Author: Sai Krishna

Rafay Joins Lenovo AI Innovators to Help Cloud Operators and Enterprises Turn Lenovo AI Infrastructure into Revenue-Ready AI Services

With this new partnership, Rafay and Lenovo will initiate joint sales alignment to help companies orchestrate and monetize enterprise AI and cloud-native workloads across the Americas, EMEA and APAC 

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rafay Systems, the infrastructure orchestration and monetization platform for enterprise AI and cloud-native workloads, today announced it has joined Lenovo AI Innovators, Lenovo’s ecosystem of AI software providers and industry solutions. Rafay and Lenovo will bring the Rafay Platform to customers deploying Lenovo AI infrastructure, and the two companies have initiated joint sales alignment across the Americas, EMEA and APAC.

AI infrastructure spend is shifting from acquiring GPU capacity to operating it as a service. With that, neoclouds, sovereign AI clouds, telcos and enterprises all face the same gap between installing GPUs and delivering a usable service to customers. Closing that gap takes multi-tenant isolation, quota enforcement, self-service portals, and usage metering, which most teams would otherwise have to build themselves. Rafay provides that orchestration and monetization layer for Lenovo infrastructure, the AI control plane Lenovo sees as critical to running hybrid AI across on-premises, hosted private AI and neocloud environments. It covers GPU and Kubernetes lifecycle management, SKU management, and AI Token Factory, which delivers models as token-metered inference APIs.

Rafay and Lenovo already share multiple customers globally, with Sharon AI – a publicly traded neocloud based in Australia that runs on Lenovo infrastructure and uses Rafay to orchestrate its AI infrastructure – being a preeminent example. The two companies are additionally prosecuting a healthy, joint pipeline of neoclouds and telecommunications companies.

“The hard part of AI infrastructure is operating GPUs as a service: shared safely across tenants, governed by policy, and metered so every GPU hour or token ties back to revenue,” said Rupen Shah, Global AI Ecosystem Partnerships at Rafay Systems. “That operating layer is what Rafay builds. Lenovo customers already rely on Lenovo for the infrastructure, and with Rafay they can run it as a hybrid AI platform, whether they are an enterprise building private AI or a neocloud selling GPU capacity and tokens.”

Lenovo reaches customers through channel partners in more than 180 markets. Learn more at lenovo.com/ai-innovators and rafay.co. 

About Rafay Systems 

Rafay Systems is a leading software provider powering the operators building the AI cloud, including neoclouds, telecommunications providers, enterprises, and sovereign AI operators. The Rafay Platform lets these organizations operationalize GPU and compute infrastructure with self-service automation, governance, and multi-tenancy, spanning bare metal provisioning, infrastructure lifecycle management, virtual machines, Kubernetes, GPU PaaS, AI development environments, and Token Factory for publishing AI models as token-metered inference services. By simplifying orchestration and operations across this stack, Rafay helps operators increase GPU utilization and turn raw infrastructure into monetizable, production-ready AI services, all while maintaining security, consistency, and control. Rafay is a validated partner in the NVIDIA AI Cloud Ready initiative. For more information, visit rafay.co.  

About Lenovo 

Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #153 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Guided by its vision of “Smarter Technology for All”, Lenovo is executing a Hybrid AI strategy that spans Personal AI – one personal AI, multiple devices; and Enterprise AI – helping customers turn data into insights and value. This strategy is delivered through the Group’s commitment to world-class innovation and a full-stack AI portfolio, including devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets, accessories), infrastructure solutions (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), as well as software, solutions, and services. With a global footprint spanning more than 20 research and development locations and a global supply chain that includes more than 30 manufacturing sites across 11 markets, Lenovo is widely recognized for its operational excellence. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). 

Media Contact

Rafay Systems

Angela Shugarts

angela@rafay.co

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rafay-joins-lenovo-ai-innovators-to-help-cloud-operators-and-enterprises-turn-lenovo-ai-infrastructure-into-revenue-ready-ai-services-302910752.html

Flexxon Partners with Tech4Biz Solutions to co-develop server infrastructure that is secure by default

As organisations increasingly look to build their own servers to run AI systems, the two companies are working to ensure purpose-built infrastructure and security go hand-in-hand

SINGAPORE and BENGALURU, India, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Flexxon, a pioneer in secure memory storage and hardware-based cybersecurity solutions, today announced its strategic investment in Tech4Biz Solutions. The partnership will see the companies co-develop solutions that enable efficient and reliable deployment of secure server and data centre operations – a heightened need as enterprises move Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads on-premises, onto infrastructure they own and must secure themselves.

The investment formalises the ongoing relationship between the two companies, and deepens joint development across the parties’ product lines: Flexxon’s X-PHY hardware security, and Tech4Biz’s Cloudtopiaa, its sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure platform.

X-PHY is Flexxon’s hardware-based cybersecurity brand. It puts AI-powered threat detection inside the drive’s own firmware and hardware, below the operating system. X-PHY’s hardware-based protection is designed to keep working even when the software above it has been compromised.

Cloudtopiaa designs, builds and operates public cloud, private cloud, HPC, GPU inference and AI data centre environments for organisations that want full control of their data, models and AI agents, in the jurisdiction they choose. 

Ms Camellia Chan, Co-founder and CEO of Flexxon, said: “Having worked with Tech4Biz for several years, I am glad to take this next step and deepen the partnership as we continue building towards more secure, more reliable standards together. We are building hardware that is secure by default, carrying that protection from devices into the servers and data centres enterprises now run themselves – the part of the stack where traditional security leaves the widest gaps.”

Ms Yasha Khandelwal, Co-founder and CEO of Tech4Biz Solutions, said, “When a company owns its whole AI stack, there is no hyperscaler behind it to absorb a mistake, so the design and the security have to be right from day one. We have spent years building and running sovereign infrastructure in production for enterprises and institutions, and bringing X-PHY into that design means every server we deliver will ship with protection built into the hardware itself.”

Where AI capability outruns protection

AI has quickly moved from pilots into systems that run on a company’s own data every hour of the day, and the data, models and agent memory involved are now among the most sensitive assets a company holds. More organisations want that capability on infrastructure they own, in the jurisdiction they choose. Accordingly, Gartner forecasts worldwide sovereign cloud infrastructure-as-a-service spending will reach US$80 billion in 2026, a 35.6 per cent increase on 2025, with mature Asia-Pacific markets among the fastest growing and governments the largest buyers. That shift moves the responsibility for securing the infrastructure back to the organisations running it.

These AI systems now work across enterprise data with valid credentials, often without a user approving each action. Software defences remain necessary, but they run on the same layers an attacker is trying to take over – and when those safeguards fail, there must be an immutable layer that protects the data.

What X-PHY and Cloudtopiaa will deliver

The parties will collaborate specifically on integrating Flexxon’s X-PHY hardware security expertise with Tech4Biz’s existing infrastructure capability through Cloudtopiaa, its cloud platform and infrastructure offering.

On the immediate horizon is the integration of X-PHY’s hardware security solutions into Cloudtopiaa environments, so that server estates are secured by default and protection arrives with the machine rather than being bolted on after. For enterprises, that means the security work no longer grows with every server added.

This includes the design, build and deployment of secure infrastructure that organisations can own and run outright. Development is already under way, with commercial deployment expected in 2027.

Cloudtopiaa already runs production workloads for customers including L&T Technology Services, which runs two production engineering platforms on it – a quality management platform for GxP-regulated industries and a multi-agent enterprise AI platform – and Cognitive PRISM. It is also building a three-year private cloud lab ecosystem for Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru.

The partnership will focus first on governments, regulated enterprises, research institutions and data centre operators in Singapore, India and North America.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/flexxon-partners-with-tech4biz-solutions-to-co-develop-server-infrastructure-that-is-secure-by-default-302913354.html

Jungheinrich Launches Next-Generation EFG M Electric Forklifts Across Asia-Pacific

• New EFG MB and EFG MC electric counterbalance forklifts available to order
• Models cover load capacities from 1.6 to 3.0 tonnes, with lead-acid and lithium-ion battery options
• Configurable performance, safety and digital features support applications from warehousing and manufacturing to distribution and retail
• Integrated telematics and Jungheinrich’s regional service network help customers improve fleet availability and operating efficiency

SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jungheinrich today announced the Asia-Pacific launch of the next generation of its EFG MB and EFG MC electric counterbalance forklifts, giving businesses greater flexibility to match truck performance, energy systems and operator features to their specific applications. The new models are now available to order.

Designed for warehouses, manufacturing plants, distribution centres, retail operations, pharmaceutical facilities and general industry, the EFG M series addresses a broad range of material-handling requirements across the region. The three-wheel EFG MB covers load capacities from 1.6 to 2.0 tonnes and is designed for manoeuvrability in confined spaces. The four-wheel EFG MC covers load capacities from 2.0 to 3.0 tonnes and provides stability and precise control for indoor and outdoor transport and stacking. Both series offer lift heights of up to 6,500 mm. 

Configured around the customer’s operation

Customers can select the combination of performance, battery technology, controls, comfort, safety and digital functions that best fits their workload and operating environment.

“Different operations have different requirements. With the EFG M series, customers can configure the truck around their application, workload and operators – whether they need greater manoeuvrability for confined warehouse spaces or a stable, powerful truck for demanding transport and stacking work,” said Lisa Jing Xue, Managing Director, Qingpu Plant, Jungheinrich.

“We carried out extensive customer research to understand what the market needs. Customers can invest in the performance required today and add further capabilities as their application demands,” she added.

Flexible performance and energy options

Two performance packages are available. efficiencyPLUS balances performance and energy use for everyday handling, while drive&liftPLUS delivers higher driving and lifting performance for high-throughput operations. The drive&liftPLUS package is standard on models with load capacities from 2.5 to 3.0 tonnes.

Customers can choose lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries from 346 to 690 Ah to suit utilisation levels and shift patterns. Energy recovery during braking of up to 30 per cent helps extend uptime and reduce energy costs per shift.

Safety, comfort and connected fleet management

Flexible seating and cabin options, onboard storage and responsive controls support operator comfort throughout the shift. Customers can select manual hydraulic levers or optional fingertip controls, together with a standard 2-inch display or optional 4-inch display.

A slim B-pillar, protected glass roof and compact mast profiles provide a clear view of the load and surrounding area. On the EFG MC, curveCONTROL is standard and automatically reduces speed when cornering. Optional assistance and lighting systems provide additional protection for operators, pedestrians and goods.

Integrated telematics is standard and connects with Jungheinrich Fleet Management. Fleet data is available from day one, supporting utilisation analysis, maintenance planning, pre-operational checks and informed replacement decisions.

Regional service support

“Every EFG M truck is backed by Jungheinrich’s global team of more than 6,100 trained customer service technicians, supported by genuine Jungheinrich parts and product-specific expertise. Because the series uses proven Jungheinrich components and integrated truck data, we can support faster parts supply and more effective maintenance planning,” said Madhukar Kaissary, Senior Director, Customer Service, Jungheinrich APAC.

The EFG M series forms the configurable core of Jungheinrich’s electric counterbalance portfolio in Asia-Pacific, alongside AntOn by Jungheinrich for straightforward value-focused applications and the FalcOn technology platform for future heavy-duty electric handling.

For more information customers can contact their local Jungheinrich team or authorised dealer.

About Jungheinrich 

As one of the world’s leading providers of material handling solutions, Jungheinrich has been advancing the development of innovative and sustainable products and solutions for material flows for more than 70 years. In the 2025 financial year, Jungheinrich and its workforce of around 21,000 employees generated revenue of €5.5 billion. The global network comprises 12 production plants and service and sales companies in 42 countries. In the APAC region, the company has established eight direct sales units and over 14 partner countries, supported by a dedicated team of Key Account and After Sales professionals. Find your nearest Jungheinrich branch or authorised dealer at www.jungheinrich.com.sg/about-us/location-finder

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jungheinrich-launches-next-generation-efg-m-electric-forklifts-across-asia-pacific-302912258.html

Ford Foundation Appoints Fatima Goss Graves to Board of Trustees

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Ford Foundation announced the election of Fatima Goss Graves to its board of trustees. Ms. Goss Graves is the president and chief executive officer of the National Women’s Law Center and president of the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund.

“We are thrilled to welcome Fatima Goss Graves’s perspective and expertise to the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Ursula Burns, Chair of the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees. “Fatima’s track record speaks for itself, her strategic vision, fearless advocacy, and proven ability to drive meaningful organizational and systemic change make her an invaluable addition to our Board of Trustees.”

Ms. Goss Graves is a nationally recognized expert on gender justice, law, policy, and culture change. As an attorney, she has spent her career fighting to advance opportunities for women and girls, including income security and COVID relief, equal pay, health and reproductive rights, education access, workplace justice and ending sexual harassment and violence – with a focus on women and girls of color.

“Fatima Goss Graves possesses a sharp legal intellect, exceptional sector insight, and a steadfast dedication to justice,” said Heather Gerken, president of the Ford Foundation. “I could not be more excited to welcome her to the Board of Trustees. Across Fatima’s career, her strategic vision and formidable advocacy have broadened pathways for communities everywhere, particularly women and girls of color. Her presence and insights will be invaluable as we enter the next chapter of the Ford Foundation.”

“I am deeply honored to join the Board of Trustees and work alongside the Ford Foundation’s extraordinary leadership,” said Fatima Goss Graves. “I have dedicated my career to ensuring that all people can live with safety, dignity, and full agency over their lives and that women and their families have what they need to flourish. I am eager to bring that same commitment to Ford’s vital mission in the years ahead.”

Ms. Goss Graves has testified on complex policy matters at the state and federal levels of government in the United States and has been legal and social commentator on CBS, MSNBC, BBC, CNN, PBS, and NPR, and numerous outlets, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

In addition to the Ford Foundation, Ms. Goss Graves serves on a number of boards in advisory and governance capacities. Based in Washington D.C., she is a graduate of UCLA and Yale Law School.

Ford Foundation trustees are elected by the board and serve six-year terms. Trustees set broad policies relating to grantmaking, geographic focus, investments, governance, and professional standards, and they oversee independent audits. The foundation’s trustees come from around the world and have extensive experience in higher education, business and finance, technology, law, government, civil society, and the nonprofit sector.

About the Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For 90 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $18 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Learn more at www.fordfoundation.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ford-foundation-appoints-fatima-goss-graves-to-board-of-trustees-302912990.html

SI Group Announces CEO Leadership Transition

Marcello Boldrini Named Chief Executive Officer; David Bradley Departs Following Successful Tenure

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SI Group, a leading global developer and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions, and chemical intermediates, today announced the appointment of Marcello Boldrini as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 19, 2026. Boldrini succeeds David Bradley, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2019.

“We are pleased to welcome Marcello Boldrini as SI Group’s next CEO,” said Daryl Roberts, member of the SI Group Board of Directors. “Marcello brings significant experience in the global specialty chemicals industry and a strong track record of leading growth, transformation and operational improvement. His experience and perspective will serve SI Group well as we continue to strengthen our performance, serve our customers and execute our priorities.”

Marcello Boldrini brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the specialty chemicals and materials industry, with a career spanning Europe, Asia and the Americas. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Kraton Corporation, a Houston-based global specialty chemicals company. During his tenure at Kraton, Boldrini led growth and transformation initiatives, including the creation of a Transformation Office that generated more than $100 million in annual EBITDA improvements. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at Houghton International, Momentive/Hexion and Ashland. 

Boldrini resides in the Houston area and will be based at SI Group’s headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas.

“I am honored to join SI Group as CEO and look forward to working with our employees, customers and partners,” said Marcello Boldrini. “My initial focus will be on listening and learning, spending time with our teams and customers, and collaborating with the leadership team to build on SI Group’s strengths and set clear priorities for the business. Safe and reliable operations, disciplined execution and delivering value for our customers will remain at the center of our work.”

SI Group’s leadership team will work closely with Boldrini to maintain a strong focus on safety, operational performance and customer commitments. Customers, suppliers and other business partners should continue to work through their existing SI Group contacts.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank David Bradley for his leadership and many contributions to SI Group,” said Shawn Abrams, member of SI Group’s Board of Directors. “David led SI Group through significant change and some of the most challenging conditions our industry has faced. During his tenure, the company successfully completed its 2025 recapitalization, strengthening SI Group’s financial position and providing greater flexibility for the future. We are grateful for David’s commitment to SI Group and its people, and we wish him continued success.”

Customers, suppliers and other business partners should continue to work through their existing SI Group contacts.

About SI Group

SI Group is a global leader in performance additives, process solutions, and chemical intermediates. SI Group’s chemistries are essential solutions that enhance the quality and performance of industrial and consumer goods in the plastics, rubber and adhesives, fuels, lubricants, coatings, and oilfield industries. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, SI Group operates 18 manufacturing facilities across three continents and serves customers in more than 80 countries, supported by approximately 1,500 employees worldwide. Driven by a passion for safety, chemistry, sustainability, and delivering extraordinary results, SI Group innovates to create long-term value for a better future. Learn more at www.siigroup.com.

Media Contact:

Joseph Grande

ph: + 1.413.684.2463

joe@jgrandecommunications.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/si-group-announces-ceo-leadership-transition-302912939.html

Hantec Trader becomes RZR Funded as firm enters new phase of growth

Proprietary trading firm establishes standalone brand ahead of product and market expansion, with an expanded leadership team. No change to conditions for existing traders.

EBENE, Mauritius, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The proprietary trading firm previously operating as Hantec Trader has today begun operating under the name RZR Funded, marking the start of a new phase of growth for the business.

The move to RZR Funded establishes a distinct identity for the proprietary trading business as it enters its next chapter, building on an established operating track record while creating greater scope for its future growth.

As part of this next phase, RZR Funded is expanding its leadership team, with additional senior appointments planned to support the company’s growth strategy. The existing management team will remain in place, led by Director Bashaar Gokal, providing continuity while bringing additional experience and resources into the business. The firm is also preparing to broaden its product range and available markets, with the first of several new launches due within weeks.

There is no change to the service existing traders receive. All in-progress challenges and funded accounts continue exactly as they were, with the same logins, balances and progress toward targets. Profit splits, drawdown limits, evaluation targets, trading conditions and payout schedules are unchanged. Traders will also gain access to new products, tools and features as they are introduced.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the business,” said Bashaar Gokal, Director at RZR Funded. “We’ve built a strong track record and an experienced team, and RZR Funded gives us the platform to take the business to the next level. We have ambitious plans for where we want to go from here, and I’m looking forward to sharing more of those plans over the coming months.”

The firm will continue publishing its payout record, including amounts, dates and processing times, as it has done to date.

“Nothing changes for anyone trading with us today, and I want to be completely clear about that,” said Gokal. “Same conditions, same payout terms and the same team looking after you. RZR Funded represents where we want to take the business next, and traders should expect more from us over the coming years, not less.”

Further announcements covering RZR Funded’s expanded product range, leadership team and growth plans are expected shortly.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hantec-trader-becomes-rzr-funded-as-firm-enters-new-phase-of-growth-302911138.html

BGA and UNDP Partner on Two-Year Initiative to Strengthen Digital Safety and Development

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA),  the global non-profit initiative founded by Bybit, dedicated to leveraging blockchain for societal impact, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement to launch a two-year programme to strengthen cybersecurity knowledge and capacity for the responsible use of digital technologies in development. The agreement was signed by Edward Vrkić, UNDP’s Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, and Helen Liu, Founder of BGA, at the Cybersecurity, Trust and Digital Safety Launch Summit in Singapore at the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development.

The signing was followed by a panel discussion on securing digital trust, in which Edward Vrkić and Helen Liu were joined by Robert Pašičko, Lead of the UNDP Alternative Finance Lab (AltFinLab), and Mykolas Majauskas, Global Head of Policy at Bybit, moderated by Glenn Tan, Director of Global Affairs at BGA. The discussion also examined how cybersecurity has become a development concern, how Singapore’s regulatory approach compares with other regions, and how frontline operators and public institutions can share what they learn through public-private partnerships.

“The governments we support are facing growing and increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges, driven by ongoing conflicts, AI-enabled fraud, and more sophisticated cyberattacks,” said Robert Pašičko, UNDP AltFinLab Team Lead. “Strengthening cybersecurity capacities and building resilient, trusted digital systems are essential to addressing these risks. We welcome the opportunity to deepen our collaboration with the BGA, drawing on its expertise and experience.”

A Critical Time for Collaboration

As public institutions rely more on digital systems, including blockchain technology, to manage identity, payments, aid delivery and public records, cybersecurity is essential to keeping services running, protecting public funds and maintaining trust. The rapid advance of artificial intelligence (AI) is widening that gap on both sides: attacks are becoming faster and more sophisticated, while the systems being defended grow more complex. Securing these systems requires technical expertise, strong governance and the capacity to respond to incidents and risks. The partnership will help strengthen and build these capabilities to protect essential services, public funds and the people who depend on them.

“It is fitting that this begins in Singapore, with a small group, and with the people who will actually deliver it,” said Helen Liu, Founder of the BGA. “The industry BGA comes from has learned about cybersecurity and digital safety the hard way. This partnership puts what it learned to work for the public good.”

The programme will be implemented by UNDP’s AltFinLab, in collaboration with BGA. Over two years, it will draw on cybersecurity expertise from BGA’s ecosystem to support learning through the SDG Blockchain Accelerator, that helps develop solutions powered by emerging technologies to advance the SDGs, and the Government Blockchain Academy, a capacity building programme for public officials, alongside dedicated sessions for interested UNDP Country Offices and relevant government counterparts. Through learning and advisory support, the programme will address data protection, secure digital payments and the security of public digital services.

“Prevention, response and recovery are the three pillars of cybersecurity, and public institutions need all three,” said Glenn Tan, Director of Global Affairs at the BGA. “The private sector holds much of the expertise across these areas, yet public institutions and international organizations with pressing needs often lack direct channels to access it and collaborate. This partnership opens that door.”

The partnership builds on BGA’s role as Strategic Partner of the UNDP SDG Blockchain Accelerator, now entering its third cohort, and its membership at the Blockchain Advisory Group (BAG), an advisory forum convened by the UNDP, bringing together leaders from across the blockchain ecosystem to explore how blockchain technologies can contribute to sustainable development and strengthen digital public systems.

#BGA #UNDP

About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a global nonprofit initiative founded by Bybit, dedicated to advancing blockchain as a tool to address real-world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain industry, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration and action toward a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information:

Email: hello@chainforgood.org

Website: www.chainforgood.org 

Twitter: www.x.com/chainforgood

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchainforgoodalliance/

About the United Nations Development Programme

UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. UNDP Alternative Finance Lab is a global initiative that connects finance, innovation, and emerging technologies to explore, test, and scale new approaches for sustainable development.

For more information:

Twitter: https://x.com/UNDP_AltFinLab

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105843439

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bga-and-undp-partner-on-two-year-initiative-to-strengthen-digital-safety-and-development-302912418.html

TUMI INTRODUCES GIFTS FOR THE JOURNEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

TUMI’s Holiday Edit Celebrates the Art of Giving Through Craftsmanship and Considered Design

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, international travel, lifestyle, and accessories brand TUMI debuts its holiday edit “Gifts for the Journey,” a celebration of thoughtful giving and premium design. Inspired by the alpine world of TUMI’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection, the holiday campaign arrives at snowy peaks where core bestsellers and après ski-inspired gifts await. Anchored by the idea that holiday travel is about the people, not just the place, “Gifts for the Journey” honors the companionship, craftsmanship, and intention behind the brand.

Continuing to celebrate enduring design, iconic silhouettes from the world of 19 Degree bring a dynamic assortment to the holiday edit. Premium offerings span 19 Degree Aluminum, 19 Degree Front Access, 19 Degree Lite, and the classic 19 Degree collection, each bringing its own expression of the collection’s iconic design language, from the Expandable Carry-On to the Front Access Expandable Carry-On and the Aluminum Carry-On. Every carry-on from the world of 19 Degree boasts integrated TSA locks and four smooth dual outboard wheels, while Front Access and classic 19 Degree silhouettes feature a two-inch zip expansion.

For him, TUMI Harrison and Alpha Bravo deliver considered craftsmanship and world-class commuter performance. Harrison’s clean lines and refined leather details make for a thoughtful gift, while Alpha Bravo’s technical construction and versatile silhouettes accompany every journey from the office to the weekend. TUMI Alpha rounds out the men’s assortment with iconic styles built for the modern traveler.

For her, Voyageur and the latest addition to TUMI’s women’s assortment, the Adatto, a Made in Italy tote, offer elevated everyday sophistication. Olas introduces the Small Bucket Bag for weekend errands, while Belden’s Jewelry Case and Sunglass Case bring the gift of organization to every journey near and far.

Found in the fresh powder of the slopes, Salt is a pristine new colorway featured across the world of 19 Degree. Glacier White complements the season across Alpha Bravo styles. Voyageur introduces Mink, while Adatto rounds out the assortment in Wood, a deep chocolate brown. The Salt Faux Fur Journey shoulder bag adds a tactile, playful touch to the season. Continuing the alpine inspiration of Fall/Winter 2026, Deep Pine, Black Graphite, Black Textured, Taupe, and Rosewood are grounded by classic core colors of Black, Silver, and Navy.

This season’s most distinctive gift arrives in the form of the Snow Monster — the whimsical novelty charm that brings warmth, personality, and a sense of wonder to any TUMI piece. Designed to personalize and delight, the Snow Monster embodies the spirit of the Alps and the joy of the unexpected, making it the season’s most memorable finishing touch.

“The holidays are about giving the people you love something that lasts,” said Victor Sanz, TUMI’s Global Creative Director. “I love seeing loved ones carrying a piece years after it was given. This season, we wanted to bring that same sense of longevity and adventure to the collection, inspired by the simplicity, strength, and beauty of the Alps. It’s truly about the idea of creating something that feels special today but becomes part of someone’s journey for years to come.”

With the reimagined TUMI Accent program, personalization is a meaningful finishing touch to nearly every TUMI gift, reflecting TUMI’s belief that luxury lives in the details. Choose from over 20 colorful monogram patches and luggage tags to mix, match, monogram, and give. Every colorful pop and initial mark turns functional design into a deeply personal reflection of the recipient, crafted to accompany them on their unique journey.

The full “Gifts for the Journey” holiday edit is available in TUMI stores and online at TUMI.com. Follow @TUMITravel for gifting inspiration throughout the season and beyond.

ABOUT TUMI

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

TUMI and TUMI logo are registered trademarks of Tumi, Inc. © 2026 Tumi, Inc.

TUMI MEDIA CONTACTS

TUMI | pr@tumi.com

Karla Otto for TUMI | tumi@karlaotto.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tumi-introduces-gifts-for-the-journey-this-holiday-season-302912250.html

NYSE American Options Begin Extended Trading Hours: NYSE Content Update

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on October 19th

Extended Trading Hours for NYSE American Options

• Beginning today, market participants get additional access to options listed on NYSE American.
• The initial group of eligible symbols includes SPY, IWM, GLD and options overlying large-cap technology names. 
• The new early trading session operates from 7:30 AM to 9:25 AM ET, and the new late trading session will run from 4:00 PM to 4:15 PM ET.

GoDaddy launches Ink Your Link Campaign

• Campaign celebrates commitment it takes to build a business by helping owners turn their passion into a custom tattoo.
• 5 winning small businesses will earn a spot on a Times Square billboard.
• Starting today through November 15, entrepreneurs can visit InkYour.Link to access the Contest Submission portal page and enter. 

Money20/20 USA is underway in Las Vegas

• NYSE is the financial technology event’s exchange and content partner.
• The activation reinforces NYSE’s role as the go-to platform for fintech leaders.
• ‘Taking Stock’ is broadcasting live from the convention center Monday through Wednesday.

Opening Bell

Susan G. Komen rings the bell in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Closing Bell

LXP Industrial Trust (NYSE: LXP) celebrates its 33rd anniversary of listing

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nyse-american-options-begin-extended-trading-hours-nyse-content-update-302912638.html

Electronic System Design Industry Posts $5.7 Billion in Revenue in Q2 2026, ESD Alliance Reports

IC Physical Design & Verification, Semiconductor IP, and Services Reported Double-Digit Year-over-Year Revenue Increase

MILPITAS, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Electronic System Design (ESD) industry revenue increased 12.2% to $5,710.8 million in the second quarter of 2026 from the $5,089.4 million registered in the second quarter of 2025, the ESD Alliance, a SEMI Technology Coalition, announced today in its latest Electronic Design Market Data (EDMD) report. The four-quarter moving average rose 11.2%, based on a comparison of the most recent four quarters to the prior four.

“The electronic design automation industry once again reported strong year-over-year revenue growth in Q2 2026,” said Walden C. Rhines, Executive Sponsor of the SEMI Electronic Design Market Data report and Chief Executive Officer of Silvaco Group, Inc. “All product categories except Printed Circuit Board and Multi-Chip Module reported gains, with IC Physical Design and Verification, Semiconductor IP, and Services showing double digit growth. All geographic regions reported growth in Q2, with double digit increases in the APAC region.“

The companies tracked in the EDMD report employed 71,396 people globally in Q2 2026, a 1.6% decrease from the Q2 2025 headcount of 72,529 and down 1.6% compared to Q1 2025.

The quarterly EDMD report contains detailed revenue information within the following category and geographic breakdowns.

Revenue by Product and Application Category – Year-Over-Year Change

• Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) revenue increased 7.7% to $2,077.6 million. The four-quarter CAE moving average increased 10.7%.
  
  
  
  
• IC Physical Design and Verification revenue increased 16.6% to $818.3 million. The four-quarter moving average for the category increased 5.4%.
  
  
  
  
• Printed Circuit Board and Multi-Chip Module (PCB and MCM) revenue dropped 15.4% to $364.2 million. The four-quarter moving average for PCB and MCM decreased 1.3%.
  
  
  
  
• Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP) revenue increased 20.4% to $2,199.0 million. The four-quarter SIP moving average rose 16.6%.
  
  
  
  
• Services revenue increased 25.1% to $251.7 million. The four-quarter Services moving average rose 15.2%.

Revenue by Region – Year-Over-Year Change

• The Americas, the largest reporting region by revenue, procured $2,443.5 million of electronic system design products and services in Q2 2026, a 7.1% increase. The four-quarter moving average for the Americas rose 8.6%.
  
  
  
  
• Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) procured $665.6 million of electronic system design products and services in Q2 2026, a 2.3% increase. The four-quarter moving average for EMEA grew 8.6%.
  
  
  
  
• Japan’s procurement of electronic system design products and services increased 9.3% to $303.1 million in Q2 2026. The four-quarter moving average for Japan decreased 8.2%.
  
  
  
  
• Asia Pacific (APAC) procured $2,298.7 million of electronic system design products and services in Q2 2026, a 22.4% increase. The four-quarter moving average for APAC grew 18.3%.

About the EDMD Report

The ESD Alliance Electronic Design Market Data (formerly the Market Statistics Service) report presents Electronic Design Automation (EDA), SIP and Services industry revenue data quarterly. Both public and private companies contribute data to the report available from SEMI. Each quarterly report is published approximately three months after quarter close. EDMD report data is segmented as follows:

• Revenue by product category (CAE, IC Physical Design and Verification, SIP, PCB and MCM Layout, and Services) including numerous detailed sub-categories
• Revenue by geographic region (Americas, EMEA, Japan and APAC)
• Total employment at participating companies

For information about SEMI market research reports, visit the SEMI Market Research Reports and Databases Catalog.

About the Electronic System Design Alliance

The Electronic System Design (ESD) Alliance, a SEMI Technology Coalition, is the central voice to communicate and promote the value of the semiconductor design ecosystem as a vital component of the global electronics industry. As an international association of companies providing goods and services throughout the semiconductor design ecosystem, it is a forum to address technical, marketing, economic and legislative issues affecting the entire industry. For more information about the ESD Alliance, visit http://esd-alliance.org.

Follow the ESD Alliance

• X: @ESDAlliance
• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 

About SEMI

SEMI^® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON^® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

The information supplied by the ESD Alliance is believed to be accurate and reliable, but the ESD Alliance assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Association Contacts

Paul Cohen

Phone: 508-769-2106

Email: pcohen@semi.org

Lisa Gillette-Martin/Bodewell Group (Media Inquiries)

Phone: 1-408-205-4732

Email: lgmartin@bodewellgroup.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/electronic-system-design-industry-posts-5-7-billion-in-revenue-in-q2-2026–esd-alliance-reports-302912160.html