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• Forbes Asia released its 2026 Best Under A Billion list on August 4, highlighting 200 top-performing small and mid-sized listed companies across the Asia-Pacific region. • Malaysia saw a significant surge in representation, with the number of included firms more than doubling to 19 companies. • The growth is largely attributed to the AI boom and the expanding data center industry, exemplified by the debut of Southern Cable Group on the list.

• Major Japanese companies are projected to achieve record net profits for the sixth consecutive year in the current fiscal year. • This growth is primarily driven by a robust technology sector fueled by the global boom in artificial intelligence demand. • The AI-led surge is expected to outweigh the negative impact of rising input costs resulting from conflicts in the Middle East.

• Microsoft announced on Thursday the launch of Microsoft Frontier Company, a new operating entity designed to help businesses adopt AI technologies. • The initiative is backed by $2.5 billion in funding from Microsoft to assist clients in selecting AI tools that drive business value and generate investment returns. • The company will collaborate with high-profile global clients, including Unilever and Novo Nordisk, to implement these strategic AI solutions.

• Microsoft launched a new operating entity called Microsoft Frontier Company, backed by $2.5 billion in funding. • The firm aims to help businesses select, integrate, and switch between AI models to ensure they generate a strong return on investment. • Early clients for the initiative include major global companies such as Unilever and Novo Nordisk.