STB’s Virtual Assistant Alma Redefines How Travelers Explore Slovenia

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, Dec 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —TheSlovenian Tourist Board (STB) is strengthening Slovenia’s position as a digitally advanced, user-focused destination with Alma, an AI-powered virtual travel advisor that has rapidly become one of the country’s most innovative tourism tools. Integrated into the national tourism portal slovenia.info, Alma enables visitors to access personalised and up-to-date travel information in real time, marking a major step in the STB’sdigital transformation efforts.

Launched in May 2024, Alma engages users in conversational, intuitive exchanges across seven languages, providing tailored guidance, inspiring stories and practical tips for exploring Slovenia. Named after traveller and writer Alma M. Karlin, the assistant is built on advanced OpenAI technology and sources information from the slovenia.info database and more than 60 curated tourism websites and API integrations.

Since its introduction, Alma has gained significant recognition. It earned silver in the Tourism category at the 2024 Websi Awards, praised for its intelligent integration with the website’s search engine and for enhancing user interaction on a national tourism platform. More recently, Alma won the prestigious Travel Tech Project of the Year at the 2025 Game Changer Awards, underscoring Slovenia’s leadership in developing responsibly designed, user-friendly digital solutions for the future of travel.

MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, the Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, emphasised: “Alma represents an important step towards modern, intelligent and personalised services that make exploration of Slovenia easier. The award recognises our efforts toward innovation and confirms that thoughtful use of technology can create greater value for tourists, partners, and the entire Slovenian tourism sector.”

Alma’s impact is reflected in its strong adoption figures. In August 2025 alone, users asked nearly 12,000 questions, with English, Italian, German and Slovenian speakers representing the largest share. The assistant achieved an 88% positive rating that month, rising to 91% in October and November, reflecting high satisfaction.

Travellers increasingly rely on Alma to plan multi-day itineraries, discover lesser-known regions, choose family-friendly activities, explore culinary and cultural events and access sustainable mobility options. Continuous upgrades – including a redesigned mobile interface, dynamic suggestions and multilingual adaptation – further strengthen its role as a digital companion. Looking ahead, the STB is developing “Admin Alma” to allow destinations to enrich the assistant with local insights, and plans to evolve Alma into a real-time voice guide supporting visitors throughout their journey.

More information: 
https://www.slovenia.info/en/business/content-digital-marketing/alma-slovenian-ai-travel-guide

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/614ec2a1-ff5d-4362-8310-12fcdb6c12ae

press@slovenia.info

SOURCE: Slovenian Tourist Board

–BERNAMA

Datavault AI Inc. Announces a $10M Worldwide Exclusive License Agreement with Scilex Holding Company for Tokenization and Monetization of Real-World Assets (RWA) in Genomic, DNA Data, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Genetic, and Drug Information

PHILADELPHIA, Nov 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DVLT), a leader in AI-driven blockchain solutions focusing on data monetization, asset tokenization, and secure digital marketplaces, today announced that it has granted a worldwide exclusive license, with the right to sublicense, to Scilex Holding Company (Nasdaq: SCLX), for Datavault AI’s proprietary AI-driven technology. This license is tailored for use within the biotech and biopharma industry, enabling Scilex to create and operate a Biotech Exchange platform. By leveraging Datavault AI’s advanced data platforms, Scilex can facilitate secure tokenization, trading, and monetization of biotech assets, including genomic and DNA data, diagnostic and therapeutic products, genetic information, and drug data. This agreement represents a major advancement in commercializing biotech innovations and builds directly on Datavault AI’s established expertise in high-performance computing and data-driven solutions.

Datavault AI believes this technology has the potential to extend into a Pharmaceutical Exchange platform, which could transform the pharmaceutical industry by enabling efficient, secure asset management and monetization.

Datavault AI estimates an opportunity to tokenize approximately $2.0 trillion in pharmaceutical drug sales and diagnostic sales.1 The Company also sees tokenization on such exchange platforms as an alternative for companies to secure non-dilutive funding for developing and commercializing diagnostic and therapeutic products.

This licensing agreement highlights Datavault AI’s robust intellectual property portfolio, including the key pending patent for “Platform and Method for Tokenizing DNA Data” (U.S. Patent Application No. 17/941,623), which establishes a secure framework for tokenizing and exchanging sensitive genetic information. The technology is bolstered by a comprehensive suite of issued and pending patents that power the Biotech Exchange, such as:

  • Issued: “Platform for Management of User Data” (U.S. Patent Nos. 11,593,515; 11,960,622; 12,100,025) and continuations, supporting secure data handling and monetization.
  • Issued: “Portfolio Driven Targeted Advertising Network, System, and Method” (U.S. Patent No. 11,315,150), facilitating data-driven targeting within exchange ecosystems.
  • Pending: “System and Method for Tokenized Minting, Authentication, and Utilization of Assets” (U.S. Patent Application No. 17/842,139), enabling biotech asset tokenization.
  • Pending: “Platform and Method for Tokenization of Corporate Data” (U.S. Patent Application No. 17/941,550), adaptable to biotech datasets.
  • Pending: “System and Method for Tokenized Licensing of Content” (U.S. Patent Application No. 17/842,328), for biotech IP licensing.
  • Pending: “System and Method for Tokenized Affiliate Marketing” (U.S. Patent Application No. 17/842,265), to foster biotech partnerships.
  • Pending: “System and Method for Funding a Virtual Location” (U.S. Patent Application No. 17/842,220), applicable to virtual biotech marketplaces.
  • Pending: “System and Method for Tokenized Event Management” (U.S. Patent Application No. 19/248,284), for biotech events and collaborations.
  • Pending: “System and Method for Registering Claims of Ownership Rights” (U.S. Patent Application No. 18/412,128), ensuring verifiable ownership in data trades.

These innovations collectively form the backbone of a secure, efficient Biotech Exchange, enabling tokenization, valuation, and trading of biotech data assets while upholding compliance and privacy.

Building on Datavault AI’s prior collaborations with Brookhaven National Laboratory, as announced in our June 17, 2025, press release, where we deployed AI-driven supercomputing for biofuel research to enhance fatty acid metabolism efficiency in Brassica napus (canola) using high-performance computational modeling, this license extends our proven AI and data monetization technologies into broader biotech applications. This follows our Sept. 16, 2024, announcement highlighting the Bioenergy Digital Twins Platform at the New York State Digital Summit, emphasizing real-time data synchronization and machine learning integration for bioenergy advancements.

Under the terms of the agreement, Datavault AI will receive a nonrefundable upfront license fee in four equal installments of $2.5 million each, payable by Scilex on or before December 31, 2025, March 31, 2026, June 30, 2026, and Sept. 30, 2026. Additionally, Datavault AI is eligible for sales milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $2.55 billion upon Scilex achieving certain sales milestones.

Terms of License

Under the terms of the agreement, Datavault AI will receive a non-refundable upfront license fee in four equal installments of $2.5 million each, payable by Scilex on or before December 31, 2025, March 31, 2026, June 30, 2026, and September 30, 2026. Additionally, Datavault AI is eligible for sales milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $2.55 billion upon Scilex achieving certain sales milestones.

For more information on Datavault AI, visit www.dvlt.ai.

About Datavault AI Inc.

Datavault AI™ (Nasdaq: DVLT) is leading the way in AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization of assets. The Company’s cloud-based platform provides comprehensive solutions with a collaborative focus in its Acoustic Science and Data Science Divisions. Datavault AI’s Acoustic Science Division features WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies and industry-first foundational spatial and multichannel wireless HD sound transmission technologies with IP covering audio timing, synchronization, and multi-channel interference cancellation. The Data Science Division leverages high-performance computing to provide solutions for experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization. Datavault AI’s cloud-based platform serves multiple industries, including HPC software licensing for sports & entertainment, events & venues, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, energy, and more. The Information Data Exchange® (IDE) enables Digital Twins, licensing of name, image, and likeness (NIL) by securely attaching physical real-world objects to immutable metadata objects, fostering responsible AI with integrity. Datavault AI’s technology suite is completely customizable and offers AI and Machine Learning (ML) automation, third-party integration, detailed analytics and data, marketing automation, and advertising monitoring. The Company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

About Scilex Holding Company

Scilex is an innovative revenue-generating company focused on acquiring, developing, and commercializing non-opioid pain management products for the treatment of acute and chronic pain and neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic disease. Scilex targets indications with high unmet needs and large market opportunities with non-opioid therapies for the treatment of patients with acute and chronic pain and is dedicated to advancing and improving patient outcomes. Scilex’s commercial products include: (i) ZTlido® (lidocaine topical system) 1.8%, a prescription lidocaine topical product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) for the relief of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia, which is a form of post-shingles nerve pain; (ii) ELYXYB®, a potential first-line treatment and the only FDA-approved, ready-to-use oral solution for the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, in adults; and (iii) Gloperba®, the first and only liquid oral version of the anti-gout medicine colchicine indicated for the prophylaxis of painful gout flares in adults. In addition, Scilex has three product candidates: (i) SP-102 (10 mg, dexamethasone sodium phosphate viscous gel) (“SEMDEXA™” or “SP-102”), which is owned by Semnur (a majority-owned subsidiary of Scilex) and is a novel, viscous gel formulation of a widely used corticosteroid for epidural injections to treat lumbosacral radicular pain, or sciatica, for which Scilex has completed a Phase 3 study and was granted Fast Track status from the FDA in 2017; (ii) SP-103 (lidocaine topical system) 5.4%, (“SP-103”), a next-generation, triple-strength formulation of ZTlido, for the treatment of acute pain and for which Scilex has recently completed a Phase 2 trial in acute low back pain. SP-103 has been granted Fast Track status from the FDA in low back pain; and (iii) SP-104 (4.5 mg, low-dose naltrexone hydrochloride delayed-release capsules) (“SP-104”), a novel low-dose delayed-release naltrexone hydrochloride being developed for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Scilex is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit www.scilexholding.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be accompanied by words that convey projected future events or outcomes, such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” or variations of such words or by expressions of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events, the Company’s license agreement with Scilex, the potential opportunity to tokenize approximately $2.0 trillion in pharmaceutical drug sales and diagnostic sales, Datavault AI’s ability to support Scilex in leveraging its platforms for secure tokenization, trading, and monetization of biotech assets, the potential creation of a Pharmaceutical Exchange platform, expectations as to the opportunity to tokenize pharmaceutical drug sales and diagnostic sales, including the size of such opportunity, future opportunities for Datavault AI, its business strategies, long-term objectives, and commercialization plans, the current and prospective technologies, planned developments and potential approvals, as well as the potential for market acceptance and related market opportunities, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Datavault AI. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Datavault AI’s business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic, political, and business conditions; the ability of Datavault AI to achieve the benefits of the license agreement and other transactions contemplated with Scilex, including future financial and operating results; risks related to the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the parties regarding the transactions contemplated with Scilex, including the license agreement; the risk that the transactions contemplated with Scilex disrupt current plans and operations; the ability of Datavault AI to develop and successfully market technologies; the ability of Datavault AI to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; the risk that the potential technologies that Datavault AI develops may not progress or receive required approvals within expected timelines or at all; risks relating to uncertainty regarding regulatory pathways; the risk that Datavault AI has overestimated the size of the target market, willingness to adopt new technologies, or partnerships; risks that prior results may not be replicated; regulatory and intellectual property risks; the risk of failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions contemplated with Scilex; the risk that Datavault AI will not benefit from a Pharmaceutical Exchange platform; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Datavault AI’s filings with the SEC. There may be additional risks that Datavault AI presently does not know or that Datavault AI currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Datavault AI’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Datavault AI anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause such assessments to change. However, while Datavault AI may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Datavault AI specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Datavault AI’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. 

Corporate Communications
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

Media Inquiries:
marketing@dvlt.ai
Website: www.dvlt.ai

1References
Sources for Pharmaceutical Drug Sales Data

The data for global pharmaceutical drug sales was primarily drawn from IQVIA Institute reports on global medicine spending, excluding COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics for consistency. Here is the list of key sources referenced:

Sources for Diagnostic Sales Data

The data for global in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market sales was compiled from market research reports, with forecasts based on observed CAGRs (around 6.9% from 2020-2024). IQVIA provides qualitative insights, but quantitative figures were cross-referenced from other industry analyses for accuracy. Here is the list of key sources referenced:

SOURCE: Datavault AI Inc. 

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

Kao Releases the Kao Integrated Report 2025

The cover visual represents our “moonshot.” It embodies our commitment to achieving the ambitious goal of a sustainable society for future generations.

TOKYO, June 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) has published the Kao Integrated Report 2025 on its website, offering shareholders, investors, and all stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the company’s initiatives and strategic direction.
Kao Integrated Report 2025

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250609991718/en/

To achieve its Mid-term Plan “K27,” Kao aims to become a unique presence indispensable to someone in the world and is advancing its Global Sharp Top strategy. In FY2024, Kao exceeded its targets by strengthening Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) management and strategically investing to build stronger, more robust businesses.

This report offers an in-depth look at Kao’s progress under K27, highlighting how Kao’s dedicated employees—through the Global Sharp Top strategy and agile scrum team approach—are actively creating new value and driving meaningful impact. It also outlines Kao’s ongoing efforts to take on bold challenges by leveraging its unique scientific expertise to address global social issues and help realize a Kirei world where all life lives in harmony.

Kao hopes this report deepens stakeholders’ understanding and fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The company is committed to actively incorporating feedback and insights from diverse partners as it continues to enhance its positive contributions to society and corporate value.

Related Information
Kao Sustainability Report 2025

About the Kirei Lifestyle Plan
Over the past 130 years, Kao has worked to improve people’s lives and help them realize more sustainable lifestyles—a Kirei Lifestyle. The Japanese word “kirei” describes something that is clean, well-ordered, and beautiful all at once. For Kao, this concept of “kirei” not only describes appearance but also attitude—a desire to create beauty for oneself, for other people, and for the natural world around us. Aiming to realize a more sustainable way of living, in April 2019, the Kao Group established its ESG strategy known as the Kirei Lifestyle Plan. By 2030, Kao aims to empower at least 1 billion people, to enjoy more beautiful lives. Kao also strives to have 100% of its products leave a full lifecycle environmental footprint that science says our natural world can safely absorb.
Please visit the Kao sustainability website for more information.

About Kao
Kao, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care and household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its brands such as Attack laundry detergent, Bioré and Jergens skin care products, Laurier sanitary products, CurélSENSAI, and MOLTON BROWN cosmetics, and Oribe hair care products, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,630 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 32,600 people worldwide and has more than 130 years of history in innovation. As an enterprise that provides products people use on a daily basis, the Kao Group takes responsibility to actively reduce the environmental footprint of its products throughout the product lifecycle. This is laid out in Kao’s ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, which launched in 2019.
Please visit the Kao Group website for additional information.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250609991718/en/

Contacts

Media inquiries should be directed to:
Public Relations
Kao Corporation
corporate_pr@kao.com

Source: Kao Corporation

Hong Kong and New Zealand, the easiest jurisdictions for doing business in APAC, says GBCI 2025

LONDON, June 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI), recently launched by TMF Group, analyses the business environment of 79 jurisdictions, accounting for 94% of the world’s GDP. It also ranks them based on over 250 indicators of business complexity, with the jurisdiction ranked 1st as the most complex and the jurisdiction ranked 79th, the least.

Among the world’s 10 least complex jurisdictions for doing business, Hong Kong, SAR remains the 4rth easiest jurisdiction for the second year in a row. The jurisdiction offers a favourable business environment, characterised by a straightforward and low tax regime that appeals to international businesses.

New Zealand, also included in the 10 easiest jurisdictions worldwide, maintains its reputation as a straightforward place for business operations. This is largely due to the government’s proactive approach in welcoming foreign investments and streamlined administrative processes.

Meanwhile, business complexity in India (18th) is mainly driven by recent regulatory changes, according to this year’s GBCI report. Over the past year, India has introduced numerous regulatory amendments aimed at boosting transparency and accountability. Although these are expected to bring benefits in the long term, they have added layers of complexity for businesses operating in the country, requiring constant adaptation to new compliance needs.

Japan is ranked 43rd in this year’s GBCI, showing a decrease in complexity from last year’s position (38th). This decrease in complexity is partly due to recent simplifications and governmental initiatives to provide English-language support to international financial service companies. These measures facilitate easier operations and reduce barriers for foreign businesses, improving investment attractiveness.

Singapore, ranking 48th, continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in its trade corridors. This jurisdiction invests heavily in technology and infrastructure upgrades, reinforcing its status as a regional hub.

China’s Mainland (10th) enters the top 10 most complex jurisdictions for businesses in 2025. According to the report, the complexity is driven by its frequent regulatory changes and regional disparities. Despite these challenges, the government continues to offer incentives to attract investment and to promote infrastructure development to enhance trade logistics.

TMF Group’s Head of APAC, Shagun Kumar, commented: “We’re seeing a growing effort by decision-makers and businesses across APAC to reduce unnecessary burdens for doing business in the region — these have in the past delayed development, leading to complex evaluations for investment. Such efforts contribute to unlocking the region’s drive towards economic growth, and we expect businesses to adapt and continue to leverage the potential of APAC as a key contributor for their global strategies.”

Top and bottom ten (1= most complex, 79= least complex) 
1. Greece 79. Cayman Islands 
2. France 78. Denmark 
3. Mexico 77. New Zealand 
4. Turkey 76. Hong Kong, SAR 
5. Colombia 75. Jersey 
6. Brazil 74. Netherlands 
7. Italy 73. Jamaica 
8. Bolivia 72. British Virgin Islands 
9. Kazakhstan 71. Curaçao 
10. China’s Mainland 70. Czech Republic 
  

Media Contacts
Marina Llibre Martin
marina.llibremartin@tmf-group.com

SOURCE: TMF Group B.V. 

TARA EUSTACE TO DRIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH AS MARY KAY CHIEF OPPORTUNITY AND SALES OFFICER

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) — The iconic beauty and entrepreneurship company, Mary Kay has announced the appointment of Tara Eustace as Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer to empower future growth.

A trailblazer and long-time Mary Kay executive, Eustace will lead the Global Opportunity and Sales organisation with a core mission to put the “Mary Kay Opportunity” at the centre of all entrepreneurial business strategies.

Mary Kay Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Rogers in a statement said with Eustace’s entrepreneurial and visionary mindset and a track record of breaking into new markets, she will be instrumental in shaping the future of the business for its Independent Beauty Consultants (IBCs) and their customers.

Meanwhile, Eustace said: “I am energised to ignite innovation, empower our IBCs to sell with confidence wherever they are, and connect the next generation to a vibrant, sustainable, and dynamic earning opportunity.”

She will oversee all Mary Kay regions, leading the team of region presidents and general managers in over 40 markets worldwide.

In addition, Eustace will drive the streamlining of global sales operations, activating four strategic areas, namely global salesforce development and education, global salesforce experience, global salesforce insights & analytics, and global salesforce social commerce and communications.

Eustace’s newly formed organisation will focus on transforming the IBC experience, elevating them as personal beauty advisors for Mary Kay’s product portfolio, brand, and opportunity.

Together with her team, Eustace will digitally empower all generations of IBCs with every opportunity to connect their businesses with consumers through digital upskilling, innovative digital tools, and e-commerce solutions across integrated platforms and channels.

Having served in various leadership positions worldwide over the course of her more than 30-year career, Eustace’s unwavering commitment to women’s entrepreneurship has contributed to reshaping the direct selling industry, touching the lives of millions of women.

— BERNAMA