Offering upgraded AI features and intelligent screens that deliver a more intuitive and seamless home experience

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Malaysia Electronics today announced the future of home living with the official launch of its 2025 Bespoke AI lineup of home appliances: Bespoke AI Side by Side Refrigerator, Bespoke AI Laundry Top Load and Bespoke AI Jet Ultra. Designed to bring greater ease and intelligence to everyday routines, these appliances feature smart functionalities that adapt to user behaviours, improve energy use and integrate effortlessly into today’s connected lifestyles.

“At Samsung, we aim to make everyday living easier through meaningful AI innovation. With our Bespoke AI appliances, we are bringing advanced AI Home to more households, offering intelligent solutions that redefine modern living. Powered by seamless SmartThings connectivity, trusted Knox Security, and natural voice interaction through Bixby, we are transforming how consumers interact with and manage their home appliances,” said Mr. Charles Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.

The latest appliances also feature built-in screens and voice control, enabling users to access essential information and manage their home environment anytime, anywhere.

Personalized, Smarter Food Storage: Bespoke AI Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Powered by AI, the 2025 594L Bespoke AI Side-by-Side Refrigerator now features a sleek new design and a 9-inch LCD AI Home screen. This smart display enables seamless communication across all Samsung devices, using voice commands via Bixby. It also supports Multi-Device Experience (MDE), connecting everything from smartphones to home appliances – letting users take calls, play music, and even receive recipe suggestions via SmartThings Food Management. With full control at their fingertips, users can monitor food storage in real time, making grocery shopping smarter and more efficient.

This refrigerator includes thoughtful AI features such as Auto Open Door. Fitted with sensors on both sides, it detects when the user’s hands are full and opens automatically with a light touch or a voice command, eliminating hassle in everyday routines. For energy efficiency, the AI Energy Mode within SmartThings helps reduce power consumption by up to 10%.[1] It constantly tracks energy usage, estimates the monthly electricity bill, and provides smart suggestions to save energy. Once activated, it optimizes the compressor speed and defrost cycle frequency based on real-time environmental conditions. To maintain a fresher, cleaner fridge environment, it also features a built-in UV deodorizer and filter that maintain fresh air circulation and help eliminate odours daily.

Smarter, Quieter, Cleaner: Bespoke AI Laundry Top Load 
To eliminate the hassle of complicated laundry routines, Samsung has introduced AI technology in its 13kg-21kg Bespoke AI™ Top-Load Washer, making laundry easier, more convenient, and effortless. With three key AI functions — AI Wash, AI Energy Mode, and AI Vibration Reduction Technology Plus (VRT+™) — the new washers offer an intelligent, efficient, and quiet washing experience. AI Wash detects fabric type and load weight, adjusting settings like water level, agitation, and wash/rinse times for optimal results. Users can reduce their washer’s energy consumption using SmartThings AI Energy Mode[2]. When selected for certain cycles[3], it intelligently helps reduce energy use by up to 20%[4] through an enhanced algorithm to intelligently cut energy use[5]. Meanwhile, AI VRT+™ technology analyses sensor data to minimize noise and vibration, delivering a quieter laundry experience regardless of the floor type.

The new top loaders feature Ecobubble™ technology for more efficient cleaning with less fabric damage. It combines BubbleStorm™, which dissolves detergent into foam for quicker fabric penetration, and Dual Storm™, which promotes thorough mixing of bubbles and clothes. This system uses up to 25% less energy [6] and up to 13% less water[7], washes 2.5 times faster[8] and provides up to 20% better fabric care[9], reducing wear on clothes.

Compatible with SmartThings, users can remotely monitor and control their laundry. For added peace of mind, the Digital Inverter Motor is covered by a 20-year warranty[10], offering long-lasting durability and reliable performance.

Our Most Powerful Cleaning Performance: Bespoke AI Jet Ultra
Also making its debut is Samsung’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra. Delivering powerful suction of up to 400W[11], it effortlessly tackles even the tough cleaning tasks. At its core is the HexaJet Motor, designed with a hexagonal stator structure, a second-stage diffuser, and a thinner impeller for optimized airflow and motor efficiency. The motor also allows for up to 100 minutes of cleaning on a single charge in Min mode, making it ideal for cleaning the entire home in one session.

Equipped with the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0, the vacuum detects brush load and air pressure, automatically optimizing performance across six cleaning environments. Whether using the Active Dual Brush or Slim LED Brush+, it delivers Mid Mode-level performance while reducing battery usage and enhancing maneuverability.[12] The vacuum’s Multi-layered Filtration System captures fine dust with 99.999% efficiency[13]. Its HEPA filtration technology traps particles as small as 0.3µm, helping to prevent dust from being released back into the air.

Built-in Wi-Fi and SmartThings connectivity allow users to monitor vacuum performance remotely, while the onboard LCD screen displays alerts, battery status, and even call notifications—enhancing convenience during cleaning.

Reliable Experiences with Enhanced Knox Security
Backed by Samsung’s trusted security technology, the latest lineup features Samsung Knox, which protects user data with multi-layered security—enabling a reliable smart home experience with greater peace of mind. Knox Vault also makes its debut in home appliances, securely storing sensitive data such as passwords in a dedicated hardware chip.

To further safeguard against potential future quantum attacks, Samsung has incorporated Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) into Knox Matrix Credential Sync for screen-equipped products. Additionally, Samsung is enhancing product maintenance with SmartThings Home Care, which uses AI to monitor the status of appliances and sends notifications when issues are detected. Technical support representatives can also provide remote assistance based on pre-diagnosis results.

Learn more about the 2025 Bespoke AI Home Appliances, visit:
https://www.samsung.com/my/home-appliances/bespoke-home/

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

SAMSUNG MALAYSIA ELECTRONICS (SME) SDN BHD [Company No. 200301026766(629186-D)]

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SOURCE Samsung Electronics

Kuwait-based real estate development company J3 has selected Yardi’s real estate cloud-based platform to streamline residential operations and enhance property management

KUWAIT CITY, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — J3, a consortium formed by Mabanee Company, National Industries Group, and Privatization Holding Company in collaboration between the Public Authority of Housing Welfare and Mabanee, is spearheading one of Kuwait’s most ambitious sustainable real estate projects. With an investment of $500 million, their new development, Jaber Al Ahmad Residential City, spans 361,615 square meters of built-up area. It will feature 21 build to rent (BTR) residential buildings, designed to set new benchmarks in sustainable urban living.

Serving as the backbone of J3’s operations, Yardi® will integrate property management and financial processes into a single, unified platform. This centralised system will enable accurate financial reporting, simplify lease management and optimise daily workflows. With Yardi® Facility Management, J3 will streamline maintenance operations, extend asset longevity and help enhance the living experience for tenants. In addition, RentCafe® will empower J3 to efficiently manage maintenance requests, process rent payments and maintain clear, effective communication with clients.

“With Yardi’s cloud technology, J3 is committed to transforming property management and redefining sustainable living in Kuwait,” said Waleed Al Sharian, representing the J3 Consortium. “This property management solution will enable us to operate efficiently while delivering an unparalleled experience for our tenants.”

“J3’s innovative approach underscores its mission to deliver high-quality housing while championing sustainability and high levels of customer service in Kuwait’s real estate sector,” said Said Haider, senior director for Yardi. “We are excited to be part of their journey toward transformation and sustained growth.”

See how Yardi can centralise and improve your residential operations for modern developments.

About J3

The Aventura – J3 project in Jaber Al-Ahmad embodies a future vision for development projects in Kuwait, as it is considered one of the sustainable community projects currently under construction within the partnership between the private and public sectors with a value of up to 154 million KD. Mabanee, along with an alliance that includes the National Industries Group and the Privatization Holding Company, is developing the project located within the development of Jaber Al-Ahmad City. For more information, visit mabanee.com.

About Yardi

Yardi® develops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. With over 9,500 employees, Yardi is working with clients globally to drive significant innovation in the real estate industry. For more information on how Yardi is Energised for Tomorrow, visit yardi.ae.

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Survey of over 20,000 micro and small businesses in five major cities shows digital tools are driving sales and improved productivity, but flexible financial services needed to strengthen businesses’ financial health

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research from the Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) at Accion released today reveals that MSEs adopting digital tools are up to 10% more likely to report revenue growth, but usage of these tools remains low. CFI’s report provides the clearest picture yet of the challenges and opportunities that determine the business trajectory of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in five rapidly changing emerging markets.

The survey of MSEs across Addis Ababa, Delhi, Jakarta, Lagos, and São Paulo revealed digital products and services offered opportunities for growth and greater efficiencies, while highlighting resource constraints, consumer protection risks, and heightened vulnerability to economic and climate shocks, as challenges faced by the businesses.

Key findings from the study include:

MSEs adopting digital tools were up to 10% more likely to report revenue growth, but usage of these tools remained low. In Addis Ababa, more than half of MSEs reported using no digital technology applications. MSEs in Delhi, Jakarta, and Lagos were using at least one digital tool.Entrepreneurs across the 5 cities reported using an average of 1.8 to 5 formal financial services, reflecting diverse levels of adoption and engagement with financial tools. Businesses that integrated digital payments reported significantly higher revenue per employee.Women entrepreneurs represented 70% of MSE owners in Jakarta, but just 11% in Delhi, with figures of 35% in São Paulo, 43% in Addis Ababa, and 53% in Lagos. In many markets, MSEs are not started by choice but as a response to unemployment, making the businesses more vulnerable and reducing long-term resilience, which has implications for financial service design.1 in 3 micro and small businesses reported being impacted by drought, floods, or other environmental shocks, and less than 20% reported being able to come up with emergency funds within one week. Of those entrepreneurs impacted by an environmental shock, up to 29% said they were more likely to invest in adapting their business to the changing climate.

The study, supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, used Adaptive Cluster Sampling – a research technique that enabled a strong focus on urban areas with high numbers of MSEs. CFI focused on understanding the drivers of financial health for MSEs that represent the largest source of income generation in emerging markets. A total of 20,000 MSEs were surveyed, with 4,000 interviews conducted to build a sample that represents 1.7 million MSEs across the 5 cities.

“Nowadays, small businesses are facing unprecedented threats, from cyberattacks to the economic impact of extreme weather events,” said Payal Dalal, executive vice president of global programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. “The research released by Accion highlights the opportunity to work alongside small businesses to provide solutions that secure them against these challenges; it’s not only about mitigating risks in the digital economy but making sure small businesses have the opportunity to thrive during this increasingly volatile time.”

The research highlighted the importance of access to digital technology and formal financing, but noted resilience was determined by a wider range of factors including personal safety nets, such as savings and informal support systems. Businesses that combined access to credit, savings, and insurance with strong financial literacy were better positioned to manage shocks, and entrepreneurs with higher education levels were more likely to use a mix of different formal financial services, contributing to stronger resilience and improved financial health.

Researchers tracked the use of 10 distinct non-financial and financial digital technologies among MSEs, showing stark differences in adoption. In Addis Ababa, MSEs used an average of only 1.6 digital technologies, largely due to poor internet connectivity. In contrast, Delhi, Jakarta, and Lagos showed wider adoption of digital tools, with messaging apps and social media used widely to engage customers. E-commerce platforms remained under-utilized by MSEs across all cities, emphasizing potential for significant growth when barriers such as digital literacy and access are addressed.

The study also revealed many MSEs are already making small investments to prepare for shocks, such as stocking up on supplies before expected disruptions, investing in backup power sources, or reinforcing physical infrastructure. Yet the same businesses reported low levels of borrowing in response to emergencies, demonstrating that financial services are not structured to support these types of preemptive or recovery-oriented investments. During emergencies, traditional application and approval processes can be disrupted, leaving businesses without timely support, and underscoring the need for disaster-resilient financial services, such as pre-approved credit lines or insurance products that can provide immediate assistance to businesses when they need it most.

Edoardo Totolo, Vice President of Research and Programs at the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion and lead author of the report, said: “Our research shows when micro and small businesses are connected to the digital economy and a range of financial solutions, they are better equipped to withstand real-world emergencies. Unfortunately, insurance, savings, and responsible credit remain out of reach for many of these businesses that are the engines of their national economies. While the advantages of going digital are clear, policymakers and financial providers must design products tailored to the needs of these vulnerable businesses that they can easily use and trust to ensure advances in technology improve their financial health.” 

About the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion

The Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) is an independent think tank that uses rigorous research and advocacy to advance inclusive financial systems for low-income people around the world. We work to advance inclusive financial services for the billions of people who currently lack the financial tools needed to improve their lives and prosper. We leverage partnerships to conduct rigorous research and test promising solutions and advocate for evidence-based change. CFI was founded by Accion in 2008 as an independent think tank on inclusive finance. More at https://www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org  

About Accion 

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build 267 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching 440 million people. More at https://www.accion.org. 

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth  

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.

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SOURCE The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion