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iEduGPT, the Next-Gen AI Learning Platform for Professional and Academic Exams, Raises $10 Million Seed Funding

SINGAPORE, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iEduGPT, a fast-growing AI-first startup transforming high-stakes exam preparation, has closed a $10 million seed funding round to accelerate the development and global rollout of its personalized AI-powered learning platform.

The round attracted notable investors, including New Wheel Capital ($2.7M), Baywise Capital ($1.6M), SWC Global ($1.75M), Uphonest Capital ($1.5M), K3 Ventures ($1.3M), and Welight ($1.2M). This diverse group shares a vision to harness advanced AI to remove barriers to learning and deliver measurable outcomes for learners worldwide. Their capital, expertise, and networks will be key drivers in iEduGPT’s rapid market expansion.

Initially launching for finance certifications such as CFA, FRM, CAIA, and CQF, iEduGPT plans to expand into language, academic, and other professional exams. Tackling the complexity and pressure of rigorous exam preparation, iEduGPT harnesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to deliver fully customized study experiences. By analyzing each learner’s knowledge gaps and strengths, the platform creates precise, optimized study paths that maximize efficiency and boost confidence.

About iEduGPT

iEduGPT is an AI-first startup dedicated to transforming global exam preparation through personalized, AI-driven learning solutions — enabling learners to prepare smarter, perform better, and succeed faster across finance, academic, and language certifications.

What Makes iEduGPT Special

Unlike generic AI learning tools, iEduGPT is exam-specific, deeply adaptive, and designed for multiple industries and exam types. Its technology goes beyond simple content recommendations to offer:

  • Deep Personalization – Continuously adapts to a learner’s evolving performance, keeping study plans relevant and efficient.
  • Domain-Specific Expertise – Content and practice questions developed by subject-matter experts in finance, languages, and academic testing.
  • Comprehensive Analytics – Detailed insights into progress, strengths, and areas for improvement for smarter study decisions.
  • User-Centric Design – Intuitive interfaces and real-time feedback make learning engaging and manageable for busy professionals and students.

These capabilities combine to deliver an AI learning experience that is relevant, actionable, and measurable across diverse exam categories.

Product Highlights

  • Personalized Study Plans – Adaptive AI generates schedules focusing on high-impact topics.
  • Smart Knowledge Assessment – Ongoing evaluation identifies weak points to tailor practice.
  • Comprehensive Content – Core finance topics now, with language and academic prep underway.
  • Certification Question Bank – Updated exam questions with detailed explanations for CFA, FRM, CAIA, and CQF.
  • Real-Time Progress Tracking – Keeps learners motivated and on course to success.

Funding & Growth Strategy

iEduGPT will use the seed funding to:

  • Enhance AI Capabilities – Deliver even more precise, real-time personalization.
  • Expand Content Library – Add IELTS, TOEFL, AP, SAT, and more professional certifications.
  • Scale Globally – Multilingual support and mobile optimization for worldwide accessibility.
  • Boost User Engagement – Introduce analytics, gamification, and interactive tools.
  • Form Strategic Partnerships – Collaborate with institutions, training providers, and certification bodies.

Leadership Driving Innovation

Led by a team with deep expertise in AI, education, and professional development, iEduGPT is positioned to redefine how learners prepare for their most challenging exams. By proving its impact in the demanding finance sector first, the company aims to build a strong foundation before scaling to other high-growth education markets.

20 Missing After Deadly Indonesia Protests

emonstrators set alight banners as they shout slogans during a protest demanding police reform and the dissolution of the parliament, in Bandung, West Java on September 1, 2025. Thousands rallied across Indonesia on September 1, as the military was deployed in the capital after six people were killed in nationwide protests sparked by anger over lavish perks for lawmakers. (Photo credit: Timur Matahari / AFP)

By Marchio GORBIANO/AFP – At least 20 people are missing after violent Indonesia protests sparked by lavish perks for lawmakers that have widened to include anger against police, a rights group said Tuesday.

At least six people have been killed since protests rocked Southeast Asia’s biggest economy last week, intensified by footage spreading of the killing of a young delivery driver by a paramilitary police unit.

“As of September 1, there were 23 reports of missing persons. After the search and verification process, 20 missing persons remain unfound,” the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) said in a statement.

The group said the 20 were reported missing in the cities of Bandung and Depok on Java island, and the administrative cities of Central Jakarta, East Jakarta and North Jakarta that make up the wider capital city.

One incident took place in an “unknown location”, it said.

The National Police did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

Police have arrested 1,240 people in Jakarta since August 25, the city’s Metropolitan Police Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri told reporters Monday, state news agency Antara reported.

On Tuesday Jakarta police spokesman Ade Ary Syam Indradi said officers arrested activist Delpedro Marhaen, the director of NGO Lokataru Foundation, which also confirmed the arrest.

He was held “on suspicion of making provocative incitement to commit anarchic actions”, Ade said in comments aired by broadcaster Kompas TV.

The unrest emerged in cities across the country last week, forcing President Prabowo Subianto into a U-turn on lawmaker perks.

They were the worst protests since the ex-general took power last year.

More protests were expected on Tuesday outside parliament in Jakarta by a coalition of women’s groups.

The United Nations called on Monday for an investigation into alleged use of disproportionate force in respondng to the rallies.

“We are following closely the spate of violence in Indonesia in the context of nationwide protests over parliamentary allowances, austerity measures, and alleged use of unnecessary or disproportionate force by security forces,” said UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani.

Clashes near university

The military was deployed across the capital Jakarta on Monday as hundreds gathered again outside parliament and clashes were reported in several other cities.

Prabowo criticised protesters as he visited injured police at a hospital, and said rallies should end by sundown.

In Bandung, protesters hurled Molotov cocktails at a provincial council building, before police fired tear gas overnight at “suspected… anarchists” who blocked a road.

Officers clashed with protesters who they accused of trying to draw them into a student campus at the Bandung Islamic University and “instigate conflict”, Hendra Rochman, West Java police spokesman said in a statement Tuesday.

On social media some users accused police of firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the campus and storming it.

“Officers maintained a distance of approximately 200 metres from the campus and no shots were directed at the campus,” said Hendra.

The university in a press conference denied its students instigated unrest.

Thousands more rallied in Palembang on Sumatra island and hundreds gathered separately in Banjarmasin on Borneo island, Yogyakarta on Java, and Makassar on Sulawesi.

In Gorontalo city on Sulawesi island protesters clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly said security forces “acted irresponsibly by treating the protests as acts of treason or terrorism” and called for investigations into any officers involved in violence.

In anticipation of further unrest, TikTok on Saturday suspended its live feature for “a few days” in Indonesia, where it has more than 100 million users.


© Agence France-Presse

Bosch and Alibaba Group Deepen Strategic Partnership to Advance AI-powered Digital Innovation

  • Alibaba cloud to dedicate its global capabilities to support Bosch’s technology stack
  • Both intend to deepen collaboration in leveraging Alibaba’s AI strength to facilitate Bosch’s business innovations, such as smart cockpit
  • Bosch to expand its e-commerce presence in Southeast Asia, Spain, and Latin America through Alibaba’s global platforms

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, and Alibaba Group, a global technology company focused on e-commerce and cloud computing, today announced an expanded strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation through advanced cloud computing and AI technologies. The enhanced collaboration will focus on cloud-based enterprise operations, AI-driven business innovations, and e-commerce expansion.

“Our partnership opens up exciting opportunities for both Bosch and Alibaba to expand our offerings in the global market,” said Dr. Tanja Rückert, member of the Bosch board of management and Chief Digital Officer. “By joining forces, we combine Alibaba’s advanced cloud infrastructure, AI capabilities and e-commerce market reach with Bosch’s deep technological expertise in mobility, industrial technology and consumer goods to drive greater efficiency and innovation worldwide. AI has been an innovation booster for Bosch across all business sectors, and cooperation with strong partners like Alibaba is essential for Bosch to realizing its full potential and creating greater value.”

“This partnership with Bosch demonstrates our commitment to empowering global businesses with world-class technologies and highlights Alibaba’s strengths in AI and cloud computing,” said Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group. “Bosch’s leading expertise in advanced automotive solutions and household appliances, combined with Alibaba’s innovations in cloud, AI and e-commerce, will enable both our companies to bring compelling value propositions to customers worldwide.”

Powering Innovation through Cloud Services and AI

The expanded partnership – focusing on cloud migration and AI cooperation- marks a significant step further in bolstering Bosch’s digital operations and fostering industrial innovation. As part of Bosch Group ‘s cloud hyperscalers strategy, the collaboration between the two companies covers multiple business areas, such as corporate operations, home appliances and commercial vehicles, to enhance operational efficiency and enable smarter business processes. In addition, the two companies intend to collaborate on exploring the potential of running Bosch’s intelligent driving environment on Alibaba Cloud’s AI infrastructure.

The partnership will leverage Alibaba’s AI capabilities to support Bosch’s businesses, boosting operational efficiency and enhancing product intelligence. In the automotive sector, for instance, the two companies plan to evaluate Qwen-based multimodal models to elevate the smart cockpit experience with more intuitive in-vehicle interactions. The two companies also intend to explore the possibility of development of next-generation automated driving solutions powered by Qwen’s visual language model to enhance scene recognition accuracy.

Driving Global E-commerce Growth

As a key pillar of the expanded partnership, Bosch and Alibaba will further drive growth and innovation in e-commerce through expanded product portfolio, enhanced customer engagement, and optimized brand experience. In 2025, Bosch plans to launch new product categories in China with consumer insights from Alibaba’s e-commerce platform. Alibaba will also support Bosch in reaching a broader consumer base in China through comprehensive omni-channel digital marketing.

Based on the framework of collaboration in China, Bosch will extend its e-commerce footprint to Southeast Asia, Spain, and Latin America through Alibaba’s global e-commerce platforms including Lazada, Miravia and AliExpress, to better serve local consumers with innovative, high-quality products.

Bosch and Alibaba’s collaboration in e-commerce began in 2017. Bosch has since established a strong presence on Alibaba’s Tmall platform, offering a wide range of consumer-focused products, including home appliances, power tools, heating systems, and automotive aftermarket parts. Joint efforts across marketing, sales, membership programs and online-to-offline services have significantly strengthened Bosch’s digital ecosystem and customer engagement in China.

Hashtag: #AlibabaGroup

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

About Bosch

In China, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, household appliances, security and communication systems as well as thermotechnology solutions. Having established a regional presence in China in 1909, Bosch employs more than 56,000 associates (as of December 31, 2024). Bosch in China has generated consolidated sales of CNY 142.8 billion in fiscal 2024.

Additional information is available online at .

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 418,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2024). The company generated sales of 90.3 billion euros in 2024. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 490 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 87,000 associates in research and development.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861–1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant upfront investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-four percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a limited liability company with a charitable purpose. The remaining shares are held by Robert Bosch GmbH and by a company owned by the Bosch family. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. It is entrusted with the task of safeguarding the company’s long-term existence and in particular its financial independence – in line with the mission handed down in the will of the company’s founder, Robert Bosch.

Additional information is available online at ,

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group is a global technology company focused on e-commerce and cloud computing. We enable merchants, brands and retailers to market, sell and engage with consumers by providing digital and logistics infrastructure, efficiency tools and vast marketing reach. We empower enterprises with our leading cloud infrastructure, services and work collaboration capabilities to facilitate their digital transformation and grow their businesses.

Qwen, (in Chinese: Tongyi Qianwen), is a family of large language and multimodal models developed by Alibaba. Debut in 2023, the Qwen models are available to the global developers via HuggingFace and ModelScope, Alibaba’s open-source community.

China’s Civil Tonne-Class Unmanned Aircraft System Secures First Overseas Orders

SHIHEZI, China, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On August 29, 2025, the second Low-Altitude Industry Innovation and Development Conference was successfully held in Shihezi City, Xinjiang, China. During the conference, China’s Ursa Aeronautical Technology Co., Ltd. (“Ursa”) reached a procurement agreement with Indonesia’s PT Unmanned Airtransport Indonesia for 20 sets of HY100 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). Additionally, the company signed a procurement agreement with the government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea for 10 sets of the systems, and established strategic service partnerships with Kazakhstan in various fields, including logistics, agricultural and forestry plant protection, and tourism development. This marks the official entry of China’s large civil UASs into the international market, providing advanced low-altitude intelligent solutions for countries along the “Belt and Road” initiative.

HY100 Large UAVSystem Sales Contract
HY100 Large UAVSystem Sales Contract

Ursa will offer comprehensive technical training and support to its partners, including flight operations and maintenance, to facilitate the development of localized operational capabilities. Mr. Agung Sasongkojati, CEO of PT Unmanned Airtransport Indonesia, stated in an interview with CCTV: “China leads in the field of UAS cargo transportation. I want to bring this technology to Indonesia because it can carry large volumes of goods, transport nearly two tonnes of cargo across the sea, and reach areas where conventional aircraft cannot fly.”

Mr. Agung Sasongkojati, CEO of PT Unmanned Airtransport Indonesia
Mr. Agung Sasongkojati, CEO of PT Unmanned Airtransport Indonesia

This collaboration will deliver tangible value to China and countries along the “Belt and Road” initiative. The Hongyan HY100 UAS exhibits outstanding performance, with a maximum takeoff weight of 5,250 kg, a maximum commercial payload of 1,900 kg, and a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers. The HY100 aircraft requires a takeoff and landing rolling distance of less than 150 meters, and can maintain stable flight at ultra-low altitudes of 4 meters above ground, and adapts to various takeoff and landing field conditions, including airstrip, roads, open hard soil, and grassland, demonstrating excellent field adaptability and mission flexibility.

HY100
HY100

The system can effectively address logistics challenges between islands and in complex terrains. Its large payload and long-range capabilities enable the rapid transport of medical supplies, e-commerce parcels, fresh food, and other goods between islands, significantly reducing logistics costs and time and contributing to the establishment of an efficient regional logistics network. Simultaneously, it will play a vital role in agricultural and forestry monitoring, crop protection, and forest resource conservation.

Coordinated Flight of Two HY100
Coordinated Flight of Two HY100

Ursa was established in November 2017 and is a national high-tech enterprise integrating R & D, production, sales and marketing, operation and service support, maintenance, and personnel training of large UASs. As China’s first and only large UAS general aviation enterprise to obtain all of the Type Certificate (TC), Production Certificate (PC), Airworthiness Certificate (AC), and Operation Certificate (OC) issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Ursa has become a benchmark for industry compliance and technical strength. Its proprietary Hongyan HY100 large UAS is the only large UAS product in China that has achieved mass production and commercial operation, representing the highest standard in China’s civil large UAS sector.

 

“Picturesque Jiangxi, Unique Scenery” 2025 “Beautiful Shangrao, Serene Landscape” Cultural Tourism Promotion Event Held in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On August 26, the 2025 “Beautiful Shangrao, Serene Landscape” cultural tourism promotion event, themed “Picturesque Jiangxi, Unique Scenery” and hosted in Malaysia, showcased Shangrao’s unique cultural and tourism attractions. The event was organized by the Shangrao Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism.

Picture of the promotion event
Picture of the promotion event

Chen Yun, Secretary of the CPC Shangrao Municipal Committee, attended the event and delivered a speech. Distinguished guests included Mr. Chua Chun Hua, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia; Mr. Azmi Abdullah, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Lan Wensheng, Second-level Inspector of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province; Mr. Li Dequn, Deputy General Manager of Jiangxi Railway & Aviation Investment Group; and Mr. Kang Zhiyang, General Manager of Jiangxi Airlines.

In his speech, Chen Yun highlighted that China and Malaysia are close neighbors with a friendship spanning more than a thousand years. This bond across mountains and seas is also reflected in the history of exchanges between Shangrao and Malaysia. Shangrao’s stunning landscapes attract more and more visitors in search of “poetry and distance.” Its historic sites and cultural heritage shine with unique charm, while its vibrant local life and diverse new experiences leave lasting impressions. Chen Yun stated that “mountains and seas bring us together, Shangrao awaits Malaysia,” extending a warm invitation for friends from all sectors to visit Shangrao, to appreciate its scenery, culture, cuisine, and development opportunities. He emphasized that under the Belt and Road Initiative and the strong leadership of the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee and Government, Shangrao will deepen strategic cooperation with Malaysia in trade, education, culture, and tourism, making active contributions to the new “Golden 50 Years” of ChinaMalaysia relations.

Mr. Chua Chun Hua remarked that Shangrao’s unique natural beauty and profound cultural heritage are truly impressive. He noted that this event not only serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural and tourism resources of Malaysia and China, but also builds a bridge for communication and understanding, laying a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in the future.

During the event, Shangrao presented its cultural and tourism resources, held the “Picturesque Shangrao” Photo Exhibition and the “Dreamlike Shangrao” Intangible Cultural Heritage Market, and hosted a signing ceremony.

 

Citi Raises Fosun International’s Target Price to HK$6.5 and Reiterates “Buy” Rating


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 On 29 August, Fosun International held its 2025 interim results presentation, during which management delivered a clear strategic message—highlighting a sharpened focus on core businesses, the deepening of global operations, and sustained investment in innovation to lay a solid foundation for future development. Following the results presentation, both domestic and foreign securities firms have published optimistic research reports, affirming Fosun’s long-term value and promising outlook.

Citi and Industrial Securities have reiterated their “Buy” and “Overweight” ratings respectively, expressing their bullish views on Fosun’s “business streamlining, and strategic advancements and exits” strategy and its proactive asset structure optimization. Previously, Citi renewed coverage of Fosun International with a “Buy” rating on 23 July. Following the recent results presentation, Citi issued another research report on Fosun International, reaffirming its “Buy” rating and raising the target price from HK$5.86 to HK$6.50.

Citi notes that Fosun is accelerating its “strategic advancements and exits” strategy. By the end of June 2025, Fosun completed the sale of its 99.743% stake in the German private bank HAL, while retaining the asset servicing business HAFS. Citi believes that the capital recycling from asset divestments will enhance shareholders’ returns. The report highlights that Fosun’s share price is currently trading at a 72% discount to its net asset value (NAV). Reflecting the market value of listed investments in the NAV, Citi expects a potential valuation recovery for Fosun International and has therefore raised its target price. Industrial Securities also acknowledges Fosun’s ongoing asset portfolio optimization and clear strategic direction, noting that the Group expanded offshore USD bonds, organized offshore syndicated loan, and issued domestic bonds in the first half of the year, resulting in a financing cost reduction of over 30 basis points compared to the end of 2024.

Both Citi and Industrial Securities highlight that Fosun’s core industries, such as innovative drugs, have made significant breakthroughs, while its cultural tourism business, Club Med, has achieved record-high results and insurance operations have showed steady growth. Fosun’s Health segment, particularly biopharmaceuticals, performed exceptionally well, with multiple innovative drugs of Henlius achieving major breakthroughs. HANSIZHUANG (serplulimab), the world’s first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) approved for first-line treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), recorded a global sales revenue of RMB597.7 million. To date, HANSIZHUANG has been successfully approved for marketing in nearly 40 countries and regions, covering nearly half of the world’s population. HLX43, the world’s first PD-L1-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) to enter Phase II clinical trials, is undergoing clinical studies for solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and thymic carcinoma in countries including China, the US, Japan, and Australia. Meanwhile, HLX22, another innovative drug, was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) by the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of gastric cancer, marking it as the first anti-HER2-targeted therapy for gastric cancer to receive ODD approval from both the EU and the US.

Industrial Securities also points out that Fosun’s overseas revenue accounted for 53%, representing an increase of 6.6 percentage points year-on-year, demonstrating the effectiveness of its globalization strategy. Club Med’s global performance once again reached a record high, with business volume amounting to RMB9.25 billion in the first half of 2025. The insurance segment also delivered solid performance, with the Group’s insurance business generating revenue of RMB20.89 billion in the first half of 2025. Fosun Insurance Portugal recorded overseas gross written premiums (GWP) of EUR924 million and received an “A” rating from S&P, while Peak Reinsurance achieved GWP of US$1,061 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 25.1%, demonstrating strong growth momentum.

In addition, Fosun has continued to drive innovation in financial technology. Finloop, independently incubated by Fosun Wealth, has launched the FinRWA Platform (FRP), a comprehensive one-stop solution for Real World Assets (RWA) technology. The company is actively advancing asset tokenization projects. Fosun International Securities Limited and Fosun International Asset Management Limited have respectively obtained upgraded Type 1 and Type 9 licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC), with steady progress in building virtual asset and RWA platforms.

Overall, by focusing on its core advantageous industries, optimizing capital structure, and deepening its global operations, Fosun has earned unanimous support from domestic and foreign securities firms, with the market highly optimistic about its future growth prospects.

Hashtag: #Fosun #FosunInternational

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

Airline Fraud Rates Drop Globally with Europe Leading 50% Decline, Accertify Analysis Reveals

Despite Global Declines, Data Shows Fraud Threats Persist on Key Corridors

ITASCA, Ill., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Accertify, Inc., a leading provider of fraud prevention and digital identity solutions, today released new data showing airline fraud rates have declined across all major global regions in the first half of 2025, with Europe posting the largest drop — a 50% year-over-year decrease in fraud pressure*. The analysis also reveals improvements in the United States and Asia Pacific, while underscoring that targeted risks persist.

Based on analysis of millions of airline transactions across major carriers, Accertify found that global fraud rates dropped 30% year-over-year to 0.25%, or one fraud attempt in every 400 bookings. The decline was most pronounced in Europe, where fraud pressure on departure flights fell by half compared to the same period last year. European routes now account for just 12% of all attempted fraud worldwide, down from 24% in the first half of 2024.

In the United States, fraud rates on domestic and international travel dropped 38% to one fraud attempt in every 556 bookings (0.18%).

Breaking the data down further, the analysis revealed notable shifts at individual airports:

  • United States: Dallas Love Airport (-69%), San Diego International (-68%), and Chicago Midway (-67%) saw the largest year-over-year drops in fraud pressure. In contrast, Daniel K. Inouye International in Honolulu experienced a 175% increase, while Seattle-Tacoma International rose 40%, moving closer to the U.S. average. Miami International ranked as the highest-risk major U.S. airport in H1 2025, despite seeing its own fraud rate decrease compared to last year.
  • Europe: Among major airports with at least one million bookings, the lowest fraud attempt rates were recorded at Kraków John Paul II International (Poland), Bristol Airport (UK), and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (Italy). Naples-Capodichino International (Italy) posted the steepest drop (-57%), followed closely by EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (~-50%). High-risk hubs included London Heathrow and Humberto Delgado Airport (Portugal), while Athens International and Paris Charles de Gaulle topped the list for smaller but still significant traffic airports.
  • Asia Pacific: Overall fraud pressure on departures from the Asia Pacific region declined 6% year-over-year, yet it remains one of the relatively higher-risk departure regions worldwide. Among major airports with over one million bookings, the lowest fraud attempt rates were recorded at Auckland Airport (New Zealand) and Haneda Airport (Tokyo, Japan), with Haneda achieving a 72% year-over-year drop. The largest decreases in the region came from departures out of Tokyo and Singapore (both down 27%). However, certain airports saw notable increases, including Auckland (+50%), Cairns, Australia (+230%), and Perth, Australia (+136%). Overall, fraud pressure for Australian departures rose 21.4% compared to the first half of 2024. Among smaller but still significant airports, Kuala Lumpur International (Malaysia) recorded a 114% increase, and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport rose 47%.

“While we’re seeing positive trends in fraud reduction across many regions, our data shows that fraudsters are highly adaptive and constantly evolving their tactics,” said Mark Michelon, President of Accertify. “Even as overall fraud pressure decreases, they’re testing for new vulnerabilities and shifting their focus to exploit specific routes and gaps in security. This makes robust fraud detection more critical than ever.”

Accertify works with many of the world’s leading carriers, protecting eight of the top ten global airlines (percentage based on revenue, Accertify Client Data 2024). By combining advanced analytics, machine learning, and an extensive global fraud intelligence network, the company enables airlines to adapt quickly to evolving threats, safeguard revenue, and preserve the travel experience for legitimate passengers.

*Statistics in this release are derived from Accertify airlines client data from 2024-2025 or as stated. 

About Accertify

Accertify, Inc., is a leading provider of fraud prevention, chargeback management, and payment gateway solutions to customers spanning diverse industries worldwide. Accertify’s suite of products and services helps e-commerce companies grow their business by driving down the total cost of fraud, simplifying business processes, and ultimately increasing revenue. To learn more about Accertify, visit www.accertify.com.

Contact:

Neal Stein
Technology PR Solutions
Office: (321) 473-7407
nealjstein@techprsolutions.com

Jungbunzlauer to acquire from International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. multipurpose site in Thomson, IL

 – establishing U.S. manufacturing footprint –

BASEL, Switzerland, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jungbunzlauer, a global leader in high-quality, sustainable ingredients from natural sources, announced today the signing of a binding and definitive agreement to acquire the multipurpose production site in Thomson, IL from International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.  (IFF).

“This acquisition is an important step in delivering on our strategic capacity expansion in North America,” said Bruno Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer of Jungbunzlauer. “Establishing a U.S. manufacturing footprint allows us to work closer to many of our U.S. customers, better understand their challenges and deliver solutions that truly make a difference.”

The asset deal  does not include any of IFF’s commercial business, product lines or employees, and terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Upon closing the transaction, our immediate focus will be on preparing the site for our specific production needs,” added Tremblay. “As we finalise our operational plans, we look forward to sharing updates, including information about future hiring.”

The transaction is expected to close in early Q4 2025, subject to receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

About Jungbunzlauer

Jungbunzlauer is a leading producer of high-quality, sustainable ingredients from natural sources, serving industries from food and beverage, to nutrition, health, home and personal care, among others. Leading the way in developing naturally better ingredients that enhance everyday life, we are a trusted partner offering a diverse portfolio of texturants, acidulants, sweeteners, minerals, and tailored solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with state-of-the-art facilities including large-scale fermentation operations across Europe and North America, we proudly serve more than 130 countries worldwide. Founded more than 150 years ago, Jungbunzlauer has grown into a CHF 1.3 billion company, driven by nearly 1,400 dedicated colleagues committed to a healthier, more sustainable future. Learn more at www.jungbunzlauer.com.