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NAIROBI, Kenya and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open University of Kenya (OUK) and MindHYVE.ai, Inc., a U.S.-based artificial intelligence company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic collaboration focused on advancing AI-powered learning enablement and academic innovation.
The collaboration explores the integration of ArthurAI™, MindHYVE.ai's proprietary agentic artificial intelligence system, into selected areas of OUK's digital learning ecosystem. The initiative is designed to support personalized learning, faculty enablement, data-driven curriculum innovation and workforce-aligned upskilling, positioning OUK as a leader in next-generation digital education across Africa.
Under the MoU, the parties will jointly explore implementation of ArthurAI as a virtual academic enabler, supporting learners and educators through adaptive, real-time learning assistance. The collaboration also includes curriculum co-design, impact evaluation, localization aligned with Kenya's education policy and adherence to the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019).
"This collaboration reflects the Open University of Kenya's commitment to innovation, access and academic excellence," said Professor Elijah Omwenga, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya. "By exploring responsible AI-powered learning systems, we aim to enhance student success, empower faculty and strengthen Kenya's position as a digital education leader."
"OUK represents a bold and forward-looking model for higher education in the digital age," said Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO at MindHYVE.ai™. "This collaboration allows us to responsibly explore how agentic AI can support learning, teaching and workforce readiness—while maintaining transparency, ethics and local relevance."
This collaboration reflects a shared vision to advance responsible AI in education, expand access to high-quality digital learning and support Kenya's broader goals for workforce development and innovation.
About The Open University of Kenya
The Open University of Kenya (OUK), established by Charter in August 2023, is Kenya's first fully online specialised public University. OUK is mandated to expand access to affordable, flexible, self-paced, inclusive and high-quality higher education through digital and open learning innovation. It offers Professional Development Courses, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes designed to meet the needs of learners across Kenya and beyond.
Website: https://ouk.ac.ke/ ∕ Email: info@ouk.ac.ke ∕ Contact: +254 703 211 211
Media Contact:
Brendah Kabindio
Email: bkabindio@ouk.ac.ke
About MindHYVE.ai™
MindHYVE.ai™ is redefining the boundaries of intelligence by engineering autonomous systems and deploying domain-specific AGI agents across real-world sectors. Powered by the Ava-Fusion™ large reasoning model and architected for agent coordination, swarm intelligence, and adaptive autonomy, MindHYVE's technology stack is revolutionizing law, medicine, finance, education, and governance.
With operations in North America, Asia, and Africa, MindHYVE.ai™ is on a mission to democratize access to transformative intelligence and architect the infrastructure for post-scarcity economies. Backed by HYVE Labs, the company continues to shape the future of agentic systems on a global scale.
Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: hello@mindhyve.io | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668
Media Contact:
Marc Ortiz
Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io
NAIROBI, Kenya and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open University of Kenya (OUK) and MindHYVE.ai, Inc., a U.S.-based artificial intelligence company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic collaboration focused on advancing AI-powered learning enablement and academic innovation.
The collaboration explores the integration of ArthurAI™, MindHYVE.ai's proprietary agentic artificial intelligence system, into selected areas of OUK's digital learning ecosystem. The initiative is designed to support personalized learning, faculty enablement, data-driven curriculum innovation and workforce-aligned upskilling, positioning OUK as a leader in next-generation digital education across Africa.
Under the MoU, the parties will jointly explore implementation of ArthurAI as a virtual academic enabler, supporting learners and educators through adaptive, real-time learning assistance. The collaboration also includes curriculum co-design, impact evaluation, localization aligned with Kenya's education policy and adherence to the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019).
"This collaboration reflects the Open University of Kenya's commitment to innovation, access and academic excellence," said Professor Elijah Omwenga, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya. "By exploring responsible AI-powered learning systems, we aim to enhance student success, empower faculty and strengthen Kenya's position as a digital education leader."
"OUK represents a bold and forward-looking model for higher education in the digital age," said Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO at MindHYVE.ai™. "This collaboration allows us to responsibly explore how agentic AI can support learning, teaching and workforce readiness—while maintaining transparency, ethics and local relevance."
This collaboration reflects a shared vision to advance responsible AI in education, expand access to high-quality digital learning and support Kenya's broader goals for workforce development and innovation.
About The Open University of Kenya
The Open University of Kenya (OUK), established by Charter in August 2023, is Kenya's first fully online specialised public University. OUK is mandated to expand access to affordable, flexible, self-paced, inclusive and high-quality higher education through digital and open learning innovation. It offers Professional Development Courses, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes designed to meet the needs of learners across Kenya and beyond.
Website: https://ouk.ac.ke/ ∕ Email: info@ouk.ac.ke ∕ Contact: +254 703 211 211
Media Contact:
Brendah Kabindio
Email: bkabindio@ouk.ac.ke
About MindHYVE.ai™
MindHYVE.ai™ is redefining the boundaries of intelligence by engineering autonomous systems and deploying domain-specific AGI agents across real-world sectors. Powered by the Ava-Fusion™ large reasoning model and architected for agent coordination, swarm intelligence, and adaptive autonomy, MindHYVE's technology stack is revolutionizing law, medicine, finance, education, and governance.
With operations in North America, Asia, and Africa, MindHYVE.ai™ is on a mission to democratize access to transformative intelligence and architect the infrastructure for post-scarcity economies. Backed by HYVE Labs, the company continues to shape the future of agentic systems on a global scale.
Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: hello@mindhyve.io | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668
Media Contact:
Marc Ortiz
Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
MindHYVE.ai™ and The Open University of Kenya Announce Strategic Collaboration on AI-Powered Learning and Academic Innovation
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The collaboration validates AI-ready card credentials, authentication and payment signals on Visa Intelligent Commerce, ensuring ecosystem readiness for secure, agent-initiated payments
SINGAPORE, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DBS Bank, Southeast Asia's largest bank and Visa, a global leader in digital payments today announced their ongoing collaboration to drive the future of agent-initiated payments via a joint pilot under Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC). VIC brings together a comprehensive suite of integrated APIs and a partner programme, utilising Visa's secure infrastructure to enable safe, transparent and consent-driven payments by AI agents, on behalf of consumers.
Through this collaboration with Visa, DBS is the first issuer in Asia Pacific to advance real-world agentic commerce use cases, marking a significant step in translating agentic commerce from concept to reality, as well as establishing the foundations for safe and scalable adoption across the region.
A Visa commissioned study showed that generative AI chatbots have quickly become mainstream among Singapore consumers, with usage reaching exceptionally high levels. Close to 77% of Singapore residents are already using generative AI tools such as chatbots in their daily lives, signalling rapid adoption across age groups. This momentum is also reflected in online shopping behaviours — with eight in 10 Singapore consumers now relying on AI assistance when shopping online. These insights highlight how deeply integrated AI has become in the digital habits of Singaporeans today.
Building on this momentum, DBS and Visa successfully demonstrated through a series of real-world food and beverage transactions that AI-powered agents can complete everyday tasks on behalf of customers using DBS/POSB credit and debit cards via secure, issuer-controlled flows. The collaboration will now enable DBS and Visa to explore a wider range of agentic commerce transactions, such as online shopping, travel bookings and more. These trials aim to make digital transactions more seamless for consumers, reduce manual steps and streamline payment processes – all while maintaining rigorous controls.
"AI agents are unlocking a new phase in digital payments, where routine transactions can be completed efficiently and reliably, helping customers save time and simplify everyday tasks," said Ananya Sen, Group Head of Regional Consumer Products, DBS Bank. "Our collaboration with Visa shows how agent-led payments can be deployed securely and safely at scale, giving customers confidence in how transactions are made in an AI environment. By building these capabilities across our regional footprint, we are shaping the next generation of cards and payments, setting new standards for intelligent, trusted and seamless commerce."
"This collaboration with DBS marks meaningful progress in advancing ecosystem readiness at a time when agentic commerce is rapidly evolving," said T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products & Solutions, Asia Pacific at Visa. "Through Visa Intelligent Commerce and Trusted Agent Protocol, we're building the foundation that will make agentic commerce safe, secure and scalable — from AI‑ready credentials to advanced authentication. This sets the stage for how trusted, AI‑powered experiences will come to life for consumers and partners across the region."
As the collaboration progresses, DBS is strengthening its readiness for agent-led commerce by validating AI‑ready credentials[1], advanced authentication and intent‑driven transaction controls. With Visa Intelligent Commerce, the collaboration is shaping a framework where trust, accountability and customer choice are built into every transaction. This approach positions DBS and Visa to help define how agentic commerce can scale responsibly across the region, balancing innovation with resilience, as well as convenience with confidence.
| [1] AI‑ready credentials are secure, tokenised card details that trusted AI agents can use to make purchases safely on cardholders' behalf, protected by Visa's authentication checks, intent‑driven safeguards and issuer‑managed permissions |
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named "World's Best Bank" by Global Finance, "World's Best Bank" by Euromoney and "Global Bank of the Year" by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named "World's Best Digital Bank" by Euromoney and the world's "Most Innovative in Digital Banking" by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the "Safest Bank in Asia" award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
The collaboration validates AI-ready card credentials, authentication and payment signals on Visa Intelligent Commerce, ensuring ecosystem readiness for secure, agent-initiated payments
SINGAPORE, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DBS Bank, Southeast Asia's largest bank and Visa, a global leader in digital payments today announced their ongoing collaboration to drive the future of agent-initiated payments via a joint pilot under Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC). VIC brings together a comprehensive suite of integrated APIs and a partner programme, utilising Visa's secure infrastructure to enable safe, transparent and consent-driven payments by AI agents, on behalf of consumers.
Through this collaboration with Visa, DBS is the first issuer in Asia Pacific to advance real-world agentic commerce use cases, marking a significant step in translating agentic commerce from concept to reality, as well as establishing the foundations for safe and scalable adoption across the region.
A Visa commissioned study showed that generative AI chatbots have quickly become mainstream among Singapore consumers, with usage reaching exceptionally high levels. Close to 77% of Singapore residents are already using generative AI tools such as chatbots in their daily lives, signalling rapid adoption across age groups. This momentum is also reflected in online shopping behaviours — with eight in 10 Singapore consumers now relying on AI assistance when shopping online. These insights highlight how deeply integrated AI has become in the digital habits of Singaporeans today.
Building on this momentum, DBS and Visa successfully demonstrated through a series of real-world food and beverage transactions that AI-powered agents can complete everyday tasks on behalf of customers using DBS/POSB credit and debit cards via secure, issuer-controlled flows. The collaboration will now enable DBS and Visa to explore a wider range of agentic commerce transactions, such as online shopping, travel bookings and more. These trials aim to make digital transactions more seamless for consumers, reduce manual steps and streamline payment processes – all while maintaining rigorous controls.
"AI agents are unlocking a new phase in digital payments, where routine transactions can be completed efficiently and reliably, helping customers save time and simplify everyday tasks," said Ananya Sen, Group Head of Regional Consumer Products, DBS Bank. "Our collaboration with Visa shows how agent-led payments can be deployed securely and safely at scale, giving customers confidence in how transactions are made in an AI environment. By building these capabilities across our regional footprint, we are shaping the next generation of cards and payments, setting new standards for intelligent, trusted and seamless commerce."
"This collaboration with DBS marks meaningful progress in advancing ecosystem readiness at a time when agentic commerce is rapidly evolving," said T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products & Solutions, Asia Pacific at Visa. "Through Visa Intelligent Commerce and Trusted Agent Protocol, we're building the foundation that will make agentic commerce safe, secure and scalable — from AI‑ready credentials to advanced authentication. This sets the stage for how trusted, AI‑powered experiences will come to life for consumers and partners across the region."
As the collaboration progresses, DBS is strengthening its readiness for agent-led commerce by validating AI‑ready credentials[1], advanced authentication and intent‑driven transaction controls. With Visa Intelligent Commerce, the collaboration is shaping a framework where trust, accountability and customer choice are built into every transaction. This approach positions DBS and Visa to help define how agentic commerce can scale responsibly across the region, balancing innovation with resilience, as well as convenience with confidence.
[1] AI‑ready credentials are secure, tokenised card details that trusted AI agents can use to make purchases safely on cardholders' behalf, protected by Visa's authentication checks, intent‑driven safeguards and issuer‑managed permissions
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named "World's Best Bank" by Global Finance, "World's Best Bank" by Euromoney and "Global Bank of the Year" by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named "World's Best Digital Bank" by Euromoney and the world's "Most Innovative in Digital Banking" by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the "Safest Bank in Asia" award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
DBS is First Bank in Asia Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce for Everyday Payments
DBS is First Bank in Asia Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce for Everyday Payments
