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AI · Education
As Oklahoma rethinks the cost, speed, and value of a college degree, former Langston University School of Business Dean Dr. Daryl D. Green urges higher education leaders to look beyond shorter degrees and new technology. Through The Nehemiah Blueprint, Green argues that colleges must prepare students for an AI-shaped economy while protecting the human judgment, creativity, relationships and dignity that technology cannot [PR.com]
Aug 28 · 07:00·PR.com
AI
  The global vertical AI market was valued at USD 10.3 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 74.5 billion by 2033, expanding at a 28.3% CAGR from 2026 [read full press release...]
Aug 28 · 05:39·Express Press Release
AI
Shenzhen, China--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2026) - TIME named He Tingbo, President of HiSilicon, Huawei's semiconductor division, to the 2026 TIME100 AI, a list recognizing the 100 most influential people in artificial intelligence. He Tingbo, President of HiSilicon, named to TIME100 AI list.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7958/311945_figure1.png In May 2026, He Tingbo unveiled the "Tau ()...
Aug 28 · 05:38·mlpr-newsfile
AI · SaaS
The global AI automation market was valued at USD 129.9 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 1,144.8 billion by 2033, expanding from USD 169.5 billion in 2026 at a 31.4% [read full press release...]
Aug 28 · 05:07·Express Press Release
AI
MELBOURNE, Australia and DENVER, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To address the growing complexity and operational blind spots of fragmented CX AI Agent and CX tech stacks, Operata today introduced expanded CX AI Agent Observability. CX observability is the critical control layer to...
Aug 28 · 04:20·PR Newswire
AI · SaaS
SINGAPORE, August 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore has emerged as the world’s most mature travel protection market, with 86% of travelers covered by travel insurance when they travel, the highest rate recorded globally according to the latest Holiday Barometer 2026 report by Redion (formerly Europ Assistance) and Ipsos. Alongside strong risk awareness among Singaporeans, the findings highlight growing expectations for comprehensive protection for a broader scope of travel risks, with real-time assistance and seamless digital support increasingly viewed as essential elements of the travel journey.
As one of the region's most active outbound travel markets with frequent, high-spending travelers and digitally engaged consumers, Singapore offers a glimpse into how traveler expectations are evolving amid growing awareness of global risks. The increasing demand for reassurance through travel protection and assistance is posing a challenge for insurers and travel providers beyond driving insurance penetration towards delivering broader protection, stronger assistance capabilities and more integrated travel solutions that support travelers throughout their journeys.
Travel protection has become a standard expectation
Singapore ranks highest globally for travel insurance and protection coverage, with 86% of travelers covered when traveling and more than half (51%) intending to continue subscribing to travel insurance in the future. This market maturity is reflected in the types of risks Singaporeans choose to protect against, including loss of personal belongings, transportation accidents and health-related incidents, suggesting that travelers increasingly value comprehensive protection that extends beyond basic policy coverage.
Singaporeans also remain among the world’s highest-spending travelers, with an average leisure holiday budget of USD 2,818. Yet affordability and company reputation remain important purchasing considerations when selecting travel protection, indicating that consumers are willing to invest in coverage when it offers clear value, trusted service and meaningful benefits.
Virginie Babinet, CEO Travel Insurance & Assistance – Redion Group, said, "Building on the record levels seen last year, the desire to travel remains strong and undiminished, despite tougher trade-offs and the cost of living remaining a top global concern. What is changing, however, is the travel landscape itself. Security considerations are weighing more heavily on destination choices, with decisions increasingly shaped by risk considerations. At the same time, artificial intelligence is now a genuine planning tool for a growing number of travelers worldwide, as demonstrated by the distinct jump in numbers, particularly in emerging and high growth markets."
Hassen Bennour, CEO of Redion Asia Pacific, said, “Singapore continues to set the pace for travel protection in the region, with 86% of travelers already covered, among the highest levels in the world. What is changing, however, is what travelers now expect this protection to deliver. Beyond coverage, Singaporeans want broader multi-risk protection, embedded assistance and reassurance that travels with them across every trip. At the same time, artificial intelligence is helping travelers plan faster, but confidence in the final decision still rests with human expertise. For insurers and industry partners, this is where the next opportunity lies: pairing digital speed with trusted human guidance to meet the standards of one of the most demanding travel markets globally."
AI and digital tools help Singaporeans travel smarter, but human control still leads
Singapore's strong digital adoption is also reshaping how travellers research, plan and manage their journeys. Nearly half (45%) of Singaporeans have used AI in holiday planning or booking, primarily to research destinations, compare travel options and build itineraries. A similar proportion (48%) would consider allowing AI to make bookings on their behalf, provided they retain the ability to review and approve decisions before purchase.
The same trend is emerging in travel insurance. While the use of AI to compare travel insurance products remains relatively limited today, many travelers (47%) expect to rely on it more in the future because of the convenience and speed it offers. Interest is also growing in digital services that complement insurance policies, including emergency assistance, 24/7 customer support, real-time alerts, mobile access and digital claims services.
The implication is evident that AI is preferred as a tool in the planning process, but decision-making and the trust that comes with it still needs a human checkpoint built into the journey. Rather than replacing human involvement, the findings suggest that travelers want digital convenience supported by visible human oversight, combining the speed of technology with the confidence of expert guidance.
Frequent outbound and experience-driven travelers expect reassurance throughout the journey
Singaporeans remain among the region’s most active travelers. More than 9 in 10 take at least one leisure trip annually, while the majority (84%) intend to travel internationally, despite persisting geopolitical uncertainty. Travel is increasingly experience-driven, with nearly 7 in 10 preferring city destinations, citing relaxation, exploration and local food and cultural discovery among their key motivations. Combined with high travel spending, these behaviors reflect a market that increasingly prioritizes quality experiences alongside value.
As travellers invest more in their trips, expectations around protection and support naturally rise. The research found that concerns around natural disasters, epidemic outbreaks, terrorism and travel disruptions continue to influence travel decisions. Rather than discouraging travel, these concerns are driving demand for greater reassurance, flexibility and support before, during and after each journey. This creates opportunities for insurers and travel providers to embed safety, assistance and peace of mind into the overall customer journey as enablers of worry-free travel experiences.
With most travelers taking their longest trips during the year-end period, particularly in November and December, the final quarter remains a critical window for travel providers to engage consumers through premium offerings, bundled experiences and integrated protection solutions. As expectations around travel continue to evolve, Singapore's world-leading level of protection coverage underscores a broader shift in how travellers view insurance and assistance. Increasingly, travellers are seeking protection that delivers peace of mind throughout the entire journey, supported by digital convenience, responsive assistance and trusted expertise whenever they need it.
About Redion (formerly Europ Assistance)
Redion is a world leader in assistance, travel insurance and employee benefits. The name, revealed in 2026, reflects the full maturity of the global Care platform that has been operating under Generali Care, bringing together Europ Assistance and Generali Employee Benefits (GEB). Operating in more than 190 countries, with over 12,000 employees and €5.8 billion in annual business volume, Redion delivers services spanning travel insurance, emergency and medical assistance, employee protection (life, disability, accident, medical), health and mobility solutions, as well as global B2B2C and embedded insurance programmes. Within its employee benefits offering, Redion builds on a global network of 224 active partners to provide multinational clients with protection, health, pension and wellbeing solutions across markets, combining global scale, local expertise and deep technical capabilities.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Benedict Gerald Rozario,
Marketing & Communication,
Redion East Asia
M: +60-12 979 7238
E: benedict.rozario@eastasia.redion.com
Nadzwan Tahir,
Senior Executive
Narro Communications
M: +60-18 399 1646
E: nadzwan@narrocomms.com
Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Aug 28 · 03:12·mlpr-acnnewswire
AI
Former House Financial Services Committee Senior Counsel joins Corgi to lead federal government affairs at the intersection of AI, insurance, and financial services SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Corgi Insurance, the AI-native, full-stack financial infrastructure company,...
Aug 28 · 02:49·PR Newswire
AI
(PR-inside.com) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 27, 2026 / Snipp Interactive Inc. (TSXV:SPN)(OTC PINK:SNIPF) ("Snipp" or the "Company"), a leading AI-powered technology provider in the global loyalty and promotions sector, today announced its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026. All figures are in U.S. dollars and are prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards unless otherwise indicated. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its Q2 2026 results and provide a business update. Date: August 31st 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time Webcast & Dial-In Details Webcast:https://v.ringcentral.com/join/025411811 Meeting ID: 025411811 A replay will be made ..
Aug 28 · 02:30·PR-Inside
AI
(PR-inside.com) TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 27, 2026 / Pelican AI Corp. (the "Resulting Issuer" or "Pelican") (formerly Ocham's Razor Capital Limited ("ORCL")) is pleased to announce the completion of its previously announced reverse takeover transaction (the "Transaction") with Pelican Canada Inc. ("PCI" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Pelican Group"), the filing of its Form 2A Listing Statement with the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"), the release of the escrowed proceeds of the concurrent subscription receipt financings of ORCL and PCI and the conversion of the subscription receipts issued thereunder, and the anticipated listing of the Resulting Issuer's ..
Aug 28 · 02:20·PR-Inside
AI
MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PhilWeb Corporation (PSE: WEB) today announced the election of prominent business leader Lance Y. Gokongwei as Chairman of the Board of Directors. This leadership transition completes the Company's institutional governance restructuring,...
Aug 28 · 02:00·PR Newswire
AI · Healthcare
OpenAI and Thailand’s MHESI launch an eight-week accelerator helping 10 health, wellness, and education startups turn AI prototypes into trusted products.
Aug 28 · 02:00·mlpr-openai
Finance · AI
RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2026 was approximately HK$2,032.5 million, representing an increase of approximately 10.8% as compared to the same period in 2025. The growth in revenue was primarily attributable to the continued organic growth of the Group—driven by the accelerating adoption of digitalization across the global dental industry, particularly in Europe and Australia—alongside the stabilization and operational turnaround of the Mainland China market. This expansion was partially offset by a revenue decline in North America, which was impacted by a softer macroeconomic environment affecting high-value discretionary procedures, as well as management’s strategic decision to rationalize loss-making Dental Service Organization (DSO) accounts to optimize customer mix and protect margins.
- The Gross Profit Margin for the six months ended 30 June 2026 was approximately 58.1%; the gross profit was approximately HK$1,180.9 million, reflecting an increase of approximately 17.4% as compared to the same period in 2025.
- The Group’s EBITDA for the six months ended 30 June 2026 was approximately HK$ 560.7 million, representing an increase of approximately 22.8% as compared to the same period in 2025.
- The Group’s Net Profit for the six months ended 30 June 2026 was approximately HK$ 377.6 million, representing an increase of 30.8% as compared to the same period in 2025.
- Basic earnings per share for the six months ended 30 June 2026 amounted to HK40.07 cents, representing an increase of approximately 31.9% as compared to the same period in 2025.
- The Board declared an interim dividend of HK14.0 cents per ordinary share for the six months ended 30 June 2026.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:
- For the six months ended 30 June 2026, the Group’s digital solution cases that are produced from its Mainland China, Thailand and Vietnam production facilities increased to approximately 627,773 cases, reflecting an increase of 29.2% as compared with the same period in 2025 as a result of our clients’ continued adoption of intra-oral scanners.
HONG KONG, August 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - 27 August 2026, Modern Dental Group Limited (“Modern Dental” or “the Group”, stock code: 03600.HK), a leading global dental prosthetic device provider, is pleased to announce the unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June, 2026 (“the Period”).
In the first half of 2026, the global macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, with geopolitical tensions and potential tariff changes continuing to create headwinds. However, the Group’s geographically diversified production footprint and global distribution network position us strongly to navigate these challenges. Unlike many competitors reliant on single-country manufacturing, our operations across China, Vietnam and Thailand (including the newly acquired Hexa Ceram) provide superior resilience and flexibility. This strategy, combined with our ability to adapt quickly to local market conditions, enables the Group to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities across regions.
The dental industry has continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience, underpinned by irreversible demographic trends, including aging populations and increasing awareness of oral health, which drive consistent long-term demand. Building on our well performance, the Group is well placed to sustain momentum and further strengthen its market leadership.
Digitalisation remains an irreversible industry trend that is accelerating consolidation of the dental prosthetics industry. We are at the forefront of this transformation, with digital solution cases now representing approximately 35–43% of total volume. Our centralized digital workflows, intra-oral scanner partnerships, proprietary solutions and global education centers have enhanced operational efficiency, reduced turnaround times and delivers superior customer experiences. These initiatives create high entry barriers and will continue to drive margin expansion and market share gains in the coming years.
European Businesses
During the period under review, the European market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$1,093.3 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$173.0 million as compared with the six months ended 30 June 2025. This geographic market accounted for approximately 53.8% of the Group’s total revenue. The increase of revenue from the European market was attributable to the increase in sales order volume driven by the launch of new products, such as digital dentures, and our state-of-the-art digital workflows.
North American Businesses
During the period under review, the North American market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$331.3 million, representing a decrease of approximately HK$34.4 million as compared with the six months ended 30 June 2025. This geographic market accounted for approximately 16.3% of the Group’s total revenue.
The top-line contraction in North America was primarily driven by a softer macroeconomic environment, which temporarily weighed on consumer sentiment and demand for high-value discretionary cosmetic procedures. In response, management proactively initiated a strategic rationalization of loss-making Dental Service Organization (DSO) accounts aimed at optimizing the customer mix, protecting gross margins, and focusing resources on higher-margin accounts.
Concurrently, the Group’s diversified production footprint across the US, China, Vietnam, and Thailand continues to afford significant supply chain agility to navigate trade and tariff complexities—a key differentiator in the market. Demonstrating the resilience of this strategy, our US import business unit delivered a 1.4% period-on-period sales growth in the first half of 2026. This performance underscores how the accelerating trend toward clinical digitalization and the cost-competitiveness of our imported product lines have effectively mitigated and offset the impact of US tariffs.
Greater China Businesses
During the period under review, the Greater China market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$300.0 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$6.8 million as compared with six months ended 30 June 2025. This geographic market accounted for approximately 14.8% of the Group’s total revenue.
Regional performance reflected diverging market dynamics across territories. In local currency terms, sales in Mainland China increased by approximately 0.9% year-on-year, signalling that the market has largely bottomed out from the initial impact of Volume-Based Procurement (VBP) policies and prolonged price competition. To protect sustainable profitability, the Group deliberately pivoted away from low-margin segments to focus on serving mid- to high-value customers. Conversely, sales in the Hong Kong market decreased by approximately 8.5% in local currency year-on-year. This contraction was primarily driven by a temporary reduction in local patient visits, as cross-border dental consumption increased due to aggressive promotions for dental treatments offered by Mainland China clinics targeting Hong Kong residents.
Despite these near-term shifts, the Group remains optimistic about the mid- to long-term outlook for the Greater China region. Government procurement measures in Mainland China are expected to standardize prosthetic pricing and enhance market transparency, creating a more level playing field where the Group’s leading brand reputation, production scale, and operational efficiency serve as distinct competitive advantages. To capture evolving market demand, the Group is actively expanding its product portfolio, particularly in mid-end offerings and products.
Australian Businesses
During the period under review, the Australian market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$162.8 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$24.9 million as compared with the six months ended 30 June 2025. This geographic market accounted for approximately 8.0% of the Group’s total revenue. The increase in revenue from Australia was primarily driven by strong adoption of digital dental products and anti-snoring devices, and wins in dental service organization (DSO) customers.
Other Markets
Other markets primarily include Indian Ocean countries, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. For the six months ended 30 June 2026, these markets recorded a revenue of approximately HK$145.2 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$27.4 million as compared with the six months ended 30 June 2025. This geographic market accounted for approximately 7.1% of the Group’s total revenue. The increase in revenue from Other markets was primarily driven by the strong revenue contributions from Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The scaled manufacturing hubs in Thailand and Vietnam have enhanced regional supply efficiency, broadened product availability, and strengthened the Group’s competitive footprint in the region.
Future Prospects and Strategies
Looking ahead, the Group remains committed to reinforcing its worldwide leading position through a multi-dimensional approach. We will continue to pursue selective acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships to expand and complement our product offerings, particularly in our high-growth clear aligner, Trioclear, while strengthening our distribution and sales networks. Ongoing investments in mass-scale production facilities, AI, automation, research and development, and digital innovation will drive efficiency gains and secure our position at the forefront of the industry.
With the Board’s extensive experience and prudent governance, the Group is well positioned to seize new business opportunities while remaining strict financial discipline to safeguard Shareholders’ interests. The Board expresses its sincere gratitude to our dedicated employees, loyal customers, suppliers, and business partners for their unwavering commitment. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in delivering another year of record results and will continue to support the Group’s long-term success.
About Modern Dental Group
Modern Dental Group Limited (Stock code: 03600.HK) is a leading global dental prosthetics provider, distributor and consultant with a focus on providing custom-made prostheses to customers in the growing prosthetics industry. Our product portfolio is broadly categorized into three product lines: fixed prosthetic devices, such as crowns and bridges; removable prosthetic devices, such as removable dentures; and other devices, such as orthodontic devices, sports guards, clear aligners, and anti-snoring devices.
Modern Dental Group has a global portfolio of respected brands, including Labocast, Permadental and Elysee Dental in Western Europe, YZJ Dental in China, Modern Dental Lab in Hong Kong, Modern Dental USA and MicroDental in the United States, Modern Dental Pacific in Australia and New Zealand, Modern Dental SG in Singapore, Modern Dental TW in Taiwan, Apex Digital Dental in Malaysia and Hexa Ceram in Thailand. We have grown these brands by providing premium and consistent quality products and superior customer service. We have more than 80 service centers in over 30 countries and serve over 35,000 customers.
Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Aug 28 · 01:30·mlpr-acnnewswire