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Nearly 90 percent of companies believe people will determine AI success, but far fewer are investing in related people strategies, Inaugural Aon Study Finds

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DUBLIN, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released its inaugural Human Capital Trends Study, revealing a critical gap at the center of enterprise AI strategies: organizations recognize their people will drive AI success, but they are not investing in their people strategies.

According to the study, 88 percent of employers agree that AI will require their workforce to develop new skills and rank human capabilities such as adaptability, leadership and change management as the most critical drivers of success in the next three years, even ahead of technical skills.

While 73 percent of organizations have already deployed or are piloting AI programs, only 18 percent report that most of their workforce has participated in AI reskilling or upskilling programs in the past year. The gap is most visible where AI strategies are advanced in isolation — without clear alignment to business objectives, operating models or the workforce capabilities required to deliver them.

Only 28 percent of organizations surveyed have hired employees with AI expertise, underscoring a continued reliance on developing talent from within. The result is a disconnect between what organizations know will drive success and how they are prioritizing resources — one that is emerging as a material risk to enterprise value.

“The winners in the application of AI will lead with world-class people strategies,” said Greg Case, president and CEO of Aon. “AI represents a historic opportunity for growth, particularly for organizations that approach transformation by integrating people and technology — so they evolve in lockstep. By closing the gap between ambition and readiness, leaders can act with confidence, strengthen long‑term resilience and win today and in the future.”

Workforce Readiness Is Shaping How AI Performs at Scale

As organizations invest heavily in AI, many are deploying technology faster than they are building the skills, structures and human support needed to make it effective. The study finds that many organizations continue to prioritize short-term efficiency gains over developing the workforce capabilities needed to sustain impact. Eighty percent of organizations cite automating routine tasks as a primary objective for AI; only 35 percent prioritize workforce upskilling and reskilling.

At the same time leaders acknowledge that human capabilities will increasingly determine AI success, 84 percent of employers say human strengths will become more important as automation increases and 37 percent of leaders identify future workforce skills gaps as their top concern over the next five to 10 years. Together, these findings point to a clear misalignment: organizations are accelerating automation while underinvesting in the people required to operationalize it differently.

The study underscores that people risks are business risks. Workforce readiness is a critical factor in translating AI investment into consistent execution. When leaders lack clear expectations and guardrails for how AI is used, or when readiness efforts lag behind deployment, organizations face slower adoption, fragmented decision-making and greater operational and reputational exposure — limiting the performance gains AI is expected to deliver.

“AI success ultimately depends on their people, but most are still investing primarily in the technology. That disconnect is where opportunity is lost,” said Byron Beebe, CEO of Human Capital for Aon. “Closing the readiness gap takes a coordinated approach — building skills and confidence, setting clear governance and enabling leaders to guide change — so technology investments translate into sustainable performance and resilience.”

Organizations that Operationalize AI Also Invest in Their People

The study also finds that organizations further along in AI deployment demonstrate stronger alignment between their technology and workforce strategy. For example, organizations that have fully deployed AI are more than twice as likely to describe their leadership’s commitment to employee wellbeing as strong and visible compared to those who’ve discussed AI but haven’t taken action.

This suggests that the ability to operationalize AI is closely tied to a broader focus on human sustainability, engagement and trust – factors that enable organizations to scale change effectively and sustain performance over time.

Turning AI Investment into Impact

Beyond identifying risk, Aon’s Human Capital Trends Study outlines practical actions organizations can take to close the readiness gap and unlock value from AI. These include aligning AI strategy with workforce planning; assessing AI skills and future capability needs and investing in structured, organization-wide reskilling and upskilling strengthening leadership capability to guide change with clear governance and guardrails; and using more mature, connected people data and analytics to make smarter decisions about where to invest. Organizations that act decisively can build more resilient, confident and productive workforces and fully realize the promise of AI.

As AI adoption accelerates, organizations face a clear choice: continue prioritizing technology alone or invest equally in the workforce required to make it effective. Those that close the gap between intention and action by building skills, strengthening culture and enabling leadership will be best positioned to convert AI into a durable competitive advantage.

Read the full 2026 Human Capital Trends Study here.

ENDS

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedInXFacebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

Media Contact

mediainquiries@aon.com
Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114
International: +1 312 381 3024

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AARP Mississippi Applauds Passage and Signing of law to Protect Consumers from Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud

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JACKSON, Miss., May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AARP Mississippi applauds passage and signing of House Bill 1625, landmark legislation that establishes statewide oversight and consumer safeguards for cryptocurrency kiosks (commonly known as crypto ATMs). The bill, passed during the 2026 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves, delivers meaningful protections against fraud and financial exploitation—particularly for older Mississippians. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

The measure enacts new statutory consumer protection regulations for virtual currency kiosks, addressing a growing avenue for scams that disproportionately impact adults age 50 and older. The law establishes comprehensive guardrails, including licensing and oversight requirements, mandatory consumer disclosures and fraud warnings, transaction receipts and improved traceability, and daily transaction limits.

“AARP Mississippi is proud to have helped advance this critical consumer protection,” said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. “Crypto kiosk–related scams have caused devastating losses, especially for older adults. This law brings common-sense safeguards that reduce risk, improve transparency, and strengthen accountability.”

The law’s protections are designed to curb financial exploitation while empowering consumers to make informed decisions. By improving disclosures, setting transaction limits, and enhancing traceability, the law strengthens enforcement and helps prevent irreversible losses associated with crypto kiosk fraud.

About AARP 
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Contact: Ronda Gooden
601-898-5417, 601-209-1812

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SOURCE AARP Mississippi

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QBit Semiconductor Shares Surge to USD$18 on Debut, Driving Market Capitalization to USD$700 Million

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Fueling the Edge AI revolution, the Arm-backed SoC innovator sees robust investor demand as it officially lists on the Taiwan Emerging Stock Board (TWO: 7913).

TAIPEI, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QBit Semiconductor Ltd. (TWO: 7913), a fabless semiconductor company, was officially listed on the Taiwan Emerging Stock Board on May 15. Strong investor demand drove the stock price to an intraday high of USD$18(NT$530), bringing the company’s market capitalization to approximately USD$700 million. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s expansion toward global capital markets and reinforces its position in high-performance silicon solutions.

Led by Chairman Simon Shen, QBit’s R&D team is composed of industry veterans from global giants such as Qualcomm and CSR. The company specializes in System-on-Chip (SoC) development, integrating three core functions—Intelligent Image Processing, Precision Motion Control, and Energy-Aware Sensing Management—into its flagship products. QBit’s technology is widely adopted in Multi-Function Printers (MFP), photo and barcode printers, and medical imaging-related solutions, with potential to scale into Edge AI and Physical AI applications such as drones and robotics.

In response to global demands for edge device security, QBit has preemptively integrated Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technology into its SoCs. Its QB7 series achieved certification from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program (CAVP) in 2025. This specialized expertise solidifies the company’s technical differentiation in an era of increasingly stringent cybersecurity standards.

Furthermore, QBit is expanding its footprint in Security Chips and ASIC services. Evolving from a pure controller chip supplier into a comprehensive provider of consumable authentication, secure architecture, and differentiated module designs, QBit has significantly enhanced its platform value and fostered long-term customer loyalty.

Strategically, QBit maintains deep partnerships with leading international brands. In addition to backing from Taiwan’s National Development Fund, QBit secured a strategic investment in early 2026 from Arm, the global semiconductor IP leader within the SoftBank Group ecosystem.

As AI applications and cybersecurity demands continue to surge, QBit Semiconductor is committed to strengthening its R&D and deepening its market presence to support future growth opportunities following the tremendous success of its public debut.

Media Contact: Ms. Hsu
Email: media@qbitsemi.com
Tel: +886-2-7755-7688 ext. 11068 / +886-911-687-913
Company Websites: 
QBit Semiconductor: https://www.qbitsemi.com/ 
Arm: https://www.arm.com/

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SOURCE QBit Semiconductor LTD.

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INTOUCH INSIGHT ANNOUNCES Q1 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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OTTAWA, ON, May 20, 2026 /CNW/ – Intouch Insight Ltd. (“Intouch” or the “Company”) (TSXV: INX) (OTCQX: INXSF), a provider of customer experience measurement solutions, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Key Highlights for Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025

Total revenue increased 6% to approximately $6.7 million.Gross margin dollars increased by $123,762.SaaS revenue increased by 11% and recurring services increased by 5%.Adjusted EBITDA1 was $352,624, compared to $557,748, reflecting planned strategic investments in sales, marketing, and technology.

Note 1: EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is calculated as net income before interest expense, income taxes, financing costs, depreciation, and amortization.

Recent Operational Highlights

Announced a strategic expansion into the grocery sector, highlighted by an upcoming featured speaking engagement at the GroceryNEXT conference in Chicago.Published proprietary thought leadership studies on the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, identifying a “Transactional Gap” in customer experience and revealing key drivers for mobile ordering success.Advanced key merchandising initiatives to actively build the sales pipeline and establish a foundation for expected long-term revenue expansion.Enhanced software and technology offerings, including investments in AI automation to improve platform functionality and client outcomes.Expanded sales and marketing capabilities to target new verticals and accelerate organic growth.

Cameron Watt, President & Chief Executive Officer of Intouch Insight, commented:

“The first quarter of 2026 progressed in line with our strategic plan, delivering solid top-line growth across every single product line, including an 11% increase in our SaaS revenue. We are confident in the immediate market opportunities in front of us and we are willing to trade near-term profitability, even operating at a potential loss, to fund our commercial expansion. We are intentionally prioritizing top-line growth and market share today because we believe our underlying unit economics are strong. By rapidly scaling our recurring revenue base now, we are expecting to accelerate our path to a tipping point of improved operating leverage and growth in earnings power.”

Watt added:

“Our sales pipeline is converting, highlighted by recent contract signings and exciting momentum with expected upcoming RFP’s for both SaaS and Services. Within our merchandising business, while large-scale rollouts naturally involve extended sales cycles, we remain focused on our target of generating over $1 million in revenue this year, supported by active opportunities and potential scope expansions. With these near-term catalysts in play, we are confident in our trajectory toward double-digit growth for the full year, making this a pivotal time to be part of our growth story.”

Q1 Earnings Conference Call Information

To participate in this event, register and log-in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call.

Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. eastern time
Register for the live webcast and access on-demand recording: click here.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

Revenue

$    6,670,446

$    6,319,663

Cost of services

3,356,169

3,129,148

Gross margin

3,314,277

3,190,515

Total operating expenses

3,130,742

2,819,164

Income from operating activities

183,535

371,351

Non-operating expenses  (earnings) 

76,230

82,097

Income tax expense (recovery)

76,652

Net income (loss)

$       107,305

$       212,602

About Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight offers a complete portfolio of customer experience management (CEM) products and services that help global brands delight their customers, strengthen brand reputation and improve financial performance. Intouch helps clients collect and centralize data from multiple customer touch points, gives them actionable, real-time insights, and provides them with the tools to continuously improve customer experience. Founded in 1992, Intouch is trusted by over 300 of North America’s most-loved brands for their customer experience management, customer survey, mystery shopping, mobile forms, operational and compliance audits, geolocation data capture and event marketing automation solutions. For more information, visit intouchinsight.com.

Certain statements included in this news release including those related to the Company’s quarterly results, future products, opportunities and cost initiatives, strategies, and other statements that are predictive in nature that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws.  Forward looking statements that are made as of the date hereof, which by their nature are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company and on hypotheses which it considers to be reasonable; however, management cautions the reader that hypotheses relative to future events which are beyond the control of management could prove to be false, given that they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual MD&A and the Company’s continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Intouch Insight Ltd.

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