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Due diligence increasingly critical for Canadian businesses reconfiguring supply chains amid U.S. tariffs

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Switching suppliers requires robust due diligence as fraud and cybersecurity risks are on the rise, KPMG forensic and cybersecurity specialists warn

TORONTO, March 6, 2025 /CNW/ – With the recent implementation of 25 per cent, across-the-board tariffs on Canadian goods, Canadian businesses that are considering or already making changes to their supply chain must remain extra vigilant for increased fraud and cybersecurity risks, KPMG in Canada specialists warn.

A recent KPMG in Canada survey of Canadian businesses found that in anticipation of tariffs, nearly half (44 per cent) of respondents said they are already reconfiguring their supply chains to divert U.S.-destined exports to these third-party countries, with another 44 per cent exploring that option.

Changing suppliers and reconfiguring supply chains can introduce numerous fraud risks, says Myriam Duguay, Partner and National Forensic Leader at KPMG in Canada.

“With U.S. tariffs now in place for Canadian exporters, many businesses might rush to switch suppliers, and in doing so, they might not do the rigorous due diligence that’s needed to reduce third party risks,” she says.

“Businesses must be vigilant about engaging new suppliers that make illegitimate or overstated claims about their capabilities,” she adds.

Hartaj Nijjar, KPMG in Canada’s National Cybersecurity Leader adds that engaging new suppliers increases an organization’s cybersecurity risks.

“If the new suppliers do not have robust cybersecurity measures in place, they could become a weak link in an organization’s supply chain, potentially leading to data breaches,” he says.

“Businesses should also be aware of fake suppliers that appear legitimate but are actually threat actors in disguise. This is becoming more prevalent now with the rise of AI-powered deepfakes,” he adds. 

KPMG’s forensic and cybersecurity specialists recommend Canadian organizations consider the following points when changing suppliers.

Supplier Due Diligence: When switching suppliers, conducting an integrity due diligence is the first and most critical step. This includes verifying the legitimacy and integrity of the new suppliers, checking their financial stability, and assessing their reputation. Skipping this critical step could lead to partnerships with potentially fraudulent entities that might engage in practices such as overcharging, delivering substandard goods, or even disappearing with prepayments.Contractual Risks: New contracts with suppliers can be a source of fraud if not carefully reviewed. There may be hidden clauses that could be exploited, or the supplier may misrepresent their capabilities or the quality of their products. Legal experts must review contracts to mitigate these risks.Payment Fraud: Changing suppliers often involves new payment processes. This can create opportunities for fraud, such as invoice fraud, where a fraudulent invoice is submitted for payment. According to Payments Canada, one in five Canadian businesses experienced some form of payment fraud in the past six months. Implementing strict controls and verification processes for invoices can help reduce this risk.Supply Chain Visibility: A reconfigured supply chain may lead to reduced visibility over the entire process. If there are multiple intermediaries involved, it can be challenging to track the flow of goods and payments, increasing the risk of fraud. Utilizing technology such as AI-powered digital twins or blockchain can enhance transparency and traceability in the supply chain.Internal Controls: Changes in suppliers and supply chain configurations may also affect internal controls. If these controls are not updated or reinforced, it can create vulnerabilities that fraudsters may exploit. Regular audits and assessments of internal controls are necessary to ensure they remain effective.Cybersecurity Risks: Engaging new suppliers could expose organizations to cybersecurity risks. If new suppliers do not have robust cybersecurity measures in place, they could expose an organization to a security breach. Before onboarding new suppliers, organizations should conduct rigorous risk assessments to evaluate their cybersecurity posture. Deepfake Risks: Deepfakes could be used to create false narratives about a supplier’s reliability or capabilities, which could lead to further risks and supply chain disruptions for organizations. Investing in advanced verification technologies and educating employees on how to identify deepfakes could help mitigate these risks. Employee Training: Employees in the supply chain and accounting departments should be trained to recognize potential fraud and cybersecurity risks associated with new suppliers. This includes understanding red flags and knowing the proper procedures for reporting suspicious activities.Regulatory Compliance: Depending on your industry, changing suppliers may also involve compliance with various regulations. Non-compliance can lead to legal issues, corruption and potential fraud if suppliers are not adhering to the necessary standards.

“While changing suppliers and reconfiguring supply chains can help businesses mitigate the added cost of tariffs, they need to be aware of the associated fraud and cybersecurity risks. Implementing robust due diligence, maintaining strong internal controls, and ensuring compliance with regulations can help mitigate these risks,” Ms. Duguay adds.

For more resources on fraud prevention, visit: Fraud prevention – KPMG Canada

Tune in to KPMG in Canada’s upcoming DX Coffee Chat, Outsmarting Fraud in a Digital World: Outsmarting fraud in a digital world Registration

For more resources on U.S. tariffs, visit: Navigating tariffs – KPMG Canada

About KPMG in Canada
KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada’s top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. 

The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG’s global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see kpmg.com/ca 

For media inquiries:
Roula Meditskos
National Communications and Media Relations
KPMG in Canada
416-549-7982
rmeditskos@kpmg.ca

SOURCE KPMG LLP

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Wistron Celebrates Grand Opening of First U.S. Smart Factory Marking Milestone in Global Smart Manufacturing Strategy

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FORT WORTH, Texas, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wistron Corporation (“Wistron”) celebrated the grand opening of its D1 AI smart facility in Fort Worth, Texas, the site where the first NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Superchip was built and mass-produced in the United States. The US$ 700 million facility, spanning approximately 324,000 square foot, was officially unveiled during a ceremony led by Wistron Chairman Simon Lin and NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang. Jessica Rogers, Director of the Economic Development Department for the City of Fort Worth, and Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States, were among the government officials and business leaders who attended, marking a milestone in the expansion of Wistron’s global footprint and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

This is a key hub in Wistron’s global AI infrastructure manufacturing network. The facility runs on NVIDIA accelerated computing and integrates NVIDIA’s Nemotron and Cosmos open frontier models and Omniverse and Metropolis libraries, using digital twin technology to optimize factory design, production workflows, and operational efficiency. It is Wistron’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facility, established to serve customers locally and produce NVIDIA’s most advanced and cutting-edge products. Wistron Chairman Simon Lin said “The operation here is not typical manufacturing. It is new, very comprehensive, and high-tech. Right now we produce the NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Superchip, and beyond, we are also going to produce the NVIDIA Vera Rubin Superchip here. In the next couple of years, this location will be one of the most important, as we build AI infrastructure here in the United States. I think this is the reason we say that there will be the next chapter, and we are going to empower AI from Texas.”

Responding to Customer Needs: Texas, the Newest Global Manufacturing Hub
At this pivotal moment for global AI infrastructure, Wistron is drawing on decades of global manufacturing experience to expand its footprint in Texas, a state with a well-established ecosystem for logistics, talent recruitment, and advanced manufacturing. The new D1 facility produces the NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Superchip and soon, the NVIDIA Vera Rubin Superchip — critical to powering the next generation of AI computing. The new Fort Worth facility strengthens a critical upstream layer of the AI infrastructure supply chain by expanding domestic capacity to assemble and test NVIDIA AI systems. These servers can be integrated into NVIDIA DSX infrastructure, with DSX providing the common architecture and technologies needed to deploy and operate energy-efficient AI factories at scale.

One-Stop Operational Ecosystem Strengthens U.S. AI Supply Chain Resilience
Behind every breakthrough in AI computing lies the manufacturing capability to scale it. Wistron is expanding its AI server production capabilities from Taiwan to the United States, guided by a vision of precision, efficiency, and sustainability. This reflects a broader industry shift: AI leadership is determined not only by technological breakthroughs, but also by the operational capability to transform innovation into high-volume production with consistent quality, supply chain resilience, and predictable delivery. By establishing AI infrastructure manufacturing capacity in the United States, Wistron is building a one-stop operational ecosystem spanning manufacturing and after-sales service — shortening delivery timelines and customer support cycles, strengthening supply chain resilience, and laying the foundation for long-term competitive advantage as AI infrastructure continues to scale.

Partnering with NVIDIA to Pioneer a New Model for Smart Manufacturing and Energy Optimization
As the era of physical AI begins, Wistron is extending its smart manufacturing capabilities to the United States, creating a new model for AI infrastructure production built on digital manufacturing, energy optimization, and local operations. Jensen Huang said: “The largest infrastructure buildout in history is underway. Demand for AI factories—the engine of this next industrial revolution—is incredible, and they must be produced everywhere. Together, NVIDIA and Wistron are restoring US advanced manufacturing capacity in Texas, creating skilled jobs and strengthening America’s AI supply chain.” As demand for advanced manufacturing grows in Texas, smarter planning of production loads and energy use will give the plant greater control and flexibility over its electricity needs.

Turning Global Experience into Scalable AI Infrastructure
Simon Lin stressed that the speed the AI era demands comes with its own responsibility. “In the AI era, the pressure of speed is also a form of responsibility,” Lin said. “We don’t just need to build fast; we need to build right.”

The Fort Worth plant will serve as the core engine of Wistron’s U.S. manufacturing operations, the company said, connecting its global production network with ecosystem partners as it scales advanced AI manufacturing. Wistron said that the investment reflects efforts to deepen its technical capabilities, strengthen the resilience and efficiency of global supply chains, and support the next phase of AI infrastructure development.

About Wistron:
Wistron Corporation is a leading global technology service provider delivering advanced ICT products, AI infrastructure, and manufacturing solutions to technology brands worldwide. With more than 63,000 employees across North America, Europe, and Asia, Wistron continues to expand its AI, cloud, and advanced manufacturing capabilities to support the next generation of intelligent computing. For more information about Wistron, please visit the official website at www.wistron.com. Additional information about the event is available on the event website.

Media Contact:
Joyce WL Chou
joyce_wl_chou@wistron.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wistron-celebrates-grand-opening-of-first-us-smart-factory-marking-milestone-in-global-smart-manufacturing-strategy-302831439.html

SOURCE Wistron Corporation

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NSG Bio Accelerates Breakthrough Biotech Innovation in Singapore

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New initiative under NSG Bio Tomorrow will support promising startups developing next-generation approaches in respiratory and neonatal care

SINGAPORE, July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The NSG Bio Tomorrow initiative aims at supporting emerging life sciences startups working on complex challenges in respiratory and neonatal care.

Launched through the support of Chiesi Group, The Impulse initiative will provide a selected startup with one year of NSG Bio membership and access to a dedicated laboratory bench at NSG Bio Singapore. The initiative is designed to help early-stage biotech companies move from promising science toward stronger proof-of-concept work in a fully equipped research environment.

The initiative comes at a time when the biotech industry is increasingly looking for faster, more connected ways to move high-potential science from the lab toward real-world patient impact. For startups, access to infrastructure is only one part of the challenge. Equally important are the right networks, industry visibility, technical environment, and opportunities to engage with partners who understand the path from early discovery to clinical relevance.

The programme will focus on startups developing innovative biotechnological solutions with potential relevance to chronic respiratory diseases and neonatal conditions. Areas of interest include cell therapies, gene therapies, gene-editing technologies, regenerative tissue engineering, engineered or programmable living systems, lung-targeted delivery platforms, preventive approaches, and small-molecule-based approaches.

The selected startup will gain access to NSG Bio’s laboratory infrastructure, shared workspaces, meeting facilities, and wider community of biotech entrepreneurs, researchers, scientific leaders, and industry partners. The support is intended to help the company advance key research milestones while becoming part of Singapore’s growing life-science innovation ecosystem.

For NSG Bio, the initiative is part of NSG Bio Tomorrow, its ecosystem-building arm created to expand the company’s role beyond facilities and real estate. While NSG Bio is known for providing high-quality laboratory and office infrastructure for biotech companies, NSG Bio Tomorrow focuses on building the programmes, partnerships, and opportunities that help startups grow.

“Biotech companies need more than lab space. They need access, momentum, and the right ecosystem around them,” said Hasyim Sim, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, NSG Bio. “Through NSG Bio Tomorrow, we are building initiatives that help promising startups connect with partners, unlock opportunities, and move their science forward. This initiative reflects exactly the kind of role we want to play in the biotech ecosystem.”

“Chiesi is committed to supporting innovation that can make a meaningful difference for patients, and we work with entrepreneurs, researchers and partners to advance meaningful ideas,” said Fabrizio Conicella, Vice President, Center of Open Innovation & Competence at Chiesi Group. “By supporting this NSG Bio Tomorrow initiative, we want to create an opportunity for early-stage innovators to access the infrastructure and ecosystem support needed to develop impactful science in respiratory and neonatal care.”

NSG Bio Tomorrow programme also reinforces Singapore’s position as a growing hub for biotech innovation in Asia, where startups, research institutions, investors, and industry partners are increasingly coming together to support the next generation of healthcare companies.

Applications open on 22 July 2026 at 09:00 a.m. SGT. Finalists will be invited to present at a virtual pitch event, after which the selected startup will be announced.

About NSG Bio

NSG Bio is Singapore’s leading provider of BSL-2 certified co-working laboratory and office spaces, supporting life-science companies from early research through growth. Through its facilities, community, and ecosystem initiatives, NSG Bio enables biotech innovators to accelerate research, access networks, and build companies that address critical healthcare challenges.

About NSG Bio Tomorrow

NSG Bio Tomorrow is NSG Bio’s ecosystem-building arm, created to support the next generation of biotech innovation through partnerships, programmes, community initiatives, and opportunities that extend beyond physical laboratory infrastructure. Its mission is to strengthen the biotech industry by connecting startups with the resources, expertise, and networks they need to thrive.

About Chiesi Group 

Chiesi is a research-oriented international biopharmaceutical group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care. The company’s mission is to improve people’s quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment. As a certified B Corp since 2019, Chiesi is part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. 

With 90 years of experience, Chiesi is headquartered in Parma (Italy), with 31 affiliates worldwide, and counts more than 7,900 employees. The Group’s research and development centre in Parma works alongside 6 other important R&D hubs in France, the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden. For further information please visit https://www.chiesi.com/en/home 

Media Contact
Giridharan
Laboratory Manager
NSG Bio
giridharan@nsgbio.com
87797175

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/nsg-bio-accelerates-breakthrough-biotech-innovation-in-singapore-302830494.html

SOURCE NSG Bio

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House Judiciary Committee Passes Bill that Would Prevent Future Immigration Crises: Swift Action Needed by Full House, Says FAIR

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WASHINGTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed an updated version of H.R. 2, the landmark border security bill from last congressional session. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) urges Speaker Mike Johnson to schedule a final floor vote as soon as possible.

The Secure Border Act systematically closes the loopholes that allowed the Biden administration to unleash the largest and most damaging wave of illegal immigration in American history. Enactment of this legislation would prevent future anti-borders administrations from shirking their responsibilities to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws; asserting unlimited discretion to parole inadmissible aliens to enter the country; or releasing millions of illegal aliens into the country, rather than detaining them or returning them to the country from which they entered.

“We congratulate the Judiciary Committee for its swift action on this critical legislation,” said Dale Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of FAIR. “Ending border chaos and rampant illegal immigration was a key reason that Republicans regained control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in the last election. The clock is ticking on the 119th Congress, and Republicans only have a short time to deliver on the promises they made to voters in 2024, before the midterms.

“Right now, our immigration laws are being enforced in the interests of the American people. As the last administration demonstrated, enforcement of those laws is not guaranteed unless Congress acts to prevent similar abuse in the future. Now is the time for decisive action in the House, where this bill can be passed with a simple majority vote, and an opportunity for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to put every member of that body on record before voters go to the polls in the fall,” Wilcox concluded.

Hayley Hill, hhill@fairus.org 202-328-7004

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/house-judiciary-committee-passes-bill-that-would-prevent-future-immigration-crises-swift-action-needed-by-full-house-says-fair-302831443.html

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

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