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Innodisk Paves the Way for Next-Gen Data Centers with its First PCIe Gen5 SSD Series

TAIPEI, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innodisk, a leading industrial-grade flash storage provider, announces the launch of its latest PCIe Gen5 SSD series, designed to meet the OCP Data Center NVMe SSD spec v2.0 and the increasing demands of AI model training, big data analytics, and data-intensive environments.  

Innodisk announces the launch of its latest PCIe Gen5 SSD series, designed to meet the OCP Data Center NVMe SSD spec v2.0 and the increasing demands of AI model training, big data analytics, and data-intensive environments.
Innodisk announces the launch of its latest PCIe Gen5 SSD series, designed to meet the OCP Data Center NVMe SSD spec v2.0 and the increasing demands of AI model training, big data analytics, and data-intensive environments.

The new series supports multiple form factors, including U.2, as well as EDSFF E1.S, E3.S, and the brand-new E3.L for data center applications, catering to the diverse needs of enterprise and data center environments. This marks a new chapter for Innodisk in further fulfilling enterprise demands.

The Innodisk PCIe Gen5 SSD, built with the latest PCIe Gen 5 x4 interface and NVMe 2.0 protocol, overcomes the speed and latency limitations of traditional storage interfaces. With up to 128TB of high-density NAND storage, it delivers speeds of up to 14GB/s (read) and 10GB/s (write), enabling lightning-fast data transfers for data-intensive applications.

Enterprise data centers managing large-scale storage deployments and multi-tiered environments often require out-of-band and batch management capabilities, which present growing challenges. Innodisk PCIe Gen5 SSD addresses these demands with NVMe-MI for streamlined SSD management and multi-namespace support, ensuring scalable and efficient storage operations.

To ensure high quality and alignment with market trends, the PCIe Gen5 SSD aims to enhance integration with industry-leading data center standards, such as OCP Data Center NVMe SSD spec v2.0. Additionally, it is intended to be built for seamless integration with VMware, optimizing compatibility with virtualized environments and overall system performance.

Innodisk’s PCIe Gen5 SSD also features advanced security mechanisms, ensuring robust data protection and seamless integration. Secure Boot technology authenticates digital signatures during firmware updates, preventing unauthorized modifications and ensuring that only trusted firmware is executed.  

Other than that, Innodisk offers exceptional extensive firmware compatibility and customizable solutions, ensuring seamless integration into diverse enterprise environments.  

The Innodisk PCIe Gen5 SSD will be available starting Q2 2025. For more information, please visit www.innodisk.com.

Smart Mowing Prevails: Segway Navimow’s Revolutionary Robot Mower Arrives at Lowe’s

BOSTON, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Segway Navimow, a global leader in robotic lawn care, today announced its groundbreaking robotic mowers will be available for purchase at Lowe’s online stores. The lineup includes Segway Navimow’s signature wire-free H Series, fan-favorite i Series. Homeowners can now embrace a smarter, wire-free future in lawn care, transforming outdoor spaces into effortlessly maintained retreats. 

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mower available at Lowe's
Segway Navimow robotic lawn mower available at Lowe’s

The Future of Lawn Care is Autonomous 

Segway Navimow’s robot mower lineup disrupts traditional lawn maintenance with wire-free precision, powered by RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technology that provides centimeter-level GPS accuracy, vSLAM, and AI-empowered algorithm. These mowers autonomously map, learn, and optimize cutting paths in real time, delivering flawlessly patterned lawns while adapting to changing landscapes. Gone are the days of manual labor and perimeter wiring—Segway Navimow redefines convenience.  

Quiet, eco-friendly, and intelligent, Segway Navimow’s mowers seamlessly integrate into daily life. Their ever-evolving smart software also unlocks endless possibilities, such doodle on the lawn, weather adaptive, connect to smart home devices, explore mowing reports and more. Homeowners can enjoy fun, lush, vibrant outdoor spaces with minimal effort. 

Three Revolutionary Series Designed for Tomorrow’s Yard 

Navimow i Series 

Engineered for lawns up to 1/4 acre, the Amazon best-selling i Series combines compact power with effortless control. Featuring RTK and vision-enhanced navigation, AI-assisted mapping, 150+ obstacle avoidance types, and intuitive app integration, it’s the go-to choice for small-to-medium lawns. 

Segway Navimow H Series 

The brand’s signature wire-free model, the H Series, conquers expansive yards up to 0.74 acres with rugged durability. Its RTK-based navigation, predictive algorithms, and advanced terrain sensors ensure precision through complex landscapes with slopes up to 27°.

Availability 

Discover more how Segway Navimow is shaping the future of yard maintenance at Segway Navimow official website. Visit Lowe’s.com for delivery to your doorsway.Available SKUs include: 

  • Navimow i105, i110 
  • Segway Navimow H1500-VF, H3000-VF

About Segway Navimow 

Segway is a global innovator in intelligent short-distance transportation and service robotics. Founded in 1999 by inventor Dean Kamen, the company integrates R&D, production, sales, and service worldwide. Launched in 2021, Navimow leverages Segway’s 20+ years of robotic expertise and its patented Exact Fusion Locating System (EFLS) for centimeter-level precision. Today, Segway Navimow serves households in over 30 countries, including the U.S., Germany, France, and Australia. 

Navimow was first introduced by Segway in 2021 and is the company’s entry into offering gardening and outdoor tools. Powered by Segway’s spirit of innovation and over 20 years of experience in the robotic sector, Navimow developed the Exact Fusion Locating System (EFLS) capable of centimeter-level precise positioning and continues to enhance its offerings with groundbreaking features. Today, Segway Navimow serves households in over 30 countries, including Germany, France, Denmark, the US, the UK, Australia, and more.

OutSystems AI-Powered Low-Code Advances ARTHALAND’s Real Estate Sustainability

Using OutSystems, ARTHALAND has integrated its core systems, enhancing operational efficiency and advancing sustainable development in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ARTHALAND, the only real estate developer in the Philippines with a 100% sustainable residential and commercial portfolio certified by both local and global organizations, has chosen OutSystems, a global leader transforming how companies innovate through software, to deliver transformative digital solutions. Leveraging AI-powered low-code, ARTHALAND is rapidly developing and deploying enterprise-grade applications to optimize operational efficiency, while supporting its mission to deliver 100% sustainable developments of the highest quality and innovation.

As the Philippines commits to decarbonization by 2030, the need for sustainable urban development is accelerating, opening up opportunities for urbanization businesses like ARTHALAND to drive smarter, greener solutions. Yet, despite rising market expectations, ARTHALAND faced challenges with resource constraints, vendor dependency, and fragmented systems, hindering innovation and scalability.

By reducing development time to three months per application using OutSystems, ARTHALAND developed NAVIS BY ARTHALAND, a suite of purpose-built mobile and web applications unifying the company’s previously isolated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. These applications enable seamless data and workflow integration, including:

  • NAVIS BY ARTHALAND for Sales: Automatically generates real-time computation sheets with multiple payment options to enhance sales efficiency and customer experience.
  • NAVIS BY ARTHALAND for Customers: Provides property buyers with a centralized platform to manage transactions, browse properties, access digital payments, and retrieve property documents and details.
  • NAVIS BY ARTHALAND for Brokers: Digitizes and streamlines broker accreditation with easy applications, secure document submission, and real-time status tracking, eliminating paperwork delays and ensuring up-to-date accreditation status.
  • Rewards System: Transparent, structured incentive program that converts successful broker sales into redeemable points to enhance broker engagement.
  • Handover: A quality assurance tool that efficiently ensures unit deliveries meets ARTHALAND’s stringent quality benchmarks by streamlining inspection, documentation, and issue resolution.

“At ARTHALAND, our mission is to be a world-class, pioneering property company, crafting boutique, sustainable, and exceptional developments that enrich life at home, work, and in our communities. We chose OutSystems because true innovation demands speed, flexibility, and sustainability. With its AI-powered low-code agility, we craft powerful, enterprise-grade solutions faster than ever, reducing development waste and optimizing resources. This isn’t just about technology — it’s about creating a greener, smarter, and more connected world, where every digital transformation aligns with our unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence,” said Gerard Vincent Casanova, Head of Information and Business Technology at ARTHALAND.

The adoption of OutSystems has provided significant outcomes for ARTHALAND,  particularly in speeding up iterations and prototyping. Additionally, with the cloud-based workflows enabled by OutSystems, ARTHALAND is championing a 360-degree approach to sustainability, optimizing resource usage and reducing energy consumption during development.

“ARTHALAND’s success demonstrates how organizations can develop profitable real estate developments while upholding their responsibility to the environment. OutSystems AI-powered low-code has enabled them to simplify complex processes and advance their transformative goals. We are proud to partner with ARTHALAND in their mission to enhance lives in the Philippines through building sustainable legacies,” said Arnold Consengco, Regional Vice President, South East Asia and Greater China Region at OutSystems.

Moving forward, ARTHALAND plans to continue leveraging OutSystems to expand its suite of applications by developing a one-stop supplier portal and upgrading NAVIS BY ARTHALAND for Customers to include vendor offerings. AI-powered solutions are planned to be embedded across all applications to drive operational efficiency and scalability, empowering ARTHALAND to enhance the lives of the Philippine population through impactful, sustainable developments.

Discover more about OutSystems AI-powered low-code.

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About OutSystems

OutSystems is a global leader transforming how companies innovate through software, empowering IT leaders with a better way to build the software that matters most. The OutSystems platform helps companies develop, deploy, and maintain mission-critical applications by unifying and automating the entire software lifecycle. With OutSystems, organizations leverage generative AI to deliver software instantaneously, adapt faster to changing requirements, and reduce technical debt by building on a future-proof platform. Helping customers achieve their business goals by addressing key strategic initiatives, OutSystems delivers software up to 10x faster than traditional development. Recognized as a leader by analysts, IT executives, business leaders, and developers around the world, global brands trust OutSystems to tackle their impossible projects and turn their big ideas into software that moves their business, people, and the world forward.

Founded in 2001, the company’s network spans more than 800,000 community members, over 500 partners, and active customers in 75+ countries across 21 industries. Learn more at www.outsystems.com.

 

Avnet AI Tech Days Empower Singapore’s AI Ambitions

Event in Singapore to Showcase Latest AI Solutions and Expertise, Supporting National Growth Goals

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Building on Singapore’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), fueled by strategic initiatives like the S$150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative and the National AI Strategy 2.0, Avnet Asia is set to power this progress at its upcoming AI Tech Day – Shaping the Future of AI on May 14, 2025. At this event, attendees will gain actionable insights into deploying the latest AI technologies, forge valuable connections with industry leaders, and discover how Avnet can accelerate their AI journey.

This event will feature Avnet’s comprehensive ecosystem of cutting-edge AI solutions, developed through close collaboration with a robust ecosystem of industry leaders, including AMD, Infineon, LITE-ON, Micron, Molex, MPS, Nichicon, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Supermicro, Taoglas, and Yageo Corporation. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations and static displays showcasing the latest AI innovations from Avnet’s design services team and its strategic partners. Alongside these collaborations and demonstrations, the event will also showcase Avnet’s sister companies, Tria and element14.

“Avnet is excited to host Avnet AI Tech Days – Shaping the Future of AI,” said Tan Aik Hoon, Regional President, Avnet South Asia and Korea. “Our collaboration with industry leaders aligns perfectly with Singapore’s ambitious National AI Strategy. We are committed to providing the technologies and expertise needed to empower local businesses and drive the nation’s success in the global AI arena.”

A key highlight of the Avnet AI Tech Day in Singapore will be the invaluable insights shared by prominent figures shaping Singapore’s AI landscape. Guest speakers Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore, and Dr. Nyan Myo Naing, Senior Specialist & Senior Lecturer at the Autonomous Technology Innovation Centre (ATIC), Nanyang Polytechnic, who will both bring significant authority and practical expertise to the event. Their presentations will complement a comprehensive display of advanced AI infrastructure and platform technologies, expertly curated by Avnet to accelerate AI integration across various key sectors.

Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore and a key architect of the national AI strategy, will keynote on “Building an AI-First Nation: Empowering Businesses with Singapore’s Leading AI Initiatives,” bringing his perspective from over 30 years of technology leadership and his pivotal role in initiatives like 100 Experiments (100E) and AI Apprenticeship Programme (AIAP).  Adding a crucial practical dimension to the Avnet AI Tech Day will be Dr. Nyan Myo Naing, Senior Specialist and Senior Lecturer at Nanyang Polytechnic. Dr. Naing, who has extensive expertise in AI, deep learning, computer vision, and deploying AI on edge computing devices, will present on “Real-Time Edge AI: Deploying Smart Algorithms and Streaming Pipelines for Industrial-Grade Performance.” His direct experience in delivering AI solutions for numerous industrial projects within Singapore brings a real-world perspective to the event, offering attendees actionable knowledge on implementing advanced AI in industrial settings.

Avnet’s commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of the AI market is further emphasized by its recent Avnet Insights survey. The findings reveal a strong global optimism regarding AI’s impact on product development, with a significant percentage of engineers already integrating AI into their designs. Notably, Singapore is proactively leveraging its infrastructure and talent to adopt AI across diverse industries. The survey also identifies key challenges such as security, privacy, and data quality, highlighting the importance of the solutions and expertise Avnet and its partners will present at the Avnet AI Tech Day. Download the full Avnet Insights whitepaper here.

“The findings of our recent global Avnet Insights survey underscore Avnet’s commitment to equipping our customers to navigate the complexities of AI development. We are dedicated to providing the necessary tools, technologies, and expertise to succeed in this exciting new era of AI-powered innovation. Avnet will leverage our deep expertise and extensive network to unite leading suppliers, innovative customers, and a strong partner ecosystem, ensuring we collectively unlock AI’s transformative potential across Southeast Asia,” concluded Tan.

The Avnet AI Tech Day offers exclusive access to industry insights and networking opportunities with key semiconductor, technology, and business decision-makers. Engineering professionals from tech manufacturing companies may register their interest to participate here.

Our valued partners will showcase their latest innovations, including these highlights, at the Avnet AI Tech Day in Singapore:

AMD: AMD will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of high-performance computing solutions driving advancements in AI across various applications, from cloud infrastructure to edge devices and endpoint solutions. Their exhibit will highlight the capabilities of their advanced GPUs, CPUs, NPUs, and FPGAs in powering demanding AI workloads.

Infineon: Infineon will showcase the PSOC™ Edge Vision Demo, highlighting human detection using AI/ML on the PSOC™ Edge E84 with a USB camera. This demonstration illustrates the seamless integration of AI/ML capabilities with hardware, offering an efficient platform for advanced human detection in applications such as smart homes and buildings.

LITEON: LITEON will present its state-of-the-art power supply, emphasizing its high power efficiency and various features. This power supply supports GREEN initiatives and offers potential for AI-enabled applications.

Micron: Micron will feature the Micron 6550 ION SSD, the world’s first 60TB PCIe Gen5 data center SSD. This product is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, energy efficiency, and density, making it ideal for addressing the growing demands of AI workloads in AI data lakes, high-performance computing (HPC), big data, and analytics environments.

Molex: Molex will exhibit its EXTreme Ten60 Power connectors and High-Speed Pluggable Solutions, providing the robust power distribution and high-bandwidth connectivity crucial for AI applications like servers and data centers. Additionally, they will display the Molex Mirror Mezz Connectors, which offer efficient board-to-board communication suitable for AI hardware requiring high-performance processing in compact spaces.

MPS: MPS will showcase its latest innovation, the MPC24380, the Highest Power Density Module for AI GPUs and TPUs. This module addresses the challenges of increasing power requirements for AI processors by integrating output caps and utilizing a thermally efficient DrMOS-on-top approach with extremely low ThetaJT for improved heat transfer.

Nichicon: Nichicon will showcase its advanced capacitor solutions, including aluminum, hybrid, polymer capacitors, and SLB products. The demonstration will highlight their high-performance, space-saving designs and enhanced durability, making them suitable for applications in smart meters, IoT, automotive, and industrial sectors.

NXP Semiconductors: NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) will present its role as a trusted partner for innovative solutions across the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. Their “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that enhance the connected world’s quality, safety, and security.

STM: STM will feature the STM32N6 microcontroller (MCU) series, their most powerful to date and the first to integrate the Neural-ART Accelerator (NPU). This new series delivers a 600-fold increase in machine-learning performance compared to current high-end STM32 MCUs, enabling advanced machine-learning capabilities at the edge for applications like computer vision, audio processing, and sound analysis in both consumer and industrial domains.

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI): Supermicro will present its capabilities in empowering AI-driven solutions for enterprise, retail, and edge server deployments. A key product on display will be the AS -1115S-FWTRT, a 1U, short-depth system leveraging AMD’s EPYC series processors and capable of supporting a single double-width NVIDIA L40S GPU, offering customers flexibility in core counts and GPU capacity. Supermicro is a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge.

Taoglas: Taoglas will highlight how antennas and Ethernet magnetics are becoming the essential connectivity backbone for edge computing and AI, ensuring robust, low-latency data transmission. Their presentation, “The Backbone of Connectivity,” will showcase groundbreaking innovations designed to support digital infrastructure.

YAGEO: Yageo will highlight its commitment to delivering high-quality passive component solutions designed to meet the evolving demands of AI across various industries worldwide. They will introduce the latest key applications of Yageo passive components in emerging technologies.

About Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle.  We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster.  Learn more about Avnet at www.avnet.com.

Avnet Asia Media Contact

Seraphina Wee
Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager, Asia Pacific
Seraphina.wee@avnet.com

Arrow Electronics Empowers Xeleqt with AIoT Technologies Adoption to Boost Workforce Productivity and Worksite Operations in the Philippines


MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – Global technology solutions provider Arrow Electronics is providing engineering expertise and services to Xeleqt Technology Innovations Inc. (Xeleqt), a Philippines-based tech startup, for developing its AIoT (Artificial intelligence of things)-powered solutions and offerings to help optimize workforce productivity and engagement across retail, construction, utilities, and manufacturing industries.

Arrow Electronics Empowers Xeleqt with AIoT Technologies Adoption to Boost Workforce Productivity and Worksite Operations in the Philippines
Arrow Electronics Empowers Xeleqt with AIoT Technologies Adoption to Boost Workforce Productivity and Worksite Operations in the Philippines

Powered by advanced electronic components and AI algorithms, Xeleqt’s AIoT devices and systems can help streamline workflows, digitize repetitive tasks, minimize human errors, and empower employees with real-time analytics for optimizing workforce management.

Companies are increasingly combining the power of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create smarter, more powerful systems that enhance operational efficiency, enable data-driven decision-making, and provide optimal service experiences. The AIoT market in Asia-Pacific is projected to reach a revenue of US$261 million1 by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 36%.

Founded in 2021 and based in Cebu City, Philippines, Xeleqt is an award-winning startup specialized in providing AIoT-enabled application services tailored to their specific business needs of SMEs. The growing complexity and high implementation costs of AIoT systems present significant barriers for many SMEs in adopting these digital tools and solutions.

“We are dedicated to harnessing the power of AI and IoT technologies to revolutionize the collaboration between people and machines in the physical world. AIoT-powered devices not only provide humans with real-time intelligence and insights but also enhance workforce agility, engagement, and safety. By offering an AIoT-as-a-service model, our customers can benefit from affordable, easy-to-deploy digital solutions that reduce risk, monetize idle capacity, protect essential workers, and improve service quality,” said Norman Curato, CEO and co-founder of Xeleqt. “As an emerging tech startup, we rely on global technology leaders for guidance and best practices. Arrow has provided us with the essential engineering expertise and tools to overcome technical challenges and accelerate our AIoT design-to-prototype-to-product innovation journey.”

Arrow supplies approximately 70% of the electronic components utilized by Xeleqt, ranging from AI chips, sensors, Bluetooth/WiFi connectivity modules to interconnect, passive and electromechanical components. The Arrow technical team has contributed engineering expertise and design tools to help Xeleqt address technical challenges, accelerating the transition from design to prototype to final product. Some of Xeleqt’s AIoT products are expected to launch recently include:

  • WorkTraQ – a wearable device, equipped with Bluetooth location sensing, NFC module, advanced movement, and audio recognition AI to gather comprehensive data on worker activities and environmental conditions
  • TimeTraQ is an always-on, fully connected, self-diagnosing time-and-attendance device that calculates the cost of shift hours in real-time and generates payroll. Embedded with facial or vein recognition camera, tampering and jamming detection features, it allows seamless identification and anomaly detection, enhancing security while minimizing administrative overhead.
  • OmniTraQ is a telematics device equipped with a low-power, long-range connectivity module. It enables reliable data transmission across vast remote or rugged environments without the need for extensive network infrastructure.

Dr. Raphael Salmi, president of Arrow Electronics’ South Asia, Korea, and Japan components business, said, “The adoption and integration of AIoT technologies propel industries towards a more interconnected and intelligent future. The contemporary AIoT ecosystem requires extensive technology competencies, from product ideation and design to engineering, supply chain management, and manufacturing. With our extensive network of technology suppliers and world-class technological capabilities, we are well positioned to provide optimal support to Xeleqt and many other tech startups as they endeavor to simplify and scale up AIoT offerings.”

In addition, Arrow’s Silicon Expert intelligence tool and service help mitigate risks throughout a product’s entire lifecycle, from development and production to sustainment. Empowered by Arrow’s comprehensive technology portfolio and Silicon Expert’s tool, Xeleqt gains real-time operational insights, optimizes parts availability, reduces costs associated with the bill of materials, and minimizes risks.

1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/artificial-intelligence-of-things-aiot-market/asia-pacific

Hashtag: #ArrowElectronics

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

About Xeleqt

Xeleqt, founded in 2021 and based in Cebu City, Philippines, specializes in AIoT products and solutions for human resources and asset management. Its main offerings include workforce engagement tools, payroll automation, and wage automation services, primarily serving field service industries and companies.

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With global 2024 sales of $28 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at arrow.com.

UNDP and Trigger Team Up to Supercharge SDG Startups and Businesses with Smarter Investment and Support


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Trigger Asset Management (Trigger) have launched a landmark partnership aimed at unlocking capital and strengthening support for startups and businesses advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration brings together UNDP’s global innovation and finance expertise with Trigger’s strength in sustainable and scalable investment solutions.

Led by UNDP’s Alternative Finance Lab (AltFinLab), the initiative called “‘Origin” will enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of impact investment opportunities for mission-driven startups and businesses, particularly those nurtured by UNDP’s accelerator programmes.

Based in Singapore, Trigger is a leading investment management firm committed to building impact-oriented financial ecosystems to tackle global challenges from climate action and poverty reduction to health and education.

Through this initiative, UNDP and Trigger will co-develop infrastructure and strategies to help promising SDG-focused ventures and businesses reach scale and sustainability.

Key areas of collaboration include:

  • Designing and launching investment opportunities for SDG-aligned startups and businesses that will be guided by structured acceleration and incubation pathways;
  • Creating a next-generation AI and Web3-powered digital platform to connect startups and businesses with investors and streamline collaboration;
  • Building a comprehensive, interactive database of startups and businesses supported by UNDP accelerator programmes, enabling smart matchmaking between ventures, donors, and investors;
  • Delivering tailored capacity-building programs, including training in SDG impact management, innovative financing, business development, and agile project design;
  • Rolling out a Digital MBA programme and peer learning workshops to upskill business owners and enhance organizational readiness for investment.

“We’re seeing enormous potential in SDG-aligned startups, but they often struggle to attract the right kind of investment or support,” said Robert Pasicko, Team Leader for AltFinLab at UNDP Europe and Central Asia. “This partnership with Trigger is about bridging that gap—making it easier for impact investors to find and fund ventures solving real-world problems, while giving those ventures the tools and networks they need to thrive.”

“This partnership is a critical step toward redefining how impact capital is mobilized and applied,” said Goh Seh Harn, Founder and CEO of Trigger Asset Management. “We are building an ecosystem where capital not only scales businesses but also fuels systemic change for people and the planet.”

By combining UNDP’s global development reach with Trigger’s leadership in sustainable investment, the partnership is poised to support a new generation of investment-ready startups and businesses capable of delivering economically sustainable, and measurable social and environmental impact at scale. More information at www.triggervc.com

Hashtag: #TRIGGER #UNDP #impactinvesting #sustainableinvestment #sustainabledevelopment


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

TRIGGER

Trigger Asset Management, headquartered in Singapore, is an investment firm that aligns private and institutional wealth for high-impact, sustainable ventures to preserve and grow economic and social capital. Through technology, strategic partnerships, and deep domain expertise, Trigger is building ecosystems where innovation meets purpose. Learn more at .

UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization working to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. With a presence in 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at or follow @UNDP.

UNDP AltFinLab

AltFinLab is UNDP’s flagship innovation lab for alternative finance, pioneering solutions in blockchain, crowdfunding, and impact investing. It works with governments, startups, and private sector partners to mobilize resources for sustainable development.

Octa Broker Analysis: Why the U.S. Dollar is Struggling Amid Global Trade Turmoil


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – The U.S. Dollar, the world’s reserve currency and the ultimate safe-haven asset, is now the world’s worst-performing major currency in 2025. Octa Broker explains why. The historical role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s leading safe-haven currency is under threat. Despite rising macroeconomic uncertainty, investors are fleeing the U.S. dollar, defying conventional safe-haven flows. Greenback’s rapid depreciation over the past weeks has fuelled speculation over the loss of confidence in its safe-haven status. With USDCHF trading news multi-year low, Octa Broker analyzes if we are in the midst of dramatic regime change in markets and explains why the U.S. dollar is struggling amid global trade turmoil.

Octa Broker

The U.S. dollar (USD), the buck or the greenback, as it is often informally referred to, has long occupied a rather exclusive position in global finance. Ever since the end of World War II and the establishment of the Bretton Woods monetary system, the greenback has played a crucial role in facilitating cross-border transactions and smoothing international trade flows, in addition to serving as a primary reserve currency for central banks around the world. Being the official currency of the world’s largest economy, the United States, has certainly helped the dollar maintain its dominant position. Indeed, the sheer size of the U.S. economy, its deep and liquid financial markets, strong private property rights and the rule of law enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and last but not least, the unrivalled power of the U.S. military, made the dollar the most trusted global currency. As a result, the greenback became what market participants call ‘a safe-haven currency’, a refuge for investors during times of macroeconomic uncertainty or market turmoil. Most recently, however, the instability in global financial markets triggered by rising trade tariffs and exacerbated by fears of a global recession seems to have upended this narrative, undermining the dollar’s established role.

Trade tensions
The U.S. dollar has been depreciating almost relentlessly since mid-January. In just three and a half months, the Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the greenback relative to a basket of six major foreign currencies, including the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc, lost more than 10% in value (from 13 January high to 21 April low). On 11 April, it breached the critical 100.00 level, and although it has since increased slightly, it remains by far the worst-performing currency among other major currencies this year so far. This decline has raised an important question: Is the U.S. dollar losing its safe-haven status, or is it merely a temporary setback.

The catalyst for the dollar’s slide is rooted in the escalating trade tensions, particularly the aggressive tariff policies enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump. In recent weeks, the U.S. imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with much steeper duties imposed on key trading partners like China, which, in turn, retaliated with its own 125% levies on U.S. goods. These moves have stoked fears of a global recession, as international supply chains may get disrupted with potentially devastating consequences for the world economy. Historically, such uncertainty would bolster the dollar, as investors seek the safety of U.S. assets. However, this time around, the greenback is faltering, while alternative safe-haven currencies like the Swiss franc (CHF) and Japanese yen (JPY) are gaining ground.

Hedging
Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, says that the U.S. dollar’s recent weakness is driven by a diversification shift among investors into alternative safe-haven currencies, motivated by risk-hedging and fears over the growth prospects of the U.S. economy. ‘We are witnessing a major reallocation of capital. Market participants realise that in a trade war, there are no winners. In the short term, the U.S. economy will face the consequences, and they will not be pretty. Big players with large investments in the U.S. realised they needed to hedge their currency risk, so they moved into the Swiss franc and the Japanese yen. Also, higher tariffs are fuelling recession fears, so traders have increased their bets on additional rate cuts by the Fed [Federal Reserve]. That too had a bearish effect on the greenback’.

Indeed, on April 21, USDCHF dropped below the 0.80500 mark, the level unseen in almost 14 years, while USDJPY was hovering near the critical 140.00 area, a drop below which will open the way towards new multi-year lows. Significant shifts in capital flow allocations have prompted some analysts to conclude that the U.S. dollar is facing a crisis of confidence. However, Octa analysts have a different view and believe that the current situation doesn’t reflect a broad erosion of investors’ long-term trust in the U.S. dollar. Kar Yong Ang said: ‘The issue isn’t so much a fundamental loss of faith in the U.S. dollar’s long-term prospects. What we are witnessing right now is a dramatic, yet logical response to the probable economic implications of Donald Trump’s trade policies. You have an administration, which is effectively re-structuring the global trade order, that does not conceal its dissatisfaction with the Fed and apparently believes in a weak dollar. If you’re a foreign investor in the U.S., you simply cannot afford to be unhedged these days. But also, let’s not forget that the greenback has been falling from relatively high levels, so a healthy downward correction was long overdue’. In other words, the recent slide in the U.S. dollar is not an unusual phenomenon or an anomaly; it is quite natural and probably a short-term occurrence. In fact, even after an 11% drop in 2025, the greenback is still some 38% above its historical low set in 2008. Furthermore, it is clear that once key global actors adopt more conciliatory diplomatic rhetoric and engage in active trade negotiations, the situation will normalise immediately.

Conclusion
As for the dollar’s long-term prospects, its dominant status will likely continue to be challenged, but no single currency can take its crown for now. According to the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), the U.S. dollar still accounts for nearly 88% of international transactions, and its dominance in Forex markets remains unmatched, with daily trading volumes dwarfing those of the yen or franc. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), more than half (57.8%) of the $12.4 trillion in global foreign exchange reserves were in U.S. dollars. Therefore, while the greenback may not be the automatic refuge it once was, its role as a Forex cornerstone endures for now.

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Eurofragance Strengthens Market Position with €180M in Sales for 2024

  • Sales up 27% like-for-like versus 2023
  • All categories and regions experienced healthy growth
  • Investments in infrastructure and innovations fueled global expansion

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spanish fragrance house Eurofragance releases its financial results for 2024, showing unprecedented growth. With a 27% sales increase reaching €180 million like-for-like, the company continues to build on its strong upward trajectory year after year.

This performance underscores Eurofragance’s strategic focus and commitment to excellence across all regions and product categories. Juan Ramón López Gil, the company’s CFO, says: “Achieving €180 million in sales is a testament to our initiatives and the dedication of our teams. Each region’s contribution has been instrumental in achieving these results and our financial discipline and focused strategies will continue to drive our success.”

Widespread Expansion Across Categories and Regions

Eurofragance’s results were driven by strong performances in key regions and product categories. All regions recorded significant growth in 2024, ranging from 19% in the EAT region (Europe, Africa, and Turkey) to 30% in IMEA, with APAC standing out with a strong performance at 23%. Joan Pere Jimenez, Chief Market Officer, adds: “We are capitalizing on the rapid development of dynamic markets such as Vietnam and Thailand. We are also benefiting from positive market trends in Indonesia where rising disposable income is fueling demand.”

The multinational’s diverse product portfolio also helped shore up significant gains. The Fine Fragrance category experienced a 28% upswing, while the Home and Personal Care segments saw a 20% increase. This cross-category progress highlights Eurofragance’s ability to meet the demand of its customers in their expansion when it comes to offering them the right fragrances to grow their brands.

Expansion Fueled by Strategic Investments and Innovations

In 2024, Eurofragance continued to invest in strategic initiatives to support its growth. As part of this effort, the company is currently renovating its facilities in Singapore, including both the factory and the creative center, as well as renewing its premises in Jakarta, Indonesia. The fragrance house’s expansion and optimism regarding the future are also evident in its commitment to talent. With new hires across all affiliates and substantial investment in its professional development academies and its talent management program, Eurofragance’s workforce grew by 15% in 2024.

The Spanish fragrance house also launched Euphorion™, its first synthetic addition to its ICON Captives collection, a perfumery ingredient that offers a new take on freshness in the perfumer’s palette. Laurent Mercier, who has been at the helm of Eurofragance as CEO for the past seven years has played a key role in the accelerated development of the company and its foray into the design of proprietary fragrance ingredients. Mercier explains: “Our disciplined approach to growth and strategic investments in key areas have allowed us to maintain our reputation as a leading player in the fragrance industry. The strategies we have in place will ensure our sustained expansion, and our commitment to innovation will continue to drive our success in the years to come.”

Relentless Commitment to People and Planet

Eurofragance remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, earning the highest possible rating from EcoVadis with a Platinum medal. The company’s dedication to community engagement was and continues to be evident through its participation in programs such as “Empowering Women’s Talent” and “Diversity Leading Company” both organized by the top-tier Human Resources media outlet in Spain Equipos&Talento. Additionally, Eurofragance collaborated with Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and MartiDerm dermocosmetics company on a solution for fish odor syndrome, which received a silver medal award at the VPC Green Beauty Awards.

Eurofragance’s performance in 2024 reflects its strategic vision, innovative spirit and commitment to its people, sustainability and community. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to driving growth and delivering value to its customers and stakeholders.

About Eurofragance

Eurofragance manufactures and markets the highest quality fragrances for worldwide brands in fine perfumery, home, personal and air care. The company is a privately held B2B enterprise founded on family values in Barcelona in 1990 and currently has over 550 employees.

Driven by a passion for perfume and the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders, Eurofragance first grew in Europe and the Middle East, before taking on the Far East and the Americas. The company is now represented on five continents; runs its own plants in Spain, Singapore and Mexico; and works with manufacturing partners in China and India.

Eurofragance’s international network of Creative Centers and outstanding manufacturing capabilities enable it to create and deliver fragrances around the world. Over the years, Eurofragance has cultivated lasting relationships and has grown hand in hand with its partners.

Eurofragance is wholeheartedly invested in addressing sustainability issues and its decision-making process is built around strategic initiatives supporting this cause. The company spearheads activities around four major axes: safety, community, business ethics and resources.