News In Brief

Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs.
Below are snippets of all the media releases we received from Oct 27 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

Australia Backs ASEAN Growth

IFM Investors and the Australian Government have agreed to a landmark partnership that will support investment, economic growth and development across Southeast Asia.
The agreement, announced today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum in Kuala Lumpur, will see Export Finance Australia (EFA) provide up to $175 million for IFM Investors’ Private Credit capabilities to partner with Asian businesses that we believe have strong growth potential.
The partnership aims to unlock greater Australian capital flows into Asia, a region that represents a significant share of global output, is home to major trade partners, and continues to demonstrate sustainable growth supported by a rising middle-class demographic.  
The initiative aligns with the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, and will leverage Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility funding to enhance investment across the region.  
Through this strategy, IFM Investors will target lending across a broad range of sectors reflecting regional economic activity, including industrials, manufacturing, services, energy and real assets. The approach is designed to support the aspirations of Asian businesses that we believe have strong growth potential and contribute to the region’s future growth. 
Separately, IFM has also announced its intention to open a Singapore office, reinforcing the commitment to the region.
Australia’s superannuation system is one of the fastest-growing and reliable pools of long-term capital globally, creating new opportunities for investments that help drive strong long-term net returns and economic growth.

ACCC Sues Microsoft

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched Federal Court action against Microsoft Australia and its US parent company for allegedly misleading around 2.7 million local customers about Microsoft 365 subscription options and price hikes following the integration of its AI assistant, Copilot.
The ACCC claims that since 31 October 2024, Microsoft told subscribers they must accept higher-priced Copilot-integrated plans or cancel, without disclosing a third “Classic” option that retained existing features at the lower price. The Classic plan was only revealed during the cancellation process, which the ACCC argues denied customers an informed choice.
Following the changes, Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plan prices rose by up to 45 and 29 per cent respectively. The ACCC alleges that Microsoft’s emails and blog posts were misleading and is seeking penalties, injunctions, and consumer redress.

Tixel Demand Surges for Metallica and Oasis

Australia’s largest fan-to-fan ticket marketplace, Tixel, is reporting intense demand for Metallica and strong momentum for Oasis, with live platform data showing sold-out shows, fast-moving resale inventory, and tens of thousands of fans queued on waitlists.
Metallica tickets have sold out nationwide, with last-minute resale listings “trading almost instantly on Tixel,” according to the company. Some 15,000 fans are on the Metallica waitlist, with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne tickets moving the fastest. While Oasis has not yet sold out, Tixel’s waitlist has climbed to 5,000 fans, led by the Melbourne show on Tuesday, 4 November (Melbourne Cup public holiday). Across both artists, nearly A$500,000 in pre-authorised “auto-purchases” are queued on Tixel, and more than half of Oasis buyers are traveling from interstate.
Kevin Azzopardi, Global Marketing Director of Tixel, said: “When tickets for blockbuster tours like Oasis and Metallica go on sale a year or more in advance, it’s inevitable that some people’s plans change, which is why safe and fair ticket exchange platforms are so important.
“Right now, we’re seeing huge demand for both Oasis and Metallica on Tixel, with 20,000 fans sitting on waitlists and nearly half-a-million dollars in pre-authorised auto-purchases ready to go the moment a fan’s perfect ticket is listed. There’s plenty of tickets trading, so if you’re feeling to call to go (or go again!) you can definitely find a ticket on Tixel.”
“Interestingly, more than half of Oasis ticket buyers on Tixel are travelling from interstate, which not only highlights the dedication of Aussie fans, but also the flow-on boost to local tourism and hospitality. It’s proof that verified ticket exchange isn’t just about fairness, it’s about access and powering the broader live-music economy by keeping genuine fans in seats, and empty ones to a minimum especially for those travelling a long way!”
Tixel advises buyers to stick to verified resale platforms that authenticate every ticket, cap prices at 10 percent above face value, and hold funds in escrow until transfer. Fans are also encouraged to join waitlists, enable auto-buy within their budget, and check frequently in the 48 hours before showtime, when many tickets appear as plans change. Sellers, meanwhile, are urged to list early on trusted platforms, be transparent and ready to transfer tickets instantly, price fairly within legal limits, and share verified listings through official links and social networks to ensure safe, swift transactions.

Canva Unveils Creative OS

Canva has launched its Creative Operating System, a major upgrade that unifies design, collaboration, publishing, and performance, powered by the Canva Design Model. With 260 million monthly users, $3.5 billion in annualised revenue, and 95% of the Fortune 500 on board, the rollout adds Video 2.0, Email Design, Forms, and Canva Code in Sheets; a new AI layer with AI Everywhere and Ask @Canva; and brand and marketing tools including Canva Grow, a built-in Brand System, and the new Canva Business plan. The all-new Affinity is now free forever, connecting professional vector, image, and layout tools directly into Canva workflows. “As knowledge becomes more and more accessible, we believe we’re moving from the Information Era to the Imagination Era, a time when creativity has never been more critical,” said Melanie Perkins, Canva Co-Founder and CEO.

UNESCO–LVMH Renew Pact

UNESCO and LVMH have renewed their global partnership for biodiversity conservation under the new five-year agreement “For the Beauty of the Living.” Building on their 2019 collaboration through UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, the renewed pact expands to mobilize all of UNESCO’s education, science, and cultural initiatives, with added support from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation for sustainable marine management.
“Preserving together the beauty of the living is the objective of this strengthened partnership,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. “Proud of the actions carried out locally under the first partnership with UNESCO, LVMH is pleased to formalize this new chapter,” added Antoine Arnault, Image and Environment of LVMH.
The 2025–2029 partnership will focus on three priorities: supporting sustainable local economic models, measuring environmental and social impacts through nature-positive practices, and strengthening education and knowledge via agroforestry and regenerative agriculture.
The collaboration also continues successful projects in the Amazon, including fire prevention training and income-generating initiatives such as meliponiculture, jewelry making, and agroforestry. LVMH Maisons like Guerlain and Christian Dior have contributed through initiatives such as Women for Bees and biodiversity conservation in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Reserve.

Australis Triumphs

Australis Scientific, a Sydney-based medtech, won the 2025 MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific Grand Prize, securing USD$175,000 for Confidanz™, a discreet band-aid-sized smart patch that treats overactive bladder and urinary incontinence via gentle tibial nerve stimulation worn near the ankle. Founder and CEO Nick Agahari said the recognition affirms the mission to make effective bladder care more accessible. The company is running its first-in-human SPARC Study in Sydney and Brisbane to support regulatory submissions in Australia, the United States, and Japan. With OAB affecting more than 400 million people globally — including over 12 million adults in Japan — Confidanz™ offers a non-invasive, home-based option with remote monitoring through a mobile app and telehealth platform.
MedTech Innovator selected Australis from 300+ entrants across 25 countries for the regional finals, recognising its innovation and potential global impact.

APAC Leads GenAI

Employees in Asia Pacific are adopting generative AI faster and with more enthusiasm than global peers, yet report higher job-loss anxiety, according to BCG’s “AI at Work: Is Asia Pacific Leading the Way?” survey of 4,500+ workers across nine markets. India tops adoption at 92% while Japan lags at 51%. Optimism is highest in China (70%), Indonesia (69%), and Malaysia (68%), versus 46% in Japan. Job-displacement fears peak in Thailand (71%), South Korea (66%), and Singapore (65%); Japan is lowest at 40%. Despite high uptake in India, only 48% fear job loss.
Frontline employees drive usage: 70% in APAC use GenAI weekly (vs 51% globally); overall weekly use is 78% (vs 72% worldwide). Informal use is common—58% would use AI without approval—while only 57% say workflows are being redesigned, highlighting governance gaps. Frontline job-loss fears are 53% in APAC (vs 36% global); optimism is 60% (vs 52%). Agentic AI is on the rise, with 77% reporting experimentation or deployment, but only 33% feel they understand these tools.
“The Asia Pacific region is showcasing a unique blend of grassroots innovation and digital ambition,” said Jeff Walters, a BCG managing director and senior partner. “To turn high usage into real impact, companies must close the gap between experimentation and execution,” said Jinseok Jang, a BCG X managing director and partner.

Deer Park Breaks Ground

Construction has begun on the $1 billion, 340,000 sqm Deer Park Estate in Melbourne’s west, owned by UniSuper, with Asahi Beverages’ new distribution centre now underway. The estate will offer prime arterial access to ports, airports, intermodal precincts and major retail/industrial hubs. Asahi’s facility, due in about three years, will streamline its Victorian warehousing and distribution, with manufacturing unaffected. The building targets a 5 Star Green Star rating, alongside efficiency gains and lower CO₂ from improved routes. The project involves UniSuper (owner), HB+B Property (developer) and The GPT Group (investment manager).

90% Use GenAI

Adobe’s inaugural Creators’ Toolkit Report reveals that 90% of Australian creators now use creative generative AI, with 82% saying it has grown their business or brand. Released at Adobe MAX 2025, the global study of 16,000 creators (including 2,165 Australians) highlights how GenAI, mobile tools, and emerging agentic AI are reshaping content creation.
“Australian creators today aren’t passively using creative generative AI, they’re intentionally curating the tools they trust,” said Mike Polner, Vice President & Head of Product Marketing for Creators at Adobe.
Top GenAI uses include editing and enhancement (60%), generating new assets (56%), and brainstorming (62%). However, 72% of creators are concerned about their content being used to train AI without permission.
Agentic AI is also gaining traction — 74% are optimistic about its potential, and 88% would use AI that learns their creative style. Mobile creation continues to rise, with 70% already producing content on mobile and 80% planning to increase mobile output next year.

Australians Love Large Cars

New Mazda Australia–commissioned research shows Australians are upsizing into larger vehicles earlier and keeping them longer, with 96% of large-car owners saying ownership improved their lives. A YouGov survey of 1,000 drivers found 56% have owned a large car; a third bought their first before 25 and another 35% between 25–34. For under-34s, medium SUVs lead Mazda sales (22%), tied to freedom, social trips and outdoor activities. Families cite more comfortable road trips (55%), while 66% of downsizing retirees keep their large car for lifestyle benefits. Top purchase drivers are value for money (48%), affordability (45%) and safety (43%).
“Our research findings highlight what we’ve long known – that large vehicles help Australians stay active and connected, whether it’s road trips, social outings, or pursuing hobbies like camping, golf and road trips,” said Mr Gieschen.
“At Mazda, we know moments in the car are about more than just getting from A to B – they’re about the joy of driving, and it’s clear that large cars give a large number of Australians more ways to experience that joy.”
“Our data shows that medium and large SUV sales have increased by 16 per cent since 2012 and now make up 36 per cent of all Mazda Australia sales. It’s clear to see that Australians have a natural love for larger cars, and once they’re in them, the connection only grows stronger,” said Mr Bhindi.
“With the introduction of the G25 engine to the CX-60 range, we bring the entry price to under $45,000*, making the space, style and quality of the CX-60 more accessible for more Australians who are looking for the right large vehicle to complement their life.”

Keep the Home

Integrated property company LongView has partnered with The Separation Guide to help separating couples retain their homes by using HomeFlex, an equity-release platform that unlocks property equity without a sale or new debt. The collaboration aims to offer fairer asset division and housing stability during separation.
“Separations are already one of the toughest personal challenges life can throw at you,” Thornley said.
“The last thing people need is to be forced into selling the family home just to unlock equity. HomeFlex changes that.”
“Keeping the family home is often the most pressing concern for separating couples,” Harbinson said. “By combining our triaging tools with LongView’s HomeFlex platform, we can reduce cost, conflict, and confusion to help people navigate separation with greater stability, dignity, and support.
Thornley added, “We talk about supporting families, yet too often we force half of them to sell the family home during divorce – disrupting lives and displacing children. If we want to support families post-separation, it starts with helping them stay in their homes.”

LoanOptions–Wych Tie-Up

LoanOptions.AI has selected Wych.io as its Open Banking provider under a Consumer Data Right (CDR) representative agreement, integrating Wych’s accredited data access into its end-to-end loan application and matching platform used by 1,500+ broker partners across Australia. Wych provides bank-grade security and a single API/no-code solution operating in Australia and New Zealand. The integration is slated for Q4 2025.
“We’re building advanced technology that’s making the lending process as painless as possible for borrowers, brokers, and lenders from end to end, while simultaneously strengthening the broking channels in Australia and New Zealand. Open banking is a fundamental part of providing a faster, more accurate, and more transparent loan matching experience,” said Julian Fayad, Founder and CEO of LoanOptions.AI.
“Partnering with Wych allows us to do this while putting our clients and the clients of our many partners firmly in control of their own data. Our entire suite of solutions will be strengthened by the technology, including AILO for asset brokers and HAILO for mortgage brokers, accelerating CDR open banking across the broking industry.”
“Open banking is at a tipping point here in Australia, and the fact that highly innovative organisations like LoanOptions.ai are now demanding to make the make the switch, is a testament to the work that has been done by all industry participants to constantly improve the data quality provided under the Consumer Data Right.”
“Our APIs are built for agility and compliance, making CDR implementation straightforward for innovative fintechs like LoanOptions.AI. We’re proud to support their mission of democratising access to fair lending.”

Uluu Raises $16m

Seaweed materials startup Uluu has secured $16 million in Series A funding led by Burda Principal Investments, with Main Sequence, Novel Investments, Startmate, Fairground and Trinity Ventures participating.
Funds will scale Uluu from a 100kg/year pilot to a 10-tonne/year demonstration plant in Western Australia, delivering commercial volumes of its seaweed-based plastic alternative. The materials are reusable, recyclable, home-compostable and marine-biodegradable, with lifecycle modelling indicating up to ~5kg CO₂e sequestered/avoided per 1kg produced versus ~3kg emitted by conventional plastic; potential global impact exceeds 2 gigatonnes CO₂ annually. Current collaborators include Quiksilver, Papinelle and Audi, with plans for a commercial-scale facility producing thousands of tonnes per year.
“At BPI, we invest in companies driving transformative innovation with the potential to become a global category leader,” said Christian Teichmann, CEO of Burda Principal Investments.
“Having first invested in Uluu in 2023, we’re excited to further deepen our partnership as the company scales its pioneering technology. Uluu is redefining how materials can be produced more sustainably at an industrial scale, and we look forward to supporting Julia, Michael, and their team on this next stage of their journey.”
“After four years’ work developing this technology, including two years’ running our pilot plant, we’re excited to take this next step and start delivering meaningful volumes of our materials to customers,” said Uluu co-founder and co-CEO Michael Kingsbury.
“The demonstration plant is a critical step in showing Uluu can scale to truly compete with and replace fossil plastics.”
“Seaweed grows quickly and gets everything it needs from the sun and the sea,” she said. “It locks away CO2 and helps clean up pollutants from the ocean.
“By harnessing seaweed, Uluu is producing materials that have a positive, rather than negative, impact on the environment, while ending plastic pollution.”