TAIPEI, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — E.SUN BANK has partnered with IBM (NYSE: IBM) Consulting to develop Taiwan’s first enterprise-grade AI governance framework for the financial sector, establishing new standards for responsible AI adoption in banking.

AI governance is not merely a compliance requirement—it is the prerequisite for sustainable innovation, says IBM.

The collaboration has produced a comprehensive governance architecture and an AI Governance White Paper specifically designed for financial-industry applications, marking a pivotal shift from experimental AI projects to secure, scalable enterprise deployment.

Setting a national benchmark
As Taiwan’s first bank to implement such a framework, E.SUN BANK is establishing industry-leading standards for AI risk management across the financial ecosystem. The initiative integrates globally recognized frameworks—including the EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001—adapted to meet the specific needs of financial institutions.

IBM Consulting worked with E.SUN BANK to design an end-to-end governance architecture that assesses current AI maturity while charting clear pathways for sustainable growth and regulatory compliance.

A lifecycle approach to AI governance
The framework is built on three core principles:

• Data science – Applying scientific indicators and quantitative methods
• Business-scenario specificity – Aligning governance with real-world use cases
• Risk-based management – Implementing proportionate controls across all AI applications

Rather than treating governance as a single checkpoint, the framework spans the entire AI lifecycle: development, training, validation, deployment, and continuous monitoring. This transforms fragmented compliance requirements into a unified, actionable governance approach.

From regulation to execution
E.SUN BANK and IBM Consulting developed a systematic methodology that bridges high-level regulatory guidance and practical implementation. The approach enables cross-functional teams—including business units, data scientists, cybersecurity professionals, and compliance officers—to execute governance through repeatable, measurable processes.

The AI Governance White Paper introduces 96 technical methods supporting regulatory compliance, monitoring, and oversight. These mechanisms provide objective, quantitative governance controls that enhance both accuracy and operational efficiency, positioning governance as a strategic enabler rather than a constraint.

Enabling scalable AI adoption
The framework establishes the foundation for enterprise-wide AI deployment at E.SUN BANK. With clear standards, repeatable processes, and an extensible architecture, the bank can introduce advanced capabilities over time, including automated review and testing mechanisms.

This infrastructure accelerates the safe, reliable deployment of AI solutions across the organization while maintaining rigorous oversight and control.

“AI governance is not merely a compliance requirement—it is the prerequisite for sustainable innovation,” said Han Lin, General Manager of Taiwan IBM Consulting. “This framework provides Taiwan’s financial institutions with a proven model for responsible AI adoption at scale.”

IBM Consulting and E.SUN BANK will continue advancing governance-driven innovation, supporting Taiwan’s financial sector as it harnesses AI to unlock business value while building a resilient, internationally competitive AI ecosystem.

About E.SUN BANK
https://www.esunbank.com/en/personal

About IBM Taiwan
https://taiwan.newsroom.ibm.com/

Media Contact
Kate Liu, IBM Corporate Affairs, kateliu@cn.ibm.com

IBM Corporation logo.

LONDON, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Markel Insurance, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced the appointment of Phil Jones as Chief Information Officer (CIO), International, effective immediately.

Phil Jones, Chief Information Officer, International

In his new role, Jones will define and deliver the technology vision for Markel International, ensuring the organisation’s systems, data and digital capabilities continue to evolve in line with its strategic focus on operational excellence. Working in close partnership with international leadership, Global Security Services and IT teams across Markel Group, he will focus on strengthening resilience, enhancing service quality and accelerating innovation across Markel’s international operations.

Jones will also champion closer collaboration between technology and business teams, supporting Markel’s ambition to unlock greater value from its data, modernise its technology foundations and empower teams across its five regional businesses through reliable, high‑performing systems. His appointment underscores Markel’s continued investment in exceptional leadership to support scalable growth and strengthen capabilities across its diverse international markets.

Jones will be based in London and report to Carys Lawton-Bryce, Chief Operations Officer at Markel International.

On the appointment, Lawton-Bryce commented: “As the evolving risk landscape and competitive market continues to exert pressure on operations, it is critical that our technology is world-class.

“I’m delighted to welcome Phil to Markel in this important new role. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our operational performance and provide brokers and clients with best-in-class service – today and in the future. Phil’s extensive experience and deep expertise will help us take our technological capabilities to the next level across our international operations, and I look forward to working closely with him.”

Jones joins Markel with extensive CIO and executive technology leadership experience spanning specialty insurance, financial services and government. Most recently, he served as Global Chief Information Officer at Aspen Insurance, where he led IT strategy, cloud transformation, cyber‑defence initiatives and a global technology workforce, delivering significant performance, security and cost‑efficiency improvements. His previous roles include Executive Director of Service Delivery and Operations at the UK Ministry of Defence, overseeing mission‑critical global IT services, and senior technology leadership positions at Prudential UK, Lloyds Banking Group and ATOS Consulting.

About Markel Insurance
We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide. 

MIAMI, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FitTransformer, the modular smart fitness ecosystem redefining home and performance training, will make its debut at Wodapalooza, one of the world’s most celebrated functional fitness competitions. The brand will introduce athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts to its flagship system, FitTransformer Titan, through live demonstrations, athlete challenges, and interactive experiences.

Held annually in Miami, Wodapalooza gathers thousands of elite competitors, gym owners, and fitness fans from around the globe. The event provides the perfect stage for FitTransformer to present its vision: a modular training system that transforms a single intelligent core into a complete home or studio gym.

One Core. Every Workout.

At the heart of the experience is FitTransformer Titan, a next-generation training machine designed to combine multiple training modalities—including strength training, ski-inspired cardio, and functional conditioning—into one compact system. Built for performance athletes as well as everyday users, Titan supports more than 150 exercises across strength, endurance, and hybrid training.

“Functional athletes are constantly looking for smarter ways to train,” said Sam, Founder at FitTransformer. “Wodapalooza brings together the most passionate community in fitness, and it’s the perfect place to demonstrate how FitTransformer can deliver a full-spectrum training experience from one modular system.”

Interactive Titan Challenge

Visitors to the FitTransformer booth will be invited to participate in the Titan Ski Challenge, a high-energy competition that tests speed, endurance, and power using Titan’s ski-inspired cardio mode. Participants can compete for top leaderboard positions while experiencing the machine’s dynamic resistance and full-body training capabilities firsthand.

The activation is designed to reflect the spirit of the competition floor while demonstrating how functional training movements can be recreated in any environment—from elite training facilities to modern home gyms.

Bridging Performance and Smart Fitness

FitTransformer’s presence at Wodapalooza highlights a broader shift in the fitness industry: the move toward intelligent, space-efficient training systems that combine multiple workout disciplines into one ecosystem.

By integrating strength training, cardio, and functional movement into a modular platform, FitTransformer aims to provide athletes and everyday users with a more versatile approach to training—one that adapts to different goals, spaces, and lifestyles.

Experience FitTransformer at Wodapalooza

Attendees are invited to visit the FitTransformer booth to:

• Experience live demonstrations of the Titan system
• Participate in the Titan Ski Challenge
• Meet the FitTransformer team and explore training possibilities
• Learn about exclusive event promotions and product launches

More information about FitTransformer and its modular smart fitness ecosystem can be found at:

www.fittransformer.com

About FitTransformer

FitTransformer is a modular smart fitness ecosystem designed to transform one intelligent core into a complete training system. Combining strength, cardio, and functional performance training, FitTransformer enables users to build powerful, space-efficient gyms for both home and professional environments.

The brand officially launched at CES 2026, where it received the TWICE Picks Awards and was highlighted by the The New York Times as one of the most innovative products showcased at CES 2026.

With its adaptable modular design and technology-driven training experience, FitTransformer is redefining how modern athletes and fitness enthusiasts train—delivering smarter, more versatile workouts through one integrated platform.

NEW YORK, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ridgewood Infrastructure (“Ridgewood”), an investor focused on essential infrastructure in the United States lower middle market, today announced the successful sale of APP Jet Center (“APP”), a fixed-base operator (“FBO”) platform providing critical aviation infrastructure services, to Bain Capital.

APP operates high-quality aviation facilities across major U.S. metropolitan markets, serving a diversified base of corporate, government, and private aviation customers. Ridgewood acquired a controlling interest in APP through a bilateral transaction and partnered with management to drive organic growth initiatives, expand hangar capacity, and complete a material add-on acquisition that increased the company’s presence in Florida — one of the most active private aviation markets in the United States.

“We are proud of the work accomplished alongside APP’s management team,” said Ryan Stewart, Partner at Ridgewood Infrastructure. “Our focus was on delivering consistent, high-quality service for APP’s customers while thoughtfully expanding the business. By strengthening leadership, enhancing operational discipline, and investing in additional capacity, we positioned APP as a scaled and strategic general aviation infrastructure platform.”

Ross Posner, Managing Partner at Ridgewood Infrastructure, added, “APP exemplifies our strategy in action. We identified a high-quality lower middle-market infrastructure business, partnered with management to scale and professionalize the platform, and ultimately positioned it for exit to an owner seeking a durable infrastructure business with continued growth potential. This transaction reflects the repeatability of our approach.”

Bain Capital intends to build upon APP’s established footprint and continue expanding in attractive aviation markets across the United States.

The transaction closed in March 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.

King & Spalding served as legal advisor and Harris Williams served as financial advisor to Ridgewood Infrastructure.

About Ridgewood Infrastructure

Ridgewood Infrastructure invests in essential infrastructure businesses with areas of focus including transportation, water, utilities, and energy. The firm focuses on lower middle-market companies providing critical services with inelastic demand profiles and clear opportunities for operational enhancement and strategic growth.

Contact Information:
Ridgewood Infrastructure
527 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 867-0050
Email: Inquiries@RidgewoodInfrastructure.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ridgewood_logo-2.jpg 

WUXI, China, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LabConnect, a leading provider of technology-driven central laboratory services and functional service provider solutions for clinical trials, today announced the grand opening of its new facility in Wuxi, China. As clinical trials become increasingly global and complex, sponsors are seeking laboratory partners that can provide integrated testing, logistics and data oversight across regions. Together with LabConnect’s laboratory capabilities in Australia, the new site strengthens the company’s ability to support multi-regional clinical trials while helping Asia-Pacific pharmaceutical, biotechnology and clinical research organizations expand their research programs globally.

Fully integrated into LabConnect’s global infrastructure, the Wuxi facility enables study teams to operate across regions with unified data, consistent operational oversight and advanced sample logistics and handling procedures.

The facility was developed in collaboration with Teddy Laboratory, now part of Frontage Laboratories, combining Teddy Laboratory’s local laboratory expertise with LabConnect’s global central laboratory services, logistics capabilities, and technology-driven decentralized network model.

“This facility reflects LabConnect’s continued investment in building the global services needed to support clinical trials today and the next generation of clinical research,” said Wes Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer of LabConnect. “We are proud to offer China-based capabilities and a global service network that supports both multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies entering China and Chinese companies expanding into international markets.”

The Wuxi facility will support a range of clinical trial services, including custom kit building, advanced sample tracking and logistics, and biorepository services, all designed to meet international regulatory standards.

The grand opening event, held today at the facility in the Xinwu District of Wuxi, included a ceremonial ribbon cutting, guided laboratory tours and presentations highlighting LabConnect’s technology-driven approach to central laboratory services. Representatives from LabConnect, Teddy Laboratory, government officials, and members of the regional clinical research community attended the event.

With the addition of the Wuxi site, LabConnect now operates eight global locations, enabling sponsors and CROs to rely on a single partner for central laboratory services across studies of any size or geographic complexity.

About LabConnect
LabConnect is a global provider of technology-driven central laboratory services and functional service provider solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations. The company connects laboratories, logistics, technology and scientific expertise through a decentralized laboratory network model to deliver integrated solutions for clinical trials worldwide. Learn more at www.labconnect.com.

CHICAGO, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — dancemoon announced that its JustHang Squeegee is being showcased at The Inspired Home Show 2026, hosted by the International Housewares Association in Chicago. The product has also been named a finalist in the IHA Global Innovation Awards, recognizing excellence in housewares innovation and design.

Following its recognition with the American Good Design Award, JustHang Squeegee has also been honored with the iF Design Award, further highlighting its balance of minimalist aesthetics and everyday functionality.

Designed to simplify daily cleaning routines, the JustHang Squeegee features a high-performance silicone blade for streak-free wiping and a built-in hook for convenient storage. The design addresses common frustrations with traditional squeegees, which are often bulky, difficult to store, or visually intrusive in bathroom spaces. The result is a clean, geometric form that balances industrial precision with the subtle aesthetic of a modern bathroom.

At the core of the product is dancemoon’s philosophy of rethinking everyday household tools through thoughtful design. By focusing on simplicity, usability, and visual harmony, the brand aims to make routine cleaning tasks more intuitive. The design reflects a broader belief that small, everyday rituals at home, such as resetting the shower space after use, can provide a moment to unwind and transition from the pace of the day to a more relaxed evening rhythm.

The Inspired Home Show 2026 takes place March 10–12 at McCormick Place in Chicago, where visitors can explore the JustHang Squeegee and learn more about dancemoon’s design-driven approach to home essentials. The product is also currently available for purchase on Amazon.

Follow dancemoon on social media to stay updated with the latest campaigns:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancemoon.global/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dancemoon.official
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancemoonofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dancemoonofficial

About dancemoon
Driven by a passion for innovative design, dancemoon infuses the beauty and emotion of the moon into each product. Beyond offering household tools, dancemoon combines innovation with minimalist design to create products that make household tasks simple and no longer a burden but an enjoyable part of life. With a vision to become the leading brand of minimalist lifestyle, dancemoon is committed to blending minimalism with household tools, bringing bliss into your daily life.

CONTACT: info@dancemoon.com

From 100 to 600 patients: to support patients suffering from acne, Avène, Pierre Fabre Laboratories’ leading brand, is strengthening the robustness of its clinical studies via data augmentation through Artificial Intelligence.

TOULOUSE, France, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avène, the leading brand in French pharmacies*, in partnership with Toulouse-based HealthTech company BotDesign, has announced a major breakthrough in the field of clinical studies in dermo-cosmetics.

Pierre Fabre Laboratories is exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence to launch a new generation of clinical studies in dermo-cosmetics

In 2026, Avène will conduct a comparative clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of its new treatment for acne-prone skin, Avène Cleanance Comedomed+, in the maintenance phase following oral isotretinoin treatment in adults suffering from severe to very severe acne.

Avène is renowned for its dermatological expertise, inspired by therapeutic know-how, and has been committed to improving the treatment of skin pathologies since 1990. It is thus becoming the first brand to use Artificial Intelligence in clinical studies for dermo-cosmetics.

A concrete illustration of Pierre Fabre Laboratories’ “Supportive Care” strategy.

This study is unique in two ways: due to its scientific ambition and because it fully aligns with the “supportive care” strategy of Pierre Fabre Laboratories, launched in 2025.

“We belong to a group that has always been rooted in pharmaceuticals and dermo-cosmetics. Our medical expertise gives us a head start in understanding patients and their pathologies. We are ideally positioned to offer treatment protocols based on the pathology, combining dermo-cosmetics with medication. We are already preparing solutions to go further, by developing dermo-cosmetic innovations capable of extending and amplifying the action of the medication or delaying its necessity. Because these are dermo-cosmetics, they can be used over the long term, unlike many drug treatments,” explains Dr. Gautier Doat, Eau Thermale Avène Medical Director.

To continue reading, https://www.pierre-fabre.com/en/news/avene-artificial-intelligence-clinical-studies-dermo-cosmetics

For more information, visit www.pierre-fabre.com,  @Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, @Pierre Fabre Oncology

About Eau Thermale Avène: https://www.eau-thermale-avene.fr/

Press contact: Caroline Perdrix Thomas 
caroline.perdrix@pierre-fabre.com

*Source: GERS – SOG Early – Pharmacy Channel – Dermo-cosmetics market definition established by Pierre Fabre laboratories – Origin: Sell Out – Cumulative data up to December 2025 in volume (units) and value (revenue inc. taxes).