Industry News

Tata Communications has unveiled Kaleyra AI, an innovative artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to transform customer interactions across various communication channels. Announced on 12 December 2024, the platform allows businesses to customise large language models to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and ensure security.

Kaleyra AI introduces three key capabilities: a GenAI Template Generator for crafting personalised WhatsApp messages, a Conversational AI Data Reporting tool for generating insightful reports from complex data queries, and a Conversational AI No-Code Builder that enables users to create interaction assistants without programming knowledge. These features aim to automate marketing tasks, improve response rates, and simplify decision-making processes.

Mauro Carobene, Head of Customer Interaction Suite at Tata Communications, highlighted the platform’s potential to significantly boost business growth. “Kaleyra AI represents a powerful leap forward and will be a force multiplier for enterprises,” he stated. Early demonstrations have shown reductions in response times and improved issue resolution during peak query periods.

Kaleyra AI will be available in beta to select customers early next year, with a general release expected in the first half of 2025 on Tata Communications’ AI Cloud. This launch marks a significant step in leveraging generative AI to enhance enterprise communication and customer experience.

Progeny has appointed Chris Guy as the new chief executive officer of its Singapore office, marking a significant step in its international expansion. This appointment coincides with Progeny’s new status as an International Professional Partner Firm (IPPF) with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), reflecting its commitment to maintaining high professional standards globally.

Chris Guy brings extensive leadership experience from his previous roles at Barclays Capital, Deutsche Bank, and Citibank. Having spent nearly two decades in the Asia Pacific region, Guy expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “The opportunity to run the Progeny Singapore office is a fantastic prospect. It’s an exciting time to work in an exciting business, as Progeny begins to build and develop its international presence.”

Neil Moles, CEO of Progeny, welcomed Guy, highlighting his deep knowledge of Singapore and Asia. Moles emphasised the importance of developing Progeny’s presence in Singapore as part of its global growth strategy.

In addition to the leadership change, Progeny’s Singapore office has achieved IPPF status, aligning with its offices in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Belgium. This status underscores Progeny’s dedication to professional standards and exceptional client service worldwide. Ian Callaghan, President of the CII, praised Progeny’s commitment to ethics and professional development.

Progeny’s strategic moves in Singapore are part of its broader goal to enhance its global advisory services, aiming to raise standards and attract the next generation of clients and advisers.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore innovative solutions for sea-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) reloading and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore. This initiative aims to enhance the existing onshore LNG bunkering infrastructure and address the growing demand for sustainable marine fuels.

LNG bunkering in Singapore has seen significant growth, with deliveries increasing from 16,000 tonnes in 2022 to over 385,000 tonnes by October 2024. The EOI invites proposals focusing on three key areas: scaling up sea-based reloading operations, including ship-to-bunker barge LNG operations; facilitating the supply of LNG alternatives such as liquefied bio-methane; and developing floating platform concepts to improve bunkering safety and efficiency. Proposals should also address methane slip mitigation on a well-to-wake basis.

Participants in the EOI are not required to hold an existing LNG bunkering licence. They are expected to propose operational models for sea-based LNG reloading starting from 2025 and conduct trials in Singapore to validate the feasibility and safety of their solutions. Insights from these trials will inform MPA’s review of the LNG licensing framework to better serve the industry’s needs.

Interested parties can find more details and submission guidelines on the MPA website. Proposals must be submitted by 28 February 2025. This initiative underscores MPA’s commitment to advancing Singapore’s position as a leading global hub port and promoting sustainable maritime practices.

COSME Week TOKYO, Japan’s premier cosmetics trade show, is set to return to Tokyo Big Sight from 15-17 January 2025. Organised by RX Japan, the event will gather exhibitors and visitors from around the world, showcasing a wide array of products including revolutionary cosmetic brands, health foods, ingredients, and beauty equipment. This annual event is a key platform for businesses to present their innovations and for attendees to explore the latest trends in the cosmetics industry.

A major highlight of the event is COSME Tech TOKYO, the International Cosmetics Development Expo, which emphasises the importance of research and development (R&D) in creating innovative beauty products. This segment of the show will feature exhibitors specialising in ingredients, lab devices, private label services, and packaging solutions. “COSME Tech TOKYO is Asia’s premier B2B platform for cosmetics development,” said RX Japan, underscoring its significance for manufacturers seeking to enhance their market presence.

The event will also host an Academic Forum, where leading researchers from institutions such as Tokyo Metropolitan University and Kumamoto University will present breakthrough technologies in cosmetics science. Topics include the improvement of SPF and moisturising effects, and the development of non-destructive systems for measuring cosmetic preservation.

COSME Week TOKYO is designed for a broad audience within the beauty industry, including retail store owners, beauty salon operators, and distributors. With over 800 exhibitors from 20 countries, the event promises a global showcase of high-quality, cost-effective cosmetics and innovative solutions. Attendees are encouraged to save the date for this ultimate gathering of industry professionals.

CS Tech Solution Limited, a pioneer in carbon capture and utilisation technologies, has launched Hong Kong’s first carbon capture system. By integrating advanced pressure swing adsorption technology from the UK with its own equipment, CS Tech aims to efficiently transform industrial CO2 emissions into valuable resources, significantly reducing carbon emissions and fostering a circular economy.

The system captures CO2 emissions from a biochar production facility, converting them into concrete blocks through a proprietary injection system. This process not only sequesters CO2 but also repurposes industrial waste into raw materials for construction, offering a sustainable solution to the climate crisis. “Our technology is a game-changer for low-carbon construction materials,” said a CS Tech spokesperson.

CS Tech is collaborating with the Hong Kong Carbon Trading Centre to develop methodologies for carbon credit certification. This initiative could add value to low-carbon construction materials, making them tradable on carbon markets.

In a bid to promote regional collaboration, CS Tech recently hosted the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore. The visit, attended by Dr Amy Khor, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, highlighted future trends in carbon management and the shared goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

CS Tech’s efforts underscore Hong Kong’s role in sustainable development, offering a model for other Asian cities to follow. With the potential to diversify the market for low-carbon construction materials, the company’s innovation could have far-reaching implications for the region’s environmental strategies.

AirAsia has been announced as the exclusive Official Airline of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) for four significant national team and club events, collectively branded as ASEAN United FC. This partnership, facilitated by sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE, underscores AirAsia’s commitment to enhancing the visibility of football across Southeast Asia. The airline, known for its budget-friendly fares and extensive network, aims to connect football fans from bustling cities to remote communities, with a focus on inclusivity, particularly among youth and women.

The collaboration includes the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024, the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™, the ASEAN Women’s Championship™, and the ASEAN U-23 Championship™. These events provide AirAsia with a platform to engage with fans and bolster its brand presence while supporting the growth of football in the region.

Rudy Khaw, CEO of AirAsia Brand Co., expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “At AirAsia, we believe in the power of sport to unite and inspire. We are thrilled to join forces with ASEAN United FC to celebrate the region’s unique talents and shared passion for football.”

Major General Khiev Sameth, President of AFF, welcomed AirAsia to their family of partners, highlighting the shared belief in ASEAN football’s potential to achieve excellence. Seamus O’Brien, President of SPORTFIVE, noted that the partnership aligns perfectly with AirAsia’s brand, which is synonymous with ASEAN.

This partnership not only strengthens AirAsia’s role as a unifying force in the region but also supports the development of regional talents and aspiring athletes, showcasing ASEAN’s potential on and off the field.

Levi’s has launched a fresh eyewear collection, merging stylish sunglass designs with optical frames that embody a timeless yet edgy aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the iconic shades of denim in Levi’s seasonal collection, the eyewear features warm lens gradients, capturing the essence of the California lifestyle. The collection introduces sunglasses crafted from Bio-based Polyamide, a durable and lightweight material derived from castor oil seeds.

The Seasonal Collection offers bold yet lightweight frames in a variety of colours, including classic black, tortoise, opal, and transparent options. Each piece prominently displays the vertical Levi’s Red Tab Logo, available in red or galvanic hues. For those with a penchant for urban and sporty styles, the Sporty Leisure Collection presents new designs in Bio-based Polyamide, featuring a matte texture and rubber details in contrasting colours. This collection is available in a vibrant palette of classic and transparent tones.

Additionally, the Optical Collection caters to those seeking feminine, lightweight frames. These new designs feature slim metal temples adorned with the Levi’s Box Logo and are offered in a subtle colour palette. Levi’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of eco-friendly materials, aligning with the brand’s ethos of combining style with environmental responsibility.

This new eyewear line not only enhances Levi’s fashion offerings but also underscores the brand’s dedication to sustainable innovation. As consumers increasingly seek environmentally conscious products, Levi’s latest collection positions itself as a stylish and responsible choice for eyewear enthusiasts.