Global business updates: SBVA appointments, World Gym profits, and retail AI trends

Various global business developments have been reported across the venture capital, retail, hospitality, and security sectors.

SBVA has appointed Kaz Yoshimaru and Chris Lee, both former SoftBank Vision Fund professionals, as Venture Partners to bolster its global investment capabilities and support portfolio companies in expanding into overseas markets.

World Gym Corporation reported a significant increase in Q2 2026 net profit, reaching NT$219 million, a 175.1% year-on-year rise. The company also approved a cash dividend of NT$1.81 per share.

In the retail sector, research commissioned by Manhattan Associates Inc. indicates that 47% of Australians trust AI shopping recommendations more than retail staff, while 76% trust AI as much as or more than human advice.

Archipelago Hotels has expanded wellness facilities across 77 of its properties in Indonesia and Southeast Asia to meet rising demand for wellness tourism. Meanwhile, March Networks and VIVOTEK will showcase integrated AI and cloud-based video security solutions at the 2026 Security Exhibition & Conference in Sydney.