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SEEK’s AI Lead Speaks at Global Talent Summit: How responsible AI is helping connect candidates and hirers with trust in an increasingly noisy hiring market

Jobsdb by SEEK hosts “The Hong Kong HR Awards 2025/26” celebrating industry excellence


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Mr Grant Wright, Group Executive, Artificial Intelligence at SEEK, the parent company of Jobsdb, spoke at the “Global Talent Summit Week – Hong Kong’s International Talent Forum” on 18 March 2026, organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and Hong Kong Talent Engage. At the panel titled “Thriving in a dynamic talent landscape – Sustaining skills and fostering resilience”, Mr Wright addressed the challenge of increasing noise in the recruitment market and outlined how SEEK is leveraging its responsible AI framework and automated verification tools to help employers identify authentic talent signals.

Mr Grant Wright, Group Executive, Artificial Intelligence at SEEK, the parent company of Jobsdb, spoke at the
Mr Grant Wright, Group Executive, Artificial Intelligence at SEEK, the parent company of Jobsdb, spoke at the “Global Talent Summit Week – Hong Kong’s International Talent Forum” on 18 March 2026

Building trust with Responsible AI and verification

At the forum, Mr Wright described the current global talent landscape as increasingly noisy with the rise of AI agents and the use of large language models in the recruitment process making it harder to assess candidates fit and motivation without the right tools.

“In a world where AI allows every candidate to put their best foot forward, traditional signals like the CV and cover letter tell us less than they used to,” said Mr Wright. “Simply applying for a role is no longer necessarily a signal of motivation or suitability. In this noisier AI environment, marketplaces play a critical role to connect interested and high-fit candidates and hirers faster, and to add more trust to the process.

SEEK established a dedicated Responsible AI team in 2017 to address fairness and bias in AI-driven matching. Mr Wright outlined the company’s core principles for ensuring technology empowers rather than excludes.

“AI makes predictions, which means by definition it can be wrong. We must consider the impact of those predictions on individuals,” Mr Wright added.

“Humans can be biased in recruitment, and we need to recognise that exists in the system and in the data we train on. Our responsible AI team and processes aim to ensure AI improves outcomes for everyone and creates opportunity.”

SEEK has invested in AI to improve customer experiences for over a decade, building one of Asia Pacific’s most established AI teams. Beyond making job hunting and hiring simpler, SEEK is focused on using AI to add trust and efficiency into our marketplace. This proprietary technology powers every stage of the hiring process:

  • Enhanced targeting for high-fit candidates: SEEK identifies which candidates are a high fit for a role. This allows us to predict a candidate’s likelihood of being shortlisted for any given job ad. High-fit candidates are three times more likely to be shortlisted.
  • Enhanced Efficiency and Search Experience: Features like AI-assisted ad writing help employers create compelling job descriptions, while AI-powered analytics provide real-time insights to optimise ad performance. At the same time, candidates can use natural, everyday language to describe what they’re looking for, and personalised search models match them to the most relevant roles.
  • Responsible AI and Trust: SEEK’s dedicated Responsible AI framework focuses on fairness, transparency and bias mitigation in AI‑driven matching. To combat market friction and build confidence, SEEK has also introduced automated verified credentials, reducing verification times from days to seconds, increasing hirer trust in the integrity of matches and helping candidates stand out.
  • Voice AI Refence Checks: SEEK also leverages natural language AI to transform the reference checking experience. SEEK’s voice AI assistant allows referees to complete checks through natural conversation with SEEK’s Voice AI service. This cuts completion time for hirers in half, from 24 to 12 minutes, while capturing more data than traditional reference checking methods.

When asked about his vision for Hong Kong’s workforce over the next five years, Mr Wright highlighted that while Hong Kong has always been exceptional at attracting talent, the automation of entry-level tasks could pose a risk to traditional learning curves.

“I would like to see Hong Kong focus on the development problem for the future workforce,” said Mr Wright. “If you take away entry-level jobs, you remove the safe space for newcomers to ‘fail fast’ and learn how an organisation works. That would be a real challenge, and I hope to see Hong Kong find a solution to bridge this gap for the betterment of organisations and future talent.”

Celebrating excellence in HR

The dialogue on the future of work continued later that day as Jobsdb celebrated industry excellence at ‘The Hong Kong HR Awards 2025/26’. With the theme ‘Empowering Talent and Technology Towards Tomorrow’, the awards recognised 70 companies, for their excellence in talent acquisition and management strategies. The ceremony was attended by approximately 450 guests, witnessing the industry’s achievements in integrating technology with talent development.

Mr Bill Lee, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Jobsdb by SEEK, stated, “Now in its fifth year, The Hong Kong HR Awards are once again dedicated to celebrating the exceptional organisations and visionary individuals who are reshaping the future of people strategy in Hong Kong. This year’s winners demonstrate how forward‑thinking employers are transforming talent attraction, development and engagement through the smart use of data and technology. We are also proud to introduce the inaugural SEEK APAC Employer of the Year Award, recognising excellence across our Asia markets plus Chinese Mainland and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a hub for talent in Asia Pacific. At Jobsdb, we are committed to providing the tools and insights to help the local workforce navigate this transformation and unlock new possibilities for growth.”

For the full list of winners and more details, please visit:
https://hk.employer.seek.com/page/the-hong-kong-hr-awards-2025-26-winners

Hashtag: #Jobsdb #AI #SEEK

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

About Jobsdb by SEEK

Jobsdb is a leading employment marketplace, connecting the right people with the right work in Hong Kong since 1998. Operated by SEEK, an Australian Securities Exchange-listed company, Jobsdb combines its deep local expertise with SEEK’s world-class AI technology and platform to create relevant job and talent matches across Asia Pacific. For more information, visit .

Science Centre Singapore to launch RoboFest 2026, a 4-day festival dedicated to robotics and AI

RoboFest 2026: Meet Tomorrow, Today | 9 to 12 April 2026 | Live robot demonstrations, hands-on encounters and RoboCup competition action

SINGAPORE, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Robots and AI are moving fast from novelty to everyday reality. The big question now is not just what machines can do, but what people are best at, and what we choose to value as technology becomes more advanced. From 9 to 12 April, Science Centre Singapore will host RoboFest 2026, the Centre’s first festival dedicated to robotics and AI, designed to help the public experience robotics up close while confronting a clear provocation: as machines advance, what does it mean to be fully human?


To be held at the Science Centre, “RoboFest 2026: Meet Tomorrow, Today” is a four-day festival designed for curious families, students, working adults, seniors and the robotics community, bringing together interactive experiences, live demonstrations and learning moments across four zones.

Through the festival, the Centre will demonstrate how humans and robots complement each other while educating the public on how to engage with these technologies. Science Centre is also piloting robots in its galleries to offer a taste of the enhanced guest experience that people can expect at the new Science Centre.

Building on this foundation, the Centre is inviting the community, education partners and industries to collaborate and shape how humans and robots learn, play and discover together. Wheeled and bipedal humanoid robots will be deployed across galleries and exhibition spaces to serve as interactive companions for visitors. These social robots will take on distinct functional roles including performers, co-hosts, guides and engagement facilitators, working along with the Centre’s educators, demonstrating the potential of robotics technology in informal learning environments.

“Robots will keep improving but what matters is how we respond. RoboFest is thus designed to help Singaporeans understand what technology can do today, understand the current limits, and where human judgment, empathy, creativity and responsibility matter most,” Ms Tham Mun See, Chief Executive of Science Centre Board, said.

Anchored by Singapore’s public learning ecosystem

As part of a broader focus on AI and robotics education, Science Centre will collaborate with schools and the community to further develop robotics-based progressive learning programmes and AI-enhanced learning experiences.

During RoboFest 2026, we will offer AI and robotics learn-on-the-go walkthroughs to schools and the public, providing hands-on experience in emerging technologies. This reflects the Centre’s commitment to leveraging technology for more engaging and interactive learning experiences while equipping students and the public for a future increasingly shaped by AI and robotics.

RoboFest is supported by the Ministry of Education, public agencies including GovTech Singapore and AI Singapore, and institutes of higher learning such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP).

Other partners supporting learning and engagement include Google Cloud x Google for Education, Duck Learning (partner of LEGO® Education), and applied robotics collaborators including Weston Robot, Stellaris Robotics, Stick ‘Em and many more.

Four zones, four human questions

RoboFest will feature four experiential zones, each designed to move visitors from “wow” to understanding, and from possibility to reflection about the role they play in the AI space.

     1. The Playground – When machines perform, what do we feel, and why?

A high-energy entry point with live demonstrations and crowd moments, including a Robot Boxing showdown and a Robot Dog Fire-fighting challenge. A special highlight is the Science Centre’s very own limited-run comedy performance, My Colleague is a Robot Dog, offering a playful lens on human-robot interaction (Annex A). Visitors will also get a chance to build robots, engage in AI prompt-crafting through a multi-player game and determine if an image or video is real or AI-generated.

     2. Robotics in Real Life – What is truly useful, safe and responsible in everyday settings?

A curated gallery of applied robotics and AI centred on real-world problem solving. NUS will showcase seven projects, including bio-inspired soft robotics and assistive concepts relevant to ageing and care, as well as Robi Butler, a remote multimodal household robot assistant experience. Other partner showcase highlights include a portable companion robot and an open source robot designed for AI education for students and other projects from Stellaris Robotics Pte Ltd. (Annex B)

     3. Learning Hub – If AI becomes common, what should every Singaporean know?

Hands-on robotics and AI programming walk-throughs for schools and the public, designed for practical learning on the go and talks and workshops by industry experts.

Some learning experiences include a new exhibition space themed on AI and Robotics within the Future Makers Exhibition, first look at the LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI Kit in Singapore, interaction with Ameca where visitors can learn how to communicate effectively with AI systems, guided experiences such as drone coding fundamentals, and a balancing-robot session exploring stability and control.

     4. RoboCup Arena – What happens when human teamwork meets machine capability?

RoboFest will host the 18th edition of RoboCup Singapore, with teams competing from 11 April to the Finals on 12 April.

The competition also serves as the national selection platform for teams representing Singapore at RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2026 and the RoboCup World Championship 2026.

Plan your visit

Find out more about RoboFest 2026 here, purchase your tickets here*.

*Includes complimentary admission to Science Centre Singapore.

Ticket prices

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
Weekdays (Thu, 9 April & Fri, 10 April): Adults $6 | Children and seniors $4
Weekend (Sat, 11 April & Sun, 12 April): Adults $10 | Children and seniors $6

Standard Admission
Adults $16 | Children $10

Festival merchandise and early-bird giveaways

Limited-edition RoboFest souvenirs and festival merchandise will be available on site. Early-bird ticket holders can receive a limited edition RoboFest merchandise while stocks last. Details to be announced.

About Science Centre Singapore

Science Centre Singapore, an informal educational institution and leading regional Science Centre, along with its group of attractions, brings out the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through its unique blend of exhibitions, educational programmes and events. A custodian of creativity and innovation, Science Centre Singapore has captured the evolution of scientific developments for more than four decades. The Centre and its partners have played a pivotal role in transforming the way students and the public interact with and learn about STEM. Since 1977, the Centre has welcomed over 30 million visitors and inspired them with more than 1,000 exhibits spread across 14 galleries and outdoor spaces.

The Centre’s group of attractions include Omni-Theatre, Snow City and KidsSTOPTM️. The Omni-Theatre, Southeast Asia’s first 8K 3D digital theatre with a 23m wide seamless dome screen, is an immersive destination like no other. Snow City is Singapore’s only permanent indoor snow centre offering an Arctic inspired experience at Singapore’s first ice gallery and snow chamber. KidsSTOPTM️ ️ – Where every child gets to Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream – is Singapore’s first children’s science centre offering an enriching experience through purposeful play for children aged 18 months to 8 years old. For more information, please visit www.science.edu.sg.

Annexes

Annex A: My Colleague is a Robot Dog performance times

Date

Time

Thursday, 9 April

11.00am – 11.30am

3.00pm – 3.30pm

Friday, 10 April

11.30am – 12.00pm

3.00pm – 3.30pm

Saturday, 11 April

11.00am – 11.30am

2.30pm – 3.00pm

Sunday, 12 April

11.00am – 11.30am

2.30pm – 3.00pm

Annex B: Robotics in Real Life

  • National University of Singapore will showcase seven projects including:
    • “Octopus-Swimming-Like Robot with Soft Asymmetric Arms”: This palm-sized bio-inspired robot demonstrates advanced soft robotics technology by replicating the elegant swimming motions of an octopus. The robot can be precisely controlled to navigate through water with the same fluid grace as its biological counterpart, showcasing the potential of biomimetic design in underwater robotics.
    • “Mobile Assistive Soft Robot for Elderly Care”: This innovative assistive robot integrates a flexible robotic arm, variable-stiffness actuation, and an adaptive mobile platform to address critical needs in elderly care. The demonstration highlights how soft robotics and human-centred mechanical design work together to provide essential support for sit-to-stand transitions, assisted walking, and fall prevention.
    • “Robi Butler: Remote Multimodal Interactions with Household Robot Assistant”: Guests can experience the future of household robotics by remotely connecting with Robi Butler on a ‘Zoom-call’ and interact through multiple modalities (text, voice, gesture) on a browser, a mobile phone app, or an AR device.
  • Singapore University of Technology and Design will showcase projects in which robots are used in facilities management, building infrastructure and education. For example,
    • Dragonfly, an outdoor, autonomous, mosquito control robot. Dragonfly plans routes, identifies problem areas, all while attracting and trapping mosquitoes.
    • Smorphi Imaginary, a virtual simulation platform where visitors navigate a maze using a digital twin of the Smorphi robot. It highlights how simulation supports learning, testing, and understanding robot behaviour in a safe, virtual environment.
  • Stellaris Robotics Pte Ltd will display cutting-edge AI education robots such as:
    • UBTECH Alpha Mini “Wukong”: A portable intelligent humanoid robot that redefines the companion robot experience through its biomimetic design and advanced multi-modal interaction capabilities, bringing playful yet sophisticated AI interaction to users.
    • “UGOT”: A versatile multi-functional robotics platform featuring diverse operational modes, AI capabilities and modular design. This user-friendly pathway provides an accessible entry point to explore advanced AI and robotics technologies.
    • “Yanshee”: An open-source humanoid robot for AI education developed for K12 and Institutes of Higher Learning. It is widely used in curriculum teaching, competitions, and research activities, helping students learn topics such as AI, programming, and robotic motion.

Annex C: Learning Hub
Discover the exciting potential of robotics through immersive robotics and AI programming walk-throughs designed for hands-on learning on the go. Some learning experiences include:

  • Talks and workshops on AI and robotics: There will be sessions on AI and robotics by expert speakers and facilitators over the four days. Talks by experts on Thu and Fri will be recorded and streamed on Sat and Sun, and subsequently on our website.
  • A first look at the LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI Kit: Duck Learning will unveil LEGO® Education’s newest innovation – the Computer Science & AI Kit for the first time in Singapore, offering guests an exclusive preview of how play-based learning come together in the world of robotics and applied technology. Students and families can participate in guided trial sessions that blend creativity and problem-solving in a fun, engaging way.
  • Programming and Coding Experiences: Guests can engage in activities designed by Science Centre Singapore to programme the humanoid robot “TonyBot,” try drone coding fundamentals, and understand how cameras process visual data.
  • Interact with Ameca: Meet Ameca, an advanced humanoid robot at Science Centre Singapore representing the future of human-robot interaction. Guests can dabble in AI prompt engineering and learn to communicate effectively with artificial intelligence systems.
  • Balancing Robot session: This interactive session by NUS offers hands-on exploration of balance, motion, and control systems through practical demonstrations. Participants will uncover the science behind robot stability and how these principles power flying robots, vehicles, and everyday technology.

D3 Bio to Showcase Its Innovative KRAS Pipeline at AACR 2026, Including an Oral Presentation at Clinical Plenary Session

SHANGHAI, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — D3 Bio Inc, a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing transformative oncology therapeutics, is pleased to announce that five abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, one of the most impactful oncology conferences in the world, taking place April 17–22 in San Diego, California. Notably, two of the five abstracts have been selected for oral presentations at the Clinical Trials Plenary Session and the Clinical Trials Mini-Symposium, respectively. These presentations will highlight data from D3’s robust and comprehensive pipeline targeting KRAS-driven cancers.

Details of the oral presentations are as follows:

  1. Safety and efficacy of Elisrasib (D3S-001), a next generation GDP-bound KRAS G12C inhibitor, as monotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with or without a KRAS G12C inhibitor: Results from a phase 1/2 study
    • Session Title: Clinical Trials Plenary 1: New Frontiers in Precision Oncology
    • Date & Time: Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    • Presentation Number: CT020
    • This will be presented as an oral presentation in a Clinical Trials Plenary Session.
  2. Safety and efficacy of Elisrasib (D3S-001), a next generation GDP-bound KRAS G12C inhibitor, as monotherapy or combination therapy with cetuximab in previously treated metastatic CRC and PDAC: Results from a phase 1/2 study
    • Session Title: Advances in Precision Oncology
    • Date & Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
    • Presentation Number: CT303
    • This will be presented as an oral presentation in a Clinical Trials Mini-Symposium session.

Details of the poster presentations are as follows:

  1. First in human phase 1 study of D3S-002, a purposely designed ERK1/2 inhibitor, in advanced solid tumors with MAPK pathway mutations
    • Session Title: First-in-Human Phase I Clinical Trials
    • Date & Time: Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: Poster Section 50
    • Poster Board Number: 20
    • Abstract Presentation Number: CT060
  2. First-in-human clinical pharmacokinetic prediction of D3S-003, an orally bioavailable dual-state KRAS G12D inhibitor
    • Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
    • Session Title: Quantitative Pharmacology and Translational Modeling
    • Date & Time: Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: Poster Section 17
    • Poster Board Number: 19
    • Abstract Presentation Number: 1831
  3. D3S-003, an orally bioavailable potent and selective dual-state inhibitor targeting both GDP- and GTP-bound KRAS G12D
    • Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
    • Session Title: Novel Antitumor Agents 2
    • Date & Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Location: Poster Section 17
    • Poster Board Number: 12
    • Abstract Presentation Number: 4569

“We are excited to present new clinical and preclinical data at this year’s AACR Annual Meeting” said George Chen, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of D3 Bio. “These presentations will showcase our comprehensive KRAS pipeline, including Elisrasib (D3S-001), our next-generation KRAS G12C inhibitor, D3S-002, a selective ERK1/2 inhibitor designed with a unique profile for combination strategies to enhance clinical efficacy and overcome resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors; and D3S-003, our differentiated KRAS G12D inhibitor addressing large unmet medical needs in pancreatic and colo-rectal cancers. These data highlight D3 Bio’s strong scientific progress and commitment to advancing transformative therapies for patients with KRAS-driven cancers. We look forward to engaging with the global scientific community and sharing our progress at AACR and ultimately bringing new treatment options to patients.”

About Elisrasib (D3S-001)

Elisrasib is a nextgeneration KRAS G12C inhibitor designed for rapid, complete, and selective target engagement. It covalently binds the GDP-bound (OFF) form of KRAS G12C, effectively blocking nucleotide cycling and suppressing oncogenic signaling. Preclinical studies show robust potency, complete KRAS G12C engagement at clinically relevant exposures, and CNS penetration capability. Elisrasib‑ is currently being evaluated globally in a Phase 2 monotherapy and combination trial across KRAS G12C–mutant solid tumors including NSCLC, CRC, and others.

Key publications:

  • Cancer Discovery (2024) 14(9):1675–1698
  • Nature Medicine (2025) 31(8):2768–2777

About D3S‑002

D3S‑002 is a selective ERK1/2 inhibitor strategically designed for combination approaches, providing vertical MAPK‑pathway inhibition to enhance efficacy and overcome acquired resistance, particularly in tumors previously treated with KRAS G12C inhibitors.

Key publication:

  • Cancer Res 1 April 2023; 83 (7_Supplement): 5501.

About D3S‑003

D3S‑003 is a differentiated KRAS G12D inhibitor targeting both OFF and ON conformations to address one of the most common KRAS mutations. The program aims to broaden D3 Bio’s multi‑allele KRAS franchise and deliver new solutions to the heterogeneous and evolving landscape of KRAS‑driven cancers.

About D3 Bio

D3 Bio is a global biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and registration of novel oncology and immunology therapies with first or best in class potential. Guided by deep clinical insight and biomarker-driven‑strategies, the Company is advancing a pipeline of programs targeting key oncogenic drivers and immune pathways. D3 Bio owns global rights to all its programs.

For more information, please visit www.d3bio.com

Ph fintech GCash launches country’s first AI financial coach embedded in e-wallet to strengthen financial literacy

Developed with Microsoft, “Pera Coach” converses in English and different national languages to make financial services easier to understand for all Filipinos.

MANILA, Philippines, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reinforcing its role in advancing financial literacy and inclusion nationwide, finance super app GCash introduces the Philippines’ first artificial intelligence–powered financial coach to be embedded in an e-wallet.

Pera Coach brings tailored, on-demand financial education to millions of Filipinos directly within the GCash app.
Pera Coach brings tailored, on-demand financial education to millions of Filipinos directly within the GCash app.

Developed with support from Microsoft and powered by enterprise-grade AI, Pera Coach (Money Coach in Filipino) converses in English and other local national languages to make financial services easier to understand. It responds contextually to user prompts like financial goals, budget considerations, and risk appetite, delivering guidance personalized to each user’s financial journey.

Persistent gaps in financial literacy contribute to the low adoption of financial services like insurance and investments, with many Filipinos lacking access to clear and credible guidance. According to a 2021 survey by the central bank, just 2% of Filipino adults were able to correctly answer six basic financial literacy questions. Pera Coach aims to address these challenges by providing always-on access to clear and tailored financial education within a platform millions of Filipinos already use daily.

“Financial literacy should not feel intimidating or out of reach,” said Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Business at Mynt, the parent company of GCash. “With Pera Coach integrated directly into the GCash ecosystem, Filipinos can receive real-time guidance that’s practical, contextual, and easy to understand, helping them make more confident financial decisions.”

Leveraging AI for inclusion

Beyond the launch itself, this signals a broader GCash strategy aimed at leveraging emerging technology to solve real-world financial challenges. Microsoft echoes the transformative potential of generative AI when applied to real, everyday use cases.

“Millions of Filipinos already carry a financial platform in their pockets, but only one in four is financially literate. We’ve made real progress in financial access, but access without understanding isn’t inclusion—it’s an empowerment gap. And closing that gap is nation building,” said Microsoft Philippines Country General Manager Jonathan Que.

To access Pera Coach, Filipinos need to open the GCash app, go to ‘Save’ or ‘Invest’ and tap the Pera Coach banner. For more information, visit the Help Center.

About GCash

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and much money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner so more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

Cohesity Enhances Cyber Resilience with Next-Generation Malware Scanning Powered by Sophos

New integrated capability helps organizations detect advanced threats in backup data and restore with confidence

SINGAPORE, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cohesity, the leader in AI-powered data security, today announced the availability of next-generation malware scanning powered by Sophos, integrated natively into Cohesity Data Cloud. Cohesity Data Cloud is the first and only data security platform to embed next-generation antivirus malware detection alongside advanced threat intelligence feeds, enabling organizations to detect malware that bypasses primary defenses and validate clean recoveries after cyberattacks.

As ransomware and supply-chain attacks grow more sophisticated, malware is increasingly present in backup data, creating the risk of reinfection during recovery. Cohesity’s Sophos-powered scanning detects zero-day, polymorphic, and fileless threats that evade signature-based tools. The feature is included with Cohesity Data Cloud Enterprise Edition and does not require a separate Sophos license.

“Cyber resilience is a team sport, and our focus is on delivering the best outcomes for customers by bringing together the strongest technologies regardless of who developed them,” said Vasu Murthy, chief product officer, Cohesity. “By deeply integrating market-leading Sophos next-generation malware detection into Cohesity Data Cloud, we’re giving customers a single, seamless experience that helps them uncover hidden threats in backup data and recover with confidence.”

The Sophos-powered engine uses signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and file emulation techniques to inspect backups in three scenarios: during routine backups, before restoration, and after indicators of compromise (IOCs) or YARA-based matches are detected.

Incremental scanning of newly ingested data minimizes operational overhead while maintaining visibility into backup integrity. Triggered and pre-restore scans validate trusted recovery points when risk is identified. The result is deep, snapshot-level inspection far beyond approaches that rely solely on metadata.

Sophos X-Ops draws on one of the industry’s most extensive threat intelligence networks, spanning tens of millions of endpoints and hundreds of thousands of firewalls globally, using AI-powered classification to continuously sharpen detection of known and emerging malware families.

“Attackers are sophisticated. They have proven time and again that no environment is off limits, including what was once considered the safe haven of backup and recovery systems,” said Simon Reed, chief security officer, Sophos. “By embedding Sophos’ deterministic and machine learning-based detection into Cohesity’s platform, Sophos is helping customers reduce reinfection risk and recover with confidence.”

Key benefits of the new Sophos-powered malware scanning include:

Advanced threat detection: Identifies known, unknown, and zero-day threats through heuristic and behavioral analysis

Operational efficiency: Always-on incremental scanning, with automated scans triggered by IOC or YARA-based detections

Clean recovery assurance: Pre-restore inspection to prevent reinfection and reduce recovery risk

SOC integration: Shares scan results with SIEM and SOAR tools for centralized visibility and response

The addition of Sophos next-generation malware scanning further differentiates Cohesity as a leader in incident response and recovery, delivering one of the industry’s most comprehensive data security platforms. Learn more about Cohesity Data Cloud threat protection capabilities.

Visit Cohesity at RSAC 2026, March 23-26, in booth #N-6271 and Sophos in booth #6477.

About Cohesity 

Cohesity protects, secures, and provides insights into the world’s data. As the leader in AI-powered data security, Cohesity helps organizations strengthen resilience, accelerate recovery, and reduce IT costs. With Zero Trust security and advanced AI/ML, Cohesity Data Cloud is trusted by customers in more than 140 countries, including 70% of the Global 500. Cohesity is also backed by industry leaders such as NVIDIA, Amazon, Google, IBM, Cisco, and HPE.

Cohesity is certified as a Great Place to Work in multiple countries. Follow Cohesity on LinkedIn and visit www.cohesity.com to learn more.

MetaOptics progresses on its strategic growth and leadership transition initiatives

SINGAPORE, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) (“MetaOptics” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) recently announced a series of strategic growth initiatives on SGXNet, including a leadership transition process, and continued progress across its innovation and commercialisation expansion roadmap.

Leadership Transition

As part of its long-term succession planning strategy and to sharpen its geographical growth initiatives in the United States highlighted by its incorporation of MetaOptics Inc. (USA) on 27 October 2025 in Nevada to enable collaboration with world-class customers, the Company had promoted and appointed Mr. Aloysius Chua Hao Peng (“Aloysius” or “Mr. Aloysius Chua“) as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO“), effective 1 March 2026 to support this strategic growth.

Mr. Aloysius Chua, previously the Deputy CEO of the Company, played a pivotal role in driving and executing MetaOptics’ strategic initiatives since joining the Group in 2021. His contributions span across equipment development, metalens fabrication, and the assembly of advanced meta optics components. In his new role, Mr. Aloysius Chua will continue to lead operations, oversee the entire supply chain, manage the fulfilment of purchase orders, and supervise the 2 PhD scientists hired in August 2025, who currently report directly to him.

Following this transition, Mr. Thng Chong Kim remains as Executive Chairman, providing strategic oversight while remaining actively involved in the Company’s day-to-day operations. He will participate in conceptual discussions, advance future research and development (“R&D“) initiatives such as the tunable metalens module, foster strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Stanford Engineering’s SystemX Alliance program and spearhead the establishment of the US foundry as part of the Company’s expansion plans.

Mr. Thng Chong Kim, Executive Chairman of MetaOptics, said:

“The Board is confident in Mr. Aloysius Chua’s leadership and his deep understanding of MetaOptics’ technology and operations. His appointment reflects our commitment to strong succession planning and positions the Company well for its next phase of growth. Aloysius has been instrumental not only in shaping our strategic direction but more importantly, in driving operations, overseeing the supply chain, managing order fulfilment, and strengthening our technical capabilities. We believe he is the right leader to drive execution as we scale our business and expand our global footprint. I will continue to contribute to the continued growth and expansion of the Group, in my capacity as Executive Chairman, while I remain involved in day-to-day operations and enhancing industry networks, providing strategic oversight and guidance, and strengthening stakeholder management and engagement.”

Mr. Aloysius Chua Hao Peng, Executive Director and CEO of MetaOptics, said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Executive Director and CEO at this important stage of MetaOptics’ journey. Over the past few years, we have built a strong foundation in metalens technology, supported by deep engineering capabilities and a clear vision for commercialisation. Looking ahead, we will be sharpening our pursuit of growth, commercial traction and expansion, and our focus will be on scaling our production capabilities, strengthening our global partnerships, and accelerating the adoption of meta optics across high-growth applications such as 3D sensing, AI-driven imaging, and next-generation consumer devices. My expanded role will require me to ensure that MetaOptics is well-positioned to capture these opportunities and deliver sustainable long-term value.”

Proposed Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) and Corporate Initiatives

As recently announced on SGXNet, the Company has issued materials for an upcoming EGM to seek shareholders’ approval for, inter alia, the Company’s proposed listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, alongside key corporate initiatives aimed at supporting its next phase of growth, and in conjunction with the issuance of the American Depositary Shares (“ADSs“) pursuant to the potential Nasdaq listing. In addition to the appointment of 2 underwriters in America, the Company has appointed JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the United States depositary with respect to the ADSs. This appointment will facilitate the issuance, custody, and transfer of the ADSs, providing international investors with access to MetaOptics’ shares through the U.S. capital markets.

Mr. Aloysius Chua said:

“As we scale MetaOptics into a global technology player, it is important that our capital management strategy evolves in tandem. A potential Nasdaq listing would enhance our access to international investors, increase visibility in our key markets, and support our long-term growth ambitions. We are taking a disciplined and measured approach as we evaluate this pathway, ensuring alignment with shareholder interests and market conditions.”

Strengthening Strategic Focus and Growth Platforms

MetaOptics continues to execute on its multi-pronged growth strategy, anchored across 4 core business segments:

  • Metalens Equipment – Development and commercialisation of advanced production systems such as direct laser writers and automated testers
  • Metalens Foundry – Customised 12-inch glass-wafer fabrication capabilities, including expansion into the United States market and opportunities to initiate research collaborations and developments as one of the Associate Member in Stanford Engineering’s SystemX Alliance program
  • Metalens Products – Consumer and industrial applications, including smart devices and 3D sensing solutions
  • AI Algorithm – Proprietary algorithms for imaging, biometrics, and Internet-of-Things-enabled applications

Mr. Aloysius Chua added:

“Our integrated business model — spanning equipment, foundry, and end-product solutions — gives us a unique competitive advantage. It allows us to innovate faster, control quality more effectively, and respond to customer needs with agility.”

Momentum Following Strong FY2025 Developments

The leadership transition follows a period of rapid growth and investment for the Company. MetaOptics reported a significant increase in revenue in FY2025, driven by higher sales of equipment and metalens products, alongside expanded R&D efforts to support next-generation technologies. The momentum achieved in FY2025 reflects the growing demand for its technologies and validate its strategic direction. The Company will continue to invest in R&D initiatives and talent to ensure it remain at the forefront of innovation in the meta optics space. The Company remains well-capitalised, positioning it to accelerate commercialisation, expand internationally, and strengthen its foothold in high-growth sectors such as augmented reality, 3D sensing, and AI-enabled imaging.

By Order of the Board

Thng Chong Kim
Executive Chairman
20 March 2026

About MetaOptics Ltd

MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) is a leading-edge semiconductor optics company pioneering glass based metalens solutions enhanced by AI-driven image processing. Using advanced optical design and a scalable 12-inch DUV lithography process, it powers next-generation applications in CPO, mobile, AR VR, automotive and other emerging markets. Headquartered in Singapore, MetaOptics aims to deliver high-performance optics with the reliability and scalability demanded by today’s most innovative technology brands. Find out more at www.metaoptics.sg.

 

APAC IT Leaders Face Rising AI and Cloud Cost Volatility, Finds Info-Tech Research Group’s Infrastructure & Operations Priorities 2026 Report

AI adoption is accelerating across the APAC region as cloud costs become increasingly unpredictable, placing IT teams under pressure to modernise operations while maintaining financial discipline, visibility, and control. Info-Tech Research Group’s Infrastructure & Operations Priorities 2026 report outlines five priorities to help organisations manage rising complexity and strengthen operational resilience at scale.

SYDNEY, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infrastructure and operations teams across the Asia Pacific region are entering 2026 amid accelerating digital transformation and rising operational complexity. According to Info-Tech Research Group’s Infrastructure & Operations Priorities 2026 report, expanding hybrid and multicloud environments, combined with the rapid scaling of AI workloads, are heightening financial and operational risk as many IT functions continue to grapple with technical debt, fragmented visibility, and manual processes.

The Infrastructure and Operations Priorities 2026 report from Info-Tech Research Group identifies five key areas APAC I&O teams must address to reduce risk, regain operational control, and strengthen resilience amid accelerating change.
The Infrastructure and Operations Priorities 2026 report from Info-Tech Research Group identifies five key areas APAC I&O teams must address to reduce risk, regain operational control, and strengthen resilience amid accelerating change.

Data from Info-Tech’s Future of IT 2026 survey reinforces the scale of the challenge. 52% of organisations identified reducing technical debt as a top infrastructure priority for 2026, while 45% are prioritising cloud workload optimisation in the year ahead. Yet only 19% identified improving monitoring and observability as a priority, highlighting the risk of scaling AI and cloud investments without strengthening governance and end-to-end visibility.

The global research and advisory firm’s findings indicate that AI-driven workloads and consumption-based pricing models are introducing new cost variability for organisations operating across distributed and multicloud environments. Without clear ownership, structured cloud operating models, and stronger financial oversight through FinOps practices, rapid AI experimentation can expose IT teams to budget overruns and operational instability.

Beyond cost control, the report emphasises that resilience in 2026 will depend on stronger governance alignment, monitoring maturity, and workforce capability. As hybrid estates expand across the region, IT leaders must balance innovation with disciplined execution to ensure cloud and AI investments deliver measurable value.

“I&O teams cannot absorb the complexity of 2026 with approaches designed for a simpler era,” says Emily Sugerman, lead author of the report and senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “Leaders need to modernise cloud operations, introduce financial discipline through FinOps, and improve observability so they can see issues earlier, respond faster, and control costs. Organisations that succeed will be those that take a structured and execution-focused approach to modernisation.”

Info-Tech’s Five Infrastructure and Operations Priorities for 2026

The report emphasises that success in 2026 will depend less on new tooling and more on how effectively organisations align operating models, governance, and skills to the realities of hybrid, multicloud, and AI-driven environments across the region.

To help APAC IT leaders manage rising complexity and cost volatility, the Infrastructure & Operations Priorities 2026 report outlines five priorities for the year ahead:

  • Rethink Cloud Operations: Optimise hybrid, multicloud, and edge strategies by redesigning cloud operations around clear ownership, workflows, and governance.
  • Maximise AI ROI with FinOps: Apply financial management practices to better control the cost and risk of AI experimentation and consumption-based pricing models.
  • Regain Control Through Observability: Move beyond traditional monitoring to gain end-to-end visibility, reduce mean time to detect and respond, and support proactive operations.
  • Embrace AI-Enhanced IT Operations (AIOps): Define targeted AIOps use cases that reduce operational toil and support better decision-making without over-automation.
  • Invest in a Culture of Curiosity: Build the skills and learning capacity required to manage modern infrastructure, automation, and AI-driven operations sustainably.

“These five priorities give I&O leaders a clear path to stabilise operations while preparing for continued disruption,” adds Sugerman. “This is about eliminating wasted spend, improving visibility, and building teams that can adapt as environments change. Discipline and alignment are what turn infrastructure into a source of resilience rather than risk.”

Grounded in Info-Tech’s Future of IT research, diagnostic benchmarks, and executive interviews, the Infrastructure & Operations Priorities 2026 report delivers actionable guidance for IT leaders navigating accelerating AI adoption and multicloud complexity. The research provides a structured roadmap to strengthen governance, improve financial oversight, and build the operational maturity required to scale cloud and AI initiatives responsibly.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Emily Sugerman, and access to the complete Infrastructure & Operations Priorities 2026 report, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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Taiwan hosts APEC Workshop Highlights Innovative Technologies for Low-Carbon Food Supply Chains

TAIPEI, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In response to escalating climate risks and global food security challenges, governments and industries worldwide are accelerating the green transformation of food systems. To promote the development of a low-carbon food industry and enhance regional collaboration, Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI) from Taiwan, with support from the APEC Forum of Policy Partnership on Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), hosted an APEC Workshop on Discovering Innovative Food Processing Technologies to Cultivate a Low-Carbon Food Supply Chain on March 18–19 in Taipei.

The two-day workshop brought together representatives from eleven APEC economies, including Chinese Taipei, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Peru, the United States, Australia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Government agencies, research institutions, and industry experts specializing in food supply chain technology and policy participated in the event. The workshop aimed to strengthen regional collaboration and accelerate the development of sustainable, low-carbon food supply chains across the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Ying-Chih Liao, Technology Advisor of the Department of Industrial Technology at MOEA, noted that cross-disciplinary technologies are becoming increasingly vital in supporting the development of low-carbon food supply chains worldwide. Taiwan continues to promote low-carbon and smart transformations through policy support and domestic research and development, while also strengthening international cooperation to build resilient food supply chains and foster sustainable growth in the food sector.

FIRDI Chairman Mark Hsieh emphasized that technological innovation is essential for building a sustainable and resilient food industry. FIRDI has long been dedicated to advancing food technology research and supporting Taiwan’s food industry. Through its integrated technology platforms, FIRDI has developed multiple solutions that contribute to food decarbonization, including smart low-carbon processing systems, circular processing technologies for by-product utilization, and innovative alternative food ingredients and processing applications. These technologies help food manufacturers enhance efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen sustainability throughout the food supply chain.

The workshop featured a diverse lineup of speakers from Taiwan. Dr. Chii-Cherng Liao, Director General of FIRDI, shared the development strategy for the low-carbon food industry. The Vice President of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research discussed collaborative approaches to developing a low-carbon food supply chain. Dr. Martin Lo, Professor at National Tsing Hua University, highlighted the key elements of promoting human sustainability. Several other Taiwanese speakers shared their experiences and case studies related to advancing the low-carbon food industry. Dr. Binghuei Barry Yang, Deputy Director General of FIRDI, presented innovations in food manufacturing process technology. Dr. Yi-Chung Lai, R&D Consultant at Biozyme Biotechnology, and Dr. Chin-Chu Chen, General Manager of Grape King Bio, discussed green fermentation processing and product development practices. Marcie Chan, Brewmaster of Long Sun Brewing, shared insights on circular economy practices within the brewing industry.

Several Taiwanese companies have demonstrated practical applications of low-carbon technologies. For example, GAU JIANN has implemented heat recovery and smart control systems in sterilization processes to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining product quality. Lian-Hwa Foods has introduced green products manufactured through advanced, efficient, low-carbon smart production lines. Companies such as VIGOR DONG SHIH and Jiamei are collaborating to build a whole-fruit utilization supply chain for plant-based beverages. AGV Group has developed shelf-stable oat-based beverage ingredients to support low-carbon plant-based food production. YUNG CHENG applies upcycling of wheat bran via enzymatic and microbial processes to reduce grain processing waste and emissions. Additionally, companies including Grape King Biotechnology and PREFERRTECH-BIO are developing innovative low-carbon alternative proteins derived from fungi and plant sources.

The low-carbon transformation of the food industry has become a key global trend, with increasing emphasis on innovative food processing technologies and sustainable supply chain solutions. By integrating technological innovation, economic policy, and new business models, Taiwan aims to strengthen the development of a low-carbon food industry ecosystem and deepen cooperation with APEC economies to share technological expertise, align with international standards, and promote sustainable development across the regional food industry.