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BDC and Equifax Launch Innovative Canadian Small Business Health Index

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New solution to help small businesses across Canada

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2024 /CNW/ – BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, and Equifax Canada are proud to launch the Canadian Small Business Health Index, an innovative dataset that combines real-world data and business sentiment to provide a comprehensive view of the financial well-being of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada.

Using robust, anonymized Equifax data, this innovative index is designed to help entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial institutions make informed decisions based on a holistic picture of the business landscape. The Canadian Small Business Health Index is the first of its kind, offering a predictive model that answers critical questions such as: What is the state of small business health in Canada? How can we expect it to evolve within the next 12 months? And for entrepreneurs: What’s my next business move?

Key Highlights:

A unique combination of data: The index integrates boots-on-the-ground data with business sentiment, providing a full picture of SME health. It is a composite index that includes credit performance, business growth projections, business sentiment, and the business environment. It is meant to become a reference for anyone involved with the business ecosystem, leveraging anonymized credit bureau data from Equifax, SME survey data from BDC, and macroeconomic data from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada.Regional insights: Different regions have different dynamics, and the new index helps explain why some regions perform differently versus others. That’s what makes it so powerful; the insight is an invaluable dataset for decision-makers across Canada.A quarterly overview with forward looking components: the index offers perspective on growth potential, cash-flow projections, financial needs, debt repayment, revenue projections, planned investments, workforce expectations and consumer behavior. It enables informed decision making based on comprehensive and up-to-date projections.

“SMEs are crucial to Canada’s economy, responsible for 88% of private sector jobs and generating over 50% of the country’s GDP. They drive innovation, job creation, and economic growth”, says Isabelle Hudon, President, and CEO, BDC. “With the index, BDC and Equifax are providing entrepreneurs with the ability to anticipate, and, more importantly, act, with confidence. As Canada’s development bank, we are proud to help bring yet another resource to empower support small businesses to defy the odds and make better decision about growth and opportunities.”

“Equifax Canada is proud to partner with BDC on developing this unique and innovative economic indicator which provides insights for Canadian businesses and lenders,” said Sue Hutchison, President and CEO of Equifax Canada. “Small and medium businesses are a major economic driver in Canada. Using our robust data, this index will help Canadian businesses and lenders navigate the complexities of the Commercial market.”

The Canadian Small Business Health Index is a powerful tool that combines data from knowledgeable sources with real experiential input. Equifax leads the Credit Performance component, BDC leads on the Business Confidence component, and each organization contributes equally to the Growth Projection component. The Business Environment component is based on public macroeconomic data. BDC data comes from BDC’s Investment and Financing Outlook Survey (IFOS), which is conducted quarterly. Data from companies with more than 500 employees is excluded. Anonymized Equifax data comes from all credit product-providing institutions that subscribe to Equifax. The collaboration between BDC and Equifax will help entrepreneurs thrive and contribute to the economy.

For more information on the Index or its methodology, click here.

About Equifax
At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.ca.

About BDC: 80 years as Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs
BDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the most innovative firms. BDC’s development role means we are in a state of perpetual evolution – wherever entrepreneurs go and whatever the Canadian economy needs – we will be there to help them defy the odds. 80 years later, that commitment remains very much alive. The financial value of BDC’s services is estimated to add $23.6 billion in GDP to Canada’s economy over the next five years. We are one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the B Corp certification in 2013. For more information on our products and services and to consult free tools, templates, and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media.

SOURCE Business Development Bank of Canada

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ObjectWin India Rebrands as FornaxTech; Focuses on AI-Led Transformation and GCC-Driven Global Delivery

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BANGALORE, India, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ObjectWin India has rebranded as FornaxTech, reflecting its evolution into a capability-led organization aligned with the Fornax Group and focused on supporting AI-native enterprises, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and global delivery models.

The move comes as enterprises accelerate investments in AI and expand GCCs as hubs for innovation, product development, and digital transformation.

FornaxTech will continue to build on ObjectWin India’s established strengths in technology talent and solutions, while expanding its role in enabling capability development, execution alignment, and transformation outcomes.

“This transition reflects where we already are and where we are heading,” said Saurav Lenka, CEO of FornaxTech. “We are building on a strong foundation while expanding how we create value through deeper capability, global delivery alignment, and more integrated engagement in an AI-driven world.”

As part of Fornax Group, the company will leverage broader capabilities, geographic reach, and enterprise relationships to support multi-market engagements and more complex transformation needs.

“This is an important step in strengthening a unified direction across the group,” said Subrata Nag, Founder & Group CEO, Fornax Corporate Services. “It allows us to bring together talent, technology, and execution in a more cohesive way to support evolving enterprise needs in an AI-led, globally distributed landscape.”

FornaxTech said it will focus on:

Capability-led engagement across global teams and GCCsIntegration of talent, platforms, and processesAI-native approaches to delivery and execution

The company’s delivery framework is supported by ObjectWin India’s CMMI Level 3 certification for Services, reflecting established process maturity, execution consistency, and scalability for enterprise engagements.

About FornaxTech

FornaxTech is a technology and talent solutions company focused on enabling enterprise transformation in an AI-native and globally distributed environment. As part of the Fornax Group, the company supports organizations with integrated capabilities across talent, technology, and execution.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2966208/FornaxTech_Logo.jpg

 

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Certis and Ensign InfoSecurity Partner to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Governance in AI-Driven Robotics

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Collaboration strengthens governance and cyber resilience as autonomous AI
becomes increasingly embedded in physical and operational environments

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Certis Group, Singapore’s leading provider of integrated security and operations solutions, and Ensign InfoSecurity, Asia Pacific’s largest pure-play cybersecurity services provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Milipol TechX (MTX) 2026, a regional platform for security and technology innovation, to strengthen cybersecurity, safety and governance in robotic systems powered by artificial intelligence.

The partnership addresses a growing challenge as AI systems evolve from assisting humans to acting autonomously. Beyond conventional cybersecurity threats which typically result in data breaches or system outages, vulnerabilities in AI robotic systems carry an additional category of risk: manipulated sensor inputs, loss of supervisory control, or autonomous systems executing unintended physical actions with real-world consequences.

This collaboration comes as Singapore increases the deployment of autonomous systems to aid in security, logistics and transport operations, highlighting the urgent need to translate governance principles into practical, operational safeguards, particularly in real-world environments where there is little room for error.

Under the MOU, both organisations will work together to strengthen cybersecurity, safety and ethical governance in AI-driven robotics. Certis will lead the development and implementation of safety and ethics fail-safes, as well as Human-in-the-Loop interfaces within the AI robotic platform. In parallel, Ensign will oversee the development of cybersecurity requirements governing the platform’s communication interfaces, as well as the AI’s core reasoning and decision-making processes, including the design of cybersecurity controls, standards and frameworks.

Together, the partnership will embed guardrails across the full system lifecycle, from design and development to testing, deployment and eventual decommissioning, while advancing cybersecurity capabilities, cross-domain knowledge-sharing, and practical frameworks to support the secure and responsible use of autonomous systems.

“As Certis accelerates the development and deployment of our robotics and AI across our operations, we are cognisant that the power of these technologies is only as strong as the security that protects them,” Mr Alex Ooi, Chief Information Security Officer of Certis, said.

“In this new era of industrialised AI, cybersecurity is no longer a peripheral function, but a critical enabler of our future. For Certis, securing our autonomous systems means more than just protecting data; it means ensuring the operational integrity and safety of the physical environments we are trusted to guard. By embedding rigorous cyber-resilience into every tech, robot and algorithm we deploy, we are building a future where innovation and absolute trust coexist seamlessly in this partnership,’ Mr Ooi added.

Key areas of focus in the MOU include

Developing ethical, safety-first approaches for AI-driven robotics, supported by shared standards across data handling, model training and real-world operationsEmbedding security and risk management by design across the system lifecycle, including threat identification, risk assessment and safeguards against unauthorised access and tamperingImplementing human-centric safety protocols and robust human-in-the-loop controls to ensure effective oversight and interventionStrengthening cyber-physical resilience through testing and operations, including adversarial testing of AI-driven robotic behaviours, continuous monitoring and specialised capabilities such as threat analysis, incident response and penetration testing

A joint Safety and Security Review Board will be established to oversee implementation and ensure alignment with evolving safety and ethical expectations.

“The rise of AI is raising the stakes for enterprise security. It goes beyond protecting systems to ensuring that autonomous decisions remain bounded, explainable and secure,” said Paul Tan, Executive Vice President of Government and Singapore Enterprises, Ensign InfoSecurity. “Having operationalised AI in security environments, we see firsthand how quickly autonomy can scale. The challenge is ensuring that control, governance and resilience scale with it, especially when these systems affect real-world operations and outcomes. This collaboration focuses on embedding cybersecurity into the way these systems are designed and deployed from the outset.”

The MOU signals a shift in how organisations deploying autonomous systems must think about risk, not as an IT concern to be managed downstream, but as a foundational design requirement woven into every layer of the system.

About Certis Group

Certis is an integrated operations service provider, built on decades of experience in security and critical frontline operations. We design and run security, facilities and workforce management as a single operating model, orchestrating people, systems and processes in complex, real-world environments to drive results.

Our approach is grounded in structured operational design, where processes, workflows and resources are engineered around defined outcomes. Further powered by our adoption of advanced technologies including AI and Robotics, Certis drives coordination, visibility and day-to-day execution across operations for its clients.

Headquartered in Singapore, Certis operates across key regional markets including Australia and Qatar, supported by a global team of over 25,000 employees. We are trusted by local governments and enterprises to deliver operational performance to make our world safer, smarter, and better.

For more information, please visit www.certisgroup.com.

About Ensign InfoSecurity 

Ensign InfoSecurity is Asia Pacific’s largest pure-play cybersecurity services provider and a trusted global partner, delivering end-to-end security solutions across the cyber lifecycle. Headquartered in Singapore, Ensign is recognised for deep capabilities spanning advisory and assurance, secure architecture and systems integration, threat intelligence, managed security operations, and incident response. Ensign also drives its own innovation through Ensign Labs, developing advanced proprietary solutions to address complex customer challenges. With over two decades of experience, Ensign provides resilient, intelligence-led security tailored to real business risks.

For more information, visit www.ensigninfosecurity.com 

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SOURCE Ensign InfoSecurity

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Agoda Unveils Top 5 Labor Day Destinations for 2026

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SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has identified the top five holiday destinations for Labor Day 2026, based on accommodation search data. This year’s list features Tokyo, Pattaya, Seoul, Osaka, and Busan, offering a mix of cultural experiences, vibrant cityscapes, and relaxing getaways for travelers to explore new destinations and unwind from their daily routines.

Tokyo, Japan, offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors can explore the capital city’s historic sites such as the Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, while also experiencing the futuristic allure of districts like Shibuya and Akihabara. The city’s culinary scene is a highlight, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street food markets. Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, cultural festivals, and cutting-edge technology make it a dynamic destination for travelers seeking both excitement and cultural enrichment.

Pattaya, Thailand, known for its lively beaches and vibrant nightlife, provides a tropical escape on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast. The city offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for water sports, island hopping, and exploring nearby attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth. Pattaya’s Walking Street is famous for its energetic nightlife, while quieter spots like Jomtien Beach provide a more laid-back atmosphere. With its diverse range of activities and stunning coastal views, Pattaya is an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and enjoy the sun.

Seoul, South Korea, is a city where history and innovation coexist harmoniously. Visitors can explore ancient palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, while also enjoying the modern attractions of districts like Gangnam and Myeongdong. Seoul’s vibrant street markets, diverse culinary offerings, and thriving arts scene provide endless opportunities for exploration. The city’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to navigate, allowing travelers to experience everything from traditional tea houses to cutting-edge technology hubs.

Osaka, Japan, known for its street food and entertainment districts, delights the senses with its unique offerings. Visitors can indulge in local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, while exploring bustling areas such as Dotonbori and Namba. Osaka Castle offers a glimpse into the city’s historical past, while Universal Studios Japan provides family-friendly entertainment. With its friendly locals and lively atmosphere, Osaka is a welcoming destination that offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and fun.

Busan, South Korea, offers stunning coastal views and a rich cultural landscape. The country’s second-largest city is home to a range of beaches, such as Haeundae and Gwangalli, which are perfect for relaxation and water activities. Visitors can explore cultural landmarks like the Beomeosa Temple and the Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful houses and artistic installations. Busan’s seafood markets and local cuisine provide a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Busan is a serene yet engaging destination for travelers.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda shared, “Labor Day offers a great opportunity to explore new destinations. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of Tokyo or the serene landscapes of Busan, Agoda’s comprehensive selection of accommodations, flights, and activities provides the flexibility to plan a trip that suits your preferences. Our platform is designed to make travel planning straightforward and enjoyable, ensuring a memorable Labor Day experience for all travelers.”

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers travelers the flexibility to create their ideal Labor Day getaway. For the best deals, travelers can visit Agoda’s website or download the Agoda mobile app.

 

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SOURCE Agoda

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