Day: April 16, 2026

IBM UNVEILS NEW CYBERSECURITY MEASURES TO COUNTER AI-DRIVEN THREATS

ARMONK, N.Y., April 16 — IBM has announced a new suite of cybersecurity initiatives aimed at helping organizations defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks powered by advanced artificial intelligence models. The company warned that attackers are already leveraging frontier AI to accelerate every stage of the cyberattack lifecycle, significantly reducing the time, cost, and expertise required to carry out complex operations. As a result, traditional security systems—often reliant on fragmented tools and manual processes—are becoming less effective against fast-evolving, automated threats. To address these challenges, IBM Consulting is introducing a new enterprise cybersecurity assessment designed to evaluate an organization’s readiness for AI-enabled threats. The assessment provides visibility into security gaps, policy weaknesses, and AI-specific vulnerabilities, while offering prioritized recommendations and mitigation strategies. In parallel, IBM launched IBM Autonomous Security, a new multi-agent, AI-powered service built to help organizations respond to threats at machine speed. The platform integrates digital security “agents” across an enterprise’s technology environment, enabling coordinated detection, analysis, and response with minimal human intervention. According to IBM, the system is designed to identify potential attack paths, enforce security policies, detect anomalies, and contain threats in real time. It also integrates with governance and risk management systems to enhance compliance and reduce exposure to high-speed attacks. “Frontier models are creating a new category of enterprise threat that is fast moving, systemic and increasingly autonomous,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner of Cybersecurity Services at IBM Consulting. “AI-powered offense demands AI-powered defense.” IBM said the new offerings are part of its broader strategy to help enterprises modernize their cybersecurity frameworks as threats become more autonomous and complex. The company emphasized that future security advantages will depend not just on individual tools, but on how effectively systems can operate in a coordinated and automated manner. The announcement underscores growing global concern over the misuse of AI in cyberattacks, as organizations across industries race to strengthen defenses and adapt to a rapidly changing threat landscape. /PRNewswire/

ARMONK, N.Y., April 16 — IBM has announced a new suite of cybersecurity initiatives aimed at helping organizations defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks powered by advanced artificial intelligence models. The company warned that attackers are already leveraging frontier AI to accelerate every stage of the cyberattack lifecycle, significantly reducing the time, cost, and expertise required […]

BANK OF AMERICA REPORTS FIRST-QUARTER 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 16 -- Bank of America has released its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, providing investors with detailed disclosures through its Investor Relations platform and regulatory filings yesterday. The company published its earnings release, supplemental financial information, and investor presentation on its official Investor Relations website. In addition, a Form 8-K containing the quarterly results has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Chair and CEO Brian Moynihan, alongside Chief Financial Officer Alastair Borthwick, is scheduled to discuss the results during an investor conference call held at 8:30 a.m. ET. The session includes a live audio webcast and presentation slides accessible via the company’s website, with replay options available through April 24. Bank of America remains one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving nearly 70 million clients globally. The bank operates approximately 3,500 retail financial centers and around 15,000 ATMs across the United States, supported by a rapidly growing digital platform with approximately 59 million verified users. The company continues to maintain a strong presence in wealth management, corporate and investment banking, and global markets, serving corporations, governments, institutions, and individual clients in more than 35 countries. Its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BAC. Further updates, including dividend announcements and corporate developments, are available through the company’s newsroom and investor communications channels. /PRNewswire/

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 16 — Bank of America has released its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, providing investors with detailed disclosures through its Investor Relations platform and regulatory filings yesterday. The company published its earnings release, supplemental financial information, and investor presentation on its official Investor Relations website. In addition, a Form […]

PMET LAUNCHES STRATEGIC CAESIUM PROCESSING PROGRAM WITH KOCH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

MONTREAL, April 16 -- PMET Resources Inc. has announced the launch of a strategic testwork program with Koch Technology Solutions to evaluate advanced processing pathways for caesium at its flagship Shaakichiuwaanaan Project in Quebec, Canada. The initiative aims to convert pollucite concentrates—an ore rich in caesium—into high-value chemical products using proprietary recovery technologies developed by Koch Technology Solutions, part of Koch Inc.. The collaboration marks a significant step toward commercializing what PMET believes to be one of the world’s largest and highest-grade caesium discoveries. PMET’s Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, located in the James Bay region, already ranks among the largest lithium pegmatite resources globally. The site also hosts a substantial in-situ caesium resource, positioning the company as a potential key supplier of the rare and strategically important metal. CEO Ken Brinsden said the partnership is a critical milestone in unlocking the project’s full value. “This program represents a major step towards developing high-value caesium chemical products and strengthening our position in critical mineral supply chains, particularly in the United States,” he said. The testwork program, expected to run over the next four months, will assess multiple processing routes to produce value-added caesium compounds. These materials are widely used in defense, aerospace, energy systems, and advanced electronics—sectors experiencing growing demand for secure and reliable supply. Koch Technology Solutions’ Critical Minerals Business Leader, Garrett Krall, emphasized the technical collaboration. “This project reflects our ability to apply innovative process technologies to help unlock the value of critical mineral resources,” he said. The move comes as global interest in critical minerals intensifies, with governments and industries seeking to secure supply chains for materials essential to modern technologies. By advancing downstream processing capabilities, PMET aims to capture higher margins and strengthen its role in the global critical minerals market. The company noted that the program builds on ongoing efforts to explore commercial pathways following its caesium discovery, potentially creating a new high-value revenue stream alongside lithium production. /PRNewswire/

MONTREAL, April 16 — PMET Resources Inc. has announced the launch of a strategic testwork program with Koch Technology Solutions to evaluate advanced processing pathways for caesium at its flagship Shaakichiuwaanaan Project in Quebec, Canada. The initiative aims to convert pollucite concentrates—an ore rich in caesium—into high-value chemical products using proprietary recovery technologies developed by […]

DATUK RUSLI JAAFAR APPOINTED NEW CHAIRMAN OF HRD CORP

KUALA LUMPUR -- Human Resources Development Corporation Berhad (HRD Corp) has appointed Datuk Rusli Jaafar as its new chairman effective April 1. HRD Corp in a statement today informed that Rusli previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) from 2022 to 2025 after starting service with the commission, which was previously known as the Malaysian Cooperative Development Department, in 1993. With over 32 years of extensive experience in the public service sector, his leadership has led to institutional empowerment, driven organizational transformation and expanded the impact of socio-economic development. The holder of a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) plays an important role in strengthening the financial and economic sectors as strategic drivers of inclusive and sustainable national development. "Under his leadership, SKM has recorded encouraging development. As of December 2025, the total assets of the cooperative movement in Malaysia managed by SKM are estimated to reach RM186 billion with total shares and fees exceeding RM18 billion, thus reflecting the significant role of the cooperative sector in the country's socio-economic development." "As of 2025, the total financing arrears under the SKM Revolving Capital Fund (TMP-SKM) have been successfully reduced to RM11.33 million from RM20.67 million previously," the statement said. The statement informed that in 2024, for the first time, the registration of cooperatives under SKM will exceed 1,000 cooperatives per year compared to an average of around 600 cooperatives per year before, as a result of the implementation of more aggressive awareness and encouragement programs among the community. In addition, SKM successfully obtained Clean Audit Certificate recognition for the financial statements for the years ending 31 Dec 2022, 2023 and 2024. "His contributions have also been recognised through several Outstanding Service Awards and he was awarded the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu in 2024." "Under his leadership, SKM also received recognition when it was awarded the Special Organisational Award at the 2024 Malaysia Franchise Awards Night Ceremony," the statement said. HRD Corp said Rusli's appointment reflects the agency's commitment to continue strengthening its mandate in leading skills development, workforce training and human capital sustainability in line with national priorities as well as the ever-evolving needs of employers and the workforce.

KUALA LUMPUR — Human Resources Development Corporation Berhad (HRD Corp) has appointed Datuk Rusli Jaafar as its new chairman effective April 1. HRD Corp in a statement today informed that Rusli previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) from 2022 to 2025 after starting service with the commission, which […]

20,000 SAILORS, 2,000 SHIPS STRANDED IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ – IMO

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation process could not be implemented simultaneously as it required close coordination between countries, given that the Strait of Hormuz is only about 30 kilometres wide and the security risk was still high. -- BERNAMA-MNA

TEHRAN: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that nearly 20,000 sailors and about 2,000 ships are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, Mehr News Agency (MNA) reported. The IMO is preparing an emergency plan to evacuate nearly 20,000 seafarers and around 2,000 ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, according to media reports on […]

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM REAFFIRMS MALAYSIA’S COMMITMENT TO ENERGY SECURITY AT AZEC SUMMIT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional energy security during his participation in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit on Energy Resilience, held at the invitation of the Government of Japan yesterday. In a statement, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening the timely meeting, highlighting its importance amid growing global uncertainties. He noted that recent developments in West Asia, particularly those affecting the Strait of Hormuz, underscore the critical need for a stable energy supply to ensure economic resilience and safeguard the wellbeing of the people. “Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation through AZEC to ensure a stable, sufficient and resilient energy supply,” he said. As an energy producer, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), Anwar stressed that Malaysia will continue to play a constructive role in supporting regional energy security. He added that the country is also focused on diversifying its energy sources, including expanding renewable energy, while reinforcing its energy systems in line with national development priorities. The Prime Minister emphasised that collaborative regional efforts remain key to navigating evolving energy challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional energy security during his participation in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit on Energy Resilience, held at the invitation of the Government of Japan yesterday. In a statement, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae […]

RAMANAN WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF BIRUNTHA MOORUTHI AS TALENT CORP CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Human Resources Minister Minister Ramanan has extended his congratulations to Puan Biruntha Mooruthi on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (Talent Corp), effective yesterday, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening Malaysia’s talent development agenda. Ramanan said the appointment reflects the government’s commitment to building a more dynamic and focused talent strategy that aligns closely with current industry demands. “With over 20 years of leadership experience across government, academia and industry, I am confident that Madam Biruntha will lead Talent Corp to greater heights and deliver impactful outcomes,” he said in a statement. He highlighted her strong leadership track record in driving national initiatives, advancing innovation agendas, and bridging the gap between research and market needs — qualities he noted are crucial in today’s increasingly challenging economic landscape. Ramanan also commended Biruntha’s contributions in mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs and accelerating technology commercialization, underscoring her dedication to strengthening Malaysia’s talent and innovation ecosystem. “I believe that under her leadership, Talent Corp will continue to play a strategic role as a key think tank in enhancing workforce readiness, expanding quality job opportunities, and ensuring that national talent policies contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic growth,” he added. At the same time, Ramanan expressed his appreciation to former CEO Mr. Edward Ling for his service and contributions during his tenure at Talent Corp. He concluded by wishing Biruntha continued success in carrying out her new responsibilities for the betterment of the nation. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Ramanan Ramakrishnan

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Human Resources Minister Minister Ramanan has extended his congratulations to Puan Biruntha Mooruthi on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (Talent Corp), effective yesterday, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening Malaysia’s talent development agenda. Ramanan said the appointment reflects the government’s commitment to […]