5, Mar 2026
African Energy Chamber Amplifies Diversity Fight in Africa’s Energy Sector
| SANDTON, South Africa, Mar 5/ — As Africa’s oil and gas sector gathers unprecedented momentum — buoyed by major discoveries, renewed exploration campaigns and intensifying global demand for diversified supply — the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) has sharpened a parallel and increasingly vocal campaign: ensuring that Africa’s energy renaissance is not built on exclusion.
In a firm public statement that has reverberated across industry circles, the Chamber declared that as Africa’s oil and gas sector expands, investment must “guarantee African participation, reject discrimination and uphold local content.” It warned that in the coming weeks it will engage African officials and industry leaders to secure “clear commitments to inclusive hiring and equal opportunity,” adding pointedly that “where progress is absent, we will exercise our lawful right to protest.” The message marks the latest escalation in what has become a sustained, multi-year advocacy push targeting global conference organizers and industry platforms that derive significant revenue from African markets but, according to the AEC, fail to reflect Africa in their leadership structures. A Campaign Years in the Making The current confrontation did not emerge overnight. Over the past several years, the AEC has issued multiple press releases, public letters and statements addressing what it describes as systemic exclusion within certain international energy forums. Among those most frequently cited are Frontier Energy Network, organizer of the Africa Energies Summit in London, and Hyve Group, a global exhibitions firm with significant exposure to African-focused extractive industry events. In successive communications dating back several conference cycles, the Chamber has called for structural reform, urging these entities to hire, promote and empower African professionals — including Black women — into senior executive and board-level positions. The AEC argues that while African ministers, national oil companies, regulators and indigenous firms are prominently featured on stage at major summits, decision-making power within the organizing companies remains largely non-African. To reinforce its position, the Chamber has publicly circulated graphics highlighting what it says is the near absence of Africans on boards and executive leadership teams of these organizations — despite the fact that a substantial portion of sponsorship revenue, delegate participation and thematic focus centers on Africa. For the AEC, this disconnect is not symbolic — it is structural. NJ Ayuk: “Inclusion Is Not Optional” Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk has been at the forefront of the campaign, framing it as a matter of principle rather than rivalry. “Africa’s energy future cannot be dictated from boardrooms that do not include Africans,” Ayuk has said in connection with the Chamber’s recent statements. “If you are making substantial revenue from African markets, hosting Africa-focused events and leveraging African participation, then Africans must be part of your leadership and governance structures.” He has consistently rejected the notion that the campaign is confrontational for its own sake. Instead, he presents it as aligned with the continent’s local content laws and sovereignty agenda. “We are not asking for favors. We are demanding fairness, merit-based opportunity and respect. Africa cannot champion local content at home while tolerating exclusion abroad.” Frontier Energy Network in the Spotlight In its most recent release on exclusion, the Chamber directly cited Frontier Energy Network, reigniting scrutiny around the Africa Energies Summit. The AEC contends that while the summit convenes high-level African participation — including ministers, regulators and executives — the internal hiring and leadership structure of the organizing body does not adequately reflect African professionals. “Frontier Energy Network’s hiring practices – widely understood across the industry to exclude Black professionals – are wrong. Full stop,” the AEC said. It further warned that organizations earning substantial revenue from Africans cannot expect to benefit from African markets while denying fair employment to Africans. Following publication of the Chamber’s latest statement naming Frontier, Pan African Visions reached out via email to Frontier Energy Network seeking comment and reaction. At press time, no formal response had been received. However, shortly after the AEC’s renewed charge, Frontier’s Founder and CEO, Gayle Meikle, published a detailed LinkedIn essay titled “Frontier CEO Brief: What Is an African?” While the post did not directly reference the Chamber’s allegations, it addressed themes central to the debate — identity, sovereignty and partnership. “I am an African woman. I am Zimbabwean. I was born in Zimbabwe. That is who I am,” Meikle wrote, emphasizing Africa’s diversity across 54 sovereign states and more than 2,000 languages. She cautioned against reducing Africa to binary definitions of who is “African enough,” politically or economically. Meikle underscored Africa’s civilizational depth — from Arab and Amazigh communities in the north to Yoruba, Igbo, Swahili, Shona, Zulu and Xhosa traditions — and argued that Africa’s resources must serve African development first. “Africa welcomes investment, but it expects partnership,” she wrote. “Sovereignty and collaboration are not in conflict; they are mutually reinforcing.” She concluded with a personal declaration: “No one grants me that agency. It is inherent. And anyone who attempts to diminish it will discover that it cannot be taken.” Ayuk’s Direct Rebuttal The LinkedIn post drew an immediate and sharply worded response from Ayuk. In a public post visible on and off LinkedIn, Ayuk accused Frontier’s leadership of avoiding the core issue. “Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining,” Ayuk wrote, stating that he had received outreach from industry professionals offended by what he described as a “No Blacks employment policy in 2026.” He called directly on Meikle and Frontier executive Daniel Davidson to commit to hiring Black professionals. “Don’t just beg them to come to Africa Energies Summit® and give you their money. Your brothers and sisters are qualified and need jobs. Hire them,” Ayuk wrote. He further warned that African professionals were privately indicating they would not attend the summit if the alleged exclusionary hiring practices continued. “A lot of Africans are already telling me in private they will not attend because of this race-based no blacks hiring policy. Don’t spend your money where you can’t work.” Ayuk’s post went beyond institutional critique and focused particularly on Black women in the energy sector. He recounted a conversation with a young woman in the seismic industry who told him that white male executives often pave the way for white women to be hired, while Black women must “fight hard” for similar opportunities — especially within companies profiting from African markets. “In today’s oil industry, black women are still the last hired and the first fired,” Ayuk wrote. He emphasized that Black women often navigate the intersection of race and gender as dual minorities in senior roles, facing unique mental health and professional pressures. Quoting Maya Angelou, he concluded: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Hyve Group and Boardroom Representation Similarly, Hyve Group has been the subject of sustained criticism from the African Energy Chamber — most forcefully articulated in 2024 — over what the Chamber described as a persistent absence of African leadership within a company that derives substantial revenue from African markets. In a strongly worded 2024 statement, the AEC argued that while Hyve plays a pivotal role in Africa’s energy and mining landscape through flagship events such as Mining Indaba and Africa Oil Week, its executive and board-level leadership did not reflect the continent from which it earns significant commercial returns. “It is disheartening to note that despite being a major beneficiary of Africa’s economic contributions, Hyve Group has yet to usher in a leadership team that reflects the rich diversity and talent pool present on the continent,” the Chamber stated at the time. The AEC further contended that prevailing hiring practices based on personal networks, trust and familiarity perpetuate exclusionary patterns that leave qualified African professionals — including Black women — outside decision-making circles. Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk contrasted Hyve’s leadership composition with what he described as the oil and gas industry’s stronger track record in promoting African talent. “The Oil and Gas industry that I love and champion is the greatest advocate for hiring Africans. It has trained Africans, promoted them, and many have become great entrepreneurs today,” Ayuk said in 2024. “That’s why I love Oil and Gas.” He expressed disappointment at what he described as a disconnect between Hyve’s commercial success in Africa and its internal leadership structure. “Hyve Group makes a huge part of its revenue from Africa, yet no African is in its leadership. They hire people they know, they trust and like. We’re not in that circle. I am very disappointed,” Ayuk stated. “People of African heritage are greater participants and sponsors of their programs. I believe they are capable of doing the leadership jobs, but there has not been an adequate commitment to hire and promote them at Hyve Group.” Ayuk also argued that corporate rebranding and public-facing diversity messaging must translate into measurable structural change. “Their rebranding and wokeness must lead to some inclusion and vice versa; otherwise, their wokeness is pure self-indulgence.” The Chamber framed the issue as one of fairness, economic reciprocity and governance consistency, particularly for countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Namibia and Tanzania that actively support and host Hyve events. “We cannot accept that in 2024, companies doing business in Africa and earning huge revenues will not have Blacks in leadership,” Ayuk said. “Africans must not buy where they can’t work.” He further called for greater transparency around tax contributions linked to African-hosted exhibitions, urging disclosure of VAT collections and payments to relevant revenue authorities. While the 2024 statement focused squarely on Hyve’s governance structure at that time, the broader principle articulated by the Chamber has since evolved into a wider campaign encompassing multiple global event organizers: diversity must extend beyond speaker lineups and branding to executive authority, hiring pipelines and boardroom representation. “Inclusion cannot stop at the podium,” Ayuk has repeatedly maintained. “It must extend to governance, strategy and ownership of the narrative.” As Africa’s energy and mining sectors continue to expand, the Chamber argues that companies profiting from the continent’s markets must align their internal leadership structures with the local content and economic sovereignty principles increasingly enforced across African jurisdictions. The message — first forcefully delivered in 2024 — remains central to the AEC’s current push: representation is not optional, and economic partnership without leadership inclusion is unsustainable. A Growing Ripple Effect What distinguishes the current phase of the campaign is its intensity and visibility. The public exchange between Frontier’s CEO and the AEC Chairman has transformed what was once a policy dispute into a high-profile industry debate about race, governance and economic sovereignty. Industry insiders suggest some companies and institutions are quietly reassessing their participation in forums organized by entities facing exclusion allegations. While no major withdrawals have been publicly announced, reputational risk has become part of the calculation. African state-owned enterprises and regulators — increasingly conscious of domestic local content laws — face growing pressure to align external partnerships with internal policy commitments. Redefining Global Engagement with Africa As energy security reshapes geopolitical priorities, Africa is emerging not as a peripheral supplier but as a strategic partner. The AEC’s campaign seeks to ensure that this partnership reflects equity not only in rhetoric, but in leadership and employment structures. Africa’s energy renaissance, the Chamber argues, must be defined not only by reserves, LNG terminals or licensing rounds — but by who holds influence and who benefits from growth. “Africa’s energy renaissance must include Africans at every level,” Ayuk has insisted. “We will continue to fight for that principle — respectfully, lawfully and persistently.” With the Africa Energies Summit approaching, the pressure shows no sign of easing. What began as a governance question has evolved into a broader reckoning over representation, partnership and the future architecture of Africa’s global energy engagement. |
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- By Neel Achary
5, Mar 2026
KT and Rohde & Schwarz to showcase AI-enhanced radio transmission performance
Mar 05: In a joint 6G AI proof-of-concept demonstration, the CMX500 one-box tester from Rohde & Schwarz shows significant downlink throughput gain in an AI-based wireless transmission compared to conventional non-AI technology. Additionally, the demonstration illustrates how this translates to an enhanced video streaming user experience. This collaboration validates the feasibility of multi-vendor AI interoperability for future 6G standardization.
The CMX500 shows significant downlink throughput gain in an AI-based wireless transmission.
KT has joined forces with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Rohde & Schwarz to present significant performance gains achievable through AI-enhanced radio transmission, paving the way for optimized 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks. Visitors to MWC Barcelona 2026 can experience the demonstration at the KT booth 4A60 in hall 4.
Qualcomm Technologies and Rohde & Schwarz collaborated in 2025 to realize Channel State Information (CSI) feedback technology leveraging AI/ML for advanced mobile networks and RAN infrastructure. The telecommunications company KT, driver of 6G research and AI implementation, now joined the effort to demonstrate the practical benefits of integrating AI into next-generation wireless systems.
In the setup, Qualcomm’s AI-enabled wireless device prototype connected to the CMX500, configured as an AI-enabled base station emulator, achieves an increase in downlink throughput of approximately 50% compared to conventional non-AI technology. Leveraging the advanced application testing capabilities of the CMX500, the demonstration illustrates how the increased performance translates to an enhanced user experience for video streaming applications. The improvement was achieved using a “two-sided AI model” for CSI feedback, enabling cooperative compression of wireless channel state information transferred between the device and base station. The model leverages CSI-RS-based analysis and compressed feedback, significantly enhancing radio transmission performance in massive MIMO scenarios. AI-driven CSI enhancements are expected to result in even greater efficiency, reduced overhead and improved user experience in 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks.
A key achievement of this work is the validation of an interoperable architecture allowing real-time cooperation between AI models from different vendors – a critical step towards 6G standardization and a more open, flexible network ecosystem. The precise and controlled testing environment of the CMX500 one-box tester proves essential for accurately assessing the performance of these sophisticated AI-based algorithms under realistic radio conditions.
Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “We are proud to collaborate with KT and Qualcomm in showcasing the immense potential of AI in next-generation networks. The CMX500’s ability to verify these performance gains underscores our commitment to providing leading-edge test and measurement solutions for the future of communication technologies.”
Lee Jong-sik, Executive Vice President and Head of KT’s Future Network Research Laboratory, said: “6G represents an evolution towards intelligent networks that combine AI and wireless communications rather than simply delivering higher speeds.” He added that KT will continue to secure AI-based wireless technologies that enhance customer experience through strategic partnerships.
Spencer Kim, Vice President and President of Qualcomm Korea, QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies (Korea) YH, noted: “6G will serve as an innovation platform for advanced intelligent edge AI, enabling AI-driven control of network resources. Our collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz and KT marks a critical step in bringing this vision to life and is expected to accelerate progress in next-generation communications.”
At MWC Barcelona 2026, visitors can learn how to achieve significant performance gains through AI-enhanced CSI feedback at the KT booth 4A60 in hall 4.
5, Mar 2026
Heroes who save the day, every day: Policybazaar and Star Health come together to honour people behind successful claims
Chennai, Mar 05: Policybazaar’s flagship event ‘Insurance Ka Superhero’ successfully concluded its fifth edition in Chennai on Tuesday. Organised in association with Star Health Insurance, the event championed the brand’s long-standing commitment to fair and transparent claim settlements. It brought together heartfelt stories behind every successful claim and honoured the ‘Superheroes’ who made it happen along with the support of our insurer partners.In its partnership with Star Health Insurance, Policybazaar has assisted over 1.7 lakh families over a course of 5 years. The brand has successfully helped process claims worth 620 crores, and holds a stellar CSAT of ~90% when it comes to customer satisfaction. All of these efforts are concentrated towards the single mission of strengthening consumer trust with positive claims experiences in the industry.
The occasion was marked by the leadership from both Policybazaar and Star Health Insurance in attendance. They addressed the customers and the media to emphasise that the thoughtful decision of buying health insurance stands to save people from financial distress.
Addressing the audience, Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech, said: “Our aim is to make insurance a support system in difficult times, not an obstacle. We recognize that behind every claim is a family navigating a challenging period, often dealing with hospitalization and mounting medical bills. The last thing they need is to be tangled with technicalities. We are stripping away complexity to ensure that all genuine claims are settled without friction. By putting the customer’s needs first, we strengthen the entire industry. We are here to ensure that our customers’ focus remains on recovery, while we handle the rest. Our relationship with Star Health is driven by the shared vision of serving customers when they need us the most.”
Aditya Biyani, Chief Strategy & Investor Relations Officer, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. said, “At Star Health, we believe health insurance proves its value in moments of vulnerability. It is about showing up and standing by when a family is focused on recovery and care. Our role as an insurer is to ensure that financial concerns do not add to that stress. That means keeping the insurance journey aligned with people’s needs including a claims process that is clear, responsive, and centred on the patient. Ultimately, the goal is simple: enabling people to access the care they need with confidence and dignity”.
One of our customers, Mr. Balamurusdan was admitted to Prashanth Super Speciality hospital with Coronary Artery Disease, following a cardiac emergency. Policybazaar’s claim assistance team proactively coordinated with Star Health team, and helped with medical clarity needed to process the claim. After review, the claim was fully approved for ₹3, 58, 533 enabling his smooth recovery without any financial stress.
Another customer Mr. Sathishkumar R said, his children, Mohith (8) and Rithika (5) were hospitalised for Typhus and Typhoid fever. The cashless claim for Mohith was initially denied, citing lack of hospitalisation necessity. Upon escalation, Policybazaar team stepped in and supported the family by providing medical clarifications and coordinating with the insurer for reconsideration. Through persistent follow-ups, the claim was reopened and approved for ₹24,552 ensuring financial relief in a couple of days.
Talking about TN specific trends, Sai Narayan, CMO, Policybazaar, mentioned, “The average renewal rate of Tamil Nadu is even higher than the national average. Renewals are an important marker of consumer satisfaction and it also indicates people choosing continued financial protection for themselves and their families. Through Policybazaar‘s initiatives like Insurance Ka Superhero and Claim Samadhan Diwas we move beyond digital interfaces to provide face-to-face resolution.
Our strong online presence over the years combined with human touch on the ground ensures favourable and empathetic outcomes for customers looking to get assistance with their claims.
5, Mar 2026
Her Story, In Every Slice: A Women’s Day Celebration by Theobroma
March 05: : Women’s Day is a celebration of the many layers that make a woman who she is. Her strength and softness, her ambition and warmth, her early mornings and well-earned dessert breaks. It is about recognising the many roles she embraces every day and celebrating the richness of her multi-layered personality.
This Women’s Day, Theobroma, India’s much-loved patisserie and chocolate brand, honours that spirit with a specially curated limited-edition collection. Inspired by contrasts and crafted the Theobroma way, the menu brings together flavours and textures that are bold yet comforting, indulgent yet balanced.
At Theobroma, “Made of More” is a celebration of women and all that they hold within them. More strength. More softness. More ambition. More heart. Because a woman is a beautiful blend of many layers, each one shaping her story. And this Women’s Day, Theobroma celebrates every layer in her through creations crafted with depth, flavour and care.
Being “Made of More” is about embracing every side of her. The bold and the gentle. The driven and the indulgent. The leader and the nurturer.
Because every woman is layered with depth, character and beautiful complexity and that is exactly what makes her extraordinary.
At the heart of the collection are thoughtfully curated cakes, cupcakes and gift hampers, designed for office celebrations, intimate gatherings and meaningful gifting moments.
Women’s Day Raspberry Vanilla Cake [550g]
Layers of house-made raspberry compote, creamy custard and soft vanilla sponge come together in a cake that is both vibrant and comforting. Finished with a smooth white chocolate glaze and delicate buttercream florals, it is tart yet sweet, bold yet elegant, a celebration of contrasts in every slice.
Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Soy, Nuts.
Women’s Day Special Brownie
A fudgy, eggless choco chip brownie made with rich couverture chocolate and topped with a Women’s Day special wish. Simple, heartfelt and deeply indulgent, perfect for a small celebration or a thoughtful gesture.
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Soy.
Women’s Day Special Cupcakes [2 Pieces / 4 Pieces]
Theobroma’s signature Red Velvet and Chocolate cupcakes, adorned with a Women’s Day special wish. Available in sets of two or four, these are ideal for desk drops, team surprises and sweet mid-day pauses.
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Soy.
Women’s Day Gift Hamper Bags
Thoughtfully curated for meaningful celebrations and warm gestures, the Women’s Day hampers bring together signature favourites and festive specials. From indulgent brownies to crisp cookies and handcrafted treats, each hamper reflects a balance of textures and flavours crisp and soft, dark and sweet much like the women they celebrate. Available in three variants, they make for perfect gifts at work, home or anywhere you want to say “you are made of more.”
Available for a limited time across Theobroma stores pan India, the Women’s Day Specials invite everyone to celebrate the women who are truly made of more with flavour, warmth and a little extra sweetness.
5, Mar 2026
Luxury Dubai apartment sold for AED422M
Sale hailed as major sign of confidence in city’s real estate market and security in UAE
Dubai, UAE, March 5: A luxury apartment in Dubai has been sold off-plan for AED422 million, and the deal has been hailed as powerful sign of confidence in the city’s real estate market, and security in the UAE.
The sale yesterday of the 31,201 sq ft apartment at Aman Residences Dubai on the Jumeirah Peninsula, has been confirmed by fäm Properties.
Data from DXBinteract, the data platform developed by the company in partnership with Dubai Land Department, said the transaction put the value at AED 13,525 per sq ft.
Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said: “The sale of an ultra-luxury villa at this level is particularly relevant in the current circumstances. It underlines the fact that the Dubai real estate market is structurally stronger than it has ever been.
“Over 70% of transactions are now end-user driven, not speculative. The buyer base is globally diversified. Mortgage activity has doubled in four years.
“The regulatory environment has matured. The UBS Global Real Estate Bubble Index rates Dubai moderate risk, while cities like Miami and Tokyo sit in the high-risk zone. The fundamentals haven’t changed overnight because of regional events.
“And of course, the enormous lengths that the UAE authorities have gone to in order to keep everyone who lives and works here safe at all times, sends out the strongest possible message to investors.
“That has long been the case, and the effect of all this is highlighted by an apartment being sold for AED422 million in the current climate, at a time when the eyes of the world are on Dubai, and the Gulf region.
“It’s a sale which says so much about the UAE as a whole, and in this case in particular, about Dubai as one of the world’s leading destinations for wealthy real estate investors.
“While headlines elsewhere paint one picture of the UAE, the reality for those of us living and working here is completely different.”
5, Mar 2026
Reduce Rust by Dumping Your Wok Twice, and Other Kitchen Tips
In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers from Brown University present two related studies about thin film fluid flows in the kitchen: one about the relationship between how long it takes to tip the remaining liquid out of a container and its viscosity, and the other about the ideal time to wait before dumping water out of a wok to minimize rusting — it’s more effective to wait a few minutes to let the water accumulate so there’s more to pour out.
“The kitchen is sort of the prime laboratory,” said author Jay Tang. “It deals with a lot of chemistry, materials science, and physics.”
Most people have an intuitive sense of what viscosity is, often described as how thick a fluid feels. It is measured scientifically by applying a certain amount of force to a fluid and measuring its flow rate.
“If you want to empty a jar of water — a few brief seconds, and you have very little left. But if you try to empty a jar of honey, you need to wait longer,” said author Thomas Dutta. “How much longer? The viscosity can tell us.”
By measuring various examples, the researchers derived an exact equation for this flow. A particularly sustainable person can use this to decide how long to wait to collect 99% of what remains in their jar — but for most people, the intuitive understanding that something viscous, like honey or syrup, takes longer than water does will suffice.
“This tipping thing used to happen in my home when I was a kid,” said Dutta. “My grandma would do it with oil bottles or condensed milk.”
The same principle applies to drying out a wok. After washing and dumping out the initial water, Dutta and Tang calculated the ideal amount of time one should allow the remaining water to reaccumulate at its bottom before dumping it again — too long, and it will rust, but too short, and not enough of the water will pool. Figuring out just the right amount of time relies, unsurprisingly, on the viscosity of water. The answer: a few minutes.
“We use these common household examples to really try to show people in a quantitative way that these are all thin film fluid flow, and we can use fluid mechanics to calculate and predict and reliably estimate things,” said Tang. “The things people handle on a daily basis have a lot of physics behind them.”
5, Mar 2026
IBM Launches Its First Infrastructure Innovation Center in India to Accelerate Enterprise-Scale AI
Bengaluru, India March 05: IBM today announced the launch of its first Infrastructure Innovation Center, the Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Center, housed within its new India Systems Development Lab (ISDL) campus. The center underscores IBM’s continued investment in India as a strategic hub for advanced infrastructure engineering and AI innovation serving both domestic and global markets.
Designed as a collaborative engineering hub, the center will bring together IBM’s systems architects and infrastructure specialists from ISDL to co-create AI solutions with clients, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), Global System Integrators (GSIs), Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and ecosystem partners. By bringing together cutting-edge infrastructure technologies, hybrid cloud capabilities and AI solutions under one roof, the center is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of secure, scalable and responsible enterprise AI systems. The initiative supports enterprise transformation in India while contributing to global infrastructure innovation.
“India is at a pivotal moment in its AI journey, and infrastructure will define the pace and scale at which organizations can innovate,” said Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia. “Across industries, enterprises in India are modernizing mission-critical systems to become AI-ready. This Center reflects IBM’s long-term commitment to India and strengthens our ability to design, build, and scale infrastructure solutions locally; tailored to India’s unique market needs while contributing to global innovation. As India advances toward becoming a global AI leader, resilient, secure, and high-performance infrastructure will be the bedrock of that transformation.”
Subhathra Srinivasaraghavan, Vice President, IBM India Systems Development Lab, added, “AI is only as powerful as the infrastructure that supports it. From hybrid cloud platforms to data architectures and automation, the backbone of AI lies in robust, secure and scalable infrastructure. This center brings together deep systems engineering expertise and ecosystem collaboration to help clients operationalize AI at scale while ensuring performance, security, governance, and reliability across mission-critical environments.”
The launch builds on strong infrastructure investment trends highlighted in a recent study by the IBM Institute for Business Value, which found that 58% of Indian organizations have increased infrastructure investments due to rising AI demand. The study also projected a 19% growth in infrastructure budgets in 2025, with 43% of organizations establishing or planning AI Centers of Excellence. As enterprises move from experimentation to scaled deployment, infrastructure readiness is emerging as a strategic priority.
With the establishment of this center, IBM further strengthens India’s position as a critical engine for AI infrastructure innovation supporting enterprises in building secure, scalable and future-ready AI systems.
5, Mar 2026
Lincotrade Launches Freehold Residential Project “The Shang Residence” in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mar 05: Lincotrade & Associates Holdings Limited is proud to announce the unveiling of its first property development in Kuala Lumpur, The Shang Residence, a premium freehold residential project located in the established township of Kuchai Lama. The soft launch took place on 28 February 2026, with the official launch scheduled for June 2026 and project completion expected by 2029.
The Shang Residence comprises 449 exclusive units designed as a modern urban sanctuary for multi-generational families. Strategically located within walking distance of the proposed MRT Line 3 (Jalan Klang Lama Station) and minutes from retail and lifestyle hubs such as Mid Valley Megamall, Bangsar South, and KL Eco City, the project also offers seamless connectivity via major highways including NPE, KESAS, MEX, and the Federal Highway.
The development features resort-inspired lifestyle amenities and communal spaces, including:
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30m infinity pool, fitness studio, yoga & pilates studios
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Himalayan salt sauna, pickleball court, sky dining pavilion, party pavilion & hotpot pavilion
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Mini theatre & KTV rooms, co-working lounge, and private meeting suites
Mr. Jackie Soh Loong Chow, CEO of Lincotrade, stated:
“The Shang Residence marks our maiden property development in Kuala Lumpur. With its prime location in Kuchai Lama, thoughtfully curated facilities, and convenient connectivity, we are confident it will appeal to discerning homeowners seeking elevated urban living with long-term value. Limited freehold residential options in mature areas like Kuchai Lama further enhance the project’s appeal.”
Mr. Alan Tee Kai Loon, Managing Director of Linc Venture, added:
“The Shang Residence integrates four key pillars — Harmony, Vitality, Precision, and Stewardship — to create homes that combine functional design with resort-inspired amenities. Our goal is to offer residents both comfort and enduring value in a vibrant urban setting.”
5, Mar 2026
YES BANK celebrates International Women’s Day with the launch of exclusive Salary Account for Women
Bengaluru, Mar 05: Celebrating this International Women’s Day, YES BANK – the leading Indian private sector bank has announced the launch of ‘YES Essence Women’s Salary Account’, a comprehensive solution designed to support the financial and lifestyle needs of working women. This new offering will bring together a suite of specialised services spanning financial protection, preventive healthcare, lifestyle privileges and wealth-creation, all benefits on a single platform.
According to a report by the Ministry of Labour & Employment (Government of India), women employment has seen significant growth between 2017-18 and 2023-24, with rural India witnessing a 96% rise and urban areas reflecting a 43% growth in female employment. Over 1.56 crore women have joined the formal workforce in the past seven years, indicating strong participation in overall economic growth.
This consistent growth underscores the need for financial solutions coupled with health benefits. In alignment with the evolving workforce dynamic, YES Essence Women’s Salary Account will focus on three integrated pillars:
Financial Solution
- Exclusive Free locker facility for the 1st Year
- 100% Demat AMC waiver for the first year on a 3-in-1 account
- Opportunity to Earn & Redeem 34,000 YES Rewardz in the 1st year
Health & Wellness Security
- INR 5 lakh Super Top-Up Health Cover complimentary for a year
- Annual preventive health check-up once a year (with home visit and lab collection options)
- Complimentary 1-year membership provided by our partner, offering healthcare services such as parenting toolkit, consultations with gynecologists, pediatricians, psychologists, nutritionists and other specialists
Lifestyle Privileges
- A complimentary Elegance Debit Card with 5% cashback worth up to INR 6,000 annually on select categories such as utilities, groceries, travel and more
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dheeraj Sanghi, Country Head – Retail Liabilities, Fee & Business Banking, YES BANK, said, “With ‘YES Essence Women’s Salary Account’, we have taken one more step towards supporting the community of working women. The acceleration in women’s participation in the formal workforce reflects a dynamic shift in India’s growth trajectory. As more women play a significant role in professional and financial decision-making, the need for integrated, protection-led banking solutions becomes imperative. This curated salary account is our commitment to building an inclusive financial solution that empowers women’s financial independence while prioritising their health and well-being.’’
With this proposition, YES BANK emphasises its focus on customer‑first approach and digitally enabled services for building a more inclusive financial ecosystem for all segment of customers.
5, Mar 2026
Myntra expands its women entrepreneur initiative with MynShakti 2.0 to support 100 women-led fashion, beauty and home brands
Bengaluru, Mar 05: Ahead of International Women’s Day, Myntra has announced the launch of MynShakti 2.0, the next phase of its women seller enablement initiative under its ShECommerce umbrella. Building on the success of its first edition, the program aims to onboard and nurture 100 women-led businesses across fashion, beauty and home categories, reinforcing Myntra’s commitment to inclusive growth in digital commerce.
The first edition of MynShakti supported 20 women entrepreneurs across categories, including clothing, jewellery, educational toys, pet apparel and personal gifting. Many of these brands were early-stage brands with fewer than 50 SKUs. Through access to Myntra’s large customer base, tech-enabled shopping ecosystem and operational support, these entrepreneurs strengthened their brand presence, streamlined logistics and expanded their reach nationwide.
Open to women-led businesses across fashion, beauty and home, MynShakti 2.0 offers structured enablement support, including:
- Seamless Onboarding & Dedicated Account Management: End-to-end onboarding support with dedicated account managers for six months to help optimise performance.
- Expert-led Webinars & Mentorship: Through a series of interactive mentorship sessions and expert-led webinars, brands will receive strategic recommendations on marketing, order fulfillment, and leveraging Myntra’s platform for maximum impact.
A significant addition this year, Myntra has introduced a dedicated vernacular video series to simplify seller onboarding, account management and growth strategies. By making knowledge resources accessible in regional languages, the initiative aims to drive participation from aspiring women entrepreneurs across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Commenting on the launch, Govindraj MK, CHRO, Myntra, said,
“India’s e-lifestyle landscape is being shaped by a new generation of entrepreneurs, with women increasingly taking the lead in building brands that cater to the evolving aspirations of diverse consumer cohorts. MynShakti, under our ShECommerce vision, is focused on enabling women-led brands with the right tools, insights and mentorship to scale sustainably. Following a successful first edition, we are expanding the program with a sharper structure and deeper support to empower more women entrepreneurs to build, lead and transform meaningful brands at scale.”
Women entrepreneurs looking to scale their made-in-India fashion, beauty and lifestyle businesses can apply through the program survey link or can apply through our social media channels (LinkedIn & Instagram).
MynShakti 2.0 underscores Myntra’s vision of building a more inclusive digital commerce ecosystem, one that enables women-led businesses to transition from local enterprises to national brands.
