people in control. Avalara processes more than 54 billion AvaTax API calls annually and supports millions of businesses worldwide. For more information, visit Avalara.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Avalara’s product plans, technology capabilities, and expected availability dates. These statements describe Avalara’s intentions as of the date of release and are subject to change without notice.